Questions to ask yourself … to improve your English for work.
10 Questions to help professionals improve their English at work
Thanks to the popularity of my previous Questions to ask yourself to learn English blog post (16th January 2025), inspired by the “Questions to ask yourself” series in The Guardian newspaper. I decided to write some questions for advanced English learners working in international companies.
If you’re looking to improve your communication skills and make a stronger impact in your international workplace, these questions will help you reflect on your progress and fine-tune your approach to learning English for work.
In today’s globalised working world, a good level of English is often the key. Whether you’re leading meetings, writing reports, or networking with colleagues from around the world, strong communication skills will make a big difference in your career. But improving your business English requires more than just memorising phrases; it takes strategy, reflection, and a clear sense of direction.
Here are the questions you should be asking yourself.
What are my professional goals?
English for work isn’t a one-size-fits-all package. Who do you need to communicate with in English? Are you aiming to speak confidently in meetings, write clear emails, or deliver engaging presentations? Knowing your goals will help you focus your learning on the skills that really matter for your career. It could help to explore your learning goals using the GROW framework.
How well am I communicating in key workplace situations?
Think about your day-to-day interactions. Can you contribute effectively during discussions, or do you struggle to find the right words? Are your emails clear and professional, or do you spend too much time checking DeepL? Identifying gaps in your communication will show you where to concentrate your efforts.
Do I understand the nuances cross-cultural communication?
Business English isn’t just grammar and vocabulary; it’s also about understanding the cultural contexts that influence how we communicate. Are you aware of how directness, hierarchy, or feedback styles vary across cultures?
Erin Meyer’s The Culture Map provides valuable insights into these differences, highlighting how subtle changes in language and behaviour can make an impact in international workplaces. For instance, if a British client says your report is “quite good, but it might be worth revisiting some of the figures to see if there is room for improvement”, you might not realise your client actually expects you to rewrite parts of the report, especially if you are normally more direct in your own culture. Recognising these nuances can help you adapt your communication style to different cultural contexts, ensuring your English is not only professional but also effective in diverse cultural contexts.
Am I using English confidently at work?
It’s one thing to have the knowledge; it’s another to use it under pressure. Do you hesitate before speaking up in meetings or avoid small talk with colleagues? Confidence comes with practice, so find opportunities to use English in real workplace situations, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
Is my vocabulary workplace-specific?
General English is a good foundation, but business English often includes industry-specific jargon and technical terms. Are you familiar with the language of your field? Whether it’s financial reports, tech briefings, or marketing campaigns, focusing on the vocabulary you actually use will make your learning more efficient.
How strong are my listening skills?
Understanding colleagues with different accents or in fast-paced conversations can be challenging. Do you struggle to keep up during meetings or phone calls? Practising with a range of audio resources, like podcasts or videos, can increase your listening abilities and prepare you for real-world scenarios. There’s more to actively listening than you first think. You can read about typical listening challenges and how to overcome them in my blog post: Are you really a good listener? Listening Challenges for English Learners.
Do I ask for feedback from colleagues or mentors?
Constructive feedback is invaluable when improving your English for work. Are you actively asking colleagues or mentors for input on your communication skills? They can offer insights into how your language is perceived and where you could improve.
Am I immersing myself in professional English?
Beyond the office, there’s a wealth of resources that can help your business English. Are you reading industry publications, watching interviews with thought leaders, or following LinkedIn discussions? Immersing yourself in the language of your profession keeps you informed and builds your skills.
How do I stay motivated?
Learning English for work is a long-term investment, and motivation can sometimes drop. Do you track your progress, by giving yourself small goals or benchmarks? For example, asking two new questions in your next meeting or writing your next email without a translation tool. Do you celebrate achievements, like delivering your first presentation in English? Small wins will keep you moving forward.
What’s my next step?
Improving your business English is an ongoing process. Think about your options. You could attend a workshop (get in contact to find out about my workshop offers 😊) , join a course, or simply practise presentations with an AI tool such as Yoodli, having a clear next step keeps your learning on track. The more deliberately you practice, the more confident you’ll feel in any professional setting.
If these questions sparked some ideas, why not turn them into action? Let’s talk about how I can help you improve your English or the offers I have for your team.
Book a free 15-minute discovery call ⬇️
Hello,
I’m Jane Carvell, a business English trainer, language coach and visual thinking enthusiast. I help German-speaking professionals improve their English communication skills, so that they can build better connections to grow in an international working world.
