The best Business English podcasts and self-study books.

As the lingua franca of commerce, mastering business English isn’t just about linguistic fluency; it’s about wielding a powerful tool for success. The ability to navigate through negotiations, craft compelling presentations, and engage in articulate correspondence can truly set individuals apart in the corporate sphere. In this post we’ll explore some of the best Business English podcasts and self-study textbooks available, empowering you to hone your skills and excel in the realm of business communication.

Business Vocabulary in Use - Intermediate, Bill Mascull

This book is aimed at intermediate learners (B1-B2). There are 66 units, each with a page of explanations followed by a page of exercises, and an answer key in the back. This version also contains an ebook code that can be used with Macs, PCs, and tablets. Downloading the book to iOS or Android tablets (using the free Cambridge Bookshelf app) gives you access to audio, so you can listen as well as read.

Business Vocabulary in Use - Advanced, Bill Mascull

This book is aimed at advanced (B2-C1) learners. This version also contains an ebook code that can be used with Macs, PCs, and tablets. Downloading the book to iOS or Android tablets (using the free Cambridge Bookshelf app) gives you access to audio, so you can listen as well as read.

Business Vocabulary in Use - Elementary to Pre-intermediate, Bill Mascull

This book draws its vocabulary from the Cambridge International Corpus (a collection of real English taken from authentic sources), so learners can be sure that what they are learning is natural. This edition comes with a CD-ROM with games, tests, audio, practice exercises, and a phonemic chart.

Explore the full Business Vocabulary in Use range here.

333 Idioms + Phrases for Business, Liam Lusk & Scott Worden

One reason why business English can be so tough to master is the use of idioms and fixed expressions. Organised alphabetically, this book contains 333 idioms and phrases that are common in business contexts. Each entry includes three examples of use. One of the authors is from the US, while the other is from the UK, so you can be sure that the content will be relevant to you whichever environment you are in. This book is great for reference, but does not include exercises. I recommend you try coming up with your own examples and try them out with a colleague!

40 Intermediate Business English Dialogues, Zigzag English, Lydia Winter

This book covers a wide variety of business topics, such as negotiation, sales calls, networking, requesting a promotion, and many more. It includes comprehension questions and an answer key, and the author is a lawyer and experienced business English teacher from the UK. It is designed to help learners speak and understand real business English, as spoken by native speakers.

This book is part of the 7-book English Dialogues range.

The importance of listening

Strong listening comprehension is crucial if you want to succeed in the international business world. Podcasts are a fantastic tool to help you expand your vocabulary, and gain exposure to different accents. My favourites for US English are Tannia Suarez, and All Ears English. Business English Pod has over 600 lessons, and gives you access to a range of accents. For British English, check out the British Council's podcasts for professionals.

If you have a high level, I strongly recommend Deloitte's award-winning podcast, as well as McKinsey's podcast on business and management. Both are very accessible to learners as you can download the transcripts. To maximise your learning, I recommend you listen first, then read the transcript to check your understanding. Then listen and read together.

Remember, mastering business English through self-study is not just about language; it's about opening doors to new opportunities, and expanding your professional horizons. Embrace the learning process, celebrate your progress, and let your empowered communication skills drive your success. Keep learning, keep growing, and watch as your proficiency in business English opens doors to a world of possibilities!

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