When talking business, initial impressions and mannerisms can go a long way towards influencing the outcome of a discussion. This is why businesspersons put so much effort into presenting themselves as educated and aspiring entrepreneurs: whether that is dressing in the standard business attire, or displaying their fluency in the global language. In fact, the simple fact that one is adept at conversing in English can sometimes help them land a deal. This is why it is important to have a correct grasp of the language, and also why it is important to avoid obvious mistakes in the language that can show you do not know the language all that well. Here are some of the most common mistakes people tend to make:
- Slang and abbreviations – one of the most common mistakes you are warned about at almost every Business English course is making use of slang and abbreviations in professional settings. This is usually more obvious in written communication such as emails, letters and the like, but slang can also become obvious in verbal communication. Since business environments often expect formal English, slang is generally viewed negatively (unless of course, you are close to the people in question) and as a sign that you are not fluent in formal English. Abbreviations, likewise, have an air of ‘informality’ and they do not give the best of impressions. See more here http://www.bili.com.hk/why-study.html.
- Punctuation – an important point most instructors focus on in a Business English presentation course is punctuation. Commas, full stops, exclamation marks, question marks, etc. there are a number of punctuation marks and their usage can change the meaning of a sentence (as much as you would not believe this). Incorrect use of punctuation – especially commas – as well as a tendency to forget punctuation simply registers as a ‘subpar understanding of English’ in the eyes of more adept English speakers, and can put you at a disadvantage.
- Incorrect or vague vocabulary – a common misconception that many beginners in English have is the belief that using difficult vocabulary can establish one as a fluent speaker of English. Whilst this might be effective with similar beginners in the language, it can simply expose you as someone with no real understanding of what you are talking about to people who actually understand the language (and that is far worse than being seen as a beginner!). Instead of using big words you do not understand in an effort to impress, stick to using words you know the meaning of: this can avoid embarrassing situations where you speak incoherent sentences and make no sense at all.