Business English from All Ears English BE 470: 3 English Words to Avoid When Pursuing Clients
13 snips
Sep 28, 2025 Exploring the nuances of business language, the hosts discuss the missteps of using 'work on' for people. They suggest alternatives like 'tackle' and 'pursue' for projects and emphasize more respectful phrases such as 'secure a client.' The conversation highlights why 'land a client' feels outdated and manipulative. A role play illustrates using appropriate language in professional settings, contrasting internal and client-facing choices. The episode wraps with tips on creating respectful client relationships through mindful language.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Work On Targets Things Not People
- The phrasal verb "work on" typically applies to things or projects, not people.
- Saying "I'm working on a client" can objectify the person and sound manipulative.
Choose Strong Verbs For Projects
- Use verbs like "tackle" for high-effort tasks and "pursue" for formal efforts aimed at things like leads or accounts.
- Avoid saying you're "tackling a client" or "pursuing a client," because that still objectifies a person.
Use "Secure" Instead Of "Land"
- Replace "land a client" with more respectful modern phrasing like "secure a client."
- Prefer phrasing that focuses on actions or outcomes rather than treating people as targets.