Miscommunication and misunderstandings can be fatal in business. They can lead to lost sales, bad client relations, and even the complete failure of projects. At best, miscommunication wastes time – and of course, time is money. This is why it is essential that all parties in business meetings, discussions and negotiations are on the same page. To ensure this, it is important that what everyone is saying is mutually understood.
Learning English online in a ‘virtual classroom’ was largely on the fringes of educational practice prior to the COVID pandemic. However, since the COVID lockdowns, the virtual classroom has become a more familiar part of our post-pandemic culture. Schools, colleges and some of the best universities in the world are now delivering English courses online. That’s because learning English online has proven to be very effective, especially for company employees. Here are eight of the best reasons why learning English in a virtual classroom is so convenient and effective.
When English language teachers do a CELTA, Trinity or PGCE course to learn how to teach, we are generally taught to plan our lessons using the 3P’s method – presentation, production and practice. This works very well within a formal academy or school setting with a curriculum, syllabus and groups of students who have to attend regularly, and on time. But for those of us who deliver private lessons or business English training and find ourselves being asked to deliver ‘conversation classes’, the 3P’s aren’t so helpful. In fact, insisting on the strictures of this format can often drive clients away. So how can English teachers ensure that their students are engaged and entertained in conversation whilst still studying and learning? What is the art of delivering a good conversation class?
