In the business world we all talk about English, but we don't always talk about the same English. It is not the same to study a general English course as it is to be trained in corporate English. And it is this difference, which may seem small, that makes the difference between a company actually achieving tangible results or simply adding hours of tuition with no real impact.
At Global4Idiomas we have it clear: companies looking to grow, open markets and communicate with international clients need corporate English, taught online and live with specialised teachers, because it guarantees real practice and applicable results from day one.
What exactly is General English
General English is the most common in academies, schools and traditional courses. It focuses on developing basic language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Topics revolve around everyday life: introducing yourself, talking about hobbies, describing a trip, understanding a film or reading a simple article.
There is no doubt that it is useful for travelling, for having social conversations or for getting by in informal contexts. But when you think of a meeting with investors, an email with an important client or writing a report, this kind of training falls short. It is a good starting point, but it is not designed for the demands of the workplace.
The value of corporate English
Corporate English is born out of the real needs of companies. The aim is not for students to be able to speak about any subject, but for them to be able to deal with the professional situations that are part of their daily lives.
Key features of corporate English
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Specialised vocabulary adapted to the business sector.
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Dynamics that reproduce real situations: meetings, calls, presentations, negotiations or customer service.
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Direct application of what has been learnt in the workplace.
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Flexibility and continuous monitoring thanks to the live online modality with teachers, who correct mistakes on the spot and adapt the contents.
Key differences between General English and Corporate English
Target
General English improves social communication; corporate English aims for business results.
Contents
General English covers everyday vocabulary and situations; Corporate English focuses on professional terminology and sector-specific contexts.
Methodology
General English follows a standard syllabus; Corporate English uses practical examples, simulations and exercises directly related to the students' work.
Results
General English gives confidence in informal conversations; corporate English turns the language into a tool for productivity and competitiveness.
Why your company should go for corporate English
When a company decides to train its employees, it does so with the expectation of a clear return. In this sense, a corporate English programme offers benefits that go far beyond individual language improvement.
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Sales teams able to present and negotiate in English with international customers.
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Technical departments able to write manuals or deal with queries in English autonomously.
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Smoother and more productive meetings with foreign affiliates.
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Reduction of errors and costs arising from linguistic misunderstandings.
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Increased staff motivation and commitment, as they perceive the training as useful for their professional development.
Practical examples
E-mail address
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General English: "I hope you are fine. I wanted to talk to you about something important".
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Corporate English: "Please find attached the updated contract draft. Let us know if you require any adjustments before next Friday".
Presentation
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General English: talking about a trip or personal experience.
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Corporate English: explaining a business plan, justifying figures and answering complex questions with confidence.
Meeting
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General English: conversation about hobbies or current affairs.
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Corporate English: defending a budget, discussing deadlines or closing a deal with international partners.
How to make the right choice
The key to making the right choice is to be clear about your objectives. If the aim is to enable employees to travel and get by in everyday situations, General English may be sufficient. But if the purpose is to improve the company's internal and external communication, close deals, increase international presence and reinforce the professional image, corporate English is the right answer.
As it is live online training, the learning experience is adapted to the real dynamics of the workplace, allowing immediate and effective practice of what will later be applied in the company.
Conclusion
General English and corporate English do not compete with each other: they respond to different needs. However, in today's business context, only corporate English offers the necessary tools to meet the challenges of internationalisation and professional communication.
Investing in this type of training is not an expense, but a strategic decision. It means giving employees the ability to represent the company effectively in any situation, from a follow-up call to a key negotiation.
At Global4Idiomas we help companies make that leap with live online corporate English programmes, taught by specialised teachers and adapted to each sector. It is the most effective way to turn language into an ally for growth and to prepare teams for an increasingly demanding global environment.
