The way we communicate today versus 20 years ago has changed significantly. In our virtual age, technology dominates language learning and communication. Implementing business English communication nowadays is an essential part of corporate expansion in most of the world. Subsequently, the way we implement language in the virtual age—especially English— can help us grow professionally. Let’s see how.
What is Business English Communication in the Virtual Age?
We used to communicate via letters and face-to-face meetings. The virtual age, however, has evolved to emails, virtual meetings, and instant messaging. We don’t need to fly across oceans to close business deals. Instead, we use business English communication to expand our business. How do we implement business communication in the virtual world?
How to Implement Business English Communication in the Virtual Age
Besides emails, virtual meetings, and instant messaging, here are a few techniques we can use to communicate more efficiently:
1. Use presentations
Presentations have always been an integral part of making points clear and easy to understand. While PowerPoint has been the go-to for decades, we have several options to send our message across in interactive ways. Genially, for instance, allows you to create interactive presentations for meetings.
2. Implement gamification
Gamification is adding game mechanics into nongame environments. It’s a great way to interact with your team in English. Not only are you communicating with participants, but you’re also engaging people to interact—making communication fun along the way.
Domino’s pizza, for instance, turned the pizza-making process into a web-based course with many gaming elements (points, achievements, levels). They also created printable on-the-job resources to reinforce the web-based training to make sure employees would have all the information they need to be confident and do a great job.
Similarly, adding gaming elements to presentations and meetings gives your business English communication a zesty twist.
3. Stay up to date with the latest technology
The virtual age is constantly changing. Keeping up with the latest technology helps you and your team communicate efficiently. Before the pandemic, many people had never even heard of platforms like Zoom. Today, most top companies have adapted to virtual meetings with the use of easy-to-use platforms.
4. Practice your writing
No matter if you have a face-to-face meeting or a public speaking event, you’ll see that writing skills are a crucial part of business English communication. Learning new vocabulary words, phrasal verbs, idioms, and other English language skills brings you closer to those you are connecting with. Even simple phrases in presentations can make or break how well you facilitate communication with others.
5. Expand your network
Learning business English as a foreign language means growing your professional network. Platforms like LinkedIn allow you to make connections and communicate with people in different languages. Don’t be afraid to connect with native English speakers on social media and ask for help. You’ll be surprised how many people are willing to help you grow professionally.
The Best Business English Communication Courses
Brushing up on your English skills doesn’t have to be complicated. At English Services, we cut right to the chase. We help you achieve your language goals so that you and your team can succeed. Our hassle-free and technology-based programs facilitate your business English communication abilities.
Find out more about our language training programs here.