💡Curated bite-sized English tips from our WhatsApp channel to boost your technical communication skills
Instead of just saying 'I don't know', try: 'I'm not familiar with that specific technology, but I'm eager to learn' or 'That's not something I've worked with yet, but I'd be interested in exploring it.'
Use Present Perfect for experience: 'I have worked with React for 2 years.' Use Simple Past for specific projects: 'I built a web app last month using React.'
Don't say 'I'm stuck.' Try: 'I'm facing a challenge with [specific issue]. Could you guide me on the best approach?' or 'I'd appreciate your input on [problem].'
Show growth mindset: 'When I encounter new technologies, I start by reading the documentation, then build small projects to practice, and finally apply it to real scenarios.'
API (Application Programming Interface) is the entire set of rules. An endpoint is a specific URL where the API can be accessed. Example: 'The API has multiple endpoints for different functions.'
Professional updates: 'I'm currently working on [task] and expect to complete it by [time].' 'I've finished [task] and am now focusing on [next task].' 'I encountered [issue] but found a solution by [method].'
Instead of 'Can you help me?', use 'Would you be able to help me with this?' or 'Would it be possible to get your feedback on this code?'
Structure: 'I chose [technology] because [reason]. This allowed us to [benefit]. The alternative would have been [option], but [why you didn't choose it].'
Practice saying: 'cache' (kash), 'GIF' (jif or ghif - be consistent), 'Linux' (LIN-ucks), 'SQL' (S-Q-L or See-kwəl), 'agile' (AJ-ile), 'repository' (re-POZ-i-TOR-ee).
Be specific. Bad: 'Question'. Good: 'Question: Authentication Error on Login Page - User ID 123'. Include project name or ticket number if relevant.
Frontend is what the user sees and interacts with (UI, browser). Backend is the server-side logic, databases, and APIs that power the application. Think of frontend as the car's dashboard and backend as the engine.
Prefer active voice for clarity: 'The system processes the data.' (Active) vs 'The data is processed by the system.' (Passive). Use passive when the actor is unknown or unimportant, or to emphasize the object.
Instead of 'You're wrong,' try: 'I understand your perspective, but I was wondering if [alternative solution] might also address the issue?' or 'Could we explore how [your idea] fits with [their point]?'
Begin with a clear agenda and what the audience will learn. 'Good morning/afternoon. Today, I'll be discussing [topic], focusing on [point 1], [point 2], and [point 3]. By the end, you'll understand [key takeaway].'
If a question is unclear, say: 'Could you please elaborate on that?' or 'If I understand correctly, you're asking about [your interpretation]?' This shows engagement and ensures you answer correctly.
A library is a collection of pre-written code you call (e.g., jQuery, Lodash). You are in control. A framework provides a structure, and it calls your code (e.g., React, Angular, Django). The framework is in control (Inversion of Control).
At meetups or conferences: 'Hi, I'm [Your Name]. What new technologies are you excited about?' or 'What projects are you currently working on?' or 'Did you attend [specific talk]? What were your thoughts?'
Simple and professional: 'Got it, thanks!', 'Received, I'll look into this.', 'Thanks for the update, I'll get started on this shortly.' This confirms you've seen the message and sets expectations.
'A few' (for countable nouns) and 'a little' (for uncountable nouns) mean 'some'. 'Few' and 'little' (without 'a') mean 'not many/much' and often have a negative connotation. Ex: 'I have a few ideas.' (positive) vs 'I have few ideas.' (negative, not enough).
When reporting a bug, include: 1. Steps to reproduce (STR). 2. What you expected to happen (Expected Result). 3. What actually happened (Actual Result). 4. Environment (browser, OS, app version). 5. Screenshots/Error messages if possible.
Instead of 'This is wrong,' try 'Could you clarify the logic here?' or 'What if we considered [alternative approach] for better readability/performance?' Focus on the code, not the person. Use 'we' to sound collaborative.
If a requirement is unclear, ask: 'Could you elaborate on [specific point]?' or 'My understanding of this is [your interpretation], is that correct?' or 'What is the expected behavior in [edge case scenario]?'
Choose a real weakness, but show self-awareness and how you're working on it. E.g., 'I used to struggle with public speaking, so I joined a club and have been practicing. I've seen improvement in my confidence presenting.' Avoid clichés like 'I'm a perfectionist'.
Scalability means the system's ability to handle a growing amount of work or users efficiently. Think of it like a road that can easily add more lanes as traffic increases, without major disruptions.
Professionally decline: 'Unfortunately, I don't have the bandwidth for that right now, as I'm focused on [priority tasks].' or 'I can take that on next week, would that work?' Be polite but firm.
Use 'a/an' for general instances: 'I need a server.' Use 'the' for specific instances: 'The server is down.' Some acronyms: 'an API' (ay-pee-eye), 'a URL' (you-are-el).
Use closings like 'Best regards,', 'Sincerely,', 'Thanks,', or 'Regards,'. Avoid overly casual closings like 'Cheers' unless you know the recipient well. Follow with your name and title/company.
Pay attention to syllable stress: 'DEVelopment' (not deVEopment), 'appliCAtion' (not AppliCAYtion), 'ENgineer' (not enGINeer). Listening to native speakers helps.
If something is too complex: 'Could you explain that in simpler terms?' or 'Can you break that down for me?' or 'So, if I understand correctly, [your summary]?'
Use STAR: Situation (context), Task (your responsibility), Action (what you did), Result (outcome/impact). 'In my previous project (S), I was tasked with optimizing database queries (T). I analyzed slow queries and implemented indexing (A), which improved response times by 30% (R).'
Mute when not speaking. Use 'raise hand' feature. Turn on camera if appropriate. State your name before speaking if many attendees don't know you. 'This is [Your Name], I have a question about...'
'I noticed you're working on [task]. Is there anything I can do to help?' or 'I have some bandwidth if you need an extra pair of hands on that.' or 'Let me know if you'd like a second opinion on that.'
Agile is an iterative approach to project management and software development. It emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, customer feedback, and rapid delivery of small, usable pieces of software (sprints).
Common patterns: 'work ON a project', 'integrate WITH an API', 'dependent ON a library', 'store data IN a database', 'connect TO a server'. Practice these combinations.
Listen carefully. Repeat or rephrase the question if needed for clarity ('So, you're asking about...?'). Answer concisely. If you don't know, say: 'That's a great question, I'll find out and get back to you.'
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Reiterate your interest in the role, briefly mention a point from the discussion, and thank them for their time. Keep it concise and professional.
Good commit messages: Start with an imperative verb (Fix, Add, Update, Refactor). Briefly explain what and why. 'Fix: Correct login bug for new users.' 'Add: User profile page with editing capability.'
'Could you please take a look at this and let me know your thoughts?' or 'I'd appreciate your feedback on [specific part of your work].' or 'Is there anything I could improve here?'
Authentication (AuthN) is verifying who you are (e.g., login with username/password). Authorization (AuthZ) is determining what you're allowed to do after you're authenticated (e.g., access certain files or features).
Use conditionals for cause/effect or possibilities: 'If the server is down, users won't be able to log in.' (Type 1) 'If we had more time, we could add that feature.' (Type 2) 'If I had known, I would have tested that scenario.' (Type 3)
'It was great talking to you, [Name]. I need to [reason, e.g., grab a drink/mingle a bit more/head to the next session]. Hope to connect later!' Exchange contact info if appropriate.
Practice 'th' in words like 'the', 'this', 'that' (voiced, like /ð/) and 'think', 'three', 'technology' (unvoiced, like /θ/). This is often challenging for non-native speakers.
Highlight collaboration: 'In my capstone project, I collaborated with a team of four. We used Git for version control and held daily stand-ups to sync. I was responsible for the backend API development, ensuring it integrated smoothly with the frontend.'
CC (Carbon Copy) for those who need to be informed but aren't directly involved. BCC (Blind Carbon Copy) to hide recipients' email addresses from each other, useful for mass emails or privacy.
DevOps is a set of practices that combines software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops). It aims to shorten the systems development life cycle and provide continuous delivery with high software quality.
Own it professionally: 'I realize I made an error on [task/issue]. I take full responsibility, and I'm already working on [solution/correction]. I've learned [lesson] from this.'
A double negative creates a positive, often unintentionally. 'I don't need no help' means 'I need help.' Say: 'I don't need any help' or 'I need no help.'
Keep slides simple: minimal text, clear diagrams, code snippets (if readable). Visuals should support your points, not distract. Don't just read your slides.
Before starting, rephrase the task: 'So, to confirm, you need me to [your understanding of task], and the expected outcome is [expected result]. Is that correct?' This prevents misunderstandings.
Focus on the problem, your approach, and what you learned. 'A challenging project was [project name] where we faced [specific challenge]. I proposed [solution/action], we implemented it, and successfully [outcome/learning].'
Don't take it personally. Ask clarifying questions if needed: 'Could you explain why this approach is better?' Thank reviewers for their time: 'Thanks for the feedback, I'll make those changes.'
Cloud computing is accessing computing resources (like servers, storage, databases, software) over the internet ('the cloud') from a provider, instead of hosting them on your own physical hardware.
Phrase it constructively: 'I was thinking, perhaps we could improve [process/feature] by [your idea]. What are your thoughts on this?' or 'Have we considered trying [your suggestion] for [benefit]?'
Ensure verbs match subjects: 'The data IS processed.' (singular data) / 'The data ARE processed.' (plural data - less common now for 'data'). 'The list of features INCLUDES...' (list is singular). 'Our team WORKS...' (team is singular).
Review the agenda beforehand. Prepare any necessary materials or updates. Note down questions you want to ask. Arrive on time (or log in early for virtual meetings).
Research the company. Connect your skills and career goals to the company's mission, values, technology stack, or specific projects. 'I'm excited by [Company]'s work in [field/technology] and believe my skills in [your skills] would be a great fit for your team.'
Generally, use rising intonation for yes/no questions ('Is the server UP?'). Use falling intonation for Wh-questions ('WHAT is the problem?') and statements ('The code is dePLOYED.').
Use analogies, simple language, and focus on the 'why' and 'what' rather than the deep 'how'. 'Think of an API like a waiter in a restaurant. It takes your order (request) to the kitchen (server) and brings back your food (response).'
Formal request: 'I would like to request time off from [start date] to [end date]. I will ensure all my urgent tasks are completed or handed over before my leave.' Follow company policy.
Version control systems track changes to files over time. This allows multiple people to work on a project, revert to previous versions, and manage different branches of development. Git is a popular example.
Some verbs are followed by gerunds (-ing form), others by infinitives (to + verb). E.g., 'I enjoy CODING.' (gerund). 'I want TO LEARN React.' (infinitive). 'I started TO CODE / CODING.' (both possible).
Aim to respond within 24 business hours. If you need more time for a full answer, send a quick acknowledgement: 'Thanks for your email. I'll look into this and get back to you by [time/date].'
These often start with 'Tell me about a time when...'. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and provide specific examples.
Be specific: 'I'm working on improving my code documentation. Could you review this section and give me feedback on its clarity?' This shows you're proactive about growth.
Simple agreement: 'I agree.' More emphatic: 'Absolutely.' 'That's a great point.' 'I'm on board with that.' Professional: 'I concur with that assessment.'
Debugging is the process of finding and fixing errors or 'bugs' in software code that prevent it from running correctly. It involves analysis, problem-solving, and testing.
Use simple language, short sentences, active voice. Define acronyms. Use headings, lists, and diagrams for readability. Consider your audience's technical level.
Connect words naturally. E.g., 'turn off' sounds like 'tur-noff'. 'Check it out' sounds like 'cheh-ki-dout'. Listen to native speakers and practice.
'How does the team collaborate on projects?' 'What is the approach to code reviews and feedback?' 'How does the company support learning and development for junior engineers?'
Summarize key decisions and action items. Assign owners and deadlines for action items. Confirm next steps. Thank attendees for their participation.
It's = it is ('It's a bug'). Its = possessive ('The code has its limits'). You're = you are ('You're hired'). Your = possessive ('Your code'). There = place ('The server is there'). Their = possessive ('Their project'). They're = they are ('They're debugging').
Acknowledge the issue: 'I apologize for the error/delay.' Explain briefly if necessary (without making excuses). State corrective action: 'I've fixed it / I'm working to resolve it now.'
Database: for day-to-day operations (OLTP). Data Warehouse: for structured, historical data analysis (OLAP). Data Lake: stores vast amounts of raw data in its native format for various analytics.
When discussing bug priority, use terms like: 'This is a critical/high-priority bug as it's blocking users from [key function].' or 'This is a minor/low-priority UI issue, but we should address it when possible.'
Research typical salaries for the role and your experience level in that location. You can say: 'Based on my research and experience, I'm looking for a salary in the range of X to Y.' Or, deflect: 'I'm open to discussing compensation once we determine I'm a good fit.'
Summarize key takeaways. Reiterate the main message. Thank the audience. Open for questions: 'To summarize, we've covered [X, Y, Z]. The key takeaway is [main point]. Thank you. I'm now happy to take any questions.'
If you exchanged contacts, send a brief follow-up message (e.g., on LinkedIn) within a day or two. 'Hi [Name], it was great meeting you at [event]. I enjoyed our conversation about [topic]. Let's stay in touch.'
'You could try clearing the cache.' (Suggestion) 'It would be better to refactor this function.' (Stronger suggestion) 'We should update the documentation.' (Obligation/strong advice).
Clearly explain the task, expectations, and deadline. 'Could you please handle [task]? I need it completed by [date], and the key requirements are [details]. Let me know if you have any questions.'
Containerization packages an application and its dependencies together in an isolated unit called a container. This ensures it runs consistently across different environments. Docker is a popular platform for this.
For minor improvements or style suggestions: 'Nit (nitpick): Consider renaming this variable for clarity?' or 'Optional: We could extract this into a helper function for reusability.'
Be honest and brief. Focus on any productive activities during that time (e.g., learning new skills, personal projects, travel). 'I took some time off to focus on [activity], and now I'm eager to return to [your field].'
Acknowledge the change: 'Thanks for the update on the requirement for [feature].' Clarify impact: 'This change will likely affect [X, Y]. Should we adjust the timeline or scope?'
Be aware of silent letters in common words: 'know' (k is silent), 'often' (t can be silent), 'design' (g is silent), 'debt' (b is silent).
Focus on behavior, not personality. Be specific. 'I noticed in the meeting that [specific observation]. Perhaps next time, [suggestion for improvement] could be helpful for [positive outcome].'
Microservices is an architectural style that structures an application as a collection of small, independent, and loosely coupled services. Each service is self-contained and can be deployed and scaled independently.
Include your full name, job title, company, and optionally a LinkedIn profile link or company website. Keep it concise and clean.
Common phrasal verbs: 'log in/out', 'sign up/in', 'set up' (configure), 'back up' (data), 'roll back' (revert), 'check out' (code). Learn their meanings in context.
Look at the camera (not just the screen). Sit up straight. Use hand gestures naturally. Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Show enthusiasm through your tone.
Keep notes, write blog posts, or contribute to documentation about new things you learn. Explaining concepts to others solidifies your own understanding. 'Teaching is learning.'
Encourage ideas: 'What if we try...?' 'Another approach could be...' Build on others' ideas: 'Building on [colleague]'s point, we could also...'. Avoid criticizing ideas early on.
If busy: 'Could we discuss this in about [time]? I'm in the middle of something right now.' If you can help briefly: 'Sure, what's up? I have a few minutes.'
CI: Developers frequently merge code changes into a central repository, where automated builds and tests run. CD: Automating the release of software to production or staging environments.
Be concise but clear. Use proper grammar and spelling, even in informal chats. Avoid too much slang or abbreviations if unsure the other person understands. Use threads for specific topics.
Explain what you do know: 'I haven't worked with [specific detail], but I'm familiar with the related concept of [related concept] and how it applies to [context].' Show your thinking process.
Take notes. Ask clarifying questions to stay engaged. If virtual, minimize distractions. If appropriate, suggest a short break if the meeting is very long.
Countable: 'bug(s)', 'feature(s)', 'server(s)'. Uncountable: 'software', 'hardware', 'data', 'information', 'code' (usually). 'I wrote a lot of code.' (not codes). 'We need more information.' (not informations).
Be specific and sincere: 'Great job on the [project/task], [Name]! I was really impressed with how you [specific positive action/result].' CC their manager if appropriate for significant achievements.
A user story is a short, simple description of a feature told from the perspective of the person who desires the new capability, usually a user or customer. Format: 'As a [type of user], I want [an action] so that [a benefit/value].'
When learning a new tech concept or a decision, don't just accept it. Ask 'Why was this designed this way?' or 'Why is this approach preferred?' This helps build a deeper understanding beyond surface-level knowledge.
Join our WhatsApp channel for new English tips delivered to your phone every day! Over 5,000+ professionals already learning.
Take your English communication skills to the next level with our comprehensive resources