We all have our quirks when learning a language—especially when it comes to Business English.

On my website, I’ve created 14 playful, exaggerated learner types that many professionals will recognise (with a wink, of course!).

Why?

✔ Fun, not pressure – Learning should be motivating, not frustrating.
✔ Self-awareness – Do you see yourself in one of these types? Great! Now you know where to focus.
✔ A sense of community – “Oh wow, I’m not the only one who struggles with this!“

Maybe you’re a Perfectionist Peter, always double-checking your grammar? Or a Freeze-up Fiona, who blanks out when it’s time to speak?

Explore the Business English learner types and see if you recognise yourself.

So, I’d love to know. Who are you?

Ever found yourself in a conversation where you completely disagree with someone?

It’s tempting to say, “That’s not right!” or “I disagree.” But that often leads to frustration.

Instead, try these five simple words:
👉 “I have a different perspective.”

This phrase does something powerful. It removes the personal challenge and keeps the conversation open. No one feels attacked or ‘wrong.’ Instead, it invites curiosity: “Oh? Tell me more.”

Next time you feel an argument coming on, pause and give it a try—you might be surprised.

After all, the best way to change minds is to show you’re open to different perspectives.

Do tell me if you give it a try!

The outdated “school method” of learning a language:

• Memorising long vocabulary lists.
• Studying grammar rules before ever speaking.
• Doing endless textbook exercises.

All that hard work, and you still freeze up in conversations?

Here’s the new path:

• Immerse early—listen to native content, even if you don’t understand everything.
• Speak from day one—embrace mistakes and focus on communication, not perfection.
• Learn in context—pick up vocabulary naturally through stories, conversations and real-life use.

Here’s how to get started:

• Find input you enjoy—podcasts, shows or books in your target language.
• Use language exchange apps to practise speaking (even just a few sentences).
• Learn phrases, not just words—think in chunks like “How do I say…?” instead of isolated vocabulary.

Fluency is hard, but this way, it’s actually achievable.

A common mistake I hear is: “I have lived in Spain 3 years ago.” (I actually hear it so often—maybe I should just accept it!)

In English, the present perfect isn’t used to talk about finished time periods. Instead, we use the past simple. (Sorry if this sounds a bit technical.)

For example, the correct sentence is: “I lived in Spain last year.”

Why?

• It’s a completed action (the speaker is no longer in Spain).
• We have a specific time reference (last year).

The biggest challenge for many of my German-speaking clients is understanding that English and German handle time differently. What works in German doesn’t always work in English.

But don’t worry—this is a very common mistake for German speakers. It’s part of the learning process. Just keep practising and keep improving.

Is there anything in particular that you struggle with?

Are there any sounds that instantly take you back to childhood?

For me, it’s the sound of a British phone ringing—that classic, crisp brrring-brrring that filled our home.

The moment I hear it, I’m back in our hallway, heart skipping a beat as I race to pick up the receiver.

I can still remember our phone number: Reading 25688. (Two-five-six-double eight!)

It’s funny how we never answered with our names, just our town and number, as if that alone told the caller they’d reached the right place.

Back then, the phone was a lifeline, a bridge to the outside world. No caller ID, no texting—just the thrill of who might be on the other end.

And I still remember the way a voice echoed down the hallway as someone called out, “It’s for you!”

Funny how a simple sound can bring it all rushing back.

Do you have one?

Raise your hand if you’ve ever ended an email with “Please do not hesitate to contact me… “

We’ve all done it! But let’s be honest—that phrase is as fresh as a fax machine. 

But here’s the thing: Communication expert Andy Bounds suggests we drop the hesitation entirely.

Instead, try this magic formula if you want the reader to do something:

“Please can you [do your action] by [deadline]. And then I’ll [do my next action].”

Here are some examples:

Old:
“Please don’t hesitate to reply/call me.”
New:
“Please can you share the report by Friday? And then I’ll finalise the presentation.” 
“Please send over any questions by Wednesday, and I’ll prepare detailed answers for our call.”
“Please send me the updated numbers by 3 pm, and I’ll include them in the report.”
“Please share the document by tomorrow. And I’ll review and send feedback by Thursday.”
“Please send me your slides by noon, and I’ll refine them before our meeting.”

These versions eliminate vagueness, create a clear action plan and make collaboration feel more structured and efficient. 

Try this in your next email. And if “hesitate” still sneaks in, just blame the fax machine. 😆