Speak Better English with Harry

40 Episodes

By: Harry

Clear, practical English for intermediate and advanced learners. Speak Better English with Harry helps you use natural English with confidence in real situations — at work and in everyday conversations. Each episode focuses on vocabulary, collocations, phrasal verbs, and expressions that native speakers actually use, explained clearly and simply by an experienced native English teacher. This podcast is ideal if you already know the basics and want to sound more natural, fluent, and confident when you speak English.

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Business English | How to Ask Your Manager for Help in English [601]

#601

Today at 12:00 PM

🚨 Take the free Test Your Meeting English quiz and find out which meeting situations you need to practise ➡️

https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/meetingquiz

Learn how to ask your manager for help in English without sounding unsure or incapable at work. In this Business English podcast episode, you’ll learn natural ways to ask for advice, request clarification, explain when you’re stuck and get the support you need from your manager.

This lesson is for intermediate and advanced English learners who use English at work and want to communicate more confidently with manage...

Business English | How to Ask for Clarification in English at Work [600]

#600

08/12/2026

🚨 Take the FREE Test Your Meeting English quiz and find out which meeting situations you need to practise ➡️
https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/meetingquiz

Someone repeats the same thing, but you still don’t understand. What do you ask next?

In this business English lesson, learn how to move beyond simply asking someone to repeat themselves and get the information you actually need. You’ll learn how to ask for simpler wording, an example, the practical meaning, or clarification about the part that affects your work. A useful lesson for anyone who wants to learn Eng...

Business English: What to Say When Someone Challenges Your Idea [599]

#599

08/05/2026

🚨 Take the free Test Your Meeting English quiz and find out which meeting situations you need to practise ➡️
https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/meetingquiz

In this Business English lesson, you’ll learn how to defend your ideas when a colleague, manager or client challenges you in a meeting. Harry explains how to respond clearly, support your reasoning, deal with objections and show the possible consequences of a different decision without becoming defensive. This episode is for B2-level non-native professionals who want to learn English for work, improve their English for meetings and speak more clearly when their pro...

Business English | 14 English Phrases for Giving Progress Updates at Work [598]

#598

07/29/2026

🚨 Take the free Test Your Meeting English quiz and find out which meeting situations you need to practise ➡️ https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/meetingquiz

Learn how to give a clear progress update in English during meetings, project calls and everyday workplace conversations. This business English lesson teaches practical phrases for saying that work is on track, nearly finished, delayed, waiting for another team or affected by changing priorities.

The episode is designed for non-native English speakers who work in international companies and already understand their job well, but need more accurate and natural English to expl...

Business English | How to Answer Unexpected Questions at Work [597]

#597

07/22/2026

🚨 Take the free Test Your Meeting English quiz and find out which meeting situations you need to practise ➡️ https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/meetingquiz

What can you say when someone asks you an unexpected question at work and you do not have the answer yet? Learn 10 natural business English phrases that give you time to think, help you clarify the question and tell the other person exactly when you will reply.

This practical English lesson is for professionals who use English in meetings, calls and workplace conversations. You will learn how to ask for time to...

Learn Business English: Check, Confirm or Clarify? [596]

#596

07/15/2026

🚨 Take the free Test Your Meeting English quiz and find out which meeting situations you need to practise ➡️
https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/meetingquiz

Do you know whether to check, confirm or clarify a deadline, decision or instruction? Many English learners understand these three verbs but hesitate when they need to use them in a work email, meeting or call.

By the end of this business English lesson, you’ll know how to check information, confirm decisions and clarify instructions without sounding vague. You’ll also learn the correct grammar patterns and common...

10 Advanced English Collocations for Negative Feelings and Emotions [595]

#595

07/08/2026

🚨Improve your English with structured online lessons. Book a free trial and get clear feedback on your level, pronunciation and speaking. Book here ➡️ https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/trial

In this episode, you will learn advanced English collocations for negative feelings and emotions. These natural word combinations will help you describe how people feel in a more accurate and fluent way, without relying on basic words.

This lesson is especially useful for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to improve their English vocabulary, sound more natural when speaking, and understand the expressio...

Business English | How to Criticise Politely in English at Work [594]

#594

07/01/2026

🚨 Take the free Test Your Meeting English quiz and find out which meeting situations you need to practise ➡️ https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/test-your-meeting-english/

Learn how to criticise politely in English without sounding rude, aggressive, or too direct. In this episode, you’ll hear natural English phrases you can use when giving feedback, disagreeing carefully, or pointing out a problem in a business environment.

These phrases are useful for meetings, workplace conversations, emails, and everyday situations with people you know. This episode is especially helpful for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to sound mor...

10 Business English Verbs to Talk About Tasks, Time, and Deadlines [593]

#593

06/24/2026

🚨 Take the free Test Your Meeting English quiz and find out which meeting situations you need to practise ➡️

https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/meetingquiz

In this episode, you will learn 10 useful English verbs for time management. These verbs help you talk about preparing for problems, choosing what matters most, writing quick notes, giving tasks to other people, staying with a plan, handling too much information, keeping time free, stopping an activity, and finishing important work.

This lesson is made for non-native English speakers who want to speak more clearly...

10 Common English Idioms for Saying Something Is Really Good [592]

#592

06/17/2026

In this episode, you’ll learn common English idioms you can use when something is really good, impressive, successful, or better than expected.

Native speakers often use idioms when they want to praise someone’s work, describe a great experience, talk about a successful result, or explain why something really stands out.

You’ll hear expressions like top-notch, the icing on the cake, secon...

Useful English Adjectives for Talking About Relationships [591]

#591

06/10/2026

In this episode, you’ll learn useful adjectives that help you describe different types of relationships in a more natural and accurate way. The focus is on real situations, such as friendships, family relationships, romantic relationships, and working relationships.

You’ll learn how to choose words that match the situation, so your English sounds clearer and less basic when you talk about people and emotions...

Useful English Collocations for Talking About Travel [590]

#590

06/03/2026

In this episode, you’ll learn useful collocations that help you talk about trips, holidays, transport, plans, delays, and travel experiences more clearly. These word combinations are important because they help your English sound more natural.

The focus is on practical examples you can use when you talk about where you went, how you travelled, what happened, and what the experience was like.

After...

Useful English Phrases for Difficult Conversations [589]

#589

05/27/2026

🚨 If you use English at work, these phrases matter. These are the only English phrases I allow my private students to use at work, and the ones I tell them to stop using. 👉 Download the PDF (€9): https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/workphrases-podcast

In this episode, you’ll learn useful phrases for moments when you feel shocked, disappointed, angry, or need to respond to someone directly. The focus is on real spoken English for situations where something has gone wrong and you need the right words.

You’ll hear how to express disbelief, show disappoin...

Useful English Expressions with “Go” for Everyday Speaking [588]

#588

05/20/2026

In this episode, you’ll learn how “go” is used in natural everyday phrases to talk about plans, progress, changes, choices, and situations. These expressions are useful because they help you understand real spoken English and give you more natural ways to express simple ideas.

The lesson focuses on clear meaning and practical examples, so you can recognise these phrases when you hear them and use th...

Natural Speaking Phrases for Everyday Negotiations [587]

#587

05/13/2026

In this episode, you’ll learn practical English phrases for simple, real-life negotiations. The focus is on speaking clearly, staying polite, and knowing what to say when you want to make an offer, ask for a better deal, or respond to someone else’s suggestion.

You’ll hear natural expressions you can use in everyday situations, so you do not sound too direct, too weak, or to...

Short English Idioms Native Speakers Use in Everyday Conversation [586]

#586

05/06/2026

In this episode, you’ll learn short two-word expressions that native speakers use to describe situations, people, moods, and everyday experiences. These phrases may look simple, but their real meaning is often not obvious from the individual words.

This lesson will help you understand expressions like these when you hear them in conversations, films, podcasts, and workplace discussions. You’ll also learn how to use them c...

Phrasal Verbs for Talking About Health and Feeling Unwell [585]

#585

04/29/2026

In this episode, you’ll learn how these expressions are used to describe feeling unwell, changes in your condition, and situations related to getting better or worse. Understanding these patterns will help you follow conversations more easily and respond in a natural way.

This lesson focuses on real usage, so you can recognise these expressions when you hear them and feel comfortable using them yourse...

How to Talk About Problems at Work in English [584]

#584

04/22/2026

In this episode, you’ll learn practical English to describe common workplace situations clearly and professionally. This includes how to talk about delays, misunderstandings, pressure, and situations where something is not going as planned.

The focus is on real communication. You’ll see how to explain issues, give context, and speak in a way...

Similar English Words That Change the Meaning of Your Sentence [583]

#583

04/15/2026

In this episode, we focus on pairs that often cause confusion, especially when one form changes the meaning of a sentence in a subtle way. These differences are easy to miss, but they can affect how natural and accurate your English sounds.

You’ll learn how to recognise these patterns, understand the difference in meaning, and use each word correctly in context. The lesson is b...

Common English Idioms to Describe People Naturally [582]

#582

04/08/2026

In this episode, you’ll learn a range of common idioms that are used to talk about people in everyday situations. These expressions will help you understand what others mean more easily and give you more options when you speak.

The focus is on meaning, context, and natural usage, so you can recognise these expressions when you hear them and use them with confidence...

Natural English Vocabulary to Describe Relationships [581]

#581

04/01/2026

In this episode, you’ll learn practical vocabulary that helps you describe relationships, social roles, and how people understand each other. These are the kinds of words that come up in everyday conversations, workplace situations, and more formal discussions.

This lesson focuses on meaning, usage, and context, so you can use the vocabulary correctly instead of just recognising it.

After listening, you will be...

Learn English Through News: Vocabulary Explained Clearly [580]

#580

03/25/2026

In this episode, you’ll improve your English by listening to a short news extract and learning the key vocabulary in context.

First, you’ll hear part of a real news article. Then, I explain important words and phrases so you can understand how they are used in natural English. This helps you follow current topics while building vocabulary that is useful in both everyday...

20 Phrasal Verbs with “Take” to Help You Speak More Naturally [579]

#579

03/18/2026

In this episode, we go through 20 common phrasal verbs with take and explain them in a clear, practical way. You’ll see how these verbs are used in natural English, so they are easier to remember and easier to use when you speak.

This lesson will help you build more flexible vocabulary, understand native speakers more easily, and stop relying on the same basic verbs...

How to Talk About Instinct and Thinking in English [578]

#578

03/11/2026

🚨Improve your English with structured online lessons.

Book a free trial and get clear feedback on your level, pronunciation and speaking. Book here ➡️ https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/trial

In this episode, you’ll learn useful English expressions for talking about instinct, reason, and the way people make decisions.

This is the kind of vocabulary that helps you explain not just what you decided, but why you decided it. It is especially useful in everyday conversation when you want to talk about personality, habits, choices, and reactions i...

Common “Out of” Expressions in Everyday English [577]

#577

03/04/2026

In this episode, we look at natural phrases like out of luck, out of touch, out of reach, and similar expressions you will hear in everyday English.

These phrases are common in conversations, news, films, and workplace situations, but the meaning is not always obvious. If you translate them word for word, they often do not make sense.

In this lesson, you’ll le...

How to Describe Strong Feelings in Natural English [576]

#576

02/25/2026

In this episode, you’ll learn natural English expressions that describe strong emotional reactions.

We look at everyday phrases people use when something:

annoys youmakes you nervousfrightens youshocks youor leaves you speechless

I explain what each phrase really means, when to use it, and how it sounds in natural spoken English.

This episode is ideal for intermediate and upper-intermediate learners wh...

10 Common “Big” Idioms You’ll Hear in Everyday English [575]

#575

02/18/2026

🚨Improve your English with structured online lessons.

Book a free trial and get clear feedback on your level, pronunciation and speaking. Book here ➡️ https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/trial

In this episode, you’ll learn common English idioms with the word “big” and how they are used in real conversations.

Many learners understand the word big, but its meaning changes completely in expressions like a big ask, the big cheese, or make it big. Without context, these phrases can be confusing.

In this lesson, I explain what each expression mea...

10 Adjectives You Need to Describe Change in English [574]

#574

02/11/2026

🚨Improve your English with structured online lessons.

Book a free trial and get clear feedback on your level, pronunciation and speaking. Book here ➡️ https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/trial

In this episode, you will learn natural English words used to describe change, from small adjustments to major transformations.

Many learners know basic words like big or small, but they are not always sure how to describe change clearly and accurately. This can make your English sound simple or repetitive.

In this lesson, I explain useful adjectives like dramatic, subtle, r...

10 English Collocations You Need When Making Decisions [573]

#573

02/04/2026

In this episode, you’ll learn collocations and expressions you need when making decisions in English.

Many learners know the individual words, but they struggle to:

combine them naturallysound confident when thinking aloudexplain decisions clearly

In this lesson, I focus on natural collocations used when deciding, thinking, and considering options.

You’ll learn what these express...

12 English Collocations for Every Life Stage: From Baby to Senior [572]

#572

01/28/2026

🚨Improve your English with structured online lessons.
Book a free trial and get clear feedback on your level, pronunciation and speaking. Book here ➡️ https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/trial
In this episode, you’ll learn natural English collocations and expressions used when talking about different stages of life.
Many learners know the vocabulary, but they are not sure which collocations sound natural in real conversations. This often leads to hesitation, repetition, or expressions that sound slightly wrong.
In this lesson, I explain clear, commonly u...

11 Key Adjectives to Describe Buildings and Places Clearly [571]

#571

01/21/2026

🚨 If you use English at work, these phrases matter. These are the only English phrases I allow my private students to use at work, and the ones I tell them to stop using. 👉 Download the PDF (€9): https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/workphrases-podcast
In this episode, we focus on English adjectives used to describe buildings and places. You will learn how native speakers talk about the size, age, style, and condition of buildings in everyday English. Each adjective is explained in clear, simple language with practical examples to help you understand and use it correct...

20 Phrasal Verbs to Help You Speak More Naturally [570]

#570

01/14/2026

🚨Improve your English with structured online lessons. Book a free trial and get clear feedback on your level, pronunciation and speaking. Book here ➡️ https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/trial
In this episode, we cover 20 commonly used English phrasal verbs that native speakers use in everyday conversations. You will hear clear explanations and practical examples that show how these phrasal verbs work in real spoken English. The focus is on meaning, context, and natural usage, so you can understand them easily and use them with confidence.
This lesson is ideal for English...

Practical English Expressions for the Workplace [569]

#569

01/07/2026

🚨 If you use English at work, these phrases matter. These are the only English phrases I allow my private students to use at work, and the ones I tell them to stop using. 👉 Download the PDF (€9): https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/workphrases-podcast
In this episode, we focus on workplace English expressions that professionals use in everyday work situations. You will learn how these expressions are used in meetings, emails, and conversations with colleagues. Each example is explained in clear English to help you understand meaning, tone, and appropriate use at work.
This les...

Useful Verbs to Describe Movement Accurately [568]

#568

12/31/2025

🚨Improve your English with structured online lessons. Book a free trial and get clear feedback on your level, pronunciation and speaking. Book here ➡️ https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/trial
In this episode, we focus on English verbs of movement and explain how native speakers use them to describe speed, direction, and manner of movement. You will hear clear explanations and practical examples that show the difference between similar verbs and help you choose the right word in real situations.
This lesson is ideal for intermediate and advanced English learners who wa...

English Idioms about Movement with Simple Explanations [567]

#567

12/24/2025

🚨Improve your English with structured online lessons. Book a free trial and get clear feedback on your level, pronunciation and speaking. Book here ➡️ https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/trial
In this episode, we explain the meaning of English idioms related to movement and show how native speakers use them in real situations. Each idiom is broken down in simple English, with clear examples that help you understand both the meaning and the context.
This lesson is ideal for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to expand vocabulary, improve l...

Giving and Responding to Advice Politely in English [566]

#566

12/17/2025

🚨Improve your English with structured online lessons. Book a free trial and get clear feedback on your level, pronunciation and speaking. Book here ➡️ https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/trial
In this episode, you will learn how to give advice in English clearly and naturally. You will also learn how to respond to advice in polite and not-so-polite ways.
We focus on real spoken English, not textbook phrases. You will hear common expressions used in daily life and in business English. We show how tone changes meaning, even when the words are similar.
This...

How to Talk about Financial Trends in Business English [565]

#565

12/10/2025

🚨 If you use English at work, these phrases matter. These are the only English phrases I allow my private students to use at work, and the ones I tell them to stop using. 👉 Download the PDF (€9): https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/workphrases-podcast
In this episode, we look at useful English collocations for talking about economic trends, financial changes, and market movements. You will hear clear explanations that show how native speakers describe rises, falls, stability, and sudden shifts in data. The examples are simple and practical, making it easy to understand how these expr...

Music Idioms You May Hear in Everyday English [564]

#564

12/03/2025

In this episode, we explore common English idioms connected to music and everyday situations. You will learn how native speakers use these expressions naturally in conversations, stories, and informal speech. Each one is explained in simple English with clear context so you can understand the meaning, the tone, and when it is appropriate to use it.
This lesson is ideal for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to expand vocabulary, sound more fluent, and prepare for exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English. By the end, you will feel more...

Phrasal Verbs to Describe Behaviour and Actions [563]

#563

11/26/2025

🚨Improve your English with structured online lessons. Book a free trial and get clear feedback on your level, pronunciation and speaking. Book here ➡️ https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/trial
In this episode, we explore useful English expressions that describe everyday actions and reactions. You will hear clear explanations and natural examples that show how native speakers use these expressions in real conversations. The focus is on helping you understand meaning, tone, and context so you can start using them confidently in your own speaking.
This lesson is ideal for intermedi...

Different Ways to Say “Shocked” in Everyday English [562]

#562

11/19/2025

🚨 If you use English at work, these phrases matter. These are the only English phrases I allow my private students to use at work, and the ones I tell them to stop using. 👉 Download the PDF (€9): https://www.englishlessonviaskype.com/workphrases-podcast
In this episode, you will learn different ways to say “I’m shocked” in English and how native speakers use them in real situations. Each expression is explained in simple, clear language so you can understand the meaning, the tone, and when to use it.
This lesson is ideal for Eng...