Language to Connect

English for work and business

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  • Plan it right

    2020 is coming to an end. Many of us start planning and setting new goals, including those for learning a language.

    I’ve previously talked here about the importance of identifying why you want to learn English and what for. If you’ve done this, take the next step to review your plan by adding the time for rest and reflection.

    Depending on where you are now and what you want to achieve, the learning may take as much effort as your work. The length and intensity of this journey should be taken into account when you design your learning plan. Learning a language, especially for doing business or workplace communication, is not a leisure activity: it’s another task on your dashboard and most probably a high-priority one.

    All the best for 2021!

    Oksana

  • Make it a pleasure

    Learning a language is a time-consuming process. On top of that, it gets even more daunting when the stakes are high and you’re under pressure to master it.

    Is there any way to make it less stressful? Try to find some place for English in your life where it would come as a bonus.

    For instance, try watching some films or TV shows in English. It doesn’t have to be something long or business oriented, but it does have to be enjoyable for you.

    Give it a week or a month to develop this habit and see what it helps you to achieve. If you are interested in exploring this option, visit Movies by Levels, where I’ve collected some useful materials and advice.

    Hope you enjoy this journey!

    Oksana

  • An email or a text?

    What is more effective: sending an email or a chat message? What do you prefer? How do you decide?

    Sometimes you can hear that emails are a thing of the past. Others would say that chats are too intrusive. And there may be a grain of truth in both statements. However, there’s one tiny detail to remember.

    To know what’s better you have to explore the context, the area of work you are talking about, as well as the people involved in this process of communication. These are but a few factors to consider before deciding how best to contact your colleagues, partners, or clients.

    So choose what’s best for you and your receiver, and send that message.

    Good luck,

    Oksana

  • What about a conversation?

    We are used to talking about language learning in terms of speaking, writing, reading, and listening. So when a new request comes in, it’s usually one of these skills that come into focus.

    Strangely, what is actually left out is that neither of these skills is enough to hold a mutually enriching conversation, be it in a meeting room of an office centre or the project team’s chat.

    So while you’re on your way to reaching the level of conversations you would like to have, never miss a chance to practise all the skills by having a conversation in English.

    Enjoy it,

    Oksana