How Professionals Really Communicate at Work
Many professionals in Europe have a strong level of English. They can present data, write reports, and hold meetings. And yet, they often say the same thing: “My English is good, but I don’t always sound confident or natural at work.”
This is because Business English is not just about grammar or vocabulary. It is about tone, intention, and professional culture — and these are rarely taught in traditional English classes. This blog is about the English professionals actually use at work.
See also: Learning a Second Language: Upgrading How You Think
The Real Challenge: From Correct English to Professional English
In international business environments, English is often the shared language, but it may be that it’s no-one’s native language. As such, what matters most is not perfection — but clarity, diplomacy, and trust. Often Spanish professionals can sound too direct without meaning to, or too informal in emails. Also there is a danger of directly translating expressions that don’t work well in English
Let’s look at some real examples:
Example 1: “I Have a Doubt”
In Spanish, “Tengo una duda” is neutral and professional. In English, however, saying: “I have a doubt about this report,” can sound uncertain or negative, especially in senior-level discussions.
What you could say instead:
- “I have a question about this.”
- “I’d like to clarify one point.”
- “Can we go over this section?”
These sound confident, constructive, and collaborative.
Example 2: Being Direct vs. Being Diplomatic
Spanish business culture often values clarity and efficiency. In English-speaking business contexts, softening language is often expected — especially with senior stakeholders or clients.
Grammatically correct, but too direct:
- “This is wrong.”
- “You didn’t explain this.”
More professional alternatives:
- “I think there may be an issue here.”
- “Could you clarify this part for me?”
- “We might need to revisit this section.”
The message is the same, but the tone protects the relationship.
Too soft:
“We think that maybe this solution could work, but we are not completely sure.”
More Professional:
“Based on our analysis, this solution is the most viable option.”
Be assured, in English this does not sound arrogant! It sounds professional and decisive, which is expected in international business.
Direct disagreement:
Many Spanish executives avoid direct disagreement in English to prevent sounding rude. However, instead of saying nothing, use structured diplomatic language:
- “I see your point. My concern is…”
- “That’s an interesting idea. One risk we should consider is…”
- “I agree with the objective, but I’m not sure about the approach.”
These phrases show respect and protect the business relationship, while allowing you to be honest and strategic.
Example 3: Emails That Sound Polite (But Are Not)
Direct translation:
Often professionals translate Spanish email closings directly: “I wait for your answer.” In English, this implies urgency, and can sound abrasive or demanding.
More natural Business English:
- “I look forward to your response.”
- “Please let me know your thoughts.”
- “Happy to discuss this further.”
Small changes make a big difference in how you are perceived.
What Executives Should Focus On
For professionals and leaders in Spain working internationally, effective Business English means:
- Sounding confident but not aggressive
- Being clear without being abrupt
- Managing meetings, emails, and negotiations diplomatically
- Understanding what phrases really mean in context
This is not about becoming someone else. It’s about communicating your expertise clearly in a global environment.
Two Practical Tips you can Start Today
- When you write or speak in English, ask yourself: “Would this sound polite, clear, and professional if I received it from someone senior?” If not, soften the language slightly. Professional English is often less direct than Spanish—but more strategic.
- After writing an email or preparing for a meeting, ask yourself: “What is the main message in one sentence?” If it’s not clear — or appears too late — you’re probably still thinking in Spanish structure rather than Business English structure.
Final Thought
For professionals in Europe, the goal is not to sound more English. The goal is to sound clear, confident, and professional in an international context. Business English is a skill — and like any business skill, it can be learned, refined, and mastered.