7 must-have business English skills for 2025 – and how to master them

Do you feel your English is “good enough” — but not quite confident in meetings or presentations? In 2025, that gap could cost you opportunities.

In today’s global workplace, strong Business English skills are essential for leading meetings, pitching ideas, and writing effective emails that get results. But what does that actually mean in practice?

Here are seven of the most important Business English skills professionals need today — and simple ways to start improving them.

1. Clarity in spoken communication

It doesn’t matter how smart or experienced you are — if people don’t understand you, your message gets lost. Many professionals struggle with over-complicated phrasing or speaking too quickly.

How to improve:

• Use shorter, complete sentences

• Pause between ideas

• Replace vague language with precise terms

  
  

2. Confident presentation skills

Whether you’re on stage, in a video call, or leading a team meeting, how you present is just as important as what you say. Many non-native speakers find this daunting, but structure and practice can go a long way.

How to improve:

• Practise with outlines, not scripts

• Learn signposting phrases ("Today I'd like to..." "Let’s move on to...")

• Record yourself and review your tone, pace and clarity

  
  

📊 Did you know? Over 70% of professionals say that unclear English causes delays or misunderstandings at work.

(Source: LinkedIn Learning)

3. Precision in written communication

Emails, proposals, and chats are where impressions are often formed. Inaccurate grammar or overly casual phrasing can affect how your professionalism is perceived.

How to improve:

• Use templates or models for common types of writing

• Keep sentences short and to the point

• Review once for content and once for tone

  
  

4. Active listening

Business English isn’t just about speaking — it’s about understanding. Especially in international teams, where many people are working in their second or third language, active listening is critical.

How to improve:

• Summarise what you’ve heard before responding

• Ask clarifying questions

• Avoid interrupting; use phrases like “Go ahead” or “I’d like to come back to that in a moment.”

  
  

5. Language for influence

Being polite and being persuasive are not the same thing. Business English often requires soft skills like diplomacy, empathy, and persuasion. These can be learned like any other skill.

How to improve:

• Learn common polite expressions and softeners ("Would you mind..." "Perhaps we could...")

• Use positive framing ("What we can do is..." instead of "We can't...")

• Practise handling objections and suggesting alternatives

  
  

6. Cross-cultural communication awareness

Business English is global English. What works in London might confuse someone in Tokyo or Berlin. Cultural sensitivity is a business skill.

How to improve:

• Avoid slang and idioms unless you're sure of their meaning and relevance

• Stick to neutral, professional tone

• Learn how different cultures structure meetings and presentations

  
  

7. Vocabulary for your sector

Generic English only gets you so far. To lead discussions or explain ideas effectively, you need to be comfortable with the terms your clients and colleagues use.

How to improve:

• Keep a list of common expressions from your work

• Read or listen to English content in your field (podcasts, reports, articles)

• Practise explaining your product or service in simple English

Final Thought

These aren’t just language skills — they’re business-critical tools. Improving your English in these areas doesn’t just help you fit in; it helps you stand out.

👉 Take my free English assessment to find out where you stand, or👉 Book a 30-minute consultation to talk through your goals.

—

Andrew Wilkins is a communication coach based in Trier, Germany, helping professionals become more impactful in English.