Business English lessons: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What business english lessons is

Business English lessons help non-native speakers use English at work, practicing emails, meetings, presentations, negotiation and professional vocabulary. Employees use them to prepare for client calls or promotions, and parents sometimes book them for a young adult starting a first job in English.

Signs you need it

  • You can read and understand English emails but take a long time to write a reply.
  • You freeze in meetings or stay quiet because you are not sure how to join the conversation.
  • You need to give a presentation in English and do not feel ready to speak without notes.
  • You are negotiating with English speaking clients or partners and need the right phrases for offers and compromises.
  • Your team uses a lot of work jargon, and you want to understand and use it correctly.

What the pro does

  • Review a real work sample, such as an email, a presentation or a meeting agenda, to find the gaps in your English.
  • Practice writing emails with set phrases for requests, follow-ups, apologies and decisions.
  • Role play meetings and calls, with feedback on how you open, interrupt, agree and close.
  • Build presentation skills by practicing your opening, slides and answers to questions.
  • Assign short writing and speaking tasks from your own work between lessons and review them at the next session.

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • One-on-one lessons compared with small group classes
  • How many lessons you book each week and how long each one runs
  • Whether the focus is writing, meetings, presentations, negotiation or a mix
  • Whether the teacher has business experience or a background in teaching business English
  • Whether you want written feedback on work documents between lessons
  • Whether lessons happen online or in person

What a written quote should spell out

  • The lesson count, length and schedule
  • The work skills the lessons will focus on, such as emails or presentations
  • The level check and the goals for the first set of lessons
  • The materials used and whether you must buy a book
  • How progress is tracked, such as a recorded presentation or a writing check

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Do you have business experience, or only teaching experience in business English?
  • Will you work from my real emails, presentations or meeting notes?
  • How do you prepare me for a meeting I have next week?
  • How do you give feedback on my writing and on my speaking?
  • Is any part of the lesson done with my employer or company, and how is confidential work handled?

Red flags

  • A teacher who only uses generic textbook dialogues with no work material.
  • Lessons that focus on grammar with no speaking or meeting practice.
  • A teacher who will not describe their business or teaching background.
  • Pressure to buy a long package before a trial lesson.

What you can do yourself

You can read business English articles, write practice emails and save useful phrases on your own. Hire a teacher when you need someone to review your real work writing, role play meetings with you and build your confidence for presentations and negotiations.

Licenses and permits

Teaching business English usually does not require a license. Ask for proof of skill instead, such as a teaching certificate, a degree in English or business, work experience in a business setting or references from past clients.

Business English lessons questions

Can a teacher help me prepare for a specific meeting?

Yes. Share the agenda and the people involved, and a teacher can plan practice phrases and role play for that meeting.

Can a parent book business English lessons for a young adult?

Yes. Ask about background checks, lesson policies, whether a parent can attend and how lessons are scheduled before you book.

How do I hire a business English teacher here?

Describe your work goal and the English you need, then pick the teachers you want by name. Only the teachers you pick see your request, and it is free for you.

Pro reviewers

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