A Coursework in Business Communication

A Coursework
in
BUSINESS
COMMUNICATION

Unit 1: BUSINESS COMMUNICATION INTRODUCTION

 Importance of English in Business

Prepared by: AIMEE F. ROMERO

Instructor

Disclaimer: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This coursework is a compilation of works from

internet sources, manuals, and books from different authors
and will be used for educational purposes only. Due
recognition is given to the authors who are the source of
some parts found in this coursework. The compiler/ owner
does not clam copyrights to any part taken for other sources.
ENG1-BUSINESS COMMUNICATION – DEPARMENT OF LANGUAGES (CAS) 1
 A Coursework in Business Communication

A Coursework
in

Business
Communication

Name: ___________________________________________
Course and year: ___________________________________________
Lesson 2
Class Schedule: ___________________________________________
Instructor:AIMEE F. ROMERO

ENG1-BUSINESS COMMUNICATION – DEPARMENT OF LANGUAGES (CAS) 2

 A Coursework in Business Communication

Importance of English in Business

E nglish has fast become the most widely used language in the world of trade and
commerce over the past decade or two. As a result, having an excellent knowledge of
English for business has become vital for success in any employee’s career. No more so
than in that of international students seeking better career prospects in an English-
speaking country.

Go Beyond Basic Business Standards

Back in the early days of pre-globalization, knowing English was a plus. Like it or
not, it was a mark of superior knowledge and sophistication. It made you look impressive
to people.
This means that to impress your interviewer or boss now, you must show that
you are extremely fluent and competent in both speaking and writing the language.

Enhance to Communicate Better with Colleagues

Working in an office means teamwork and collaboration. Even if you are an
introvert (someone who prefers to spend more time alone), you will have to interact
with your colleagues. And that will be difficult if you do not know the language they
speak very well. In a worst-case scenario, it may even lead to misunderstandings that
might put your job at stake.

Important in Delivering Presentations and Speeches

As mentioned before, business English is important for effective communication.
You cannot deliver a presentation to your team or oversee a board meeting if you speak
in your native tongue and if no one else in that room speaks that language. So, you need
to speak the “common tongue” well, so you can translate your thoughts and ideas into
coherent (clear and logical) sentences that everyone can understand and respond to.
Just having a great idea is not enough. You must successively express it to your
audience. Luckily, there are also plenty of online courses that focus on successful
business meetings and presentations.

Making a Good First Impression

Speaking and writing business English are two different skills—you may write
well, but unless you can speak clearly and fluently, you are unlikely to make an impact in
the workplace. People do judge you by the way you speak. Also, the type of English that
is spoken differs from place to place. American English is not the same as British
English. There are in fact notable differences in accents and pronunciation. Similarly, in
India it is acceptable to mix words from Indian languages with English to communicate
something, leading to the formation of a “hybrid” (combined) language.

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 A Coursework in Business Communication

So, wherever you work, it is best to research the type of language that is
spoken there, and try matching your accent more closely to the native one, to better
blend in. If your interviewer gets the impression that you are at home with the
language, you are already halfway to getting the job.

Gives Opportunity to Travel

If you have always dreamed of working for an international company or traveling
around the world for business, English is the most likely language to help you
communicate with strangers.
After all, you do not want to get into a situation where you are in a foreign
country and no one can understand what you are saying, right?

Gives an Edge in Other Jobs

If you have a full-time job or run your own business, but also do night shifts or
part-time jobs to supplement your income, you probably already know that your English
proficiency will give you an edge over other applications. Whether it is waiting tables,
babysitting, being a shop assistant, helping with events or even walking someone’s pet
dog, your knowledge of the English language may come in handy.

Everyone can Understand the Language

As I mentioned before, English is the “lingua franca” of the world due to
Westernization and globalization. So being fluent in English is essentially a survival
strategy in today’s competitive world. It automatically improves your chances of
climbing the corporate ladder.
The way you speak and communicate is also linked to your interpersonal skills,
leadership qualities and level of empathy (ability to relate to other people). So,
mastering the language will help you master all the “soft skills” and “life skills” you need
to succeed in the workplace, too!

References
Egipto, JJ (2005). Writing Business Letters. Rex Bookstore. Sampaloc Manila
Macabuhay, C (2010). Effective Business Letter and Communication . National
Bookstore.
Mandaluyong City.
https://www.fluentu.com/blog/business-english/importance-of-english-in-business/

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 A Coursework in Business Communication

REFLECTIONS

What is the importance of English in business? Explain in 2-3 sentences.

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Why proficiency in using English language is important in business

context? Explain in 2-3 sentences.
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Give a situation wherein English language is important in business

context? Explain in 2-3 sentences.
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