From General to Procurement English:
overcoming communication barriers and stepping out of AI’s shadow.
Free webinar
24 September 2026 | 3 p.m. CEST
Why does standard training not work for procurement professionals?
| Traditional General English | IPSM Business Simulator | |
| The focus of the course | Grammar rules, everyday topics, abstract texts. | Real-life SCM scenarios: tenders, claims, risk management. |
| Class format | Writing exercises, reading, passive listening to audio. | 80% practical work: active negotiation training and case studies. |
| Result | The ability to write a letter correctly (often with the help of translators). | Confident, natural speech, TCO protection and overcoming verbal freeze. |
The illusion of readiness vs. real conversation: why do speech blocks happen?
When it comes to international contracts and negotiations, the standard rules taught in language schools no longer apply, and AI assistance has its limitations. In this webinar, we’ll have a frank discussion about the key challenges in spoken communication that procurement professionals face on a daily basis:
The Spontaneity Gap
AI helps with writing letters, but it creates a false sense of confidence. In a meeting or on a Zoom call, there is no ‘generate reply’ button because you have to respond instantly. And this is where true linguistic competence comes into play.
Quick, professional English can cause a verbal freeze, leading procurement pros to agree to poor terms due to missing vocabulary.
Cultural barriers
Good negotiation needs more than grammar. You must understand different cultures, business styles, and specialist terms like BATNA, ZOPA, and hedging. Breaking local rules or missing key habits can instantly hurt your company.
Webinar programme
- Real-world requirements for Procurement English. Which specific oral communication skills and soft skills are critical for a procurement professional according to CIPS international standards?
- The anatomy of a ‘verbal freeze’. Why does a ‘verbal freeze’ occur during live calls, and how can you transform your passive language knowledge into an active negotiation tool?
- AI as an assistant. How to effectively integrate artificial intelligence technologies into your communication style without losing authenticity or negotiating power.
- IPSM course presentation. We’ll tell you about Ukraine’s first training simulator, which combines 15 years of business experience with the CELTA Level 5 standard.
- Course structure. Four modules: Sourcing Toolkit, Procurement Speaking Lab, Sourcing Survival, Deep Dive Asia.
Q&A. Live answers from IPSM experts.
Where and when?
Where: online; you can take part from anywhere.
When: 24 September 2026
Time: 3 p.m. CEST
Speakers:
Cambridge-certified trainer (CELTA Level 5)
International practitioner: Over 15 years’ experience in procurement, logistics and supply chain management in the industrial, engineering and automotive sectors in Ukraine and the UK.
International practitioner: Over 15 years’ experience in procurement, logistics and supply chain management in the industrial, engineering and automotive sectors in Ukraine and the UK.
Experience in scaling operations and crisis management: has managed large commercial divisions and successfully overseen the implementation and transformation of business processes. Has managed contracts with global giants (Geely-Volvo Corp, SsangYong, Renault-Nissan, AGCO, Philips, BP & Shell). Has worked in the procurement department of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS, UK).
Cambridge-certified teacher (CELTA Level 5): objective confirmation of proficiency in methods for quickly enabling students to speak fluently without rote learning of theory.
Maryna has 20 years’ experience in procurement and supply chain management.
She has implemented Category Management and delivered training for leading companies, including DTEK, Zhytomyr Butter Plant (TM “Rud”), Softserve, Ciklum, Ukroboronprom, Interpipe, Metinvest Digital, UMG, Kredobank, Ukrnafta, Ukrgazvydobuvannya, Ukrspyrt, Bel Shostka, Nova Poshta, Adbakers, ‘Veres’ and industrial enterprises in Kazakhstan.
Maryna has led transformation projects in marketing procurement, business tourism, manufacturing sectors, the food industry and IT. She has helped companies improve efficiency, reduce risks and identify new opportunities for growth.
Registration
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Organiser: IPSM.
Illustrations: AI; photographs of speakers: courtesy of the speakers.
