Business English: Making Presentations by the University of Washington on Coursera

 

OVERVIEW

The Business English: Making Presentations — University of Washington course is a highly practical, intermediate-level programme designed to help learners deliver professional presentations in English within business contexts. In 2026, it remains one of the most popular courses for non-native English speakers seeking to improve both their language proficiency and presentation skills simultaneously.

Unlike general presentation courses that focus primarily on delivery and confidence, this programme integrates business English communication with structured presentation techniques. It teaches learners how to present ideas clearly, use persuasive language effectively, and communicate data through visuals such as charts and graphs.

A defining feature of this course is its focus on real-world business scenarios, particularly in marketing and professional communication. The final project requires learners to create a persuasive presentation promoting a city as a business or travel destination, combining storytelling, data visualisation, and structured communication into a single task.

The course is part of a broader Business English specialisation and is designed for learners with an intermediate level of English proficiency. It emphasises practical application, ensuring that learners not only understand concepts but can also apply them in realistic professional settings.

The curriculum covers essential presentation elements such as introductions, transitions, visual aids, and persuasive messaging. While it includes some elements of slide design and data presentation, the primary focus is on language use and communication clarity rather than advanced visual design techniques.

Key highlights of the course include:

• Focus on business English for presentations
• Strong emphasis on persuasive communication
• Training in presenting data using charts and graphs
• Real-world business and marketing scenarios
• Structured 4-module learning format
• Final project involving a full presentation
• Peer-reviewed assignments for practical feedback
• Coverage of professional vocabulary and terminology
• Integration of language learning with presentation skills
• Designed for intermediate English learners

A major strength of this course is its ability to combine language development with presentation training, making it especially valuable for global professionals in 2026.

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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

This course is taught by Richard Moore, a lecturer at the University of Washington with over 20 years of experience teaching English internationally.

Moore’s teaching approach is rooted in practical language application, focusing on how English is used in real-world business contexts rather than purely academic instruction. His global teaching experience allows him to address the common challenges faced by non-native English speakers when presenting in professional environments.

One of the key strengths of his instructional style is the emphasis on clarity and usability. Learners are taught not only what to say, but how to say it effectively in a business setting, including tone, vocabulary, and persuasive phrasing.

The course also benefits from structured instructional design, combining short video lessons, guided exercises, and peer-reviewed assignments. This ensures that learners actively practice their skills rather than passively consuming content.

However, because the course focuses heavily on language and communication, it provides less depth in areas such as advanced storytelling frameworks or high-level executive presentation strategies. Learners seeking those skills may need additional courses.

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WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

This course provides a structured approach to delivering effective business presentations in English.

Key learning outcomes include:

• Understanding how to structure professional presentations in English
• Using persuasive language in business and marketing contexts
• Presenting data clearly using charts and graphs
• Developing strong introductions and conclusions
• Improving verbal communication and pronunciation
• Expanding business English vocabulary
• Delivering presentations with clarity and confidence
• Handling audience questions effectively
• Using visual aids to support communication
• Creating a complete, persuasive presentation project

By the end of the course, learners will be able to deliver well-organised, persuasive presentations in English with improved clarity and professionalism.

A key strength is its integration of language learning with practical presentation skills, making it highly effective for non-native speakers.

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WHO THE COURSE IS SUITED FOR

This course is designed for learners who want to improve both their English language skills and presentation abilities.

Ideal learners include:

• Non-native English speakers (intermediate level)
• International students and professionals
• Business professionals working in global environments
• Individuals preparing for presentations in English
• Marketing and sales professionals
• Learners seeking practical communication skills

It is less suited for:

• Native English speakers seeking advanced presentation techniques
• Absolute beginners with very basic English proficiency
• Professionals focused on advanced storytelling or executive presentations
• Learners looking for in-depth PowerPoint or design training
• Individuals seeking highly technical presentation frameworks

Overall, the course is positioned as an intermediate-level programme focused on business English communication and presentation skills.

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CURRICULUM AND TEACHING METHODOLOGY

The curriculum is structured into four modules, each focusing on a key aspect of business presentations.

Core curriculum areas include:

• Giving effective presentations (structure and common mistakes)
• Referring to data and describing visuals
• Using persuasive language in marketing presentations
• Developing and delivering a complete presentation

The teaching methodology is practical and structured:

• Video lectures with real-world examples
• Guided exercises and assignments
• Peer-reviewed presentation tasks
• Scenario-based learning
• Focus on language usage and communication clarity
• Final project integrating all learned skills

The course includes multiple assignments and a final presentation project, ensuring learners apply concepts in realistic contexts.

This approach provides a strong balance between theory and practice. However, the reliance on peer feedback means that learners must engage actively to gain maximum benefit.

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LEARNING OUTCOMES AND INDUSTRY RELEVANCE

Upon completion, learners will have developed both business English proficiency and presentation skills, making them more effective communicators in professional environments.

Key outcomes include:

• Ability to deliver presentations in English confidently
• Improved use of business vocabulary and terminology
• Stronger persuasive communication skills
• Enhanced ability to present data visually
• Experience creating a full professional presentation
• Increased confidence in global business settings

From an industry perspective, these skills are highly relevant for:

• International business roles
• Marketing and sales presentations
• Corporate communication and reporting
• Client-facing and consulting roles
• Global team collaboration

In 2026, English remains the dominant language of global business, and the ability to present effectively in English is a critical career skill.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

The Business English: Making Presentations — University of Washington course is one of the most effective programmes for learners who want to improve both their English communication and presentation skills in a business context. Its structured approach and practical focus make it highly relevant for real-world professional use.

The course’s greatest strength lies in its combination of language learning and presentation training, which addresses a key need for non-native English speakers. By focusing on persuasive language, data communication, and structured delivery, it prepares learners for a wide range of professional scenarios.

However, while it excels in business communication, it does not cover advanced storytelling, high-level persuasion frameworks, or sophisticated visual design techniques. Learners aiming for executive-level presentations may need to supplement this course with additional training.

Overall, this programme is best suited for intermediate learners who want to communicate confidently and effectively in English presentations, making it one of the most valuable courses in 2026 for global professionals.