Business English: Competition - A Short Guide

Competing in the global market requires not just business acumen but also proficiency in the language of commerce: English. For adults learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL), understanding the dynamics of competition in business is essential. Here's a breakdown of effective teaching strategies to help EFL learners grasp this crucial aspect:

 1. Vocabulary:

• Create flashcards with terms like "market share," "competitive advantage," "pricing strategy," etc.

• Use online business glossaries and interactive quizzes to reinforce understanding.

• Encourage learners to label diagrams or charts with relevant vocabulary.

• Employ word association games to link business terms with everyday situations.

• Integrate real-world examples from case studies or news articles to contextualize vocabulary.

2. Speaking:

• Conduct debates on topics like "Is competition healthy for businesses?"

• Role-play scenarios such as negotiating deals or pitching products to potential clients.

• Organize group discussions on industry trends and competitive strategies.

• Encourage presentations on competitive analysis of companies within the learners' field of interest.

• Pair learners up for mock interviews where they discuss their competitive strengths.

3. Listening:

• Provide audio recordings of business meetings or negotiations for listening comprehension exercises.

• Utilize podcasts or TED Talks focusing on business competition and strategy.

• Incorporate listening tasks where learners summarize key points from business-related lectures or presentations.

• Use interviews with industry experts discussing competitive challenges and solutions.

• Introduce listening activities with role-plays simulating phone conversations or client meetings.

4. Reading: 

• Assign articles from reputable business publications like Harvard Business Review or Forbes.

• Analyze case studies on competitive successes and failures.

• Explore business-related books or excerpts that delve into competitive strategy.

• Incorporate infographics or visual representations of market competition dynamics.

• Engage learners in critical reading exercises where they evaluate competitors' strategies.

5. Writing: 

• Assign essays on topics like "The Role of Innovation in Competitive Advantage."

• Task learners with drafting business proposals or marketing plans to outperform competitors.

• Encourage learners to write competitive analysis reports on companies of their choice.

• Facilitate peer feedback sessions on written business correspondence or emails.

• Integrate journaling prompts to reflect on personal experiences with competition in the workplace.

Mastering competition in business English is a multifaceted endeavor, demanding proficiency in vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, and writing. By employing these diverse teaching strategies, EFL learners can not only enhance their language skills but also gain a competitive edge in the global business arena.

If you need a ready-to-use resource designed to accelerate your EFL learners' proficiency in business English, you will find a comprehensive lesson plan HERE. Unlock their potential today!