Welcome to my Your-English-Coach.Com blog where I, from time to time, write about different aspects of the English language which may help you understand more about the idiosyncrasies of this “funny” language originating for the little group of islands on the north-eastern edge of the Atlantic ocean. The English language has gone on to be used by, many say, more than one-point-five-billion people, mostly, non-native speakers or rather, people from around the world as the international language for commerce, technology and travel. It is interesting to note that there are more non-native speakers of English than there are native speakers now, and understanding and being able to speak either can be a challenge. In Germany, where I am based, it is not uncommon to have a business meeting full of German speakers but one participant within the meeting who does not speak German, the consensus for most companies is then to switch to English which can be frustrating if not be a little daunting for the native German speakers. It is here that I can assist you in becoming more confident and feeling happier about yourself despite the perceived imperfections.
You can find out more about my background and approach on my About me page. I would be happy to hear from you: send me a message via the contact form or give me a call, and we can arrange a first conversation by video call to see what you need.
An international meeting may be excellently prepared from a technical perspective, yet still fail to make an impact if the leadership comes across as too cautious, too indirect or too unclear when speaking in English. English meetings for executives require more than just a good vocabulary. They require the ability to articulate priorities, manage conflicting […]
The critical moment in an international negotiation is rarely the technical terminology. It comes when a business partner toughens their demand, questions a figure or suddenly says: We need a better offer. Anyone who then merely translates the words in their head loses time, impact and, often, room for manoeuvre in the negotiation. Business English […]
An important negotiation with an international partner is due to take place in three days’ time. The arguments are sound, the figures are clear, and the strategy has been agreed. Yet at the crucial moment, it is not simply a matter of speaking English correctly. It is about responding to follow-up questions with confidence, addressing […]
The crucial slide is on the screen, the international board is listening, and you have ten minutes to set a direction, make a decision or secure an investment. In such a situation, an English presentation is not just about your vocabulary. It must demonstrate that you can lead the discussion, set priorities and handle critical […]
Why speaking freely often helps more than the next grammar exercise, how much vocabulary you really need, and how best to remember new words.
Looking back on 2023: many executives speak good English but would like more confidence. Why grammar is rarely the real issue.
