Business English from All Ears English
Lindsay McMahon
Want to feel more confident with your business English?Lindsay and Michelle show you real, business English vocabulary for the global economy in this podcast from All Ears English. Learn spoken English for business with native speakers.Get advanced skills for English meetings, presentations, small talk and socializing at work, job interviews, telephone English and more.Write more clear and concise business emails in English to sound professional.Be respected when you speak to colleagues, bosses, partners, suppliers, and stakeholders.Increase your self-esteem at work to participate, facilitate, persuade, and respond quickly in English.Learn formal, informal, and semi-formal English for different workplace situationsIncrease your salary and get a promotion.This podcast is perfect for you if you are at the mid-career or middle management stage, early career, senior-level or C-suite, entrepreneur, self-employed freelancer, or a small business owner.The English level for this podcast is intermediate to advanced English CEFR B1 Intermediate English, CEFR B2 Upper-Intermediate English, CEFR C1 Advanced English, CEFR C2 Proficiency EnglishThis podcast is great for software engineers, senior executives, MBA students, marketing managers, doctors, lawyers, accountants, project managers, HR professionals, customer service professionals, IT, financial planners, import/export businesses, biotech professionals, sales reps, and any career that involves international business or using English.With every episode, we show you how to organize and deliver your message clearly.You’ll be able to understand phone calls and conference calls by improving your listening skills.Use the right English grammar and the right English tenses in every situation.We also cover: Assigning tasks to the team, global leadership and management, English pronunciation and accent, American culture and business, cross-cultural communication skills for business, negotiation idioms, vocabulary, slang, and business proverbs and sayings.Learn how to tell stories that convince people to take action in business.Speak with customers and resolve client issues.Be polite with the right English vocabulary when you speak with your colleagues.This podcast is a collection of episodes that were originally published on All Ears English Podcast and new Business English episodes.
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 17min
BE 472: How to Affirm and Validate to Keep Employees Happy and Heard
Explore the art of affirming and validating employees to enhance workplace culture. Learn how leader responses shape open communication and discover effective phrases to validate team input. The hosts discuss adjusting formality in sensitive discussions and showcase brief acknowledgments for everyday interactions. Role-playing scenarios illustrate the impact of validation on employee retention. They also offer strategies for managing expectations when immediate solutions aren't available while still acknowledging concerns.
19 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 19min
BE 471: Soon Versus Quickly in English - What's the Difference?
Discover the key differences between 'soon' and 'quickly' in English. Learn how 'soon' acts as a time marker, while 'quickly' emphasizes speed. Explore real-life examples that show the nuances between these terms, especially in a business context. The hosts discuss how urgency impacts decision-making and provide role-play scenarios to illustrate their points. Gain insights into adverb placement and when certain phrases may sound outdated. Tune in for a fresh perspective on prioritizing tasks in your professional life.
13 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 16min
BE 470: 3 English Words to Avoid When Pursuing Clients
Exploring the nuances of business language, the hosts discuss the missteps of using 'work on' for people. They suggest alternatives like 'tackle' and 'pursue' for projects and emphasize more respectful phrases such as 'secure a client.' The conversation highlights why 'land a client' feels outdated and manipulative. A role play illustrates using appropriate language in professional settings, contrasting internal and client-facing choices. The episode wraps with tips on creating respectful client relationships through mindful language.
10 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 18min
BE 469: Is Your Job Secure? Safety and Related Topics at Work
The hosts dive into the rising trend of home security systems and the implications of feeling safe. They explore the concept of false security, not just in homes but at work too, sharing eye-opening examples of overconfidence. A discussion on how money can complicate happiness leads into the looming threat of AI on job security. Personal anecdotes about job insecurity highlight the importance of being proactive. Finally, they emphasize everyday risks and the need for strong data protection measures.
21 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 14min
BE 468: Laundry in English Part 2: What's On Your To-Do List?
Dive into the intriguing world of task management with lively discussions on the 'laundry list' expression. Explore how this term reflects a long list of duties in the business realm. The hosts share personal strategies for overcoming the overwhelm of endless tasks. Discover alternative phrases for conveying similar sentiments and enjoy a role play that illustrates offering help to colleagues. They delve into cultural differences in work styles, inviting listeners to reflect on how tasks versus relationships shape professional interactions.
16 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 26min
BE: How to Master Business Lunch Etiquette
Discover the ins and outs of business lunch etiquette, from navigating delayed meal arrivals to understanding cultural cues. Learn whether to dig in right away or wait for others, along with polite phrases to keep the conversation flowing. Enjoy role-play examples that bring these scenarios to life and help you leave a lasting impression at the table. This episode is packed with practical tips to enhance your networking skills over lunch.
22 snips
Sep 21, 2025 • 15min
BE 467: Confused by English Idioms? Tell Me About It!
The hosts dive into the phrase 'Tell me about it,' revealing its use in creating empathy during conversations. They explore its literal and idiomatic meanings, emphasizing how tone can enhance understanding. Listeners are introduced to alternative phrases that convey similar sentiments, showcasing them through lively role plays. The episode highlights the importance of empathy in building connections, especially in business settings, making communication not only effective but also more personal.
8 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 14min
BE 466: Can You Still Say "It Costs an Arm and a Leg?"
Discover the evolving use of the idiom 'costs an arm and a leg' and whether it still fits in modern business language. Explore practical alternatives for discussing expenses, such as 'not within our budget' and 'exorbitant,' while diving into relatable role plays. Enhance your professional vocabulary while learning how these phrases can shape financial discussions and decisions. Tune in for valuable insights that will elevate your Business English skills!
35 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 15min
BE 465: Tricky? Complex? Challenging? How to Describe Hard Things at Work
Explore the nuances of describing complex challenges in the workplace. Discover how vocabulary can affect perceptions and promote a positive mindset. Learn effective strategies for time management and the importance of delegation. Delve into language choices, from 'demanding' to 'challenging,' and see how they can shape conversations and collaboration. The podcast emphasizes the art of communication in business, especially for non-native speakers, providing insights to enhance understanding and teamwork.
31 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 14min
BE 464: With This English, You're a Shoo-in
Discover how a simple idiom like 'schoo-in' can elevate your confidence in business conversations. The hosts explore its origins in horse racing and its evolution into a term for strong candidates. They emphasize the power of expressions of certainty in professional settings, highlighted through engaging anecdotes and role-plays around job interviews. Plus, enjoy light-hearted discussions, personal stories, and a tease of unexpected knowledge to come. It's a mix of fun and insights that boosts your English skills while making you feel more professional!
