BUSINESS ENGLISH – INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CHALLENGE

28 October 2026 • Business Around the World – Monthly Review

1. REVIEW – USE THE WORD

Words: direct • diplomatic • blunt • hint • tone

How to play: Read the situation. Choose the best word, then make your own sentence using it.

1. Your colleague says, “This idea is bad. Don't use it.”

2. Your manager carefully says they disagree without embarrassing anyone.

3. Someone suggests indirectly that the deadline may be too short.

4. The words in an email are polite, but somehow the message feels unfriendly.

5. A colleague clearly says exactly what they want without trying to soften it.

2. QUICK-FIRE – INTERNATIONAL THIS OR THAT

How to play: Choose A or B immediately – no “it depends” at first. Give ONE reason. If someone disagrees, they can say “Convince me!”

1. Always arrive 10 minutes early  OR  Arrive exactly on time

2. Formal business dinner  OR  Relaxed coffee meeting

3. Say exactly what you think  OR  Soften your message

4. Network with 20 people  OR  Have one really good conversation

5. Strict business etiquette  OR  Relaxed company culture

6. Work in a clear hierarchy  OR  Work in a flat hierarchy

7. Small talk for 15 minutes  OR  Go straight to business

8. Video call  OR  Face-to-face meeting

3. GUESS THE WORD – DON'T SAY IT!

How to play: Choose a word and explain it WITHOUT saying the word, translating it, or using part of it. The others guess. Continue until all words are used.

custom • etiquette • hierarchy • punctual • formal • networking • host • appropriate • build rapport • direct • diplomatic • blunt

4. FIX IT! – WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

How to play: These messages sound too direct or awkward. Work as a group and improve them. Keep the meaning, but make them sound natural and professional.

1. “Your idea won't work.”  →  __________________________________________

2. “I don't want to talk about work at dinner.”  →  __________________________________________

3. “You're late again.”  →  __________________________________________

4. “Give me your business card.”  →  __________________________________________

5. “This meeting is pointless.”  →  __________________________________________

5. PARTNER CHALLENGE – YOUR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TRIP

How to play: You are travelling together for an important international business trip. For each situation, discuss what you would do and agree on ONE response. Try to use vocabulary and phrases from this month. Be ready to defend one decision when you return.

1. FIRST MEETING – Your client is very formal, but your company is usually relaxed. Do you adapt or stay informal?

2. BUSINESS LUNCH – Nobody is talking about work. Do you bring up business or wait for your host?

3. AWKWARD MOMENT – A client asks you a personal question that you don't want to answer. What do you say?

4. DISAGREEMENT – The client suggests an idea you think will not work. How do you disagree?

5. NETWORKING EVENT – You know nobody in the room. What is your first move?

6. THE EMAIL – You receive a very short message: “Send it today.” Do you see it as rude, direct or simply efficient? How do you respond?

6. PARTNER GAME – BUILD YOUR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS RULEBOOK

How to play: Create FIVE rules for someone working internationally for the first time. You must agree on every rule. Make one rule for each category below, then choose your MOST IMPORTANT rule.

MEETINGS – ________________________________________________

SOCIALISING – ______________________________________________

COMMUNICATION – ___________________________________________

ETIQUETTE – ________________________________________________

RELATIONSHIPS – ____________________________________________

Our #1 rule: __________________________________________________

7. FINAL DEBATE – PICK ONE

How to play: Choose ONE question with your partner. You have two minutes to agree on an answer. Then share your conclusion with the group.

A. What matters more internationally: excellent English or excellent people skills?

B. Is it better to adapt to another business culture or simply be yourself?

C. What causes more misunderstandings: different languages or different communication styles?

D. Which is more valuable in business: being direct or being diplomatic?

OCTOBER IN 60 SECONDS

Business culture: custom • etiquette • hierarchy • punctual • formal

Business socialising: networking • make small talk • host • appropriate • build rapport

Communication: direct • diplomatic • blunt • hint • tone

Useful language: I'm used to… • That would feel unusual to me. • Would you like to join us for…? • It's been great talking to you. • I see your point, but… • Would it be possible to…?