7 ways to improve your Business English communication skills

1. Read the news in English

What do you do when you’re having breakfast or when you’re on the way to your office? Hopefully, you’re not already thinking about work – you have the whole day to do that! Many of us surf the internet or use apps on our mobile phones.

Many of us also have a news app, and like to read the main stories every day. If you’re one of these people, you can do the same as usual – but try it in English. If you have a news app on your phone, you can set the language to English. Alternatively, I have one news app in English, and another in German (the language that I am learning). Then you have the choice, but hopefully, you won’t usually take the easy option (like me!).

2. Watch business reports and programmes on television

Naturally, you can watch any English films or programmes to develop your language skills. If you like comedies, then they can be great for listening and improving your knowledge of English vocabulary and expressions.

However, it is also important to know the right style of language in business situations. Business language is usually more formal, whereas some English expressions are more common for social or informal occasions. As with most languages, we need to match the right style of language with the context.

In order to improve business English vocabulary, it can be useful to watch business news, documentaries and even series that are in a business setting or environment. You can experience phrases and idioms that are appropriate for work situations, and even write some down – then you can practise using them later on.