5 tips for choosing your professional English training provider
BUSINESS ENGLISH & VOCABULARY
Professional English is an essential skill in today's business world. However, choosing the right training provider isn't always easy. In this article, we give you five tips to help you make the best choice for your employees.
Tip 1: Demystify learning English
Before choosing a training provider, it's important to dispel some comon misconceptions about learning English. A high level of English doesn't necessarily guarantee excellent communication. Grammar, while important, isn't the only criterion: fluency and the ability to structure ideas are just as crucial.
Furthermore, even if an employee is considered "bilingual", this does not mean that they do not need training, especially when it comes to addressing cultural nuances or specific communication skills.
We very often welcome people at C1 level or even native speakers into our public speaking training courses.
Tip 2: Clearly identify the needs of your employees
Before choosing a training provider, it is essential to identify and assess your actual training needs. Take the time to define the professional situations in which English is most frequently used and with whom. This will allow you to choose a provider that offers training tailored to the specific needs of your employees.
We have created questionnaires for you to help you identify the professional English needs of your employees: download them here.
Tip 3: Opt for specific training courses
When it comes to training, a one-size-fits-all approach isn't always the answer. Rather than trying to improve an employee's general English, it might be more beneficial to opt for specific training , whether for client presentations, meetings, or other critical professional situations. The key is to choose a provider that understands these nuances and can offer tailored programs.
For example, we found that many B1 level people encountered problems during their team meetings, often with colleagues in Asia.
That's why we created the "Succeeding in your Video Meetings" training course, which provides numerous techniques for understanding your audience and speaking confidently in meetings. Participants don't necessarily improve their overall skill level, but they become significantly more effective in their meetings.
Tip 4: Encourage oral practice
Oral practice is essential for improving professional English, and it's also the most difficult aspect for French speakers. Encourage your colleagues to practice regularly, in real-life situations if possible. This will allow them to develop their fluency and confidence in English.
When choosing a training provider, ensure that their methods offer ample opportunities for oral practice in a supportive environment. This may include activities such as role-playing, simulations, presentations, and group discussions.
In some of our courses, including the " Boost Program", we offer you the opportunity to practice with "real people" - special English-speaking guests who are not trainers, like you might meet in real life.
Tip 5: Choose the right training provider
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, how do you choose the most suitable training provider? Ask relevant questions about their approach, methods, and past experience. Make sure they understand your company's specific needs and can offer tailored programs.
Also, inquire about their return on investment (ROI) and how they measure it. This will allow you to determine if their training is effective and profitable for your company.
Conclusion: By following these tips, you'll maximize your chances of choosing the right professional English training provider. This will enable your employees to develop the language and communication skills necessary to perform at their best in an international environment.
