Vocabulary: Business Communication

This list focuses on practical, high-impact vocabulary that will allow you to articulate complex ideas with greater precision and confidence. The terms are grouped by common business functions.

Category 1: Strategic Management & Operations
This section covers language used when discussing company direction, efficiency, and market position.

1. Leverage

• Definition: To use something that you already have, such as your skills, assets, or relationships, in order to achieve a better result.

Example Sentences:

• "We must leverage our strong brand recognition to successfully launch the new product line in Europe."

• "By leveraging our existing distribution network, we can reduce shipping costs by at least 15% this quarter."

2. Streamline

• Definition: To improve the effectiveness of a process or organisation by simplifying or removing unnecessary steps.

Example Sentences:

• "The consulting firm was hired to help us streamline our internal workflows and eliminate bureaucratic delays."

• "We are launching a new software initiative to streamline communication between the sales and production departments."

3. Mitigate

• Definition: To make a risk or the negative effects of something less harmful, serious, or painful.

Example Sentences:

• "To mitigate the risks of supply chain disruption, we are diversifying our suppliers across three different countries."

• "The board has put a contingency plan in place to mitigate any potential financial losses from the new regulations."

4. Scalable

• Definition: Describes a business or system that is able to grow or be expanded to a larger size easily and efficiently.

Example Sentences:

• "When choosing a new software solution, it is critical to select a scalable platform that can support our company's future growth."

• "Our business model is highly scalable, which makes it very attractive to potential investors."

5. Benchmark

• Definition: To measure the quality of something by comparing it with a standard or with the best in a particular class (a "benchmark").

Example Sentences:

• "We need to benchmark our customer service performance against our main competitors to identify areas for improvement."

• "According to industry benchmarks, our production costs are higher than average, and we need to address this."

Category 2: Finance & Performance
Vocabulary for discussing financial results, investments, and company health.

1. Bottom Line

• Definition: The final figure on a company's financial statement, representing its net profit or loss. It is also used metaphorically to refer to the most important or fundamental point.

Example Sentences:

• "Every department is under pressure to reduce costs and improve the company's bottom line."

• "The bottom line is that if we don't innovate, we will lose market share."

2. ROI (Return on Investment)

• Definition: A performance measure used to evaluate the profitability of an investment. It is calculated by dividing the net profit by the cost of the investment.

Example Sentences:

• "We need a detailed analysis of the projected ROI before we can approve the budget for this marketing campaign."

• "The new machinery was a significant expense, but the high ROI from increased efficiency justified the cost."

3. Forecast

• Definition: A calculation or prediction of future events or trends, especially in business, economics, or weather.

Example Sentences:

• "Based on current sales data, our financial forecast for the next quarter is looking very positive."

• "The management team is meeting to discuss the sales forecast and adjust the production schedule accordingly."

4. Volatile

• Definition: Describes a market or situation that is likely to change suddenly and unpredictably, often with large price swings.

Example Sentences:

• "Due to the volatile nature of the energy markets, we are hesitant to make long-term investment decisions right now."

• "Investing in emerging markets can be profitable, but you must be prepared for a volatile environment."

Category 3: Negotiations & Communication
Terms to help you communicate with more nuance and impact in meetings and negotiations.

1. Stakeholder

• Definition: A person, group, or organisation that has an interest or concern in a business, such as employees, customers, investors, and suppliers.

Example Sentences:

• "Before making a decision, we must consider the impact on all key stakeholders, including our staff and the local community."

• "There will be a meeting next week to present the project proposal to the primary stakeholders."

2. Consensus

• Definition: A general agreement among all the members of a group.

Example Sentences:

• "After a long discussion, the board reached a consensus to proceed with the acquisition."

• "It's important that we build consensus within the team before presenting our strategy to senior management."

3. Propose a motion

• Definition: To make a formal suggestion for a new plan or action at a formal meeting for others to discuss and vote on.

Example Sentences:

• "During the annual general meeting, I would like to propose a motion to increase the budget for research and development."

• "The chairman proposed a motion to adjourn the meeting until the following day."

4. Proprietary

• Definition: Relating to an owner or ownership; describing something that is owned and controlled by a private company and cannot be copied or used without its permission.

Example Sentences:

• "The formula for our flagship product is proprietary, and we have several patents to protect it."

• "The new device runs on proprietary software, which gives us a significant competitive advantage."

This vocabulary list provides a strong foundation for enhancing your business English. Consistent practise in meetings, emails, and presentations will help solidify your understanding and confidence.