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An English Course VS Business or Soft Skills Course in English: What difference is there?

In today’s globalized world, English proficiency has become a vital asset for individuals seeking to excel in their personal and professional live

Written with love by: Suzanne Pilch, ICF Certified Coach & MPEC Partner


While mastering the English language is undoubtedly crucial, it is equally essential to acquire a diverse set of skills that can enhance one’s effectiveness in a professional environment. This is where the distinction between an English course and a soft skills or business skills course in English emerges

While an English course equips learners with linguistic competence, a soft skills or business skills course focuses on developing specific abilities necessary to thrive in professional settings, blending language proficiency with essential interpersonal and professional competencies.

Understanding the nuances between these courses is key to honing a well-rounded skill set and achieving success in today’s competitive job market.

So, how does an English Course differ from a Business or Soft Skills Course in English?

An English course primarily focuses on teaching the English language itself, including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading comprehension, writing skills, and listening comprehension. The main goal is to enhance your overall proficiency in the English language.

On the other hand, a soft skills or business skills course in English aims to develop specific skills that are valuable in professional settings, such as communication skills, leadership skills, teamwork, presentation skills, negotiation skills, time management, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These courses focus on improving your abilities to interact effectively with others, navigate professional environments, and excel in a business or organizational context.

While an English course provides the language foundation necessary to communicate in English, a soft skills or business skills course focuses on applying that language proficiency in a professional context. It helps you develop the necessary interpersonal and professional skills to succeed in various industries and business settings where English is commonly used.

Who can benefit from training in English?

For advanced ESL (English as a Second Language) students, shifting the focus from solely learning the language to developing soft and business skills in English can be a significant step towards achieving greater professional success. While having a strong command of the English language is undoubtedly important, advanced learners often wish to further enhance and strengthen their language proficiency.

By redirecting their attention to soft and business skills, they can leverage their linguistic competence to excel in diverse professional contexts.

Developing effective communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities in English enables these students to navigate the complexities of the global job market, collaborate seamlessly with international colleagues, and showcase their expertise with confidence.

By embracing a holistic approach that combines language fluency with valuable professional competencies, advanced ESL students can position themselves as well-rounded candidates ready to excel in today’s interconnected and dynamic work environments.

What are the ideal topics for training in English?

There is a wide range of topics that can be ideal for training in English, depending on the specific needs and goals of the individuals or organizations involved. Here are some popular and valuable topics for English training:

  • Business Communication: This includes improving professional writing skills, email etiquette, effective presentations, and business correspondence.
  • Effective Speaking and Presentation Skills: Focuses on improving public speaking abilities, delivering engaging presentations, and enhancing overall oral communication skills.
  • Negotiation and Persuasion: Covers strategies and techniques for successful negotiation, persuasive communication, and influencing others.
  • Cross-Cultural Communication: Helps individuals navigate cultural differences in communication styles, customs, and etiquette when interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Customer Service Skills: Aims to enhance communication skills and provide effective customer service in English, focusing on active listening, problem-solving, and empathy.
  • Leadership and Management Skills: Targets skills necessary for effective leadership, including team management, decision-making, conflict resolution, and delegation.
  • Project Management: Covers the principles and practices of managing projects, including planning, organizing, and executing tasks in English-speaking environments.
  • Time Management and Productivity: Focuses on techniques for prioritizing tasks, setting goals, managing time effectively, and maintaining productivity in professional settings.
  • Interview Skills and Resume Writing: Provides guidance on writing effective resumes, preparing for job interviews, and showcasing one’s skills and qualifications in English.
  • Networking and Relationship Building: Helps individuals develop effective networking skills, build professional relationships, and establish connections within their industry.

It’s important to note that the ideal topics may vary depending on individual goals, industries, and specific learning objectives.

Customized training programs should be tailored to meet the unique needs of learners or organizations, which is why we heartily invite HR and L&D Managers to visit the MPEC website to explore the radical personalisation of each and every didactic project created by our team of Coaches and delivered using our unique method based on Coaching and Neuroscience.



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