

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

Mar 26, 2025 • 4min
How Curiosity And Connection Help You To Enjoy English
Speaking English can be so much more than doing a classroom exercise.Imagine how it feels when people want to find out more about you, when they listen to you and encourage you.That's the power of curiosity and connection. These two things bring people together and create ways for easier and more satisfying conversations.In this podcast episode, I talk about a recent lesson in the English Fluency Club where curiosity and connection led to some amazing conversations in English. I also share a few ways for you to get the same results.Link in this episodeJoin the English Fluency Club to activate your curiosity and connection!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

Mar 12, 2025 • 10min
When And How To Use Netflix To Learn English
‘Netflix is not your teacher!’I hear this comment a lot, but is it true? Can Netflix help you learn English?In this episode, I talk about three times when Netflix is a great choice. But rather than just watching or listening passively, choose an activity that will really improve your English. Get my suggestions for three types of learning activities you can do with Netflix.Vocabulary in this episodecome down to (phrasal verb) = when something is the most important factor"It all comes down to your goals."lifelong learner = when you learn throughout your life"As an lifelong Italian learner ..."So if you love the idea of watching your favourite TV show, or finding out more about the world through documentaries, Netflix should be high on your list. When you combine it with any one of the three activities I suggest, it will also be a fantastic English learning tool as well!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 26, 2025 • 8min
Why Confidence In Your English Is So Important
Confidence in your English is the start of a better life.This sounds like a very strong statement, but I've seen people who are confident in their English go on to make huge changes in other areas of their life.In this episode, I share two reasons why confidence in your English is so important and I show you, step-by-step, how being confident when you speak can lead you to the life you want.Vocabulary in this episodeto boost your confidence = to increase your confidencea growth mindset = the belief that you can improve and reach your goalsLink in this episodeEnglish Fluency Breakthrough - my new program to help you gain confidence, fluency and vocabulary.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 12, 2025 • 16min
How I Help My Students To Get More Fluent In English
When I ask people about their biggest problem in English, they almost always say that it's fluency.But what's surprising is that even people with a high level of English say that they don't feel fluent.In this episode, I talk about why fluency is a problem, and I also share five strategies that I use with my students.Link in episodeIn March I'm starting my new group program "English Fluency Breakthrough". Leave your email here if you'd like more information - and to get an early bird discount.Vocabulary notesstakes = when the prize is high if you succeed"In a high-stakes situation like a job interview, you need to show your best qualities."ad-hoc = when something is necessary"I deal with grammar mistakes on an ad-hoc basis."to dumb down = to make something easier to understand, often to appeal to more people (negative connotation)"You don't need to dumb down your 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

Jan 29, 2025 • 11min
How To Feel Empowered When You Learn English
Learning English has its 'ups and downs', and it can sometimes be difficult to feel 'empowered', or 'in control' of the language learning process. This can make you feel demotivated.In this episode, I share three strategies that can make you feel more in control, so that learning English is enjoyable, rather than frustrating.Link in this episodeIn March, I'm starting my first group programme to help you feel confident and fluent in English. Get more details (and an early bird discount) here:smartenglishcoach.com/groupSend 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 15, 2025 • 8min
How To Deal With The 'Ups And Downs' Of Learning English
Learning English is different from learning other skills, and you'll have both 'ups' and 'downs' as you learn. It can be frustrating to feel you aren't always making progress, and in this episode I share my thoughts on why you experience 'downs' and what you can do about it.Links in this episodeYou are not alone when you learn English! Join The English Fluency Club - a welcoming place to connect with other English learners, to share your experiences and to feel understood!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 11, 2024 • 9min
How Can Introverts Become Fluent In English?
Welcome to the 100th episode of the Smart English Coach podcast!This episode is for you if you're an introvert and a naturally shy person. How can you get fluent in English if you prefer to be on your own, rather than with other people?I share some useful strategies to help you build your fluency in ways that feel comfortable to you. (If you're an extrovert, you might find these ideas useful as well!)Vocabulary noteto blurt out = say something suddenly, without thinking. You "blurt out a secret", for example.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

Nov 27, 2024 • 7min
How To Choose What To Study In English
How do you choose which activities to do in English, or which teachers to follow, when there's so much choice?This is a really good question to ask, so that you can avoid confusion and overwhelm.In this episode, discover the four questions you can ask yourself in order to choose what to study. Your answers to these questions will help you to stay motivated and they'll also help you to continue making progress in 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

Nov 13, 2024 • 35min
The Power of Personalised Feedback For Fluency
Maurice Jeths speaks seven languages, so he knows the best methods for learning languages quickly.In this episode, find out- his top five methods for fluency, and- how personalised feedback can help you move up levelsMaurice uses personalised feedback in his voice chat programs, to help people feel motivated by making rapid progress.Find out more about how Maurice can help you here:Information via Google FormOn LinkedInSend 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

Oct 30, 2024 • 9min
How To Be Less Critical About Your English
We often criticise ourselves for not being 'good enough', but self-criticism can destroy confidence. So in this episode I share my 'C.R.A.P' method to reduce self-criticism and frustration with your English.Yes - you read that correctly! Self-criticism is so damaging, that it deserves the 'crap' word!I share four steps you can take to restore your confidence in your English and to enjoy your achievements.Vocabulary notesGive yourself some leeway = room for free movementCut yourself some slack = forgive yourself for mistakesSend 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


