English has become the language of global business, whether we like it or not. Many professionals communicate in English as a second language.
As an Italian living in the UK since 2011 and working in marketing since 2017, I have observed significant differences in workplace communication between the UK and Italy.
I began as a marketing intern at Speak Up London and later returned as a digital marketing executive. In this piece, I will share insights on day-to-day communication in the workplace, focusing on both written and verbal forms.
Written Communication
Emailing in the UK tends to be more casual, though the degree of formality depends on your relationship with the recipient.
In contrast, Italian business communication is often more formal, especially when addressing unknown individuals, as a sign of respect.
Tips for Writing Emails in the UK
- Initial Contacts: When emailing someone you don’t know, use polite greetings such as:
“Good morning/afternoon/evening.”
Close your email with:
“Best regards” or “Kind regards.”
This is appropriate for senior managers, directors, or CEOs unless advised otherwise. - Politeness Matters: To make your first email of the day more respectful, add a polite opening like:
“Hope you’re well.” - Informal Communication: Once you have established a rapport, you can use a less formal greeting such as:
“Hi” or “Hello.”
A good approach is to observe how your colleagues write their emails. If they use an informal tone, you can mirror their style.
When I first started, I often asked my manager or trusted colleagues for feedback if I was unsure about an email’s tone.
Spoken Communication
From my decade of experience living in the UK, I have learned that being too direct is not always the most effective way to communicate.
The British often prefer a more indirect approach, as being overly straightforward can be perceived as rude.
Coming from Italy, where direct communication is valued, this was an adjustment for me.
Adjusting to a Different Communication Style
It took me a long time to adapt my communication style, and I still consider it a work in progress.
To navigate this at work or during interviews, I have used clarifying statements such as:
- “I am direct—please let me know if that is okay with you.”
(This informs colleagues about my communication style while inviting open dialogue.) - “Though I am blunt in my communication, I also ensure that I bring solutions to any problems we face.”
(This reassures my manager that I focus on problem-solving, not just identifying issues.)
Tips for Success in Softening Communication
If you are working on softening your communication style, try this exercise:
- Pause and reflect on how you would explain something to a professional from a different field.
- Instead of saying, “This won’t work,” rephrase it as:
“Here are the reasons this might not work…”
This small shift in tone can make a big difference in how your message is received.
Final Thoughts
In our Business English courses, you will have the opportunity to:
✅ Tackle intercultural communication challenges
✅ Role-play various meeting scenarios
✅ Refine your email writing skills Mastering workplace communication takes time and practice, but with the right strategies, you can adapt and thrive in any professional setting.
