A Practical Guide to Business English Communications for Professionals in Spain
In the first article of this series, we explored why Business English is essential for professionals in Spain and how to build strong foundations for professional communication. Next, we looked at writing professional emails. In this third article, we move from theory to practice and focus on one of the most challenging areas for many Spanish professionals: meetings and negotiations in English.
Whether you work in sales, management, engineering, HR, or customer support, your ability to communicate clearly and confidently in meetings can directly impact your professional success.
Why Meetings in English Are Especially Challenging
Many Spanish professionals have a solid understanding of grammar and vocabulary, yet still feel uncomfortable during meetings conducted in English. This discomfort usually comes from several factors combined: the fear of interrupting or sounding impolite, difficulty following fast speech or unfamiliar accents, the habit of translating mentally from Spanish to English, and uncertainty about how direct or indirect they should be.
Because meetings require real-time communication, there is little time to think, translate, or correct mistakes. However, meetings usually follow predictable structures, and once these patterns are understood, participation becomes much easier and more natural.
FIND OUT MORE: WHAT IS BUSINESS ENGLISH AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Preparing Professional Language for Meetings
Using standard meeting language allows you to sound confident and professional even if your English is not perfect. Simple expressions such as “Let’s get started,” “Thanks everyone for joining,” or “The aim of today’s meeting is…” help set a clear and professional tone from the beginning.
When giving your opinion, phrases like “From my point of view,” “I think we should consider…,” or “In my experience…” are widely accepted in international business contexts and allow you to contribute without sounding too strong or too passive.
Disagreeing or interrupting can feel particularly uncomfortable for Spanish professionals. However, polite expressions such as “I see your point, but I’m not sure it would work because…” or “Sorry to interrupt, could I add something?” are not only acceptable but expected in professional English meetings.
Cultural Differences in International Meetings
Business English is not only about language; it is also about communication style. In international environments, especially with Northern European colleagues, meetings tend to be more structured, more direct, and more time-focused. Silence is often acceptable and even expected, and participants usually wait for their turn to speak.
Spanish professionals often use a more expressive and flexible communication style. Adapting to international expectations does not mean changing your personality; it simply means adjusting your style so that your message is understood clearly and professionally.
Negotiating in Business English: Confidence Over Perfection
Negotiations are another area where many professionals feel insecure when using English. The key point to remember is that clarity is far more important than complex vocabulary or advanced grammar. Short, direct sentences are usually more persuasive and reduce the risk of misunderstandings.
Expressions such as “We’re looking for a long-term solution,” “That could work, provided that…,” or “Let’s try to find a middle ground” are common in international negotiations and help you sound confident and cooperative. Preparing this type of language in advance can significantly improve your performance.
Typical Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Spanish professionals often make similar mistakes in English meetings, such as using very long sentences, being too indirect when a clear answer is expected, or avoiding participation altogether due to fear of making mistakes. Another common issue is the misuse of false friends, for example saying “actually” when you mean to say “currently”.
It is important to remember that international colleagues expect non-native speakers to make mistakes. What they value most is clear, direct, and respectful communication.
Improving Your Meeting Skills in English
The most effective way to improve is through regular practice in real or realistic situations. Preparing key phrases before meetings, focusing on listening for meaning rather than translating word by word, and practising speaking aloud all help build confidence.
This is where taking Business English classes can make a real difference. Structured training provides guided practice, personalised feedback, and exposure to realistic meeting and negotiation scenarios. Instead of studying general English, professionals can focus on the language they actually need for their roles, saving time and seeing faster results.
Working with an experienced Business English trainer who understands the Spanish professional context also helps learners overcome common challenges such as lack of confidence, fear of mistakes, and cultural differences in communication. Consistency over time, supported by targeted training, is far more effective than occasional intensive study.
Conclusion
Meetings and negotiations in English do not have to be stressful. With practical language, cultural awareness, and a focus on clarity rather than perfection, Spanish professionals can participate confidently and effectively. And remember, if you or your team want to improve your Business English for real professional situations, tailored training makes all the difference.
FURTHER READING
- Global Business Speaks English from the Harvard Business Review
- Learning a Second Language: Upgrading How You Think
- Academic Study: When Language Matters by Grant Packard, Yang Li, Jonah Berger