Business English for Clinical Trials

The operational language of clinical research is English. It is not just protocols and case report forms which are in English: most e-mail correspondence, telephone conferences and meetings are conducted in English.

This two-day seminar is aimed at non-native speakers who wish to improve their English for business purposes in order to communicate effectively and confidently, both verbally and in writing, in everyday work situations.

This seminar makes extensive use of practical exercises so that participants have every opportunity to develop their skills and receive individualized feedback in order to further improve their performance back at the workplace.

This seminar is aimed specifically at clinical trial professionals who want to improve their spoken and written communication skills for the workplace.

On completion of this course you will be able to perform more effectively in English in a clinical trial setting. You will understand the principles of effective written communication and be able to apply these in your daily work. You will also learn tips and tricks for communicating on the phone and participating in meetings and telephone conferences.

Telephone Skills

• Methods of Communication at Work: Face-to-face vs. phone vs. e-mail
• Using your voice effectively (pronunciation, stress and intonation)
• Language bank (standard expressions)
• Checking and confirming (alphabet and spelling)
• Saying numbers
• Planning your call
• Presenting a professional image
• Building relationships
• Choosing positive formulations
• Listening actively
• Communicating clearly
• Managing misunderstandings
• Dealing with complaints
• Apologizing

Business Correspondence

• Principles of effective written communication
• Reader-friendly messages
• KISS (Keep It Short & Simple)
• Letters vs. faxes vs. e-mails (when to use each)
• Preparing for writing  Making the purpose clear (meaningful subject lines)
• Presenting clearly (layout, headings, bullets)
• Language bank (standard phrases)
• Style and tone (formal/informal)
• Making it flow (linking words)
• Reference words (who, which and that)
• The four main types of business e-mails:
  • Giving information, e.g. answering queries
  • Asking for information, e.g. making requests
  • Apologizing
  • Chasing information / following-up

Meetings

• Small talk and socializing
• Types of meetings
• What makes a good meeting?
• Preparation: the agenda
• Process: the role of the Chair
• Language of meetings
• Creating the right atmosphere
• Ensuring a positive outcome is achieved
• Managing difficult situations
• Recording outcomes

Telephone Conferences

• Telephone conferences vs. face-to-face meetings
• Ground rules and telephone conference etiquette
• Language of telephone conferences
• Practice

Minutes of Meetings

• Model layouts (advantages and disadvantages)
• Comparison and discussion
• Language of minutes
• Practice

Further Study

• Web-based resources
• Glossaries
• Recommended dictionaries

Jamie Langley, RN MSN
Global Head of Parexel Academy

Phone: +1 339 223 0653

Email: Send email