Business English phrases that combine the request word ”would” and the use of ”please” are some of the best polite phrases you must learn. The combination of ”would” and ”please” signal your English is polite, pleasant and correct in business meetings, presentations and small talk with clients and colleagues. English has almost 500,000 words and phrases, but polite Business English uses a subset of 20,000 words and phrases that you should know and use so native English speakers admire and respond to how you speak and write.

The word ”hand” is used in many common Business English phrases. These English phrases are part of the building blocks of English vocabulary building you need to participate in meetings, presentations and small talk. English has almost 500,000 words, but only 20,000 words and phrases are commonly used. Listen for and learn ”hand” phrases such as ”Hand off the presentation” and ”hand over” the control of a project as examples of this common word and phrase in Business English.

Business English phrases using ”plan” for executives who want better professional English in presentations, speeches, meetings and small talk. Phrases using ”plan” are among the most common 20,000 English words and phrases needed to use English in meetings, presentations and in small talk with clients and colleagues. With this episode, you can ”make a plan” or ”work out a plan” for increasing your English fluency.

Presentation and public speaking mistakes can be avoided by knowing the audience, clearly stating your goal, using easy to understand presentation materials and practicing out loud so you don’t ”die” on stage like a comedian who gets no audience response.

Most self-introductions are dry and boring. The short and plain introduction gives the other person little information and no reason to continue the conversation. You’ll learn how to introduce yourself in a charming manner using a technique that incudes interesting facts from your present situation, your past and your plans for the future. This complete method of self-introduction helps you sound more fluent in English and more memorable when you are in meetings or engaging in small talk with clients and colleagues.

Small talk is an important ”soft skill” to have - but conversations can stall and die if you don’t ask questions that get the other person interested. The answer to “Did you?” can result in a yes or no answers. The conversation does not go any further. Questions using ”What” help us can learn what action a person took. It can lead to a better quality conversation. “What did you do this weekend?” is a deeper question that “Did you have a nice weekend?”

The Nippon.com survey of large Japanese employers showed 82% considered English as an important skill in the workplace but only 65% were satisfied with their employee’s ability. Further, communications skills were ranked at 80% important but a small 35% were satisfied with their employee’s level. The podcast has notes on the five areas where an employee should and must increase their skills.

English language names and nicknames: a brief guide so you don’t go crazy trying to understand why your colleague ”Robert Jones” is called ”Bobby” or ”Jonesy”. Learn why many people from English-speaking countries have formal first name plus a shortened ”nickname”. Remembering nicknames is crucial for improving your small talk skills when conversing with clients and colleagues. Review of nicknames will make improving English conversation easier and help you be fluent in English.

Using phrases that express agreement is important in business conversations. These several phrases using “agree” and “exactly” will make your Business English broader and stronger. Each has a definition and example to help you learn. Learn how using these key phrases ”I agree” (meaning you share the same opinion as someone else) and ”exactly” (meaning you completely agree with what has been said) make your English fluency sound positive, upbeat and professional

The top three fears people have: snakes, heights and public speaking. These top tips for making a presentation will help you be prepared so you fear is less (can’t help you with any snakes in the room). 70% of executives surveyed have stated that having better public speaking skills is critical for success. Even noted investor Warren Buffett stated that public speaking is “an asset that will last you 50 or 60 years”. Buffett also warned that low skills in public speaking are a liability; Buffett said ”If you can’t communicate and talk to other people … you’re giving up your potential”.