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Business success speaks one universal language: effective communication. This is especially true for professionals working in English-speaking countries like Canada, where the business landscape is as diverse as it is competitive. While technical skills might get you in the door, it’s your ability to communicate in business settings that determines how far you’ll go.
Effective business communication skills aren’t just an extra line to add to your resume—they’re your ticket to bigger opportunities, higher positions, and better pay. Read on to learn more about the importance of business language and why building your Business English skills could be your most valuable career investment.
What Is Business Communication?
Business communication is how people share information at work. It’s how businesses stay connected, solve issues, and move forward. This includes everything from chatting with your coworkers and updating your boss (internal business communication) to connecting with clients and partners (external business communication).
What’s great about communication in business is that it flows like a network throughout a company. Sometimes it moves from leaders to their teams (vertical communication), while other times it’s peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing (horizontal communication), or different departments working together (lateral business communication).
Professionals use business communication skills across different communication channels and processes—from emails and memos to phone calls and face-to-face conversations. Even a quick chat message to your teammate counts!
→Learn more: How to Improve Business English
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8 Reasons Why Communication Matters in Business
Now that we know the answer to “What is business communication?”, let’s dive into the importance of business language for professionals working or planning to work in Canada. Here are the top eight reasons why your business communication skills matter.
1. Outstanding First Impressions
First impressions matter in business. When you communicate professionally in English, people notice. Mastering communication in business helps you introduce yourself confidently, write clear emails, and handle phone calls professionally. These skills help you build strong business relationships from the get-go.
2. Work Better in Teams
Creating a great first impression matters, but so does sustaining it. Working in Canada means being part of diverse, multicultural teams. The importance of business language shows itself more in team settings, where clear and effective communication is essential for collaboration and success.
When you articulate your thoughts and practice active listening, you can share ideas openly, provide constructive feedback, and resolve conflicts more easily. This helps foster a positive environment and work effectively with people from different cultures.
3. Opens Doors to Better Job Opportunities
Strong written and verbal communication in business makes you stand out to employers. Regardless of the role, the ability to communicate effectively is one of the top skills employers look for in job candidates.
With solid Business English skills, apply for higher positions and work in international companies. It also signals employers that you’re ready to take on more responsibility and handle important tasks.
4. Increase Earning Potential
Strong English communication skills can significantly increase your earning potential, leading to upwards of an 80% salary increase. There are a few reasons for this. When you can communicate professionally in English, you can:
- Negotiate better salaries
- Take on more responsibilities
- Find opportunities in global companies
- Showcase your value effectively during interviews and performance reviews
That’s why many employees believe English language training is a must. Investing in your Business English skills is an investment in your long-term career and advancement.
5. More Confidence in Business Settings
Confidence is one of the most important ingredients for professional success. The importance of business language translates to your ability to express yourself clearly and effectively, which can significantly impact how you’re perceived in the workplace.
When you communicate effectively in business, you feel more self-assured in meetings, presentations, and negotiations. It also helps you show your true skills and knowledge at work. The more comfortable you are with your communication, the more likely you’ll succeed in business interactions.
→Learn more: Common Business English Idioms & Phrases You Should Know
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6. Improved Customer Service Skills
Effective communication in business doesn’t just enhance internal communication, it also helps you serve your customers and clients better. How you facilitate communication with customers and clients can make or break the customer experience—and that has real business impact.
Around 80% of customers will leave a company after a single bad experience. Improving external communication skills can help you avoid this scenario by ensuring you understand customer needs clearly and respond promptly to their inquiries.
7. Helps Build a Strong Professional Network
Building a professional network in a foreign country can be challenging, especially for first-generation international students and workers. However, effective communication in business makes it easier.
When you master business communications, you can confidently connect with people in your industry, make friends, and grow your network. It can help you overcome communication barriers and foster valuable connections that can lead to job opportunities, collaborations, and support throughout your career.
8. Makes Living Abroad Easier
For professionals working, mastering communication in business enhances your job performance and enriches your experience in a new country. Strong English skills help you navigate the complexities of living and working in a foreign environment more comfortably.
Investing in effective business communication skills helps you confidently attend international conferences, engage with clients from diverse backgrounds, and understand the nuances of various business cultures. It also makes it easier to tackle challenges with confidence, whether negotiating contracts or collaborating on projects. Effective business communication opens up opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
Grow Your Business Communication Skills With ILAC
Effective communication in business is a must-have skill for business professionals. Turn this essential skill into your competitive advantage with ILAC’s Business English Program. Designed for working professionals, our program helps you master the art of business communication while maintaining your work schedule.
This course helps you:
- Lead meetings and negotiations with confidence
- Network effectively in professional settings
- Create impactful business presentations
- Write clear and persuasive business correspondence
- Navigate international business environments
Join the world’s most diverse learning environment at ILAC—Canada’s most-awarded English language school. Apply now or contact us to learn more about our programs!