Confident Business English

Anna Connelly
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13 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 15min

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

A commuter business call inspires a bite-sized lesson in natural British workplace phrases. Learn colloquial expressions for excitement and encouragement. Get clear distinctions between timeframe, timeline, schedule and timetable. Hear how and when to broach delicate topics in professional conversation.
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Jan 28, 2026 • 14min

307. Let’s Answer Your Business English Questions!

Listeners submit real Business English questions from senior managers. They explore choosing precise words for teamwork, partners, and regulators. The difference between cooperation and collaboration is clarified with practical examples. A 'Russian doll' model links vision, aims, goals, objectives, targets, and KPIs.
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Jan 21, 2026 • 16min

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

Navigating directness and diplomacy is essential for managers. Discover how varying your vocabulary can change workplace dynamics. Explore practical scenarios like managing meeting time and delivering negative feedback with empathy. Learn to recognize subtle language cues in colleagues’ phrases and how to reject ideas without discouraging innovation. With actionable tips, you can refine your communication style for better collaboration and engagement. Tune in to elevate your professional interactions!
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Jan 14, 2026 • 14min

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

Navigating conversations in English can be more challenging than technical discussions, especially for senior managers. Simple routines can automate small talk, easing anxiety. Accepting unpredictability builds resilience when conversations go awry. Asking questions allows you to control discussions and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Emphasizing open questions invites richer dialogue. Aiming for common vocabulary rather than niche terms reduces stress. Lastly, practicing small steps fosters connection over perfection, making interactions smoother.
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Dec 17, 2025 • 19min

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! AnnaTimestamps02:10 The “outfit” analogy 03:10 — Upgrade 1: Further (vs. more)04:10 — Upgrade 2:  I think alternatives05:35 — Upgrade 3: preference without over-commitment07:40 — Upgrade 4: diplomatic disagreement09:10 — Upgrade 5: manage objections neutrally10:50 — Upgrade 6: sound inclusive in openings11:50 — Upgrade 7:directive but collaborative control13:25 — Upgrade 8: Ipolite interruption / keep meeting on track14:55 — Upgrade 9: Replace common adjectives16:30 — Upgrade 10: raise issue with the right person17:50 — Upgrade 11: conviction without aggression17:50 — Practice Out loud: conviction without aggression  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 episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnellyYouTube @annabusinessenglish
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Dec 10, 2025 • 14min

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! Anna00:00 – Why missing meaning in meetings crushes confidence03:00 – Phrase 105:30 – Phrase 207:00 – Phrase 308:00 – Phrase 409:30 – Phrase 510:30 – Phrase 612:00 – Quick recap of all phrases13:00 – How to lock these into your memory  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 episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnellyYouTube @annabusinessenglish
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7 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 14min

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

Ever wondered if you sound like a senior manager? This discussion dives into essential communication habits that shape your executive presence. Anna shares a personal story about her communication coach and the painful feedback she received. Learn how to control your pace to enhance authority and reduce distracting fillers. Discover practical tips for identifying and eliminating repetitive words. The final challenge encourages recording yourself and seeking feedback for continuous improvement!
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8 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 12min

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

Discover how to present your experience like a leader in interviews. Learn powerful action verbs to elevate your responses and avoid underselling your skills. Keywords like 'oversaw' and 'headed up' showcase your supervision and leadership. Explore verbs like 'steer' and 'drive' to illustrate your role in change. Plus, discover how to effectively use 'champion' and 'bring about' to highlight your impact on culture and results. Get practical tips to integrate these terms and boost your interview confidence!
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9 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 12min

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

Discover a tiny yet powerful word that transforms tough conversations into diplomatic exchanges. Learn how to use "somewhat" to softly deliver feedback and express concerns without losing clarity. Uncover practical tips for incorporating this word into your communication style. You'll hear examples from senior management scenarios, showcasing its effectiveness. Get ready to rephrase your statements to sound more confident and polished at work! Challenge yourself to use this insightful word in your conversations this week.
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29 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 15min

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

Ever found yourself puzzled by business jargon? This discussion breaks down common phrases to boost your confidence in meetings. Learn that 'across the board' means universally applicable, while an 'airtight contract' leaves no room for loopholes. Discover how a 'rule of thumb' serves as a general guideline and what it means to 'beef up' your ideas. Understand 'blanket policy' and its uniform application, and find out why 'dovetail' refers to things fitting together perfectly. Tune in for a fun decoding of business language!

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