Confident Business English

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 @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @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 @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @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 @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @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 @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @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 @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @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 @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @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! Anna00:00 – Why precision matters in senior-level communication02:30 – First key language shift05:00 – Second key language shift07:30 – Third key language shift09:30 – Fourth key language shift12:30 – A subtle nuance that changes tone14:00 – 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 @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @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! AnnaLittle 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 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 @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @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! AnnaLittle 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 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 @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @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! AnnaLittle 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 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 @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @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 conversationsThe difference between 4 very common nouns for time managementWhat it really means to broach a sensitive topicPLEASE 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 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 @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @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! AnnaDo 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: Luis06:10 — How to choose the right word when working with teams, partners, and authorities08:10 — Question 2: Petra12:40 — 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 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 @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @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! Anna01:40 — Direct vs diplomatic: the core communication problem03:20 — Scenario 1: Managing time in meetings06:40 — Scenario 2: Giving negative feedback11:20 — Scenario 3: Rejecting an idea14:40 — Key takeaways + how to practice15:30 — 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 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 @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @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 conversationsguide discussions instead of reacting to themhandle moments of misunderstanding calmlyfinish conversations confidently and naturallyI 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 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 @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @annabusinessenglish