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Learn MoreMaster Class in Business English Fluency
Rating: 4.5 out of 54.5(62 ratings)
595 students
Master Class in Business English Fluency
Speaking and Listening for Professional Settings (Meetings, Networking, Presentations, Interviews, Small Talk & More!)
Created byBrittney Kalogeros and Shannon O'Brien
Last updated 2/2025
English
What you'll learn
- Use correct English intonation when speaking
- Use correct pronunciation when speaking
- Use professional vocabulary and grammar when speaking
- Understand English for online and in-person meetings at native speed
Explore related topics
Course content
27 sections • 216 lectures • 6h 45m total length
- Welcome to the Master Class in Business English Fluency3:18
Imagine walking into work and feeling confident in every word you say, in meetings, presentations, or even in casual talk by the water cooler. Maybe your co-workers will even tell you how well you are speaking and notice your improvement. By the end of this course, that will be your new reality.
Working and talking in a professional setting as an English as a Second Language (ESL) speaker can have many challenges. You may feel nervous that you will not understand, be understood, or be able to speak quickly and clearly with confidence. However, as we say in English, practice makes perfect. To improve your speaking skills, you must speak out-loud as much as possible. In this course, you will have access to high quality business English conversations that will enrich your speaking and listening abilities. You will have infinite opportunities to practice, exposure to the language, and a private and supportive environment.
Through this class, we will build your English vocabulary and practice through role plays that put you in situations with native English speakers and non-native speakers. You will be able to read and listen to conversations and then to participate in conversations yourself. You will complete guided self assessments to target the areas you want to focus on as we go through the scenarios. And by the end of this book, you will have mastered the basics of Business English.
- Download your Resources: Dialogue Printables and Activity Instructions0:01
- Unit 1: Meetings with Native English Speakers0:39
- 1.1 Context of Conversation Explained0:26
The following role play is between two coworkers in an informal but important conversation about their hotel’s new website. Sarah is explaining to Jake how the project is unfolding and Jake is collecting the most important information to relay to the entire team during the formal project update.
- 1.1 Activity 1: Listening (Instructions Video)0:35
The following video shows a full speed conversation between native speakers in a professional context. Listen to the conversation to prepare yourself for the shadow speaking activity. You may also wish to read the conversation in full to completely understand the context and what we will be talking about. If you wish to print the dialogue, a printable PDF version is linked in the resources. If there are any words or phrases you are unfamiliar with, make sure to look them up before you move on to the next activity.
Objective: By the end of this video, you should be able to understand the context and words used in the dialogue between the two speakers.
- Activity 1: Listening1:22
Teams discuss website launch, note phase one ahead of schedule, a coding glitch resolved by EOD, and plan phase two content creation, testing user experience, and a travel blog feature.
- 1.1 Activity 2: Shadow Speaking (Instructions Video)1:25
In the following video, you will hear the conversation broken down into smaller, slower phrases. Repeat each phrase during the pause, imitating the pronunciation and intonation you hear. If you find the video to be too fast, try turning the video speed (or playback rate) down to 0.5x or 0.75x and practice until you can work your way up to the regular video speed. You may wish to do this shadow speaking exercise multiple times, until you feel confident repeating after the speaker. Always remember to prioritize clarity of speech over speed. In other words, make sure to pronounce each word clearly.
If you want even more practice, try this self-reflection challenge: Record yourself speaking with the video using your phone and play it back to yourself after you finish. Are there areas you wish to improve? Certain words you would like to say more clearly? You may wish to repeat certain phrases with the video until you are satisfied with your recording.
Objective: By the end of this activity, you should be able to say the entire dialogue out loud, with confidence, using the proper intonation and pronunciation.
- Activity 2: Shadow Speaking4:05
Coordinate a fast website launch by updating the team on phase one, resolving a coding snag, planning phase two content and ux testing, and proposing a travel blog feature.
- 1.1 Activity 3: Simultaneous Speaking (Instructions Video)1:27
Practice simultaneous speaking by shadowing the dialogue, adjusting playback speed to 0.5 or 0.75, and reading aloud in real time with clear pronunciation and matched tone.
- 1.1 Activity 3: Simultaneous Speaking1:22
Demonstrate simultaneous speaking in a business update on a website launch, address a minor coding snag, plan phase two content and testing, and propose a travel blog feature.
- Congratulations!0:07
Congratulations!
You have made it to the end of this section! Great job and keep up the good work!
- 1.2 Context of Conversation Explained0:26
Explain how team goals and objectives drive proactive planning to boost product sales for the upcoming quarter, illustrated by a dialogue between Alice and Marc highlighting goals and actions.
- 1.2 Activity 1: Listening (Instructions Video)0:35
- Activity 1: Listening1:36
Boost product sales by 20% by strengthening our online presence and launching a targeted marketing campaign, including a user-friendly website, TikTok engagement, Amazon listings, influencer endorsements, and online ads.
- 1.2 Activity 2: Shadow Speaking (Instructions Video)1:25
Practice shadow speaking by repeating slower phrases, imitating pronunciation and intonation. Adjust playback speed to 0.5–0.75, record yourself, and practice until you can say the dialogue clearly and confidently.
- Activity 2: Shadow Speaking4:31
Boost product sales by 20% by strengthening online presence and launching a marketing campaign with updated website, TikTok engagement, Amazon listings, influencer partnerships, and targeted ads.
- 1.2 Activity 3: Simultaneous Speaking (Instructions Video)1:27
Practice simultaneous speaking by shadowing the dialogue, slow the video if needed, and prioritize clear pronunciation and tone. Record yourself to track progress and engage in professional dialogues.
- Activity 3: Simultaneous Speaking1:36
Boost product sales by 20% by strengthening the online presence, launching a marketing campaign, updating the website, boosting TikTok engagement, refining Amazon listings, and pursuing influencer endorsements and targeted ads.
- Congratulations!0:07
Celebrate reaching the end of this section. Continue to build your business English fluency as you keep up the good work.
- 1.3 Context of Conversation Explained0:32
Explore how to communicate task assignments within a team, as Lisa updates John on each member's specific jobs and responsibilities to keep the project organized and on track.
- 1.3 Activity 1: Listening (Instructions Video)0:35
Listen to a full-speed professional conversation to prepare for the shadow speaking activity, read the dialogue to understand context, and look up unfamiliar words to grasp the speakers' words.
- Activity 1: Listening2:19
- 1.3 Activity 2: Shadow Speaking (Instructions Video)1:25
Practice shadow speaking to improve pronunciation and intonation by repeating slower phrases, adjusting playback speed, and recording yourself for feedback and confidence in dialogue delivery.
- Activity 2: Shadow Speaking7:01
- 1.3 Activity 3: Simultaneous Speaking (Instructions Video)1:27
Practice simultaneous speaking by shadowing and reading along with the video, slow playback to 0.5–0.75, and read aloud in real time with clear pronunciation, tone, and confidence for professional dialogue.
- Activity 3: Simultaneous Speaking2:19
- Congratulations!0:07
- 1.4 Context of Conversation Explained0:29
- 1.4 Activity 1: Listening (Instructions Video)0:35
Develop listening accuracy in professional conversations by watching an instructions video, reading the dialogue, and looking up unfamiliar terms to understand context for the shadow speaking activity.
- Activity 1: Listening2:45
Coordinate the hotel's summer rush by finalizing staffing and training, testing the summer menu by April 15, launching marketing, and scheduling a mid-week check-in with leaders.
- 1.4 Activity 2: Shadow Speaking (Instructions Video)1:25
Practice shadow speaking by breaking the conversation into slower phrases and repeating to imitate pronunciation. Adjust playback speed, record yourself, and review until you can say dialogue aloud with intonation.
- Activity 2: Shadow Speaking8:14
Develop shadow speaking skills by iterating a hotel team plan for the summer rush—covering deadlines, staffing, menu testing, training, marketing, and midweek progress checks.
- 1.4 Activity 3: Simultaneous Speaking (Instructions Video)1:27
- Activity 3: Simultaneous Speaking2:45
Coordinate hotel summer rush preparations by aligning decor refresh, menu testing, staffing and training, with clear deadlines and midweek progress checks, while monitoring marketing response.
- Congratulations!0:07
Celebrate reaching the end of this section; great job, and keep up the good work.
- 1.5 Context of Conversation Explained0:16
Tom and Sarah demonstrate problem solving and teamwork to locate a time-sensitive package for their boss, showcasing practical strategies for effective business communication.
- 1.5 Activity 1: Listening (Instructions Video)0:35
- Activity 1: Listening1:47
Coordinate with the shipping company to locate a time-sensitive package delayed by a sorting error, while teammates check the app and office and inform the boss of the status.
- 1.5 Activity 2: Shadow Speaking (Instructions Video)1:25
Practice shadow speaking by repeating slower phrases, adjusting playback speed, and recording yourself to improve pronunciation, intonation, and spoken clarity until you can confidently say the dialogue.
- Activity 2: Shadow Speaking5:36
In activity 2, participants practice shadow speaking to resolve a time-sensitive delivery delay, contact the shipping company, check tracking information, and coordinate with colleagues to locate the package.
- 1.5 Activity 3: Simultaneous Speaking (Instructions Video)1:27
Engage in simultaneous speaking by shadowing the dialogue, adjusting playback speed, and mirroring tone to read aloud in real time with clarity, pronunciation, vocabulary, and intonation for a professional setting.
- Activity 3: Simultaneous Speaking1:47
Coordinate with the shipping company to track a time-sensitive package, address the sorting error causing a delay, and update the boss and team as the package arrives.
- Congratulations!0:07
Celebrate reaching the end of this section and keep up the good work as you continue your journey toward business English fluency.
- 1.6 Context of Conversation Explained0:19
Explore new initiatives to shorten weekly meetings and improve team efficiency as Dave, Jack, Tricia, and their boss discuss practical ways to streamline conversations.
- 1.6 Activity 1: Listening (Instructions Video)0:35
Listen to a full-speed professional conversation to prepare for the shadow speaking activity. Read the dialogue in full to understand the context and vocabulary, and look up unfamiliar words.
- Activity 1: Listening1:58
Implement a structured agenda with time limits to cover priorities and action items in weekly meetings. Assign a facilitator to keep discussions moving and ensure everyone contributes.
- 1.6 Activity 2: Shadow Speaking (Instructions Video)1:25
Engage in shadow speaking by repeating slower phrases, adjusting playback speed, and recording yourself to improve pronunciation, intonation, and clarity with confidence.
- Activity 2: Shadow Speaking5:53
Implement a structured, time-boxed agenda and a rotating facilitator to keep meetings focused on key priorities, ensure inclusive participation, and continuously improve through quick checks.
- 1.6 Activity 3: Simultaneous Speaking (Instructions Video)1:27
Practice simultaneous speaking by shadowing and matching the dialogue with the video, adjusting playback speed to improve clarity, pronunciation, and tone in real time, recording progress toward professional conversations.
- Activity 3: Simultaneous Speaking1:58
Implement a structured agenda with time limits and a facilitator to keep the weekly meeting focused on key priorities, action items, and continuous improvement through quarterly reviews.
- Congratulations!0:07
- Unit 2: Small Talk During Breaks0:40
- 2.1 Context of Conversation Explained0:27
Explore context of conversation through a workplace dialogue about making weekend plans and coordinating an office outing to a new hamburger restaurant.
- 2.1 Activity 1: Listening (Instructions Video)0:35
- Activity 1: Listening1:41
Enhance listening and casual conversation skills for business english by following a weekend plans dialogue featuring hiking, wilderness adventure, a backyard barbecue, a burger joint discovery, and team invitations.
- 2.1 Activity 2: Shadow Speaking (Instructions Video)1:25
Engage in shadow speaking by repeating slower phrases, imitating pronunciation and intonation. Adjust playback speed to practice for clear, confident dialogue with proper intonation.
- Activity 2: Shadow Speaking5:01
Engage in shadow speaking through casual weekend conversations, planning hikes, home gatherings, and a group food outing to build practical business English fluency.
- 2.1 Activity 3: Simultaneous Speaking (Instructions Video)1:27
practice simultaneous speaking by shadowing the dialogue with the video, adjusting speed for clarity, mirroring tone, and recording to measure progress toward real-time reading with native pronunciation and intonation.
- Activity 3: Simultaneous Speaking1:41
- Congratulations!0:07
Celebrate reaching the end of this section, and congratulations on your progress. Keep up the good work toward mastering business English fluency.
- 2.2 Context of Conversation Explained0:23
Explore how to discuss hobbies and interests in a professional setting. Foster rapport as Mary and Sarah chat about golf and cooking during a Monday break in the office.
- 2.2 Activity 1: Listening (Instructions Video)0:35
Watch a full-speed professional conversation to prepare for the shadow speaking activity, and read the dialogue to understand the context and terms used.
- Activity 1: Listening1:49
Practice active listening and conversational skills through everyday topics like cooking, family traditions, and golf, highlighting storytelling and natural dialogue in business English contexts.
- 2.2 Activity 2: Shadow Speaking (Instructions Video)1:25
- Activity 2: Shadow Speaking5:45
Practice shadow speaking to improve casual conversation in business english by sharing weekend activities, hobbies like cooking and golf, family traditions, and asking for recommendations.
- 2.2 Activity 3: Simultaneous Speaking (Instructions Video)1:27
Practice simultaneous speaking with the video dialogue, adjusting playback speed to improve clarity and pronunciation. Read aloud in real time to mirror tone and intonation for professional, native-like fluency.
- Activity 3: Simultaneous Speaking1:49
- Congratulations!0:07
Celebrate completing this section of the master class in business English fluency, and stay motivated to keep up the good work as you continue learning.
- 2.3 Context of Conversation Explained0:20
Learn to discuss movies and TV show recommendations to practice context of conversation for business English fluency, as coworkers share favorites and tailor suggestions based on what others like.
- 2.3 Activity 1: Listening (Instructions Video)0:35
Listen to a full-speed professional conversation to prepare for the shadow speaking activity, read and look up unfamiliar words to understand the dialogue between the two speakers.
- Activity 1: Listening1:30
Practice listening to casual conversations about films and TV shows, exploring Netflix recommendations and opinions on Casablanca, Breaking Bad, Stranger Things, and The Shawshank Redemption.
- 2.3 Activity 2: Shadow Speaking (Instructions Video)1:25
Practice shadow speaking by listening to the dialogue in slower phrases, repeating each with clear pronunciation and intonation, lower playback to 0.5–0.75, and record yourself to master the full dialogue.
- Activity 2: Shadow Speaking4:39
Engage in shadow speaking to discuss Netflix films and TV shows, exchange recommendations, and talk favorites like Casablanca, Breaking Bad, and Stranger Things.
- 2.3 Activity 3: Simultaneous Speaking (Instructions Video)1:27
- Activity 3: Simultaneous Speaking1:30
- Congratulations!0:07
Requirements
- No pre-requisites. This course can help anyone from beginners to advanced learners with their listening comprehension and professionalism in speaking in business settings.
Description
Welcome to our Master Class in Business English Fluency. If you’re looking to improve your ability to use and understand spoken English in professional settings, this course is for you.
We’re two teachers from the United States and we have designed a course, using a linguistically-backed dual-method that simulates one-on-one conversations with native speakers. This course will give you the tools to practice listening and speaking in a professional setting from the comfort of your own home.
You will have access to over 25 business conversations between native speakers, using natural vocabulary, phrases, grammar, pronunciation, intonation, and levels of formality, which are all important when you want to sound professional at work. On top of that, you will actually get to participate in the conversations!
Every unit includes listening, shadow speaking, and simultaneous speaking activities, gradually increasing in difficulty throughout the course. You can move through the course at your own pace and control the speed of each video, tailoring the lessons perfectly to your individual language needs.
We're excited you're here and we're ready to help you. If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey to become an even more professional, more fluent English speaker, you’re in the right place!
Who this course is for:
- English learners looking to improve their speaking and listening skills in a professional setting