For an assistant, communication is the job. Clients rarely see you, so every email, chat message and call is how they judge your work. Ghanaian admin adverts and remote VA adverts both ask for good written and spoken English.
Why it matters so much
A client who receives a clear, polite, complete message trusts you with the next task. A client who has to ask three follow up questions starts to wonder whether delegating to you saves time at all. Good communication is not about fancy vocabulary. It is about being clear, correct and considerate of the reader's time.
English that works
You do not need to sound British or American. You need to be understood quickly. That means short sentences, common words, correct spelling and a polite tone. Many clients read your message on a phone between meetings, so put the important part first.
It also helps to know that some Ghanaian expressions confuse foreign clients. "I am coming" can mean "wait a moment" to us, but a client abroad may expect you to arrive. "Please, I want to find out" can sound unclear. In work messages, say exactly what you mean: "One moment, I am checking the file."
What this section covers
- Clear professional writing. A simple structure for emails and messages, the right tone for different situations, and how to check your work before you send it.
- Calls, chat and video meetings. Chat etiquette, phone calls, joining video meetings with limited data, taking notes and sending a summary afterwards.