EDITORIAL

…with a bit of effort

When we are attempting to transfer a message to another person, we communicate it verbally and/or non-verbally. Research suggests that most messages we send are communicated without words, so it is very important not to misinterpret the message your business partner is sending and at the same time be aware of the possible impact of the message your partner is receiving from you. As non-verbal communication, for the most part, is unconscious it requires a bit of effort to increase your consciousness of the non-verbal cues you are sending and receiving. And the cues differ from culture to culture. Our article on body language on page 24 can help you to be more conscious about the intercultural differences that people can have.

WORKING WORLD

Names and News

            The latest from the world of business

         Office Blues
         Kathrin Enke on the silly side of work

GLOBAL BUSINESS

Ethics

            We talk to an expert about the role of ethical standards in companies

            Head-to-Head
            Is private equity dangerous?

            Business Press
            Comments from the world’s media
          Also: Behind the Headlines

Eurovision

Will Hutton on the achievements of the EU

INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

Body language

            How different cultures interpret forms of non-verbal communication

         The View from Here
            Alex Duval Smith on Sweden
            Also: Country File

         Dialogue
         A discussion between two HR managers

LANGUAGE AT WORK

Word Watch; Seen Recently

Grammar: uses of the continuous

Exercises: test your English

False Friends; Tricky Translations

Language Cards: pull out and practise

English for the office vocabulary pullout

Authentic English: using metaphors

A Closer Look: background facts on language and culture

English on the Move: at the theatre

Office Talk: The Maine Event

BUSINESS SKILLS

Conversation

            How to talk with your business partners more effectively
            Also: A language survival guide to pull out and keep

            The Write Way
            Customer care

            Say It in Style
            Rules and regulations

            On the Line
            Ending a phone call professionally

MANAGEMENT

Qualifications

              What qualities are essential for a career in management?

          Business Basics
             What is... USP?

           People and Trends
               News from the world of management

TECHNOLOGY

Computer games

            The importance of gaming for business

            Technically Speaking
            Eamonn Fitzgerald on why we should not ban incandescent light bulbs

            Innovations
            New product developments

            Language Focus
            Construction

CAREERS

NGOs

            Working in the non-profit sector

         My Way
         Lillian Tsai, communications firm owner

The Last Laugh