Today, you're going to learn how to speak more professionally in business situations.

Now, at times, it's alright to use informal language.

It's acceptable in everyday situations.

But there are times when you'll want to create a more powerful impression, and at that time, you want to be able to use business English.

What's the difference between general English and business English?

Well, sometimes, there is not very much difference.

Sometimes general English is used in business context.

But sometimes, you use a higher-level word.

And that's what I'm going to teach you in this lesson.

Let's look at some really easy, common examples.

For example, if you say, or if you want to say, "I got your e-mail."

In regular English, you might just say, "I got your e-mail."

What would you say if you want to make it business English?

You could say⏤I'm giving you a clue, the word starts with "r".

Instead of saying, "I got your e-mail," "I received your e-mail," okay?

Now it becomes more formal and more business-like.

Suppose you want to tell someone "I need your help" or "I need some help."

What word could you use that starts with "r" instead of "need"?

Require.

So, instead of saying⏤and you can also change more than the verb.

The verb is the key, but you could say⏤instead of saying, "I need some help," you could say, "I require some assistance."

Now you've changed two words, the verb and also a noun.

Let's try another one.

Let's "talk about" it later.

Which business word could you use?

Let's "discuss".

Let's discuss it later.

That sounds much more professional than saying, "Let's talk about it later."

Next one.

How do I "get in touch" with her?

What word could you use instead of that?

How do I "contact" her?

Okay? Good.

Please "make sure" you arrive on time.

Which business word could you use instead of "make sure"?

Please "ensure", okay?

Please ensure you arrive on time.

Please "give" her your "travel plans".

Instead of saying "give", you could say, please "provide her with your itinerary".

There, we've changed another word.

Instead of saying "travel plan" or "travel plans", you could use the word "itinerary".

An itinerary is usually a piece of paper or document that lists your travel plans.

When you're departing, when you're arriving; where, when, and so on.

Please "let them know" when you'll be arriving.

Please let them know.

Instead of that, you could say, "Please inform them of your arrival."

Ok? Good.

Please "tell me why" you've made this decision.

Please "explain" your decision.

Could you please "talk some more" about that subject?

Could you please "elaborate"?

Could you please elaborate on that?

Now, this is actually a very useful word.

If you go to a conference or a meeting and you want someone to speak some more about a particular point or issue, it's a good, kind of, question to learn.

Could you please elaborate on that?

So, "to elaborate" means to speak more or talk more; give more information.

How are you going to "fix this problem"?

Better than using the word "fix" is the word "solve".

How are you going to solve this problem?

Alright?

So, try to do that.

For every simple word that you know and basic word that you know in general English, try to find a slightly more formal version which will be your business English word.

And use these words in an office environment.

If you found this video helpful, please subscribe to my channel on YouTube.

And if you'd like to do a quiz on this subject, you can also go to our website, www.engvid.com.

Thanks very much; good luck with your English!