Writing to a client, joining a video call with another office, presenting results… More and more jobs need English every day. But English for work isn’t a different language: it is a handful of situations that come up again and again. Master them and your confidence grows fast.
What professional English really is
General English teaches you to talk about yourself, your plans and your interests. Professional English focuses on specific work situations: asking for something politely, giving your opinion in a meeting or closing a deal. Every sector also has its own vocabulary, from logistics to healthcare or tourism.
The 7 situations where you use it most
1. Emails
The most common situation. A good email in English is short, clear and has the right tone: not too formal, not too direct.
2. Meetings
Interrupting politely, giving your opinion, agreeing or disagreeing and summing up what was decided.
3. Calls and video calls
Without gestures or context, understanding is harder. Knowing how to ask people to repeat and how to check what you understood is key.
4. Presentations
Presenting a project or results without reading, with a clear structure, and answering questions with confidence.
5. Negotiations
Making proposals and counter-proposals, softening your message and closing deals without sounding abrupt.
6. Customer service
Helping international customers by phone, in writing or in person, and handling complaints kindly.
7. Small talk and networking
The first minutes of a meeting, a lunch with clients or a trade fair. It seems the least important part, but it is where relationships are built.
Useful phrases for every day
| Situation | Phrase | Another phrase |
|---|---|---|
| “I’m writing to follow up on our call.” | “Please find the report attached.” | |
| Meeting | “Could I add something here?” | “Let’s move on to the next point.” |
| Call | “Sorry, could you repeat that?” | “Let me check and get back to you.” |
| Presentation | “Today I’d like to talk about…” | “To sum up, …” |
| Negotiation | “Would you be open to…?” | “That could work if…” |
How to improve your English for work
- Work with your own texts. Practise with real emails and reports from your job (without confidential data).
- Learn whole phrases, not single words. The same structures come up again and again at work.
- Prepare your sector vocabulary before every important meeting.
- Rehearse out loud difficult presentations and calls.
- Listen to different accents. At work you will talk to people from many countries, not just Brits or Americans.
Need a certificate for your CV as well? Read How to pass the B1 English exam or How long does it take to get a B2 in English?. And to see how English helps your career, read Why learning English in Mislata is the best decision for your career.
You don’t need perfect English to work in English: you need to master the situations you face every week.
What if it’s for your whole team?
At Koyot Academy we design tailor-made language courses for companies: we give each participant a level test, form small groups and work on the real situations of your sector. Classes can take place at our school in Mislata, at your office or online, and the company receives progress reports.
Frequently asked questions
What level of English do I need to work in English?
It depends on the job. For simple tasks such as short emails or helping customers, B1 can be enough. For meetings, presentations or negotiations, many companies ask for B2 or higher. See what each level means in English levels A1–C2.
Can I prepare professional English and a certificate at the same time?
Yes. Many skills overlap: writing emails, giving your opinion, understanding recordings. We help you combine both goals.
Do you teach at companies?
Yes. As well as at our school, we teach at your offices or online, at the times that suit you best.
Want to try before you decide? Come and see the school: your first trial class is free and without obligation.
