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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

297. Ask Your First Question at a Conference

Do you have a a great question but there's a big audience and it's intimidating? this short, practical session I give you a clear 5-step framework, real examples, and delivery tips so you can speak up, ask a question confidently and feel like you are contributing to the conversation. Enjoy! Anna 00:35 – Why speaking up matters for senior managers (visibility & impact) 02:10 – The 5-step question framework 04:20 – Example 1: 05:20 – Example 2: 06:05 – Example 3: 06:55 – Delivery tips: 08:10 –...

Oct 29, 202512 min

296. 15 Minutes to See Your English Differently

If you already speak English every day but still doubt yourself, this one’s for you. In 15 minutes, I want to help you shift your perspective so you can focus on more on what actually matters. This is a coaching episode which is part of the content on Confident Business English. It's not just about the technical stuff, you also need to put in the work to move forward in the way you think. I hope you find it useful. Anna. Timings 00:00 – Why your English confidence might be the real problem, not ...

Oct 22, 202516 min

295. Disagree Without Disconnecting: Cross-Cultural Skills for International Managers (With Lindsay McMahon, All Ears English)

In this episode, I talk with Lindsay McMahon, CEO and co-host of All Ears English , about how senior managers can disagree more effectively and sensitively in global business settings. We explore cultural differences in communication, key concepts like context and power distance , and practical English phrases you can use to disagree without damaging relationships. Enjoy! Here are the timings: 00:00 – Introduction & why disagreeing well matters for leaders 01:00 – Meet Lindsay McMahon and he...

Oct 15, 202516 min

294. Crack the Code: Everyday British Work Phrases—Explained

In this episode, I break down common everyday British workplace expressions that you have told me often confuse you. From casual phrases to more formal ones. You’ll learn their real meanings and when to expect them so you can respond confidently and follow work conversations with second guessing. Enjoy! Anna Time Notes: 00:00 – Why understanding boosts confidence 02:00 – Informal phrases at work 04:30 – Formal email language 06:00 – Tricky linking words 08:00 – Subtle agreement expressions 09:45...

Oct 08, 202516 min

293. Help! I Need to Improvise in Meetings — And Be Confident

In this episode of Confident Business English, I provide you with strategies to help you feel more confident when unexpectedly asked to speak in English during meetings. I share 3 practical frameworks to effectively structure responses. I also emphasize the importance of buying time, using simple structures, and shifting your mindset to handle being put on the spot. This forms part of a new Help! series on the podcast . Episodes focused the actual challenges senior managers like you face every d...

Oct 01, 202516 min

292. Explain Why It Matters: Effective English Structures to Persuade at Work

Do you ever feel it's hard to convince people of your ideas in English? You feel you are not as persuasive and your sentences are flat. I actually come across this problem frequently with clients. That's why I'd like to help you explain why things matter. I will show you 3 effective English structures you can use to hopefully sound more convincing and help your colleagues understand the importance behind your ideas. Enjoy! Anna GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my week...

Sep 24, 202511 min

291. Put These 3 Phrases into Action in Your Next Meeting (Season Premiere)

Welcome back to a brand new season of Confident Business English. I wanted to kick off focusing on one of the things you told me you love about the podcast - content you can actually use in real life at work. In this episode I've selected 3 phrases you can try in your next meeting. They are so relevant for you as a senior manager and I hope this training will help you feel more confident to say them and you will fele like you are making progress. Enjoy! Anna Want to learn thees 3 plus 2 extra in...

Sep 17, 202513 min

290. Let's Wrap it Up! My Final Key Takeaways for This Season

In this final episode of the season, Anna Connelly, your Neurolanguage Coach, shares essential insights for senior managers. She emphasizes clear communication by advising against over-complication and vague language, and provides practical tips for speaking with ease. Anna also clarifies commonly confused business English words like 'helpful' vs. 'useful' and different shades of emotion. Finally, she offers actionable strategies for building lasting confidence, drawing on insights from Leila Hormozy, and outlines summer resources available before the new season.

Jul 16, 202516 min

289. Self-Conscious About Your Pronunciation? Spend 30 Minutes with an Expert (Bonus Guest Episode)

For the penultimate episode of Confident Business English this season, I am bringing you a bonus guest episode Emma from Pronunciation with Emma. If you haven't heard of Emma already, she has 15+ years of experience and over 1 mill. followers on social media. In short, she knows her stuff. She is going to spend 30 minutes with you to hopefully help you towards feeling less self-concious about your pronunciation. Emma talks about: Her best advice if you are struggling right now A practical method...

Jul 09, 202532 min

288. Know Exactly What to Say: 11 Essential One-Liners for Real Moments in the Workplace

Your team member is leaving, you find out a colleague is pregnant or sadly a colleague's family member has passed away. What to say in these real moments in the workplace? Let me walk you through 11 one-liners you feel confident you know exactly what to say. Hope it's useful. 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 ...

Jul 02, 202512 min

287. From Flat to Convincing: Build Your Executive Presence in English

Do you have to convince and persuade your colleagues on your ideas? Are you worried your points sound flat and don't make an impact because you don't have the right words? In this episode I illustrate how choosing the right vocabulary can make a big difference to how your argument comes across. Learn quick, practical tricks about what to include to sound more convincing and common pitfalls which will make your argument sound weaker. Perfect for any senior managers who need to convince execs! I h...

Jun 25, 202514 min

286. My Key Takeaways: Finally Understand This Crucial Business Tense for Clearer Communication

Recently, I've been getting the same question from my clients. "How do I use the present perfect properly? I understand the technical grammar but I have doubts about when to use it." As you are always a senior manager too, you may also lack confidence in how to use. That's why I wanted to dedicate an episode to covering this in-depth and help build your confidence with it. It is a HIGHLY useful tense to feel comfortable with as we use it all the time in business. I hope you find it useful. Anna ...

Jun 18, 202514 min

285. Core Business English Skills: Train Yourself To Understand Fast Phrases

Let's build your confidence with your core skills - understanding when your colleagues are speaking quickly. In this episode, I focus on business english phrases with connected speech to help you identify key sounds which will enable you to quickly recognise what people are saying. 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...

Jun 11, 202514 min

284. Little Snippet #18: Make Sense of a Common but Confusing Verb

I'm in the UK this week and we are going to take a break from the normal schedule to bring you another Little Snippet. These are my 5-minute episode formats with tips and tricks focused on one specific Business English topic. This one focuses on understanding your native colleagues better. I hope you find it useful! 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 intere...

Jun 04, 20255 min

283. How to Use "Get" Part 2: Essential Business Verbs

This is a series called Essential Business Verbs. We continue our look at "get" one of the verbs my clients say time and time they find very confusing. I walk you through 3 more common meanings, examples and a chance to practice along with me at the end of the episode. Invest just 11 minutes of your time to build your confidence speaking and understanding your colleagues. Enjoy! Anna GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and ext...

May 28, 202512 min

282. Struggling to Express High-Level Industry Trends? Use This Easy Structure

Let me take you through a simple structure you can use to sound great when communicating high-level trends in your sector in English. I also share lots of real-life examples sent in by other professionals listening to this podcast. 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...

May 21, 202511 min

281. BONUS EPISODE Mindset Shifts for Senior Managers: Insights from a Mindset Coach for High Achievers

Join me this week for a bonus episode where I invite Oli Cooke, a mindset coach for high achievers to share his practical tips for your biggest challenges. In my opinion, Improving your mindset when communicating in English and becoming more resilient is a big part of creating a lasting change where you actually feel more comfortable speaking in a work context. I hope you enjoy the episode. As this is a bonus guest episode, it is longer than usual. To get the full transcript to follow become a f...

May 14, 202527 min

280. My Key Takeaways: Fix Confusing Phrases, More Assertive Questions, Reading News, Build a Resilient Mindset & More!

Join me for more of my key business english takeaways from my work as a Neurolanguage Coach. I touch on loads of topics. Vocabulary, grammar, reading tips and mindset. Don't miss out. 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 SUPPORTERS. WANT TO BECOME A SUPP...

May 07, 202513 min

279. Never Feel Awkward Again: The Only Phrases You Need to Invite Colleagues for Coffee and Lunch

Have you ever wanted to ask a colleague to go for a coffee or lunch before a meeting, but felt awkward (uncomfortable) because you didn’t know the right phrases? Let me share three key phrases in English to invite your colleagues for coffee or lunch in different situations—so you never have to feel awkward or embarrassed again. 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 30, 202510 min

278. Executive English: Deliver Concise Reports in Under 1 Minute

Do you ever need to report to your executive team but struggle to be concise in English? In this episode I share a simple communication framework that originated in the US military that you can take advantage of to make your life easier when reporting in English. Don't miss this one! 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 ...

Apr 23, 202512 min

276. Handle Difficult Meetings: De-Escalation Phrases for Challenging Conversations

Lack confidence when handling difficult meetings? Let me walk you through de-escalation phrases you can use wen there are challenging conversations and you want to direct the conversation to be more productive. 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...

Apr 16, 202510 min

275. How to Use "Get": Essential Business Verbs

This is a series called Essential Verbs for Business. I would like to start with how to use "get", one of the most common pain points I hear about. I will start to break down the most common uses, with examples and an opportunity to practice sentences at the end. Initially we will start with the more straightforward meanings and work this up to more advanced structures in future episode. I hope it helps build your confidence with essential business verb. Anna GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Beco...

Apr 09, 202512 min

274. How to Say NO to 23 Common Work Requests

Do you want to feel confident saying no to some of the most common requests by colleagues? Practice out loud on this interactive episode and feel more secure with quick, short sentences to say no in a polite and professional way. A lot of my clients find this hard which is why I wanted to focus on this with you too. 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 02, 202513 min

273. Get the Tone Right: Expressing Enthusiasm at Work

Do you want to express enthusiasm but don't want to sound too much? Or not enough? As a senior manager, it's important you feel secure when you speak and you are expressing what you want to say accurately. Join me this week to dive into the nuances of several common business phrases to express enthusiasm and build you confidence to get the tone right in your different business interactions. GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter ...

Mar 26, 202513 min

272. Anna's Key Takeaways: Business Emails, LinkedIn Messages, Alternative for Why? & Advice for Non-Native Speakers

Join me for an episode where I walk you through some of my key business English takeaways over the last few weeks. Don't miss it! 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 SUPPORTERS. WANT TO BECOME A SUPPORTER TOO? TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the ...

Mar 19, 202510 min

271. The Art of the Follow-Up: Professional Phrases to Get Action

Working with an international team on a big project? You will have to follow up with your team to keep on top all of the actions. What is the best way to do this without coming across as rude in both less urgent and more urgent situations? The forever worry of a senior manager. In this episode I dive into the art of the follow-up in English and give you professional phrases to help you get action. Enjoy! Anna GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips...

Mar 12, 202513 min

270. Keep Meetings on Track: 3-Step Phrases to Redirect Conversations

Do you ever need to keep meetings on track? You have no problem doing it in your own language but when it comes to English you feel more insecure. In this episode I'll give you 3-step phrases to redirect conversations you can learn on autopilot to never have to worry about how to do it again. I hope it's useful. 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 t...

Mar 05, 202510 minEp. 270

269. Test Your Small Talk Skills: Can You Keep Up with a Native Speaker?

The next installment of our Real Business Conversation Series. The aim of these episodes is to build confidence with different accents you can come across in international business. In this episode a finance director from North West England is going to ask you small talk questions. The question is - can you keep up? We will go into each question in detail to help you feel more confident you know how to answer the next time you hear it. Good luck! Anna GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a fre...

Feb 26, 202511 minEp. 269

268. 3 Pronunciation Traps for Senior Managers – And How to Avoid Them!

Do you feel concious of your pronunciation? Here are 3 pronunciation traps I see senior manager falling into a lot. I chose these 3 words as they are very common in business English. If you find this episode useful, we can do more in the future. 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 MA...

Feb 19, 20259 minEp. 268

267. Defend Your Decisions: How to Push Back Confidently in English

As a senior manager working in English, do you have to defend your decisions? Your colleagues may ask you to extend the deadline, ask for more resources or changes. In this episode I share with you business english vocabulary to help you push back confidently in English. 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 pr...

Feb 12, 20259 minEp. 267
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