Business English

Course Name: Business English

Day(s)/time of class: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 pm (Irish Time)

Course length: 24 hours in class + self-study and teacher feedback

Course dates:

Block 1: Tuesday 06 July to Thursday 12 August 2021 and

Block 2: Tuesday 17 August to Thursday 23 September 2021

You can continue from one block to another if you wish or blocks can be taken independently of one another. Please indicate on the application form which block(s) you wish to take.

Level(s): B1 and higher

Course cost – €300*⁺

*Returning students receive a loyalty discount. Please email infolang@ucc.ie for details.

⁺UCC staff and students should email infolang@ucc.ie to enquire about special offers.

Course overview:

This course takes a developmental approach to learning and honing language skills in the business world.

The course includes:

Simulations and roleplays
Writing tasks
Authentic listening
Field related reading tasks with assignments
Relevant vocabulary
Situational language tailored to the context

Learning objectives:

By the end of this course you will:

Have learnt vocabulary related to the topics of sales, meetings and negotiation
Have practised listening for comprehension skills in a business context using authentic texts
Have practised speaking skills via role plays and presentations
Have been given feedback on the accuracy and effectiveness of your speaking skills in terms of content and language in a business setting
Have used and referenced authentic source materials and had reading practice (out of class)
Have improved your confidence in terms of selling, negotiating and participating in business meetings
Have reviewed content

Weekly course plan: (may change slightly depending on class needs)

Week 1:

Sales: Learn the English language to aid you in sales skills and with processes and techniques

Week 2:

Research your market. Deliver a sales presentation

Week 3:

Setting ground rules for meetings. Setting agenda. Different roles in a meeting

Skills for online meetings

Week 4:

Language of interrupting/clarifying/digressing

Writing minutes effectively

Week 5:

Types of negotiation. Sample negotiations and language focus. Authentic Listening. Roleplays. Elevator pitch

Week 6:

Negotiating a raise. Negotiation gambits. Softening/Diplomatic language. Questioning techniques. Win/win negotiations.

Student Feedback/Assessment

Students will receive regular feedback from their teacher(s) on oral skills (content e.g. ability to negotiate well) and language-related issues (persistent errors or pronunciation features).

There will be no formal assessment on this course.

Minimum class numbers:

A minimum number of 4 students will be required for this class to run. If 4 students do not sign up, you will be offered to transfer to another course (depending on level), postpone to another term, or a refund.

Online class connection requirements:

Microsoft Teams application, a good internet connection and a quiet space where you can speak (headphones/ earphones optional)

Attendance/End of course certificate:

Attendance will be taken in every class. If you attend 80% of your lessons you will receive an end of course certificate. Please advise the teacher if you know in advance that you will be absent.

How to Apply

Apply here: Summer 2021 registration form

IT Requirements: a computer, tablet or smartphone with audio and video. A reliable internet connection. You will need to be able to access MS Teams, Zoom or Canvas for your classes, depending on the course applied for.