‘Smart Business Talk’ Book Focuses on Colloquial Expressions in Business English

[ELTWeekly Volume 6, Issue 23 | September 22, 2014 | ISSN 0975-3036]

A new book from Manhattan Review, “Smart Business Talk,” is one of the first books with a primary focus on the uses, techniques and subtleties of Business English in addition to cultural differences. The goal is to effectively prepare non-native English-speaking professionals and students to manage challenges during their work, studies and internships. It is designed to aid the readers in their English language education beyond what textbook English can offer. The release of the book acknowledges the expanding global nature of the business world.

“Smart Business Talk” offers a guided tour of the usage of English Business Language covering slang and idiomatic expressions, word choice,
euphemisms, sports and keyword-related phrases, grammar specifics, cultural sensitivity, presentational skills and accent reduction. The book’s release comes after a well-received Communication and Culture Boot Camp Manhattan Review held for Columbia Business School. “You will enjoy the vividness and efficiency of the English language on a daily basis,” said Tracy Yun, CEO of Manhattan Review.

The mastery of the phrases and expressions in the book will not only increase productivity but workplace camaraderie. “A non-native English
speaker can effectively learn to speak the jargon of the workplace, write effectively, and communicate knowledgably and confidently,” said Dr. Joern Meissner, founder and Chairman of Manhattan Review. “Unnecessary misunderstanding and confusion can be minimized.”

The format of “Smart Business Talk” is more that of a training manual than a book written about English slang. The book goes into great depth
covering commonly used business slang and expressions concerning corporate hierarchy, performance and project management, meetings, conference calls and negotiations. The book breaks down expressions into key words and even sports references, a section that has been met with popularity by Manhattan Review’s students. Each entry such as “keep one’s eye on the ball” or to “put one’s two-cents in” has descriptive definitions with helpful example sentences that use the phrases in business-related contexts. Also included are sections on accent reduction and cultural sensitivity. The grammar guide goes into great detail about standard vs. non-standard usage of parts of speech, use of articles and prepositional phrases.

“Smart Business Talk” is also used in Manhattan Review’s Business English courses to help students grasp the meaning, connotation and proper
usage of specific English phrases. The course also trains students on articulation, presentational skills and business writing.

About Manhattan Review

Manhattan Review is a multi-national educational services firm, founded by Dr. Joern Meissner (http://www.meiss.com) in 1999 and managed by Ms. Tracy Yun. It focuses on GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) & TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) preparation, Admissions Consulting, and Management Training (subjects include Business Chinese, Advanced Business English, Capital Markets, Investment Banking Fundamentals, Corporate Finance, Managerial Accounting, Micro and Macro Economics, Statistics, Presentation, Leadership and many more). For further information, visit http://www.ManhattanReview.com.