The English You Never Learned in School (But Need at Work Every Day)

You use English at work.
You join meetings, write emails, maybe even lead presentations.
But when the meeting ends and someone says, “So, how was your weekend?”
…you freeze.

Sound familiar?

Many professionals who speak English regularly still feel awkward or anxious when the conversation goes off-script. It's not because your English isn’t “good enough.” It’s because there are two very different types of fluency and most people only train for one.

1. Functional Fluency: Task-Oriented English

This is the type of English most of us learn first.

It’s the language of:

• Writing reports

• Giving status updates

• Scheduling meetings

• Explaining your work

Functional fluency helps you complete tasks and sound professional.
It’s predictable, structured, and safe.

And it works. Until someone makes a joke, asks a personal question, or invites you to a networking lunch.

Suddenly, you’re no longer “the expert.” You’re just trying to keep up.

2. Relational Fluency: Connection-Oriented English

Relational fluency is different.

It’s the ability to:

• Tell a story about your weekend

• Make small talk without sounding robotic

• Express feelings like surprise, disagreement, or excitement

• Keep a casual conversation going naturally

This type of fluency doesn’t follow a script. It requires flexibility, spontaneity, and a certain comfort with the unknown.

And let’s be honest, this is where many smart, capable professionals get stuck.

Why the Gap?

Most English classes and textbooks are built around tasks: describe a chart, write an email, answer interview questions.
But real human connection doesn’t always follow a lesson plan.

You might feel confident saying, “Please find the report attached,”
…but awkward saying, “Honestly, I barely left the couch this weekend. Just snacks, bad reality shows, and zero regrets.”

One sounds polished.
The other sounds human.

Both are important.

What You Can Do

If you want to feel fluent and comfortable in unscripted situations, here are three things to try:

1. Practice real conversations, not just exercises.
   Role-play small talk. Try casual storytelling. Ask follow-up questions like you’re at a dinner, not a job interview. Spend 15 minutes a day chatting with your partner about your day. Join a conversation club or a communication course.

2. Focus on connection, not perfection.
   People don’t care if your grammar is perfect. They care if you’re present, engaged, and showing personality.

3. Expose yourself to informal English.
   Watch interviews, sitcoms, podcasts. Notice how people pause, interrupt, joke, or soften their opinions.

Final Thought

Fluency isn’t just about getting your message across. It’s about how you connect with others - formally and informally.

So the next time you find yourself struggling with small talk, don’t assume you’re bad at English.
You’re probably just fluent in one type. And it’s time to unlock the other.