Learning Business English involves developing effective communication skills. In turn, effective communication skills improve students’ employability and their chances of being successful in their professional careers.
To achieve these goals, students should learn to adjust their use of language according to:
- the context of the communication
- the purpose of the communication
- the people involved in the communication
- differences in communication styles
- cultural differences.
In short, they need to learn to become good communicators.
Firstly, students need to understand what business communication is and how communication functions which we examined in this blog.
To recap:
Communication is a process. These components are often given in describing the process:
Sender (Source) – Message – Encode – Channel – Receiver – Decode – Feedback
The sender puts together a message and encodes the message by choosing the words to put across the meaning. S/he selects the channel (e.g. telephone, email) that is used to convey the message. The receiver receives the message from the sender and decodes the message by interpreting and analysing it. Then, the receiver responds which is giving feedback. The process is repeated in a loop.
In order to communicate meaningfully, it is essential that students know themselves in terms of:
- preferences
- learning and communication style
- culture
- education and life experience
- personality.
Once they become aware of these factors, then they can begin the process of adjusting their communication to connect with other people.
The following exercise invariably leads to a lively classroom discussion. Learners gain personal insights and long-term food for thought. Students get to know their peers, the teacher develops a relationship with the students and a solid foundation is laid for the Business English course.
Exercise
The following questions can be discussed in pair work and then opened up to the group. Participants – both the teacher and students – contribute to the extent they feel comfortable doing so. The teacher can summarise and draw conclusions at the end of the discussion.
Answer the following:
We don’t see things as they are, but we see them as we are (Anais Nin)
- Do you see yourself as a creative and/or rational person? Why? – Give 3 examples.
- How do you like to learn?
- What special talents or skills do you have?
- Which activities prompt you to achieve “flow” – when do you dance in the moment? What floats your boat?
- What aspects of your culture(s) affect the way you encode and decode messages?
- What aspects of your upbringing and education affect the way you encode and decode messages?
- Name 3 life experiences that affect your view of the world.
- Name 3 life experiences that affect your connection to other people.
- Describe your personality in 5 words.
- Describe your communication style in 5 words.
Only Connect! (E.M. Forster)
Now, what can you or do you need to consider and consciously include in your communication (encoding and decoding) to truly connect with other human beings?
Think about:
- learning styles and preferences
- culture (corporate and culture)
- skills and talents
- personalities.