I’m Jane Carvell, a business English trainer, language coach and visual thinking enthusiast.
I help German-speaking professionals improve their English communication skills, so that they can build better connections to grow in an international working world.
This blog is for English learners who want to communicate with confidence, think creatively, and grow professionally.
(Für Leser, die gerade erst mit Englisch anfangen, gibt es auch deutsche Versionen einiger Beiträge).
Beyond Words: A Sketchnoting Workshop for Business English
Running a conference workshop in English can feel like a big step, even when English is your first language!
In this post, I share my experience of delivering my first ever workshop at the IATEFL BESIG Annual Conference in Athens.
I took participants into the world of sketchnoting and visual thinking, exploring how simple drawings can help us organise ideas, explain processes and communicate more confidently.
From “I can’t draw!” to creative sketchnotes showing a range of business processes, the workshop reminded me that clear communication matters far more than perfect English or perfect drawings.
Roll with it! A simple way to review vocabulary
Looking for a simple way to review English vocabulary and make new words stick? Roll with It is a speaking-based vocabulary review game that helps you practise using words in different ways. Choose eight key words from your previous English lessons, roll the dice and take on one of six challenges. From defining and using a word to telling a short story or applying it to a realistic work situation. It’s a simple way to move from “I know this word” to “I can actually use it.”
How to use a simple visual template to make English meetings easier
English meetings are often hardest when you’re under pressure and short on words. A simple visual preparation template can change that. By organising your goals, key points, questions, and useful phrases on one page, you reduce stress and make it easier to contribute clearly and confidently. Here’s how this quick visual method can turn meeting preparation into a practical routine.
Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone: How to Build Your Confidence in English at Work
Many of my clients tell me the same thing: “I know English, but when it comes to speaking up in meetings, I lose confidence.”
The truth is, confidence in English isn’t built overnight. It comes from stepping out of the comfort zone, moving through the fear zone, practicing in the learning zone, and eventually reaching the growth zone, where you can speak with clarity and impact.
Dare to Be Adventurous: How Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone Builds English Confidence
As a language coach, I see some parallels between learning English and my love for hiking. I don’t look for flat, easy trails: the real rewards, the Gipfelgefühl, come from the climbs and rocky paths that challenge me. It’s the same with English, especially professionally. We don’t grow by staying comfortable; progress comes when we’re willing to put in effort and step out of the comfort zone.
How to Use Sketchnotes to Explain Processes
Struggling to explain your company’s work in English? You might know what you want to say, but the explanation gets too long, unclear, and your listener tunes out. This is a common hurdle in international business, where clarity and time matter most.
A simple fix: combine words with visuals. Sketchnoting—using quick sketches, shapes, arrows, and keywords—turns complex services and processes into something easy to follow and remember.
Sketchnotes: A Tool to Improve Your English Skills at Work
When you think about improving English language skills for work, you might imagine a speaking workshop, grammar books, or maybe a language app. But there’s another method that’s both fun and effective: sketchnoting.
Synaesthesia: Your Tool for a Better Feeling About Networking in English
Networking in English isn't just words. It's how you feel about this sometimes challenging activity. That’s why I use my synaesthesia activity to examine networking through a multisensory perspective.
Understanding these sensations helps you manage anxiety and connect better.
Download my free Miro template to explore your sensory networking experience.
How to Communicate Your Personal Values in a Job Interview by Using a Plant Metaphor 🪴
Struggling to express your personal values in a job interview in English? Recruiters want more than just skills, they look for candidates who align with their company culture. This guide introduces a visual metaphor to help you identify, nurture, and confidently communicate your values. Learn how to use the STAR method, practice value-based questions, and improve your Business English for interviews.
The Language Learning Track: A Visual Plan for Business English Success
Feeling overwhelmed by language learning? A structured, visual plan can make all the difference. In this post, I introduce the Language Learning Track, a simple template to help you stay on track, build consistency, and reach your Business English goals. Ready to sketch your way to success?