Business English: Write Professional Emails In English

Your guide to writing clear, polite, effective emails when English is your second language

What you'll learn

Master the art of being polite in your English emails

Avoid the most common email mistakes non-native English speakers make

Address your reader accurately, appropriately and politely

Use English-language templates for the 10 most common emails

Correct common errors of English grammar that often crop up in emails

Requirements

You should be writing emails in English as part of your work or study

Description

Do you struggle to make yourself clear when writing emails in English?Do you worry that your emails are not as polite as they should be?Are you confused about the right level of formality to adopt in your business emails in English?Are you uncertain about how to address people correctly in English?Do you sense that Chat GPT will only take you so far when it comes to writing clear, polite emails in English?Whatever your worries about writing emails in English, this course has everything you need to be a clear, confident emailer.This course is for you if English is your second language and you need to write better emails in English - either as part of your day-to-day work or for study.In this course, you’ll learn how to write more effective professional emails in English.First of all, you’ll master the art of being polite in your English emails.You’ll also learn to avoid the most common email mistakes made by people whose first language isn’t English.By the end of the course, you’ll know how to address your reader accurately, appropriately and politely.And you’ll have a host of English-language templates for common emails.What’s more, the course is packed with opportunities for you to practise the concepts we teach and really hone your English skills.Here are some more reasons to take this course:Improved English grammar and vocabularyYou’ll get lots of hints and tips on grammar, vocabulary and idiomatic usage that will help you improve your spoken English and written English. The course will make you a better writer of English generally, using emails as the basis of study.A deep understanding of English-speaking cultureThis course will give you a rich understanding of the cultural aspects of writing effective emails. From our work with international learners of English, we have learned that different cultures have different attitudes to what “good” looks like when it comes to writing.We’ve also seen some common mistakes students make over and over again that are less about the actual words and more about cultural differences. This course will give you an appreciation of those differences — and the tools to adapt your style and tone of voice so it’s appropriate for English speaking readers.Better relationships with your readersThe course will give you sense of what makes a particular expression formal or informal, warm or cool. This will allow you to craft appropriate emails that take your English beyond the bland formulae of Chat GPT — to create strong bonds with your readers.Confidence in your writingThis course will give you the confidence to assess the quality of your own emails - or, indeed, any email. It will enhance your ability to edit and improve your own work, as well as AI-generated content.Opportunities to practiseThe course is specifically designed to support your learning. Throughout the curriculum, we’ve included lots of practical activities to help you solidify your knowledge, so that writing effective emails becomes painless, fun and second nature.Email templatesThe course is packed with templates arming you with appropriate language for a range of email situations — which you can use and adapt for your own needs.This course will make you a more competent and confident user of English for emails. So don’t delay – enrol today! We look forward to seeing you inside the course.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Is this course for you?

Lecture 2 Tone of voice 1: English as a writer-responsible culture

Lecture 3 Tone of voice 2: Using indirect language to be polite

Lecture 4 Practical activity: Interpret the real meaning behind these phrases

Lecture 5 Tone of voice 3: Three words to avoid!

Lecture 6 Tone of voice 4: Flat hierarchies in anglophone business culture

Lecture 7 Practical activity: make this email more polite

Lecture 8 Names and titles: how they work in English

Lecture 9 Greeting people politely

Lecture 10 Practical activity: Choose the right greeting

Lecture 11 Signing-off politely

Lecture 12 Subject lines

Lecture 13 Practical activity: rewrite these subject lines

Section 2: Writing tips and techniques

Lecture 14 How to be clear and concise

Lecture 15 Practical activity: assess these real-life examples

Lecture 16 Formality v informality

Lecture 17 Practical activity: give these emails a better tone

Lecture 18 Common abbreviations used in business emails

Lecture 19 Common idioms used in business emails

Section 3: Business email templates

Lecture 20 How to create email templates

Lecture 21 Generic message: SCRAP

Lecture 22 Template: generic message (SCRAP)

Lecture 23 Responding to a confusing email

Lecture 24 Template: responding to a confusing email

Lecture 25 Polite requests

Lecture 26 Template: polite request

Lecture 27 Polite reminder

Lecture 28 Template: polite reminder

Lecture 29 Introducing yourself to someone new

Lecture 30 Template: introducing yourself to someone new

Lecture 31 Arranging meetings

Lecture 32 Template: arranging meetings

Section 4: Helpdesk emails: dealing with customers over email

Lecture 33 Best practices for dealing with customers

Lecture 34 Responding to a complaint

Lecture 35 Template: Responding to a complaint

Lecture 36 Giving instructions

Lecture 37 Template: Giving instructions

Lecture 38 Practical activity: giving instructions

Lecture 39 Responding to a feature request

Lecture 40 Template: Responding to a feature request

Section 5: Congratulations on completing the course!

Lecture 41 How to get your certificate

Lecture 42 Bonus lecture

Email writers whose first language is not English