

Smart English Coach
Clare
Smart English Coach helps advanced English learners communicate clearly, confidently and naturally at work.Each episode shares practical strategies to help you express complex ideas, choose the right words, and speak with authority.Hosted by Clare Whitmell, English teacher and coach with 30+ years’ experience helping professionals reach advanced fluency.Explore the Advanced English Academy for deeper training and coaching.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 1, 2026 • 6min
Is Your English Better Than You Think?
Many people underestimate their level in English - and this can slow down their progress more than they realise.In this episode, I talk about: why it’s so common to misjudge your level how this leads to focusing on the wrong things the signs you may already be beyond intermediate If your English feels “not quite good enough”, this episode will help you see your level more clearly - and show you what to do next.Link in this episodeCome to a free live session where I show you exactly what to do to make faster progress in EnglishHow to get to advanced English levelSend us Fan MailSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free English coaching tips here.Get the transcriptFollow me on LinkedIn and subscribe to my newsletter for the transcript of each new episode.Advanced English confidence trainingJoin the Advanced English Academy

Mar 18, 2026 • 9min
How To Get A Precise English Vocabulary
Many English learners believe they need more vocabulary.But at advanced level, progress comes from something different: precision.In this episode, I explore how stronger English comes from choosing better words - and not just learning more of them.You’ll learn five ways to get a more precise and professional vocabulary without memorising vocabulary lists.If you’re aiming for advanced or professional English, this episode will help you move from “good vocabulary” to precise communication. To get a more precise vocabulary - without 'learning' long lists of words - check out the Advanced English Academy.Send a textSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free English coaching tips here.Get the transcriptFollow me on LinkedIn and subscribe to my newsletter for the transcript of each new episode.Advanced English confidence trainingJoin the Advanced English Academy

Mar 4, 2026 • 13min
What Really Changes At Advanced English Level
In this episode, I explore what really changes between intermediate and advanced English - and how to move beyond the “intermediate plateau.”You’ll learn:• Why advanced English is about refining what you know - not learning more • How grammar helps you express ideas with precision and emphasis • Why advanced vocabulary and speaking is about accuracy and nuance • The mindset change at advanced level - and how to handle performance pressureIf you’re preparing for CAE or aiming for professional-level English, this episode will show you how to train for advanced level English.Learn more about the Advanced English Academy here.Send us Fan MailSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free English coaching tips here.Get the transcriptFollow me on LinkedIn and subscribe to my newsletter for the transcript of each new episode.Advanced English confidence trainingJoin the Advanced English Academy

Feb 19, 2026 • 6min
Why It Feels Harder To Get To Advanced English Level
In this episode, find out why getting to advanced English feels so different from getting to intermediate level - and why so many people feel stuck at this stage.I talk about:Why advanced English isn’t just “more vocabulary and fewer mistakes”The shift from fluency to precision and reliabilityThe hidden psychological pressure of performing in professional situationsWhy intermediate learning strategies stop working at advanced levelIf you’ve ever felt frustrated about slower progress in English, this episode will help you understand what's really happening - and how to feel more in control of your English.For your next step, check out the Advanced English Academy, where we work on precision, nuance, and building English that you can trust, even under pressure.Send us Fan MailSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free English coaching tips here.Get the transcriptFollow me on LinkedIn and subscribe to my newsletter for the transcript of each new episode.Advanced English confidence trainingJoin the Advanced English Academy

Feb 4, 2026 • 18min
4 Myths About Giving Presentations In English
Why do presentations feel so scary, especially in English?Jill Cannon-Jones, who specialises in helping professionals deliver clearer, more confident presentations, talks about:Why presentation anxiety is so commonHow body language affects your confidenceHow your slides can weaken your messageFour common presentation mythsThis episode is full of practical advice for sounding confident, clear, and professional - without needing perfect English.Find out more about Jill!Her website: Say It Like A LeaderHer LinkedIn Profile: Jill Cannon-JonesSend us Fan MailSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free English coaching tips here.Get the transcriptFollow me on LinkedIn and subscribe to my newsletter for the transcript of each new episode.Advanced English confidence trainingJoin the Advanced English Academy

Jan 21, 2026 • 8min
How To Sound More Professional In English
Your English can be correct and fluent - and still not sound fully professional.In this episode, I share the small language choices that change how professional your English sounds at work.You’ll hear:why vague language weakens otherwise good Englishhow choosing the right words (not more words) improves claritypractical examples you can use immediately in emails, meetings, and discussionsIf your English is already good, this episode will make it sound more professional.For more structured practice on professional and confident English, join us in the Advanced English Academy Send us Fan MailSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free English coaching tips here.Get the transcriptFollow me on LinkedIn and subscribe to my newsletter for the transcript of each new episode.Advanced English confidence trainingJoin the Advanced English Academy

Jan 7, 2026 • 8min
The English 'Wins' To Aim For In 2026
What does a real win in English actually look like? In this episode, I explain why success isn’t about more grammar or vocabulary. It's about English that works for you. You’ll learn - how to focus strategically, - how to choose the right areas to improve, and - how to connect your English to real professional situations. I also explain why advanced English is the key to clarity, confidence, and authority at work, and how the Advanced English Academy is designed for professionals who want precise, credible English that supports their career.Send us Fan MailSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free English coaching tips here.Get the transcriptFollow me on LinkedIn and subscribe to my newsletter for the transcript of each new episode.Advanced English confidence trainingJoin the Advanced English Academy

Dec 23, 2025 • 7min
3 Areas Where You've Made Progress In English This Year
In this final episode of the year, I explain why progress isn’t only about fluency or perfect English, and how you’ve probably improved more than you realise.You’ll discover:Three areas where people often make “invisible” progressWhy confidence can grow even without big milestonesHow small wins build fluency and motivation over timeA simple reflection exercise to help you feel more confident about your EnglishThis episode will help you recognise your progress and feel proud of how far you’ve come.Link in this episodeThe Advanced English Academy gives you structured support to build confidence and fluency step by step. Join now and move into the New Year with a concrete plan for precise, clear and advanced English.Send us Fan MailSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free English coaching tips here.Get the transcriptFollow me on LinkedIn and subscribe to my newsletter for the transcript of each new episode.Advanced English confidence trainingJoin the Advanced English Academy

Dec 10, 2025 • 9min
How to do 'uncomfortable' things in English
In this episode, I share advice from a psychologist on how to deal with things that make us feel anxious - either because they're difficult or because they make us feel uncomfortable.I also share some practical strategies on how to make progress in your English without stress.Links in this episodeMeditations for Mortals (Oliver Burkeman)Advanced English AcademySend us Fan MailSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free English coaching tips here.Get the transcriptFollow me on LinkedIn and subscribe to my newsletter for the transcript of each new episode.Advanced English confidence trainingJoin the Advanced English Academy

Nov 19, 2025 • 9min
How To Learn English Successfully On Your Own
If you don't have an English teacher, you can still learn English successfully - with a clear plan and the right approach.In this episode, I share three essential strategies that help you learn independently and see real progress - even if you don't have much time.I also share details of the new Advanced English Academy - an online program which combines structure, flexibility and personalised help. Join the wait list for the Academy and get the Advanced Vocabulary Booster for free!Advanced English Academy Wait ListSend us Fan MailSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free English coaching tips here.Get the transcriptFollow me on LinkedIn and subscribe to my newsletter for the transcript of each new episode.Advanced English confidence trainingJoin the Advanced English Academy


