As you know, English is fast becoming a requirement for anyone to work, communicate and compete in the international market.
Before we get to the list of 15 very important business English words, here are some simple tips to help you add these new words to your everyday vocabulary.
1. Organize - to arrange something in an orderly way (such as reports or products) or to plan for a certain function (such as business meetings or events).
Our sales and marketing team will organize the upcoming Annual Sales Convention in Las Vegas.
2. Guidance - comes from the verb to guide, which means to direct or lead the way. Therefore, guidance refers to the act of giving direction or help.
Martha, our manager, tells us we can go to her for guidance any time.
3. Expand - increase the size or amount of something. In business, we often talk about expanding a department or a business.
I hear that your company plans to expand to Europe and China next year.
4. Null and void - refers to a contract or clause that’s invalid, non-binding or which has no legal force.
Our lease will become null and void in 30 days if we don’t renew it now.
5. Competitor - refers to another business that is trying to perform better than your business and others in the same market.
Management is concerned about the number of new competitors entering the market this year.
6. Invoice - refers to an itemized bill showing the list of goods sold or services provided, their prices and the total amount to be paid.
Don’t forget that we need to pay within 45 days of receiving the invoice.
7. Public relations - refers to the activities used to promote and create a good public image of your company so that people will view it in a positive way. It’s also common to use the abbreviation PR.
I feel that sponsoring the Fitness For All program will be an excellent public relations move.
8. Agenda - refers to a list of things to be discussed or done at a meeting or business event.
Are you sure we can cover everything on today’s agenda in 2 hours?
9. Visual aids - things like charts, pictures, maps, etc. that make it easier for your audience to understand something. You commonly use visual aids if you’re giving a presentation or when you’re in a meeting.
Your visual aids really helped me get a better picture of this complex construction project.
10. Strategy - refers to a plan that’s been carefully put together to achieve a certain goal.
Our corporate department is developing a strategy to place our company at the top of the tourism industry.
11. Estimate - noun, refers to a general idea about the value, size or cost of something based on a rough calculation. "Estimate" can also be used as a verb, but the pronunciation is a bit different; click here to hear the differences.
The finance team is requesting estimates from several information technology companies to get an idea of the project cost.
12. Equipment - is used to talk about a set of tools or devices you need for a special purpose. For instance, office equipment may include photocopiers, cabinets, etc.
My manager thinks we should sell off the unused office equipment to create more space.
13. Branch - refers to the local office or shop of a company.
Our bank will be opening many new branches in smaller cities next year.
14. Guarantee - means to make an assurance, usually in written form, of the quality of your product or service. The noun "guarantee" refers to the assurance itself. If the "guarantee" also involves a physical document, that document is often called "a warranty".
Don’t worry, all our products come with a guarantee against major defects.
15. Market research - the research you do to collect information about what your customers need or prefer in a certain product or service.
New market research shows that food manufacturing is one of our country’s top income earners.
Remember, if you want to master this advanced business English vocabulary, you need to practice using the words in your daily work. Apply the tips we mentioned and you’ll soon be adding even more new advanced vocabulary to what you’ve just learned here. Keep up your good work!
