Language to Connect

English for work and business

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  • SHINE ON-line

    In the time when people around the globe are getting used to the reality of working from home, I’d like to share how you can make better use of your English at any level of proficiency.

    Try to be as clear as you can in your communication with English-speaking colleagues. Using a simple phrase instead of a popular idiom is no mistake. On the contrary, it’s your way to reduce the stress levels for those on your team who want to focus on delivering the result rather than google the meaning of that phrase.

    Pace yourself when speaking during the calls. Make your pauses two seconds longer than in face-to-face meetings. It will save you the time you would have to spend on clarifying and repeating things because of technical delays.

    When talking or writing to your colleagues, add an extra ‘thank you’. Online communication may seem dry and quite impersonal to many depending on their experience and cultural setting. Why not brighten up somebody’s day with a smile or at least a smiley in the chat?

    Stay safe and keep learning,

    Oksana

  • Online?! Why not?


    I know from my own experience and from that of my colleagues that change may be scary, especially when you have to transition from your traditional face-to-face classes to online training. Given the current situation in the world, it may well be life-saving for everyone involved. So if you are struggling with this transition, try to identify what makes it scary, reach out to your colleagues and ask them about their experience. Be sure you’ll find a very supportive network out there.

    It’s often the case with learners as well. For various reasons, they refuse to move online and resist even giving their trainers a chance to show them all the advantages of online learning. If you are learning English or any other language face-to-face and feel reluctant to give it a try, think about these questions.

    • Why are you learning it?
    • How often do you use this language to communicate with people online and offline?
    • Could it be a good time to master some skills for working virtually?

    After all, if you don’t practice, your English may get rusty and you’ll have to start all over again. Maybe this is your chance to create new opportunities for your future life and career. Use this to learn how to connect in this new reality with everyone online.

    Stay safe and healthy,

    Oksana

  • Introducing Language to Connect

    Introducing Language to Connect

    Language is one of the most remarkable gifts we get in our lives: we use it to connect with people and share our ideas. Learning a new language opens a wealth of opportunities for us. What matters here is that learning a foreign language as an adult has both its beauty and its challenges.

    This is exactly where Language to Connect comes in handy. Learning English using this approach you will, first of all, understand the underlying principles of how English functions as the language of international communication, how it’s connected with the culture, and what to do to make the learning process enjoyable and effective.

    In short, learning English with Language to Connect you will build your bridge between your reality and goals, and English as the global language of business.