Business English Listening for Beginners: Enhance Workplace Communication and Networking Skills

Hi, welcome to Business Communication Skills. My name is Richard Moore. I'm a lecturer in the International and English Language Programs here at the University of Washington in sunny Seattle. I've been a teacher here for over 20 years and one of my favourite courses to teach is Business Communication Skills. It's very practical and our students can apply what they are learning to their everyday life. I'm originally from England just outside of London and I've toured English in the UK, Australia and Korea. I decided to become a teacher of English because I love languages, travelling and working with different groups of people from around the world.

Hi, my name is Daphne Mackie and I'm also a lecturer in the same unit as Richard here at the University of Washington. I'm from Kentucky originally, but I started teaching Business English when I was living in Boston. I just finished getting a Master's in Teaching English as a second language and I decided to get an MBA too, a Master's in Business Administration. So it seemed like a great idea to teach Business English.

And here at the University of Washington, I've been involved in a lot of courses for people in business. For example, we've had programs for international bankers and other executives and also for people who are working at companies like Boeing and Microsoft. About 15 years ago, we started an intensive programming business English. Our students come to Seattle from countries all over the world.

Now it's your turn. The topic of this course is networking. It's the first of five courses in the Business Communication Skills Specialization. The first four courses will help you prepare for your final project. We hope that you'll enjoy the course and improve your ability to interact with other business people.