Confident Business English with Anna

If one of your goals in English is to sound more strategic and less directive, this episode is for you. I break down how to structure a coaching conversation in English, with precise language you can use to guide your team, encourage ownership, and handle performance discussions with more confidence. 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 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 @AnnaConnelly YouTube @annabusinessenglish

In this episode of Confident Business English, I’m joined by Joely Pullen, who owns Savvy English. A company with 2000+ students across 25 companies, for the first part of a real, unscripted conversation about confidence at work. We talk about a challenge we both see all the time: professionals who already have a good level of English but don’t feel confident using it when it really matters. If you’ve ever thought “I know what I want to say, but I just don’t say it,” this episode will resonate. We explore the difference between confidence and competence, why this is often harder to fix than language itself, and what’s really going on beneath the surface. Enjoy! Anna Joely's LinkedIn Savvy English Instagram 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 @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

In this episode, you will hear Business English questions from senior managers like you. If you want to choose the right word with confidence and sound more precise at work, this episode is for you. 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 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 @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

In this episode of Anna Reports, you will listen in on a real conversation between British colleagues I heard after a conference in Madrid. You’ll hear the kinds of expressions, humour, complaints and tone that appear in natural workplace conversations. The kind of English you rarely see in textbooks. Hopefully by the end you will have picked up a few phrases that will help you feel more confident in your conversations. Enjoy! Anna 02:15 — British workplace humour 05:00 — Small complaints in conversation 07:20 — “Catch up” in workplace English 09:30 — Softening opinions in conversation 11:20 — Reading tone and hidden meaning 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 @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

Speaking English at a senior level often brings difficult experiences that aren't always talked about. You start questioning yourself: Did I say it wrong? Did I sound too direct? Did they understand me? In this episode, you’ll see that many of these experiences are normal.  I share my own personal experiences as well as client stories you will resonate with. I hope the reflections will help you reframe difficult moments so they affect your confidence less. Enjoy! 01:20 — Interpreting reactions in meetings 03:00 — The “different personality” feeling in another language 05:40 — Handling criticism and unhelpful comments 07:30 — When people interrupt or finish your sentences 09:30 — Awkward everyday situations 11:30 — Mindset shifts that build confidence 12:20 — A simple exercise to track your progress 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 @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

In this Technical Series episode, I focus on reported speech. This was inspired by a client question and I thought it would be a great topic, as it is something often often looked but something you use every single day as a senior manager when relaying what the board, clients, or your team have said. I'll clarify the key structures, common mistakes, and how to broaden your reporting verbs so you can speak clearly, accurately, and without breaking your flow. Enjoy! Anna 00:00 — Why this matters at senior level 02:00 — Core structure & common pitfalls 05:00 — Expanding your reporting language 08:30 — Reporting discussions & instructions 11:30 — Real business examples & takeaways 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 @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

Do you ever feel your English sounds fine, but not quite executive? In this episode, you’ll learn three simple language shifts that will help strengthen your presence in your interactions as a senior manager. Nothing complicated. Just smarter framing that changes how you’re perceived. Book mentioned in episode: The First Minute, Chris Fenny 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 @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

Asa senior manager you constantly report on progress, what’s done, what’s delayed, what’s ongoing, and what’s stopped. In this episode, you’ll learn how to use four essential adverbs to make your status updates clearer, more precise, and more credible in meetings. Enjoy! Anna 00:00 – Why precision matters in senior-level communication 02:30 – First key language shift 05:00 – Second key language shift 07:30 – Third key language shift 09:30 – Fourth key language shift 12:30 – A subtle nuance that changes tone 14:00 – How to apply the learning 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 @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

Highly capable professionals are often overlooked not because of their expertise, but because their message isn’t clear. In 5-minute short episode, you’ll learn simple, practical tips to communicate more clearly with executives, link your ideas to business impact, and get better feedback so your message lands with confidence. Enjoy! Anna Little Snippets are my 5-minute mini episode series on Confident Business 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 programme   WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee   TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content   LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

In this mini episode, you’ll learn how putting key phrases and standard interactions on autopilot can reduce stress, improve fluency, and free up your energy for more difficult conversations. Perfect for busy professionals who want practical confidence, not more theory. Enjoy! Anna Little Snippets are my 5-minute mini episodes on Confident Business English focused on my best confidence-boosting tips.  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   WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee   TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content   LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

Speaking English all day at conferences, events, or meetings is mentally exhausting and that’s normal. In this short episode, you’ll learn why your English can feel worse as the day goes on, why this has nothing to do with your level, and how to be more compassionate with yourself when fatigue kicks in, especially at senior level. Enjoy! Anna Little Snippets are my mini 5-minute episodes on Confident Business English focused on my best confidence-boosting tips.  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   WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee   TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content   LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

In this episode, I introduce a new format Anna Reports, where I reveal takeaways from real business conversations I've heard and break them down the natural English phrases so you feel more confident with them in the workplace.  You’ll learn: Common British business expressions you’re likely to hear in real conversations The difference between 4 very common nouns for time management What it really means to broach a sensitive topic PLEASE NOTE I've deliberately recorded this episode to be even more conversational to challenge you more. It's normal if you find it harder than usual. Read along with the transcript if that helps. Enjoy!  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   WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee   TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content   LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

In this episode, you will hear Business English questions from senior managers like you. If you want to choose the right word with confidence and sound more precise at work, this episode is for you. Enjoy! Anna Do you want to record a 30-second question for the episode? Send me an email at info@confidentbusinessenglish and I'll give you the information.  01:40 — Question 1: Luis 06:10 — How to choose the right word when working with teams, partners, and authorities 08:10 — Question 2: Petra 12:40 — How these words fit together (the “Russian doll” model) 17:40 — Practical summary + how to submit your own question 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   WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee   TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content   LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

As a senior manager, at times you will need to be direct and at times, diplomatic. However, you feel your vocabulary is limited and you tend to speak too directly. In this episode, I show you how to say the same message in different ways, so you can choose the right tone for meetings, feedback, and difficult conversations. Enjoy! Anna 01:40 — Direct vs diplomatic: the core communication problem 03:20 — Scenario 1: Managing time in meetings 06:40 — Scenario 2: Giving negative feedback 11:20 — Scenario 3: Rejecting an idea 14:40 — Key takeaways + how to practice 15:30 — Final action step 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   WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee   TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content   LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

Making conversation in English can feel harder than meetings, presentations, or technical discussions, especially when you are a senior manager. In this episode, I give you ways to help reduce feeling awkward and uncertain to feeling more confident, in control, and connected when you speak with colleagues in English. I'll share with you simple, repeatable strategies to: reduce anxiety before conversations guide discussions instead of reacting to them handle moments of misunderstanding calmly finish conversations confidently and naturally I hope you can take something away from the episode today. 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 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme   WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee   TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content   LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

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! Anna Timestamps 02:10 The “outfit” analogy  03:10 — Upgrade 1: Further (vs. more) 04:10 — Upgrade 2:  I think alternatives 05:35 — Upgrade 3: preference without over-commitment 07:40 — Upgrade 4: diplomatic disagreement 09:10 — Upgrade 5: manage objections neutrally 10:50 — Upgrade 6: sound inclusive in openings 11:50 — Upgrade 7:directive but collaborative control 13:25 — Upgrade 8: Ipolite interruption / keep meeting on track 14:55 — Upgrade 9: Replace common adjectives 16:30 — Upgrade 10: raise issue with the right person 17:50 — Upgrade 11: conviction without aggression 17:50 — 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 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme   WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee   TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content   LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

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! Anna 00:00 – Why missing meaning in meetings crushes confidence 03:00 – Phrase 1 05:30 – Phrase 2 07:00 – Phrase 3 08:00 – Phrase 4 09:30 – Phrase 5 10:30 – Phrase 6 12:00 – Quick recap of all phrases 13:00 – 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 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme   WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee   TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content   LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

You can already speak English but do you sound like the senior manager you are? In this episode, I walk you through the small communication habits that quietly affect how you come across at work. Enjoy! Anna 01:30 – The uncomfortable lesson I learned from my own communication coach 05:10 – Habit 1  07:00 – Habit 2 10:40 – Habit 3 13:20 – Practical ways to get feedback and improve 15:20 – Final challenge for the week 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 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme   WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee   TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content   LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

If you’ve got an interview in English for a senior role, you need answers that reflect your true experience, clearly, confidently, and with the right vocabulary. In just 12 minutes, I’ll walk you through the leadership verbs and phrases that instantly make your answers stronger and more accurate. All inspired by my clients who have gone through this process too. They are all straightforward upgrades you can try to incorporate in your next interview. I really hope you find it useful. Anna   TImestamps 01:15 – The problem: underselling your experience in English 03:05 – How to talk like a leader: essential verbs and phrases 03:20 – Verb 1 04:00 – Verb 2 04:40 – Verb 3 05:25 – Verb 4 06:00 – Verb 5 06:30 – Verb 6 07:10 – Verb 7 07:45 – Verb 8 09:20 – Practical tas 10:00 – Final reminders + where to get extra tips 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 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme   WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee   TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content   LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

Learn one small but powerful word you can use in difficult conversations to sound more diplomatic and confident without hiding your message. Senior managers use this word to soften feedback, communicate concerns clearly, and handle sensitive moments better. Enjoy! Anna   Timestamps 00:00 Why this tiny word matters 01:05 What the word really means 02:40 When to use it (and when not to) 04:15 How to use it to to soften feedback 06:10 Using the word to express risks 08:00 Practice: Rephrase your sentences 09:45 Your action step for this week 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 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme   WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee   TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content   LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish