Business vocabulary is an important component of business success. As a specialized language, you will find that it is often quite distinct to everyday language. Without the knowledge of business jargon and words used within the business world, it is possible that much of what is said in a business meeting or an important email will not even register with the receiver. You might actually hear or read key words but will miss the overall connotation and underlying meanings conveyed within the message. For these reasons, business vocabulary building is an important part of a career and success.
Techniques for Developing a Business Glossary
It is important to use a number of different methods, rather than just one, to improve business language. When used in conjunction with each other, the results are more successful. Some useful methods to increase your vocabulary include: learning business words in context; defining business terms in your own words; learning business words when used in different ways; and ensuring you are repeatedly exposed to the words (Read Naturally, 2008).
To successfully develop your business vocabulary, do not try and learn the words in isolation. Identify how they are used at the office or in that important business meeting. Do not use anyone else’s definition but your own. Obviously, you will need to look the word up in a dictionary or glossary; however, take it one step further and define it using your own words. It is of no use if you are attempting to learn a word when you don’t quite get the gist of what it means.
Another technique to use in business vocabulary building is to work out how the word is used in different ways. The term may have a particular meaning when used in one way and a different connotation when used another way. You also need to gain repeated exposure to the business term. This will increase the chances of it staying in long-term memory. Ultimate Vocabulary’s software taps into this by using the Word Messenger™ service. This tool reminds you of your wordlist and your Learning Curve™. It includes words not fully understood and repeats your exposure to them by placing them in new exercises and tests.
It is unrealistic to believe that you will hear a word at the office and remember it. Business vocabulary building requires numerous exposures in both a written and verbal environment. The Ultimate Vocabulary software provides audio pronunciation of words to support your vocabulary learning.
Another technique for business vocabulary-building is to create a database of the new terms you are trying to learn. In this database, you will have index cards. On the index cards, write the word; its meaning; past tense; plural form; and also use it in a sentence (University of Alabama, 2009).
Expose Yourself: The Best Technique for Vocabulary Building
Another strategy for business vocabulary-building is to place yourself in an environment where the words are being used (a lot). This is particularly the case in regards to receptive vocabulary – that is, vocabulary related to listening and reading (Allen, 2006). For example, if you are in a board meeting, and listening or reading a report, you need a high level of receptive vocabulary to fully comprehend specialized vocabulary. Apart from putting yourself in settings of rich environments, strategies to improve receptive vocabulary can include hearing and having the opportunity to respond to it in context (McAndrews, 2008).
When in the business environment, you will soon notice that knowledge of this specialized language is essential. The good news is that improving one’s business vocabulary is achievable. It will open up a new world and present fresh understandings. There will be no more confusion. Your business career will flourish.
References
Allen, J 2006, ‘Too Little of Too Much? What Do We Know about Making Vocabulary Instruction Meaningful?’, Voices From the Middle, vol. 13, no. 4. pp. 16-19.
McAndrews, SL 2008, ‘Language and Vocabulary Development: Understanding Language Development’, in Diagnostic Literacy Assessments and Instructional Strategies: A Literacy Specialist’s Resource.
Read Naturally, Inc. 2008, Take Aim! at Vocabulary: Research and Rationale.
University of Alabama 2009, Building a College Level Vocabulary: How to Remember New Words.