Business English

Business English: Tip - 

When speaking to other business cultures, it is important to understand different approaches in communicating. The British traditionally soften the language and are less direct. This can become confusing to those that prefer being direct. Being direct often seems blunt and disrespectful, especially when spoken by a non native speaker.

Here are some examples:

CZ" I want a discount." 

UK"We were wondering if there’s any flexibility on the price?"

CZ" This is a bad idea."

UK"I have some concerns about this approach."

CZ" Send it to me by Friday."

UK"Would it be possible to have this by Friday?"

CZ" I don't understand."

UK" Could you please clarify that last point?"

These are just illustrations. Using a question to reply helps keep the tone polite.

Tip

To sound less direct try using modal verbs: Could, Would, Can, May. Examples - Could we look at...?, Would it be okay if...? Can I ask if it's possible to ...? May I suggest that...?

Here are some more examples:

What the English speaker says  

1 "That's an interesting idea."

2 "I'm not quite sure about that."

3 "With all due respect..."

4 "It's a bit of a challenge."

What they actually mean

1 "I don't like it / It’s weird."

2 "I disagree."

3 "I think you are wrong."

4 "It’s a disaster / It’s very hard."

Czech Translation of the Meaning

1 To se mi nelíbí.

2 Nesouhlasím.

3 Podle mě se mýlíte.

4 Je to průšvih.

Structuring an English Business Email

1. The Social Opening: Czechs often skip this, but English speakers use it to build rapport.

   • Example: "I hope you’re having a productive week." or "It was great meeting you at the conference."

2. Signposting: Use specific phrases to tell the reader what the email is about.

   • Example: "I'm writing to update you on..." or "Regarding our last call..."

3. The Call to Action (CTA): Be clear about what you need.

   • Example: "Please let me know your thoughts by EOD (End of Day) Tuesday."

In Czech culture, if something is wrong, you say it. In English business, giving direct negative feedback can be seen as aggressive. 

• Positive: "The design of the slides looks great..."

• Negative: "...however, I think the data in chart 3 might be slightly outdated."

• Positive: "If we update that, the presentation will be perfect!"

• Interrupting politely: "May I just jump in here for a second?"

• Checking for understanding: "Does that make sense to everyone?"

• Summarizing: "So, just to recap, our next steps are..."

• Buying time to think: "That’s a great question, let me check the data and get back to you."

Common "False Friends" to Watch Out For

Top 5 most confusing words in a Czech/English business context:

1. Actual vs. Aktuální

   • The Mistake: "The actual price is..." (meaning the current price).

   • The Truth: Actual means "real/true." Use Current or Present for "aktuální."

2. Eventual / Eventually vs. Eventuálně

   • The Mistake: "We will eventually change the supplier." (meaning maybe/potentially).

   • The Truth: Eventually means "in the end/at last." Use Possibly or Potentially for "eventuálně."

3. Promotion vs. Propagace

   • The Mistake: "We need more promotion for the product." (referring to general advertising).

   • The Truth: Promotion usually means a job title increase or a specific price discount. Use Marketing or Advertising for "propagace."

4. Chef vs. Šéf

   • The Mistake: "I have a meeting with my chef."

   • The Truth: A Chef cooks in a kitchen. Use Boss, Manager, or Supervisor.

5. Gymnasium vs. Gymnázium

   • The Mistake: "I studied at a gymnasium."

   • The Truth: A Gymnasium is a place to lift weights. Use Grammar School or High School.

Rewrite the "Direct Czech" sentences into "Professional English" using the word bank provided.

Word Bank: I'm afraid / Would it be possible / Perhaps / Clarify / May I / Concerns / Conflict / Update / Assistance / Thoughts

1. Direct: I want it now.
   Professional: _____________________ to have that sent over as soon as possible?

2. Direct: You are wrong about the price.
   Professional: _____________________ there might be a slight mistake regarding the pricing.

3. Direct: I can't come to the meeting.
   Professional: _____________________ I have a scheduling _____________________ at that time.

4. Direct: Give me your opinion.
   Professional: I would love to hear your _____________________ on this matter.

5. Direct: Tell me what happened.
   Professional: Could you please _____________________ me on the current status?

6. Direct: Help me with this.
   Professional: I would really appreciate your _____________________ with this task.

7. Direct: I want to talk now.
   Professional: _____________________ jump in here for a moment?