BUSINESS  ENGLISH  VOCABULARY

BUSINESS ENGLISH VOCABULARY Graphs - Charts statistics - results - trends Graphs and charts are often used to present information and data. Below you will find useful phrases and vocabulary for presenting figures and trends.

pie chart

bar chart

line graph

Presenting Visuals - useful phrases & vocabulary :          

As you will see from this graph ... I'd like to show you ... Let me draw your attention to this part of the graph. Let's look more closely at this month's figures. This figure refers to the sales in China only. This pie chart shows our share of the European market today. As you can see, our main competitor has an even bigger share. The bar chart represents sales in our Asian outlets. Here you can see a comparison between ... On the line graph you will note : 

a strong upward trend in the sales of product A ...  despite occasional fluctuations ...  with a slight drop during the holiday season ...  with occasional variations due to .

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the overall performance of produce B is good.  The initial surge in sales was followed by a period of slower growth in the second half of the year.  The instant success of the product was followed by a period of stabilization in the level of sales.

Commenting trends - useful phrases : 

Increases :  a slight/constant/marked/substantial/increase in sales  an increase of about/roughly/approximately/in the region of ... %  a little over/above what we predicted  the recovery/upturn began in (month)  an overall increase in ...

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an upward trend in the demand for ... sales reached record levels / reached a peak in (month) a strong surge in the sales of ... by (month), the figure had risen to ... we predict that sales will soar in the coming year / over the next ... months Decreases :  just under our target  way below our expectations  a slight / notable / significant decrease in ...  the downturn began in (month)  the situation began to deteriorate in (month)  the number has continued to fall Fluctuations :  a slow start developed into steady progress in sales  an initial upward trend was followed by ...  we note slight fluctuations through the year  normal seasonal variations are the cause of occasional downward trends  sales have been (rather) irregular  the level / the rate has been unstable since ...  you will note a certain instability in the rate of ...

Conclusions - useful phrases :            

We must focus our attention on ... What I suggest is ... There is a necessity for ... We need more ... We have no choice but to ... Appropriate measures must be taken The only option we have is to ... These changes are inevitable. We will have to revise our estimation. The result / outcome will be ... I strongly recommend ... To conclude, I am happy / I regret to announce that ...

BUSINESS ENGLISH VOCABULARY Presentations Preparation is essential for an effective presentation. When giving a presentation, certain keywords are used to signpost the different stages. It's a good idea to memorize them and practise using them, so that they come to mind easily during a presentation.

Starting the presentation

Good morning/Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen • The topic of my presentation today is ... • What I'm going to talk about today is ...

Why you are giving this presentation

• The purpose of this presentation is ... • This is important because ... • My objective is to ...

Stating the main points

• The main points I will be talking about are : ◊ Firstly, ◊ Secondly, ◊ Next, ◊ Finally ... we're going to look at ...

Introducing the first point

• Let's start / begin with ...

Showing graphics, transparencies, slides, etc.

• I'd like to illustrate this by showing you ...

Moving to the next point

• Now let's move on to ...

Giving more details

• I'd like to expand on this aspect/problem/point ... • Let me elaborate on that. • Would you like me to expand on/elaborate on that?

Changing to a different topic

• I'd like to turn to something completely different ...

Referring to something which is off the topic

• I'd like to digress here for a moment and just mention ...

Referring back to an earlier point

• Let me go back to what I said earlier about ...

Summarizing or repeating the main points

• I'd like to recap the main points of my presentation: ◊ First I covered ... ◊ Then we talked about ... ◊ Finally we looked at ... • I'd now like to sum up the main points which were : ◊ First ... ◊ Second, ◊ Third,

Conclusion

• I'm going to conclude by ... ◊ First ... ◊ Second, ◊ Third, • In conclusion, let me ...

◊ First ... ◊ Second, ◊ Third, Questions

• Now I'd like to invite any questions you may have. • Do you have any questions?

BUSINESS ENGLISH VOCABULARY Presentations Word audience

Meaning Group of listeners or spectators

body language

Communication through facial expressions, body movements, etc.

chart

Sheet of information in the form of a table, graph or diagram.

diagram

Graphic representation of a situation e.g. the results of an action.

flip chart

Pad of large paper sheets on a stand for presenting information.

graph

Diagram showing the relation between variable quantities.

guidelines

Advice or instructions given in order to guide or direct an action.

handout

Written information (report etc.) given to people at a presentation.

key point

Essential or main point.

marker

Pen with felt tip used for writing on a whiteboard.

microphone

Electrical instrument used to amplify the speaker's voice.

O.H.T.

Overhead transparency : sheet of film with an image or printed information for overhead projector.

objective

What one wants to achieve; aim

outline

Brief description or presentation.

overhead projector

Device that projects an O.H.T. onto a screen.

overview

Short presentation of the main points.

pointer

Rod or stick used to indicate things on a map, screen, etc.

screen

Flat, reflective blank surface on which films, slides, etc. are projected.

signposting language

Phrases used to help focus the audience's attention on different parts of a presentation.

slide

Small photographic transparency.

summarize

Make a summary of the essential points; sum up.

topic

Subject of a discussion or talk.

transparency

Image or information printed on transparent plastic or film.

visual aids

Aids such as charts, slides, etc. used at a presentation.

whiteboard

Flat white board on which to write or draw with markers.

BUSINESS ENGLISH VOCABULARY Investments - Stock Market Word

Meaning

Bid

The price a buyer is willing to offer for shares in a company.

Blue Chip Stocks

Stocks of leading companies with a reputation for stable growth and earnings.

Bond

Certificate issued by companies and governments to their lenders.

Capital

Money and other property of companies used in transacting the business.

Capital stock

All shares representing ownership of a company.

Commodities

Products such as agricultural products and natural resources (wood, oil and metals) that are traded on a separate, authorized commodities exchange.

Dividend

A portion of a company's earnings which is paid to the shareholders/stockholders on a quarterly or annual basis.

Equity

The value of stocks and shares; the net value of mortgaged property.

Equities

Stocks and shares which represent a portion of the capital of a company.

Futures

Contracts to buy or sell securities at a future date.

Insider

All those who have access to inside information concerning the company.

Insider dealing / trading

Buying or selling with the help of information known only to those connected with the business.

IPO

Initial Public Offering - selling part of a company on the stock market.

Issue

Put into circulation a number of a company's shares for sale.

Liabilities

The debts and obligations of a company or an individual.

Mortgage

Agreement by which a bank or building society lends money for the purchase of property, such as a house or apartment. The property is the security for the loan.

Mutual fund

Savings fund that uses cash from a pool of savers to buy securities such as stock, bonds or real estate.

Option

The right to buy and sell certain securities at a specified price and period of time.

Par value

Nominal face value.

Penny stock

Shares selling at less than $1 a share.

Portfolio

Various types of securities held by an individual or institution.

Securities

Transferable certificates showing ownership of stocks, bonds, shares, options, etc.

Share

The capital of a company is divided into shares which entitle the owner, or shareholder, to a proportion of the profits.

Share certificate

Certificate representing the number of shares owned by an investor.

Shareholder

Owner of shares.

Speculator

Someone who buys and sells stocks and shares in the hope of making a profit through changes in their value.

Stock

Shares (portion of the capital of a business company) held by an investor.

Stockbroker

A licensed professional who buys and sells stocks and shares for clients in exchange for a fee called a 'commission'.

Stockholder

Person who owns stocks and shares.

Trader

Investor who holds stocks and securities for a short time (minutes, hours or days) with the objective of making profit from short-term gains in the market. Investment is generally based on stock price rather than on an evaluation of the company.

Trading session

Period during which the Stock Exchange is open for trading.

Venture capital

Money raised by companies to finance new ventures in exchange for percentage ownership.

Yield

Return on investment shown as a percentage. MEETINGS

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions Negotiations

(idioms, page 1 : above board → clinch a deal) above board

If business negotiations are described as above board, they are open, honest and legal. There are not secret negotiations. Our dealings have always been above board.

have an ace up your sleeve

If you have an ace up your sleeve, you have something in reserve with which you can gain an advantage. I'm well prepared for the negotiations. I've got an ace up my sleeve.

hold all the aces

A person or company who holds all the aces is in a very strong position because they have more advantages than anyone else. With low production costs and excellent transport facilities, they seem to be holding all the aces..

back to square one

To say that someone is back to square one means that they have not succeeded in what they were trying to do, so they have to start again. When they refused the terms of the contract, it was back to square one for the negotiators..

back to the wall

If you have your back to the wall, you are in serious difficulty. With his back to the wall, the supplier had to accept the deal.

beggars can't be choosers

This expression means that you should not reject an offer if it is the only possibility you have. You have no choice. "Beggars can't be choosers!"

bend over backwards

If you bend over backwards, you try very hard to do something, especially to please somebody. The director bent over backwards to try and persuade them to accept our proposal.

bide your time

If you bide your time, you wait for a good opportunity to do something. He's not hesitating, he's just biding his time, waiting for the price to drop.

blank cheque

If you give someone a blank cheque, you authorize them to do what they think is best in a difficult situation. Tom was given a blank cheque and told to negotiate the best deal possible.

bone of contention

A bone of contention is a matter or subject about which there is a lot of disagreement. The salaries have been agreed on, but opening on Sundays is still a bone of contention.

bring nothing to the table

If you participate in negotiations and bring nothing to the table, you have nothing of interest to offer the other side. We'll never reach an agreement if we don't all bring something to the table.

clinch a deal

In a business relationship, if you clinch a deal, you reach agreement on a proposal or offer. Paul's final argument enabled us to clinch the deal.

English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions Money - Finance - Wealth

(Idioms page 1 : back-of-the-envelope calculation → cut one's losses) back-ofthe-

This expression refers to a quick approximate calculation done informally, as on the back of an envelope.

envelope calculation

I don't need the exact amount. Just give me a back-of-theenvelope calculation.

bet your bottom dollar

If you bet your bottom dollar on something, you are absolutely certain of it. Jack is very punctual. You can bet your bottom dollar he'll be here at 9 o'clock on the dot.

tighten your belt

If you need to tighten your belt, you must spend your money carefully because there is less available. Another bill? I'll have to tighten my belt this month!

born with a silver spoon in your mouth

A person who is born with a silver spoon in their mouth is born into a very rich family. She never has to worry about money; she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.

on the breadline

People who live on the breadline have a very low income or barely enough money to survive. Due to the recent crisis, there are more people on the breadline than ever before.

burn your fingers

If you burn your fingers (or get your fingers burnt), you suffer financially as a result of foolish behaviour. Jack got his fingers burnt playing on the stock market.

cash cow

A product or service which is a regular source of income for a company is called a cash cow. His latest invention turned out to be a real cash cow.

cash in your chips

If you cash in your chips, you sell something, especially shares, either because you need the money or because you think the value is going to fall. Andy cashed in his chips as soon as business started to slow down.

chicken feed

An amount of money considered small or unimportant is calledchicken feed. I got a job during the holidays but the pay was chicken feed.

other side of the coin

When you want to mention a different or contradictory aspect of a situation, you refer to the other side of the coin. The house is lovely and spacious, but the other side of the coin is that it is far from shops and schools.

cost an arm and a leg

If something costs an arm and a leg, it is very expensive. The house cost us an arm and a leg, but we have no regrets.

cost the earth

If something costs the earth, it is very expensive indeed. She wears designer clothes that must cost the earth!

at all costs

If you are determined to obtain or achieve something at all costs, you want it regardless of the expense, effort or sacrifice involved. The journalist was determined at all costs to get a report from the war zone.

cut one's losses

If you end or withdraw from something that is already failing, in order to reduce the loss of money, time or effort invested in it, you cut your losses. The project is heading for failure. Let's cut our losses before it's too late.

BUSINESS ENGLISH VOCABULARY Marketing - Sales Word

Meaning

after sales service

Service that continues after the sale of a product (maintenance, etc.)

agent

Person or company that acts for another and provides a specified service.

B2B e-commerce

Business to business e-commerce : use of commercial networks, online product catalogues and other online resources to obtain better prices and reach new customers.

B2C e-commerce

Business to consumer e-commerce : online sale of goods and services directly to consumers.

benchmarking

Comparing one's products to those of competitors in order to improve quality and performance.

buyer

1) Any person who makes a purchase. 2) A person employed to choose and buy stock for a company.

cash refund offer

Offer to pay back part of the purchase price of a product to customers who send a "proof of purchase" to the manufacturer.

chain store

Two or more shops or outlets that have the same owner and sell similar lines of merchandise.

client

A person who buys services or advice from a lawyer, an accountant or other professional.

close

Finalize a sale or deal.

convenience store

Small shop located near a residential area that opens long hours, seven days a week.

coupon

Certificate that gives customers a saving when they purchase a specific product.

deal

A business transaction.

department store

A large shop or store that carries a wide variety of product lines.

direct investment

Entering a foreign market by setting up assembly or manufacturing facilities in that country.

discount

A reduction in price.

e-commerce

Buying and selling by electronic means, primarily on the internet.

e-marketing

Promotion of products and services over the internet.

extranet

Network that connects a company with its suppliers and distributors

follow-up

Maintain contact after the sale to ensure customer satisfaction.

franchise

Association between a manufacturer or wholesaler (franchiser) and an independent business person (franchisee) who buys the right to own and operate a unit in the franchise system.

guarantee

A promise that product will be repaired or replaced if faulty.

intranet

A network that connects people to each other within a company.

joint venture

A way of entering a foreign market by joining with a foreign company to manufacture or market a product or service.

market leader

The company with the largest market share in an industry.

mark up

Percentage of the price added to the cost to reach a selling price.

opinion leader

Person with a reference, who, because of competence, knowledge, or other characteristics, exerts influence on others.

packaging

Designing and producing the container or wrapper for a

product. product line

A group of products that are closely related.

prospect

A potential customer.

representative

A person who represents and sells for a company.

retail

To sell in small quantities, as in a shop, directly to customers.

shopping centre

Group of shops developed and managed as a unit.

telephone marketing

Using the telephone to sell directly to customers.

trade fair

An exhibition at which companies in a specific industry can show or demonstrate their products.

viral marketing

The internet version of word-of-mouth marketing - email messages that customers pass on to friends.

wholesale

To sell goods and services to those buying for resale (e.g. a shop) or for business use.

BUSINESS ENGLISH VOCABULARY Meetings Word

Meaning

A.G.M.

Annual General Meeting

absentee

Person not at the meeting, not present.

agenda

Written list of points to be discussed at a meeting.

alternative

Choice of two or more possibilities.

attendee

Participant or person attending a meeting.

ballot

System of secret voting; voters place their ballot-papers in a ballot-box;

casting vote

Deciding vote, usually by the Chairman, when votes are in equal number.

chariman / chairperson

The person who conducts the meeting.

clarify

Make something clearer by giving more information.

conference

Formal meeting for discussion or exchange of views.

conference call

Telephone call between three or more people in different places.

consensus

General agreement.

deadline

Future date at which something must be done.

decision

Reach a conclusion or resolution concerning future action.

i-conference

A meeting or discussion between two or more people via the internet.

interrupt

Stop a person who is speaking in order to say or do something.

item

A separate point for discussion on an agenda.

main point

What is most essential.

minutes

A written summary of the proceedings at a meeting.

objective

What is aimed at, what one wants to achieve or obtain.

point out

Draw attention to something e.g. point out an increase in demand.

proposal

A course of action put forward for consideration; to make a proposal.

proxy vote

A vote cast by one person for another.

recommend

Advise a course of action; make a recommendation.

show of hands

Raised hands to express agreement or disagreement in a vote.

summary

A brief statement of the main points.

task

A piece of work to be done; to assign a task to someone.

unanimous

In complete agreement.

video conference

Conference linking people in different locations by satellite, TV, etc.

vote

Express one's agreement or disagreement; to cast a vote.