Confident Business English - podcast cover

Confident Business English

Are you a senior manager who lacks confidence communicating in English at work? Accredited Neurolanguage Coach® Anna Connelly brings professionals like you, who already need to use English in their daily work, practical business English tips to help your boost confidence. The goal is to help you feel more confident using a framework of 1. Learn, 2. Take Action, 3. Repeat. Professionals say they love the podcast because it's to-the-point, it covers on very relevant topics and they get results just from listening.
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Episodes

327. The Realities of Speaking English at Work: 3 Things That Knock Your Confidence (And What to Do About It)

Lots of different things can knock your confidence as a senior manager. Sometimes it's a comment, a specific experience presentation, or even a particular colleague that makes you feel less confident. In this episode, I share three real examples from recent coaching sessions and some thoughts and reflections on how you could handle them. Enjoy! Anna GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN COAC...

Jun 03, 202612 min

326. 3 Verbs Every Senior Manager Needs: Maintain, Keep and Stay

This week, I want to train you on three business verbs that professionals often confuse: maintain, keep and stay .You’ll learn how native speakers actually use them in meetings, management and everyday workplace communication so you can sound more natural, fluent and confident when speaking English at work. Perfect for you as a senior manager working in an international environments. Enjoy! Anna GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsle...

May 27, 202617 min

325. Anna’s Key Takeaways: Can vs Can’t, Difficult Questions & Clearer Pronunciation

This week I bring you more of my Key Takeaways taken from client sessions over the last few weeks: In this episode: The real difference between “can” and “can’t” in fast business conversations Useful phrases for handling difficult questions with transparency and professionalism Simple pronunciation techniques to improve clarity and reduce misunderstandings Perfect for you as a senior managers working in high-stakes international environments. Enjoy! Anna GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a ...

May 19, 202615 min

324. Sound More Like Yourself in English With These Classic Business Sayings

Do you ever feel that you can't get across your complete personality and style as a senior manager in English? In this episode, you’ll learn common business sayings and expressions to help you sound more like yourself in your native language. I’ll show you how to use them naturally in context and I hope this helps you feel more confident to use them. Enjoy! Anna GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTER...

May 12, 202612 min

323. How to Confidently Explain Staff Changes in Global Team Meetings

One of my clients leads quarterly meetings with teams across Brazil, APAC, Europe, and the US but when it came to explaining recent staff changes, they realised they weren’t confident using the right English vocabulary. If you’ve ever hesitated when talking about promotions, internal moves, or people leaving, this episode is for you. You’ll learn the key phrases senior managers use to describe company movements clearly, professionally, and confidently in global team meetings. Enjoy! Anna GET MY ...

May 05, 202613 min

322. Get Your Proposals Approved: 3 Language Tricks to Feel More Confident in the Room

Inspired by a senior manager client, here are 3 simple language tips to make your proposals more persuasive in English so you can communicate your ideas clearly, sound more credible, and improve your chances of getting approval. I hope it makes you feel more confident with your messaging when you walk into the room. Enjoy! Anna GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN COACHING WITH ME? Register...

Apr 29, 202613 min

321. It's Not Just You: The Hidden Struggles of Speaking English at Work

Welcome back to another episodes in the It's Not JustYou series. Speaking English at work as senior IS hard. You are up against quite a lot. Building on a previous story and insights from real client experiences, we break down the hidden challenges and how to move forward with more confidence. Enjoy! Anna GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN COACHING WITH ME? Register interest to be informe...

Apr 22, 202615 min

320. My Key Takeaways: Come Up, Take the Lead… and One Word You Might Be Avoiding

Let's do another of my Key Takeaways episode. This is where I take learnings from recent client sessions I think you will find very helpful to feel more confident with business english vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. This week I picked 4 very common business phrasal verbs that are definitely worth knowing, a great phrase to delegate work while still sounding motivational and a tricky word to pronounce which appears when justifying your decisions. Enjoy! Anna GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER ...

Apr 15, 202616 min

319. Sound Like a Leader in English, Not a Micromanager: Get Your Team to Take Ownership (Without Pushing Them)

If one of your goals in English is to sound more strategic and less directive, this episode is for you. I break down how to structure a coaching conversation in English, with precise language you can use to guide your team, encourage ownership, and handle performance discussions with more confidence. Enjoy! Anna GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN COACHING WITH ME? Register interest to be ...

Apr 08, 202613 min

318. When You're Capable in English… But You Don’t Trust Yourself (A Conversation with Joely Pullen)

In this episode of Confident Business English, I’m joined by Joely Pullen, who owns Savvy English. A company with 2000+ students across 25 companies, for the first part of a real, unscripted conversation about confidence at work. We talk about a challenge we both see all the time: professionals who already have a good level of English but don’t feel confident using it when it really matters. If you’ve ever thought “I know what I want to say, but I just don’t say it,” this episode will resonate. ...

Apr 01, 202618 min

317. Ask Anna: Grasp an Essential Business Verb & Add More Impact to Your Messages

In this episode, you will hear Business English questions from senior managers like you. If you want to choose the right word with confidence and sound more precise at work, this episode is for you. Enjoy! Anna GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN COACHING WITH ME? Register interest to be informed of future places on my 3-month programme THIS PODCAST IS MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR FANTASTIC SUPPOR...

Mar 24, 202613 min

316. Real-Life Business English: Colleague Conversation After Conference (Anna Reports)

In this episode of Anna Reports , you will listen in on a real conversation between British colleagues I heard after a conference in Madrid. You’ll hear the kinds of expressions, humour, complaints and tone that appear in natural workplace conversations. The kind of English you rarely see in textbooks. Hopefully by the end you will have picked up a few phrases that will help you feel more confident in your conversations. Enjoy! Anna 02:15 — British workplace humour 05:00 — Small complaints in co...

Mar 17, 202612 min

315. It’s Not Just You: The Reality of Speaking English at Work

Speaking English at a senior level often brings difficult experiences that aren't always talked about. You start questioning yourself: Did I say it wrong? Did I sound too direct? Did they understand me? In this episode, you’ll see that many of these experiences are normal. I share my own personal experiences as well as client stories you will resonate with. I hope the reflections will help you reframe difficult moments so they affect your confidence less. Enjoy! 01:20 — Interpreting reactions in...

Mar 11, 202614 min

314. The Technical Series: Reported Speech for Senior Managers

In this Technical Series episode, I focus on reported speech. This was inspired by a client question and I thought it would be a great topic, as it is something often often looked but something you use every single day as a senior manager when relaying what the board, clients, or your team have said. I'll clarify the key structures, common mistakes, and how to broaden your reporting verbs so you can speak clearly, accurately, and without breaking your flow. Enjoy! Anna 00:00 — Why this matters a...

Mar 03, 202614 min

313. Train Your Executive Voice with 3 Small Shifts

Do you ever feel your English sounds fine, but not quite executive? In this episode, you’ll learn three simple language shifts that will help strengthen your presence in your interactions as a senior manager. Nothing complicated. Just smarter framing that changes how you’re perceived. Book mentioned in episode: The First Minute, Chris Fenny GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN COACHING WITH...

Feb 24, 202612 min

312. The Technical Series: 15 Minutes to More Precise Progress Updates

Asa senior manager you constantly report on progress, what’s done, what’s delayed, what’s ongoing, and what’s stopped. In this episode, you’ll learn how to use four essential adverbs to make your status updates clearer, more precise, and more credible in meetings. Enjoy! Anna 00:00 – Why precision matters in senior-level communication 02:30 – First key language shift 05:00 – Second key language shift 07:30 – Third key language shift 09:30 – Fourth key language shift 12:30 – A subtle nuance that ...

Feb 17, 202615 min

310. Your Business English Prescription: Little Snippet #20

In this mini episode, you’ll learn how putting key phrases and standard interactions on autopilot can reduce stress, improve fluency, and free up your energy for more difficult conversations. Perfect for busy professionals who want practical confidence, not more theory. Enjoy! Anna Little Snippets are my 5-minute mini episodes on Confident Business English focused on my best confidence-boosting tips. GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the n...

Feb 10, 20265 min

309. Communicating Effectively with Executives: Little Snippet #19

Highly capable professionals are often overlooked not because of their expertise, but because their message isn’t clear. In 5-minute short episode, you’ll learn simple, practical tips to communicate more clearly with executives, link your ideas to business impact, and get better feedback so your message lands with confidence. Enjoy! Anna Little Snippets are my 5-minute mini episode series on Confident Business English. GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round ...

Feb 10, 20266 min

311. English, Energy, and Long Workdays: Little Snippets #21

Speaking English all day at conferences, events, or meetings is mentally exhausting and that’s normal. In this short episode, you’ll learn why your English can feel worse as the day goes on, why this has nothing to do with your level, and how to be more compassionate with yourself when fatigue kicks in, especially at senior level. Enjoy! Anna Little Snippets are my mini 5-minute episodes on Confident Business English focused on my best confidence-boosting tips. GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Be...

Feb 10, 20265 min

308. Anna Reports: 5 Phrases from a Business Call I Overheard on the Train

In this episode, I introduce a new format Anna Reports , where I reveal takeaways from real business conversations I've heard and break them down the natural English phrases so you feel more confident with them in the workplace. You’ll learn: Common British business expressions you’re likely to hear in real conversations The difference between 4 very common nouns for time management What it really means to broach a sensitive topic PLEASE NOTE I've deliberately recorded this episode to be even mo...

Feb 03, 202615 min

307. Let’s Answer Your Business English Questions!

In this episode, you will hear Business English questions from senior managers like you. If you want to choose the right word with confidence and sound more precise at work, this episode is for you. Enjoy! Anna Do you want to record a 30-second question for the episode? Send me an email at info@confidentbusinessenglish and I'll give you the information. 01:40 — Question 1: Luis 06:10 — How to choose the right word when working with teams, partners, and authorities 08:10 — Question 2: Petra 12:40...

Jan 28, 202614 min

306. If You Feel Too Direct When You Speak English, Listen to This

This episode guides senior managers on mastering direct versus diplomatic communication in English. It provides practical examples and nuanced phrasing for various professional scenarios, including efficiently managing meeting time, delivering constructive negative feedback, and politely rejecting ideas. By understanding these linguistic tools, listeners can enhance their confidence, improve professional relationships, and better interpret colleagues' messages.

Jan 21, 202616 min

305. How to Build Confidence and Connection in English at Work

Making conversation in English can feel harder than meetings, presentations, or technical discussions, especially when you are a senior manager. In this episode, I give you ways to help reduce feeling awkward and uncertain to feeling more confident, in control, and connected when you speak with colleagues in English. I'll share with you simple, repeatable strategies to: reduce anxiety before conversations guide discussions instead of reacting to them handle moments of misunderstanding calmly fin...

Jan 14, 202614 min

304. I Don’t Sound Like a Senior Manager in English: 11 Executive Upgrades to Get On Autopilot

You are already able to communicate in English but you don't feel confident that you sound like a senior manager. In this episode, I've picked my top 11 quick upgrades you can make to sound more executive. But let me be clear, you don’t need these to do your job. You already are a senior manager. But if you want to feel more confident when you walk into the room, this episode will help. Enjoy! Anna Timestamps 02:10 The “outfit” analogy 03:10 — Upgrade 1: Further (vs. more) 04:10 — Upgrade 2: I t...

Dec 17, 202519 min

303. What Did They Just Say? Real Meeting English for Senior Managers

As a senior manager, not understanding can feel very uncomfortable. You know people are looking to you to lead the conversation. If you miss something, you might say something wrong and worry you will look like silly. It's an understandable concern so let me help you build your confidence by learning common phrases from real meetings so next time you know exactly what you're colleagues are saying. Enjoy! Anna 00:00 – Why missing meaning in meetings crushes confidence 03:00 – Phrase 1 05:30 – Phr...

Dec 10, 202514 min

302. Executive Presence in English: Habits to Improve Your Delivery

You can already speak English but do you sound like the senior manager you are? In this episode, I walk you through the small communication habits that quietly affect how you come across at work. Enjoy! Anna 01:30 – The uncomfortable lesson I learned from my own communication coach 05:10 – Habit 1 07:00 – Habit 2 10:40 – Habit 3 13:20 – Practical ways to get feedback and improve 15:20 – Final challenge for the week GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up o...

Dec 03, 202514 min

301. 12 Minutes to Speak Like a Leader in Your Next Interview

If you’ve got an interview in English for a senior role, you need answers that reflect your true experience, clearly, confidently, and with the right vocabulary. In just 12 minutes, I’ll walk you through the leadership verbs and phrases that instantly make your answers stronger and more accurate. All inspired by my clients who have gone through this process too. They are all straightforward upgrades you can try to incorporate in your next interview. I really hope you find it useful. Anna TImesta...

Nov 26, 202512 min

300. Senior Manager Quick Wins: One Small Word to Sound More Diplomatic

Learn one small but powerful word you can use in difficult conversations to sound more diplomatic and confident without hiding your message. Senior managers use this word to soften feedback, communicate concerns clearly, and handle sensitive moments better. Enjoy! Anna Timestamps 00:00 Why this tiny word matters 01:05 What the word really means 02:40 When to use it (and when not to) 04:15 How to use it to to soften feedback 06:10 Using the word to express risks 08:00 Practice: Rephrase your sent...

Nov 19, 202512 min

299. Decode Business Phrases: No More “What Does That Mean?”

The last Decode episode was really popular so I wanted to expand to a new mini series throughout this season. If you’ve ever been in a meeting and thought, “Wait… what does that phrase actually mean?” this episode is for you. Let me take you through a list of common business expressions you’ll hear across companies and industries. You’ll learn what they mean, how they’re used, and the origin of the phrase. That will mean that next time, you can follow the conversation and won't have to wonder wh...

Nov 12, 202515 min

298. Don’t Break Your Flow! Clarify the Business Words That Make You Hesitate

CLICK HERE TO MY NEXT FREE LIVESTREAM 12TH NOVEMBER 2025 19.30 (Madrid time) Do you break the flow when you speak because you’re unsure if you’re using the right word? In this 15-minute episode, I’ll help you finally clarify the most common “what’s the difference” questions my clients ask. You’ll stop second-guessing yourself in meetings and just go for it. Keep the flow going! Enjoy. Anna 00:00 – Why we hesitate when we speak 02:00 – My “SUMO” trick to deal with hesitation 04:00 – Double vs. Du...

Nov 05, 202515 min
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