20 Business Expressions you Should Know for Fluent English

Summary

In this video, Lisa interviews Gene Sullivan, an executive coach, to help English speakers at work sound more confident and native-like. Sullivan shares valuable expressions used by native speakers in professional settings and discusses the importance of soft skills, emotional intelligence, and effective communication. The conversation also covers common challenges faced by individuals transitioning from technical experts to leadership roles and the necessity of adapting to new skill sets.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video aims to help English speakers at work sound more confident and native-like.
• 🎓 Gene Sullivan, a business/executive coach, is featured to share valuable expressions used by native speakers in professional settings.
• 👂 The video series involves listening to native speakers in Los Angeles to improve English skills.
• 💡 Gene uses many expressions that are common in a professional environment and are taught throughout the video.
• 🗣️ English pronunciation and American accent rules are discussed to enhance speaking skills.
• 📝 The importance of active knowledge, which is using words while speaking English, is emphasized over passive knowledge.
• 🏢 Gene's clients are often successful individuals looking to develop their businesses and leadership skills further.
• 🧠 Emotional intelligence and conversational skills are highlighted as crucial for effective leadership, especially for those from technical backgrounds.
• 🚀 The concept of 'amygdala hijack' is introduced to explain how strong emotions can override rational thinking.
• 🔄 The necessity for professionals to shift from being experts to leaders when they move up in their companies is discussed.
• 💼 Soft skills training is identified as an important yet often overlooked area in employee development.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video featuring Gene Sullivan?

The video focuses on improving English language skills, particularly for a professional environment, by learning from native speakers. Gene Sullivan, a business coach, shares valuable expressions and insights that can help viewers sound more confident and like native speakers.

What type of skills does Gene Sullivan help clients develop?

Gene Sullivan helps clients develop their businesses and leadership skills, with a focus on interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, which are often not naturally possessed by technically successful individuals.

What is an 'amygdala hijack' as mentioned by Gene Sullivan?

An 'amygdala hijack' refers to a situation where the amygdala, the part of the brain that controls emotions, takes over due to excessive emotion, causing the executive function of the brain to go offline, leading to a lack of logic and common sense.

Why is emotional intelligence important in a professional setting according to the video?

Emotional intelligence is important because it involves being aware of, controlling, and expressing one's emotions, as well as handling interpersonal relationships effectively, which are crucial for effective leadership.

What does the term 'soft skills' refer to in the context of the video?

In the video, 'soft skills' refers to non-technical skills such as management, communication, and leadership skills that are important in a work environment but are not directly related to job-specific technical abilities.

How does Gene Sullivan suggest improving conversational skills?

Gene Sullivan suggests improving conversational skills by being aware of how one phrases messages so that they can be well-received by others, taking into account the emotional state and personality of the person receiving the message.

What does 'going through the motions' mean in the context of employee engagement?

'Going through the motions' means performing tasks without genuine interest or effort, simply because they are required, which is the opposite of being engaged and invested in one's work.

What is the significance of 'making a shift' in a professional career as discussed by Gene Sullivan?

Making a shift in a professional career refers to transitioning from one role or skill set to another, such as moving from being a technical expert to a leadership role, which often requires learning new skills.

How does Gene Sullivan define 'innately' in the context of learning emotional intelligence?

Gene Sullivan defines 'innately' as something that people are born with or naturally know how to do without being taught. He contrasts this with emotional intelligence, suggesting that it's not something most people innately know how to do and requires training.

What advice does Gene Sullivan give for delivering messages effectively?

Gene Sullivan advises that when delivering messages, it's important to consider the emotional state and personality of the recipient to avoid triggering negative reactions, ensuring the message is heard and understood.

Why is it necessary to 'get on the same page' in a professional setting?

Getting on the same page means achieving a mutual understanding of a situation or goal. It's necessary for effective collaboration, as it ensures that all parties have a clear and shared perspective, preventing misunderstandings and conflicts.