4 common misconceptions about professional English
BUSINESS ENGLISH & VOCABULARY
In a globalized world, English has become the language of business. However, many misconceptions circulate about English proficiency in the workplace. These preconceptions can sometimes hinder professionals' progress and confidence in their use of English.
In this article, we wish to deconstruct these myths and shed light on the reality , in order to help everyone understand the learning and use of English with a more enlightened perspective.
What level of English is needed for a negotiation?
1. "To be a good communicator, one needs to have at least a C1 level in English"
Common misconception: A high level of language proficiency guarantees excellent communication.
The reality: No, you can be a good communicator with an overall level of B1 or B2 if you specifically work on your communication skills for priority situations.
Explanation: Language proficiency is certainly an important element of communication, but it is not the only one. It is also important to be able to identify the most important message to convey, to structure it clearly and concisely, and to adapt to your audience.
Advice :
Focus on the professional situations that pose the most difficulties for you.
Practice regularly in real-life situations, for example by participating in meetings or presentations in English.
Ask for feedback from colleagues or a trainer.
2. "To be effective in my work in English, I need to improve my overall level and my grammar."
Common misconception: A high level of English proficiency is necessary for professional success.
The reality: While grammar is important, it's more about fluency, ease of expression, and the structure of ideas that lead to high performance at work.
Explanation: A person can have impeccable grammar but struggle to express themselves fluently and concisely. Conversely, a person with less-than-perfect grammar can be very effective in professional communication.
Advice :
Don't focus on grammar. A review of the basics will suffice.
Work on your fluency and ease in speaking: for this you need to develop your vocabulary.
Learn common expressions and phrases used in the professional world.
3. "Standardized tests are the best indicator of language proficiency"
Myth: Official tests like the TOEIC, which assess listening and reading comprehension, are the ultimate indicators of language proficiency.
The reality: Standardized tests are useful, but they only measure one aspect of language proficiency. They don't take into account essential skills for professional communication, such as speaking fluency, eloquence, and the ability to adapt to one's audience. You can be highly effective in your work without getting a perfect score!
Advice :
Do not rely solely on the results of standardized tests.
Ask a professional to assess you in real-life situations.
4. "Emma is bilingual (B2 🤔), she doesn't need any training."
Common misconception: A B2 level is generally considered bilingual, suggesting that the person has perfect command of the language.
The reality: Even if someone is classified at level B2, it doesn't necessarily mean they will be comfortable in all professional situations.
Explanation: The brain compartmentalizes skills for different languages. This means that skills acquired in French, for example, are not automatically transferred to English. If you take a public speaking course in French, you won't automatically become a better speaker in English.
Advice :
Don't assume that someone with a B2 level doesn't need training.
Ask him if he is comfortable in the professional situations that interest you.
Training in skills such as public speaking should be provided in the language used by the person in their work.
Conclusion: Business English is a set of specific skills necessary for effective communication in the business world. These skills are not necessarily linked to general language proficiency.
At A Star Formations, we firmly believe that professional English training alone is necessary to excel in an international environment. It requires professional English training, preparation for specific situations, and communication skills.
