Business communication
Types of Business Communication Oral (meetings, presentations, negotiations, exchanging information, giving and taking messages) Written (letters, emails, faxes, applications, minutes writing)
Level of Formality 1 Formal style Full verb forms (e.g. he has been) No abbreviations (a problem instead of a prob) Polite expressions when speaking, writing (I wonder…; Could you....;Dear Sir / Madam; Yours faithfully; I would like you to do…; I am afraid I disagree with you on that) Used in relation with superiors, people we do not know
Level of Formality 2 Informal style Short verb forms (aren‘t, he hasn‘t got) Use of abbreviations is common (no prob;‘cos; ‘course) Conversation lacks the polite expressions, it is more direct (hey; give it to me) Incorrect grammar (he dunno) Used with friends, colleagues with whom one is on the first name terms
Diplomatic Language We can‘t do that. → We might need more time / new technology. That‘s a stupid thing to say. → I am afraid I cannot agree with you on that matter. You‘re wrong. → It is probably only a misunderstanding. There‘s a problem. →We seem to have a small problem.
Small Talk Topics Weather Hobbies Home country Media Sports Art / fashion trends Gossip about famous people
Sources STORTI, C. Cross-Cultural Dialogues.p. 95,96, 103, Intercultural Press, Inc., 1994 MASCULL, B. Business Vocabulary in Use Intermediate. CUP 2006. 172 p. ISBN 9780521775298.