Business Conversation

Photo from ECS Business Conversation Class (Private lesson). This course is designed for business people in Bay Area to learn brisk communication skills and practical business English.

Lesson Type:

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Private

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Group

When speaking English in business, it is important to be able to create smooth communication patterns. This becomes possible when you earn trust from others by using appropriate expressions and phrases, and by creating positive atmosphere as you speak. To achieve all these, ECS offers you simulation lessons where actual business conversations might take place.

ECS instructors strive to individualize each student’s lessons by understanding their job fields, specialties, and job situations. They select lesson materials, vocabulary and phrases accordingly. This is what we are very proud of: Our friendly ECS instructors work diligently to offer their students the best possible customized lessons according to their situations and needs for learning.

With our Business Conversation lessons, you will learn…

  • How to quickly and effectively communicate your opinions to your coworkers and superiors at business meetings.
  • How to use simple English effectively in various situations including daily communications with coworkers, and oral reports to give to your superiors so that you will earn trust and respect.
  • How to talk concisely and effectively during business calls and phone conferences so that you can negotiate to your advantage on the phone.
  • How to create effective oral presentations and negotiate to your advantage during face to face interactions.
  • How to write business proposals, reports, and correspondence using appropriate and relevant wording with concrete examples.
  • How to have comfortable interaction with clients in a variety of settings such as lunch meetings and receptions by helping you to understand social and business etiquette.
  • How to discuss current news.

Testimonial from ECS Student – “Luke” Daisuke

private lesson with ECS student Luke and ECS teacher
private lesson with ECS student Luke and ECS teacher

What prompted your decision to begin lessons, and why did you opt for ECS?

I was introduced to the opportunity by a colleague at work. The reason I selected ECS is its flexibility in catering to students’ preferences. With a diverse pool of instructors, ECS offers the possibility of finding one aligned with your learning goals. Moreover, there’s no rigid curriculum; instructors tailor topics and materials to students’ interests, allowing for deeper exploration of desired content. Additionally, the option to choose between online or in-person classes, with necessary precautions, was particularly enticing for me. I sought direct interaction with native speakers, making this aspect highly appealing.

How did you approach your studies before? Are there any specific challenges or concerns you’re encountering?

Prior to enrolling in lessons, I relied on various teaching materials and YouTube videos. However, I found it challenging to grasp the nuances of native speakers’ pronunciation, and intonation in everyday conversations, as well as the informal phrases commonly used. The unilateral nature of the provided audio sources led to frequent confusion, hindering my ability to acclimate to authentic conversations. Additionally, upon assuming my post in spring 2021, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic necessitated all communication with colleagues to occur via web conferences. The conversational pace was naturally constrained, and the lack of live interaction made it difficult to discern speech clearly, further impeding my adjustment process.

What type of lessons are offered at ECS, and what does the curriculum entail?

Under the guidance of Mr. Chuck, our sessions typically commence with a conversational segment, followed by thematic discussions utilizing supplementary materials, interactive Q&A sessions with worksheets, and homework review. Topics span a wide array, encompassing business communication, negotiation techniques, idiomatic expressions, insights into American culture (including the origins of holidays and traditional customs), exploration of Christianity (covering aspects such as the life of Christ and Bible passages), poetry composition and analysis, and discussions on current events. Each session allows for clarification of uncertainties and encourages in-depth exploration, facilitating a smoother learning process compared to self-study. Furthermore, Mr. Chuck provides constructive feedback on pronunciation, intonation, and expressions, enabling me to refine my conversational skills effectively.

Could you share the strengths and appeal of ECS?

The cornerstone of learning at ECS is fostering open communication with instructors. By tailoring discussions to topics of personal interest, engaging in active conversations becomes effortless and immersive. Moreover, the platform extends beyond language acquisition to address real-life challenges, offering practical solutions. For instance, leveraging Mr. Chuck’s extensive experience in public education, I received invaluable guidance on navigating my child’s enrollment procedures and fostering effective communication with their homeroom teacher. In essence, Mr. Chuck served not only as an English instructor but also as a trusted mentor, enriching my experience and facilitating my transition into life in the United States.

What are your plans for continuing your English language journey in the future? (Goals for improving proficiency, intentions for utilizing English skills, etc.)

English proficiency remains crucial in many professional roles. I aim to leverage the communication skills acquired at ECS to enhance my performance at work. Additionally, I greatly appreciate the friendships forged through English, and I aspire to further refine my language abilities through ongoing communication with these peers.