Hey there, future-builder 👋

This week, we’re zooming in on something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in the freelance world — especially if you’re working in AI, crypto, or global tech:

Cultural differences in business English communication.

It’s not just about sounding “fluent.” It’s about knowing how to read the room — even when that room is halfway across the world.

The Weekly Digest

Couldn’t understand your client? Check your Business English for cultural differences!

Here’s the truth: just because everyone’s using English in business doesn’t mean everyone’s using it the same way.

Let’s say you’re messaging a Web3 founder in Berlin, then hopping on a call with a client in Tokyo — what’s considered professional or polite will shift a lot between those two.

Here are some discrepancies to understand:

• Some cultures lean toward direct, efficient messaging.

• Others value softness, indirectness, or a certain rhythm in conversation.

Even things like response time, emoji use, or how you say “no” can carry different meanings.

As a freelancer, this stuff matters. It affects how clients perceive you — your tone, your attention to detail, your ability to collaborate.

Mastering cultural tone and business nuance is just as important as mastering your technical skill.

Want to try this out in a real working environment? Stay tuned in the EZ English Club Skool for projects you can contribute to (and earn in the process!)

Building Your Future with the Good Future Method

Improve your emails with a bit of “cultural” jazz!

Here’s a smarter way to build cultural fluency — without overloading yourself. Use the Good Future Method like this:

• Choose smart examples: Find 2–3 business emails, pitch decks, or even LinkedIn posts from professionals in different regions. Focus on tone and structure.
  

• Dig into the “why”: Look up why someone used a certain phrase, format, or greeting. Is it cultural? Industry-specific?
  

• Put it into action: Adapt one of your own emails to match a style you’ve observed. Try it out — maybe on a new client or a mock draft.
  

• Keep refining: Start a lightweight doc or Notion page to track tone preferences by region or client type. It’ll save you time (and misfires) later.
  

This is how you start building not just skills, but range. It’s what sets freelancers apart in competitive spaces.

Going Beyond Good Future

Beyond the Brief: Make a Client Tone Checker!

💼 Want to sound more aligned with your clients and avoid tone mismatches? Here’s how to create your own Client Tone Tracker in under 10 minutes:

Step 1: Open a new doc or Notion page

Name it something like “Client Tone Tracker” or “Communication Notes.” You’ll use this as a quick reference.

Step 2: Add a section for each client.

Write their name or company name as a header (e.g., Acme AI or John – Crypto Dev DAO).

Step 3: Observe how they write.

Go through a few emails, Slack messages, or LinkedIn posts from them. Ask yourself:

• Is their tone casual or formal?
  

• Do they use emojis or humor?
  

• Are they direct or more roundabout?
  

• Do they use short replies or detailed explanations?

Step 4: Take notes.

Under their name, jot down a quick style summary:

• Tone: Friendly but professional

• Phrases they use often: “Touch base,” “Quick win,” “Appreciate your flexibility”

• Preferred format: Bullet points, minimal fluff

• Emoji use: ✅ Occasional (usually smiley or thumbs up)

Step 5: Use your tracker when writing to them.

Before sending an email or message, take a quick glance at their section. Adjust your tone and format to match — it’ll build trust and make you stand out.

Bonus Step (Optional)

Add a column for “Response Style.” Note how fast they reply, if they like calls over messages, or how they give feedback.

✅ Done! You’ve now got a personalized cheat sheet for better communication — and smoother client relationships.

That’s a wrap for this week’s dive into cultural nuances in business English — a small shift that makes a huge difference.

As always, we’re here to help you navigate the freelance world with confidence, clarity, and an edge.

Talk soon — and keep building something great.