Spoken English is a corporate essential

By Priya Chatterjee

Success they say is 10 per cent hard work and 10 per cent talking about it. In today's world it's not enough just to talk about it. You need to talk well and make a good package of it. That's where language plays an important role. Spoken and written English has become the means of business communication, not just with in the country but also between various countries.

With the advent of globalization, the picture took a different turn altogether. Now business deals and conferences are not confined within a single region but it is spread across the globe. But this widespread confinement raised the need for a single language, through which everyone can communicate. English being the most widely spoken language easily became the business language.

B-schools are also contemplating a change in syllabus to make sure they are able to gauge the language and expressions of students.

If statistics are to be believed, English is the official language of 54 countries & 27 non-sovereign entities. With around 1.4 billion speakers this language can be widely used around the world. Imagine, individuals having good English skills and with such a widespread communicating reach will always add value to the organization. The success of the business rests upon the communication skills. To be a good communicator, you need to be a good speaker and a patient listener. If we look at an employment advertisement closely, we'll notice that each of them emphasises on a strong English language skills. It is an essential factor for climbing up the corporate ladder.

Chief advisor at Shiksha, Nikhlesh Mathur, says, "if one is good in English then it helps on communication country-wide and world-wide. That is why English is an important tool at all places which have business connectivity outside their region. Country like China where only Chineese language prevailed till sometime back has realized this quickly and are now themselves giving emphasis on learning English."

It also motivates and boosts the morale of an individual to perform better. It not only churns out the best skills within a professional but also promises a growth oriented career. It is significant for an effective interaction with the colleagues which may prove to be beneficial depending upon the organizational environment. A strong hold over the language ensures in understanding others better and gaining control over unfavorable situations.

BMTY, Chief Advisor at Shiksha says. "Communication skill is certainly a factor for growth in Corporate and Social life , in many of the Business processes English Communication is the Only Factor to grow and Mostly due to our own Education system no one can escape from English , I feel Communication skill has become Synonymous with English in Indian Corporate World."

Even if the job or course you are applying for is technical and doesn't need language as a main requisite, presenting yourself well will give you an edge over others. It will improve your chances of climbing the ladder.

In short, an individual with command over this global language will prove to be an asset to the organisation and will have a guaranteed career growth. It is true that there were countries which did not have English as their official language, but even they are giving this decision a second thought.

Of course, if you speak well and use good vocabulary, it will add to your total profile. But don't focus on becoming a pro at it overnight. Keep daily efforts to polish your language by reading good publications. Add to your vocabulary daily by reading and using new words. Improve your expression by writing for yourself.

In the process you will not just polish your English language skills, but enjoy the whole journey of learning something new every day.

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