Eposide 4 - Teaching Business English: Insights and Advice

This episode of The English Podcast dives into the world of
teaching Business English with insights from
experienced TEFL teacher Carl. Whether you're a seasoned English
teacher or just starting out, this episode offers valuable
information on what sets Business English apart and how to
approach it effectively.


Carl shares his experience teaching Business English in
various contexts, from a university in Vietnam training
real estate agents to one-on-one lessons in Japan for trade fair
presentations. He emphasizes that while the structure of
a Business English lesson isn't wildly different from a general
English lesson, the content is key.


A significant portion of the episode focuses on the
importance of the needs analysis. Carl explains
the necessity of understanding the wants of the company
paying for the lessons, the needs of the
students to achieve those wants, and the lacks
in their current English proficiency that need to be
addressed. He highlights the delicate balance of keeping both the
paying client and the students happy.


The episode also covers what you typically teach in
Business English, with a focus on vocabulary and
functions (the purpose of a phrase, like requesting or
offering) rather than just grammar. The concept of
formality of language and how it evolves in
business communication is also discussed.


For those interested in getting started, Carl provides advice on
how to find Business English students, including
looking for job vacancies advertised as "Business English
teacher" or "professional development teacher" on websites like
TEFL Org and cold emailing companies. He cautions against going
into Business English blind and emphasizes the need for
preparation.


The episode touches on the rise of teaching Business
English online, noting the openness of business
professionals to this format. Carl suggests utilizing authentic
materials like articles from The Economist and other business
publications.


Finally, Carl addresses common questions about the qualifications
needed, charging rates, and the advantages of teaching
Business English, such as the interesting content and
the potential for building long-lasting connections with
students. He also discusses some of the challenges, such as
managing different levels within a class.


Whether you're curious about exploring a new avenue in your
English teaching career or simply interested in the specific
demands of professional English communication, this episode
provides a comprehensive overview of the key aspects of teaching
Business English.