Words are the building blocks of every language. We agree that a word represents an idea and that allows us to communicate. Business English has its own core vocabulary, a group of words that are used again and again in business situations. You can find lists of these words on the internet or in business English vocabulary books. A great way to learn new business vocabulary is to read articles about your field or industry in trade publications or online. New words will appear in context and will be easier to understand and remember.
Many international companies also have their own key words, or business jargon, and it is essential to learn what these are when you are working for or with such a company. A good way to learn these words is to read the promotional materials for the company. Key words will be repeated. Asking an English speaker who has been with the company for a while is another way to learn about special words and phrases the company uses to communicate.
However you acquire your new vocabulary, practice both speaking and writing the words to ensure that you remember them when you need them in the future.
Keep it simple. Use the simplest structure that conveys your meaning clearly. There are situations that call for complex structures, but most often it is possible to communicate more clearly by keeping your sentences basic and error free. This is also true for vocabulary, however don't confuse simplicity with informality. Business English is a bit more formal than everyday speech. For example, instead of "I'm sorry for any problems you had," business English uses "Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience." "Sort out the problem" becomes "Resolve the issue."
Business correspondence in English uses a lot of standard phrases and sentences that can be repeated in many situations. For example, it is common to finish a business letter or email with "If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me." Use active language, get directly to the point, and avoid wording that can be read or understood in more than one way.
The more you use your language skills, the more comfortable you will be with business English. Fluency is a combination of speed and accuracy, which allows you to communicate efficiently and effectively with other people. Practice using business English whenever possible. Talk to your local colleagues who also speak business English. Don't wait until you are leaving on a business trip or walking into a sales meeting or contract negotiation to practice. If you use your international business English every day, it will be there for you when you really need it the most.