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Business English Archive

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION – FUNNY!

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By
John
     February 24, 2010Category: Business English

Here is a letter.  This letter is called a `letter of recommendation`.

A letter of recommendation is a letter a boss writes for a worker who is leaving the company.

The worker will show the letter to a new  company. They will use the letter to show they are a good worker. They will use the letter to help them find a new job.

Please read the letter.

Think about:

Is Trever Adams a good worker?                        TIP: Use your dictionary for any new words!

—————————————————————————–

To Whom It May Concern

Trevor Adams, my assistant programmer, can always be found

hard at work in his cubicle. Trevor works independently, without

wasting company time talking to colleagues. Trevor never

thinks twice about assisting fellow employees, and he always

finishes given assignments on time… Often he takes extended

measures to complete his work, sometimes skipping coffee

breaks. Trevor is a dedicated individual who has absolutely no

vanity in spite of his high accomplishments and profound

knowledge in his field.. I firmly believe that Trevor can be

classed as a high-calibre employee, the type that cannot be

dispensed with. Consequently, I truly recommend that Trevor be

promoted to executive management, and a proposal will be

executed as soon as possible.

 

Yours Sincerely

Bill Manager

 

Addendum……

The idiot was standing over my shoulder while I wrote this report.

Kindly re-read only every second line.  

—————————————————————————–

Now read the letter again, but ONLY READ EVERY SECOND LINE!

ACTIVITY

Is Trever Adams a good worker? 

Tell me TWO things that Trevor is NOT good at.

Put your answer in the comments!

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Business English – BEC (Business English Certificate) Vantage, Higher and TOEIC

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By
John
     October 8, 2009Category: Business English, Slideshow

One of my friends asks:

qQ: I need to improve my business English listening and speaking. If you can, I would like you to recommend some materials and/or books to help me with BEC (Business English Certificate) Vantage and Higher, and/or TOEIC.

If you could help me with these my goals, I would appreciate it very much.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

aA: Thank you for your question! The following materials will help you to prepare for either BEC or TOEIC. They will also help to improve your business English listening skills:

 

BEC (Business English Certificate)Vantage:

Bec Vantage Testbuilder & CD Pk

 Bec Vantage Testbuilder & CD PkThis book has practice tests that teach. I find this to be a great way to prepare for tests because you are getting practice with the test, but the book acts like a tutor, helping you to improve.It includes a CD (make sure you get the CD!)

  • Thorough preparation for the BEC exam
  • Full range of typical BEC-type tasks
  • Accompanying Audio CD containing all four Listening Tests
  • Contains Test-specific exercises to develop exam techniques
  • Pointers to common problem areas in the tests
  • Includes tasks to build confidence in all exam question types
BEC (Business English Certificate)Higher:

BEC Testbuilder Higher: Student Book Pack

 BEC Testbuilder Higher: Student Book PackFollows the same teaching method as the book above.Again, it includes a CD. It offers:

  • Thorough preparation for the BEC exam
  • Full range of typical BEC-type tasks
  • Accompanying Audio CD containing all four Listening Tests
  • Contains Test-specific exercises to develop exam techniques
  • Pointers to common problem areas in the tests
  • Includes tasks to build confidence in all exam question types
TOIEC

How to Prepare for TOEIC: Test of English for International Communication

 How to Prepare for TOEIC: Test of English for International CommunicationThis book also includes three CDs, and:

  • Four full-lengthTOIEC Practice Tests
  • All answers included and explained

Personal Instruction for a Better Test Score

  • Practice and review covers all aspects of English usage
  • Hundreds of extra practice questions
  • 3 audio CDs to improve your listening comprehension

Your Private Tutor

  • improve your reading and test-taking skills with the book’s reading comprehension review
  • improve your listening using the 3 included CDs
TOIEC – Book Only 

How to Prepare for TOEIC: Test of English for Interntaional Communication

 How to Prepare for TOEIC: Test of English for Interntaional CommunicationThis is the same book as above, but does not include the CDs.You say you need help with listening, so I think it would be better for you to get the book with the CDs.
TOEIC – CDs Only

Barron's TOEIC Test

 Barron’s TOEIC TestThese are the CDs that go with the book above.

 

I hope this helps! If these materials do not suit you, let me know and I will find something else.

All the best in your test!

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Business Meetings in English

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By
John
     August 26, 2009Category: Business English

Here is a great video looking at how to have a business meeting in English.

Can’t see the video? Click HERE.

QUESTION: What word is used to describe the notes taken in a meeting?

Write your answer in the comments!

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Business Tips for Speaking to New Clients

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By
Guest Writer
    April 27, 2009Category: Business English

Today, let’s talk about the clothes we wear at work.

ACTIVITY: Read or listen to the article below and then watch the video.

Tell me about your country:

  •  What do people usually wear for work?
  • Is it okay to wear jeans and a t-shirt to work?
 

Sadly most people judge us within 10 seconds of seeing of us so although it is important to know what we say sometimes…..sometimes how we look speaks for us.

Dress the part of what ever is necessary for your business. For some it might be a business suit for others it may be a lab coat and for others it may be a pair of coveralls. Whatever it might be its important that your client knows you fit in for the work you must sell to them.

People often only hear and listen to about 10% of what you are saying. The rest isn’t so much on what you are saying but how your body language and tone of voice is making them feel. Wow!
Start with a sincere smile and a warm hand shake. Use a greeting that is comfortable for you “How was your flight”, “how were my directions”…etc.

By asking open ended questions you automatically give more control to the customer making them feel more comfortable.
Speak clearly and at the same speed as your client is speaking, unless your client has an unusual speech pattern. You don’t want to mimic them if that’s the case ;) .

Smile while you talk it makes a huge difference. Regardless of whether you are sitting or standing it is important to keep your shoulders back and chest out. This already shows your client that you are confident about your work.

Relax and have fun.

Meeting a new client often means a long term relationship and may even lead to friendship – who knows?

Now watch the video:

Can’t see the video? Click HERE

ACTIVITY: Tell me about your country:

  •  What do people usually wear for work?
  • Is it okay to wear jeans and a t-shirt to work?

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Business English: Talking about Projects and Plans

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By
John
     April 25, 2009Category: Business English

Today, one of my friends asks about useful language for talking about business projects.

Q: I am looking for some business conversation when talking about a new project.

A: Thank you for your question. Talking with customers and other businesses about projects is a very important part of business.

Let’s take a look at some useful language for talking about business projects.

Watch the video and then try the activity below:

Can’t see the video? Click HERE.

ACTIVITY:

Write or record sentences using the following words. Your sentences could be about business or just everyday conversation:

1) time frame

2) constraint

3) deadline

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How to write a letter to reject a job application.

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By
John
     February 1, 2009Category: Business English

intermediateRecently, we looked at how to write a letter to reject a job offer. You can read that lesson here: http://www.askjohnenglish.com/business-all/how-to-refuse-a-job-offer

Today, let’s look at how to write a letter to reject someone who has applied to work in your company.

Many companies get people sending them job applications everyday.

It is important to:

  1. Thank these people for thinking of your company.
  2. Be honest with the applicant and tell them they have not been successful.

If you want to, you can also tell them why they have not been successful. They may appreciate this feedback as it will help them in their next job application. Let’s look at an example.

EXAMPLE LETTER:

____________________________________________

Bob Smith (Your name)
5 Brown Street (Your address – number and street name)
Sydney NSW 2000 (Your address – city, state, postcode) 
(02) 5555-5555 (Your phone number) 

2 February 2009 (Date)

Dear Mr. Bush, 

Thank you  for your interest in the position of Regional Manager with ABC Inc. There were a high number of applicants for this position and unfortunately, your application was not successful.

Although your application was of a high standard, many other applicants held a Master of Business Administration degree.

Thank you again for your application.

Kind Regards.
Signature

 
Bob Smith (Print your full name)

____________________________________________

Most of us have received a letter like this one at some time during our lives.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WRITING COVER LETTERS AND RESUMES

QUESTION: Have you had a letter telling you that you were unsuccessful in a job application?

What did they say? Was it helpful?

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How to refuse a job offer

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By
John
     January 14, 2009Category: Business English

generalOne of my friends asks:

How should I write a letter to refuse a job offer? I have received a letter in English and have to answer.

My Answer: Firstly, congratulations on the job offer and also the freedom to choose your job! That is great!

To refuse a job offer, I suggest you be honest, but also polite. You may want to work for that company in the future, so it is important to keep a good relationship with them.

Here is an example letter:

____________________________________________

Bob Smith (Your name)
5 Brown Street (Your address – number and street name)
Sydney NSW 2000 (Your address – city, state, postcode) 
(02) 5555-5555 (Your phone number) 

14 January 2009 (Date)

Dear Mr. Bush, 

Thank you very much for offering me the position of Regional Manager with ABC inc. It was a difficult decision to make, but, I have accepted a position with another company.

I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to interview me and to share information on the opportunity and your company.

Again, thank you for your consideration.
Signature

 
Bob Smith (Print your full name)

____________________________________________

modified from: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/morejobletters/a/rejectajob.htm

 

Let’s look at the main part of the letter in detail:

Thank you very much for offering me the position of Regional Manager with ABC inc. It was a difficult decision to make, but, I have accepted a position with another company. (The first part thanking the company for their offer. The second part explains why you cannot accept the offer)

I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to interview me and to share information on the opportunity and your company.  (More specific thanks for things the company did for you)

Again, thank you for your consideration. (A final thank you)

TIP: It may also be good to say something like:  Although I cannot accept your offer in my present circumstances, I hope that I may have the opportunity to work with you in the future.

I wish you all the best with your new job!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WRITING COVER LETTERS AND RESUMES

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Business – Answering the telephone

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By
John
     January 12, 2009Category: Beginner, Business English

Today, let’s look at how to introduce yourself on the telephone.

When you answer the phone in English, what should you say?

A) Hello, I am John speaking.

B) Hello, this is John speaking.

C) G’day, John is talking.

The correct answer is: B!

Yes! On the phone we us the phrase ”This is …. speaking”.

So how about in business calls?

The same thing! The phone rings… You can say:

“Australia Corporation, this is John speaking. How may I help you?”

PRACTICE:

IN THE COMMENTS, RECORD YOURSELF ANSWERING THE PHONE.

You can either TYPE your answer, or RECORD yourself using ‘add audio only comment’. (You need a microphone to record yourself!)

HAVE A TRY!

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Exchanging Business Cards in English

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By
John
     December 17, 2008Category: Business English

Today, let’s look how to give someone your business card.

Put your answer in the comments!

When we meet new people in business, we usually exchange business cards. Did you know that different countries have different customs for giving and receiving business cards? 

Today, let’s look at some general tips on how to exchange business cards politely.

 Important Points:
 

  • Make sure you find out the local customs for exchanging business cards in the country you are visiting. The customs in China, Japan, India and Australia are all a little different.
  • Make sure that you have the local language printed on your business card. So, if you are visiting China, have your details in Chinese on the back. If you are visiting Australia, have them in English on the back.
  • You should give someone your card when you first meet them. This could be part of your initial introduction, or at the end of your first meeting. 
  • Giving your card is important for making business contacts, but also a form of politeness. Give your card to everyone you are meeting with, not just the people you think are important.
  • Make sure you give the card with the side in their language facing up.
  • When someone gives you their card, make sure you stop and read it. You can then ask any questions you may have, then put it respectfully away.
Greeting:

  My name is ______. It is a pleasure to meet you! Here is my card.
Question: Does your country have any other customs that are important when exchanging business cards? 

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Business Introductions #3

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By
John
     November 24, 2008Category: Business English

In previous lessons we looked at how to introduce other people.

How should you introduce yourself?

Imagine:

You are in a new country alone on a business trip. You are meeting someone you will be doing business with for the first time.

What would you say? What would you do?

Watch this video for some tips.

QUESTION:

How did the two people introduce themself?

  1. What did they say?
  2. What did they do?

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