The Speak Confident English Podcast

Making plans in English conversation can feel awkward, especially when someone says, "We should get together sometime," and then nothing happens.

In this episode, you'll learn how to make plans in English with a simple 6-stage process, so you can invite people naturally, read the signals, and follow through with confidence.

You'll learn how to:

start casually: "Are you free this weekend?" / "What are you up to this weekend?"

use natural invitations (inviting in English): "How about we…?" and "I was thinking we could…"

understand we should get together mean...

Learn to use just in English correctly, because it changes meaning and tone. In this Confident English lesson, you'll learn the real just meaning in 6 common situations—so you can sound natural in conversation and clear in emails at work.

You hear "just" everywhere:

But the meaning of just depends on context.

In this episode, you'll learn:

how to use just for time (just recently)

just in time and just missed (close calls)

just vs...

You can speak English with power and credibility, even if you feel nervous inside. This lesson shows you how to keep nerves from showing in your voice, so you sound confident and in control.

If you want to speak English with authority and inspire trust but notice your voice shaking, speeding up, or rising at the end of sentences, this video will help. You'll learn how to adjust your breathing, pace, posture, and intonation so your voice sounds calm and confident, even when you don't feel perfectly calm.

This doesn't mean you never feel nervous...

American English intonation helps your listener understand what you mean in real time. It signals things like: "I'm asking a question," "I'm not finished," "I'm building to a point," or "I'm open to your input."

So if you've ever been interrupted mid-sentence, asked a question and gotten silence, or felt like your message didn't land even when your grammar was correct, this episode will help.

We're focusing on rising intonation — one of the clearest parts of English intonation for turn taking, clarity, and connection.

In this lesson, you'll learn:

what prosody is...

Choosing between formal vs informal English can feel uncomfortable — especially when you don't want to sound unprofessional, too casual, or distant.

In this episode, you'll learn how to recognize formal and informal English in real conversations and how to adjust your tone so it fits the situation. We'll focus on formal vs informal tone in English, why context matters more than rules, and how small language choices affect how your message is received.

This episode helps you understand when to use formal English, when to use informal English, and how English tone and register guide th...

When someone asks why you made a change, said no, or chose a different direction, it can be hard to explain yourself clearly in English.

In this episode, we talk about how to talk about priorities in English in real-life conversations — at work, with friends, and with family — without sounding vague, defensive, or unsure.

You'll learn practical phrases to help you:

explain what matters to you

talk about values and priorities naturally

set boundaries without over-explaining

say no and explain decisions with confidence

talk about chan...

Talking about disappointment in English can feel overwhelming, especially when things don't go as planned. In this episode, you'll learn natural English phrases for when things go wrong — so you can express your feelings clearly and confidently.

We'll explore language for mild, moderate, and intense disappointment, plus phrases for difficult moments, emotional clarity, asking for support, and talking about setbacks in a calm and honest way. You'll also learn how to name what's happening inside when someone asks, "How are you holding up?" and how to stay authentic without oversharing.

This lesson is perfect for ev...

In this episode, you'll learn C1 level English vocabulary you can use to talk about happiness, well-being, and your real life in English. These advanced English phrases come from a podcast conversation between Dr. Rangan Chatterjee and Dr. Laurie Santos on the science of happiness.

This lesson is perfect if you want to use English confidently in deeper conversations with friends, colleagues, or anyone you care about.

Even better? If you 

struggle to express real thoughts and feelings on complex topics, this episode helps you use clear, natural English when talking about:

Does the question "why?" sometimes feel too strong or uncomfortable in English?
In this episode, we talk about why "why" can sound rude in English and what you can say instead to keep conversations comfortable and natural.

You'll learn six gentle alternatives that help you ask about personal choices, life changes, and meaningful stories without putting pressure on the other person.

These simple questions make it easier to stay curious, build trust, and speak confidently in real conversations.

In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why "why" can sound judgmental or demanding
• How...

Being polite in English is important — but sometimes, clarity is kindness. In this episode, you'll learn how to be direct in English without sounding rude, harsh, or impolite.

We'll explore the right times to use direct communication in English and the grammar tools that help you sound clear and confident at work — not cold or aggressive.

You'll discover how to:
✅ Use imperatives, simple statements, and modal verbs effectively
✅ Give feedback and set boundaries with professionalism
✅ Communicate deadlines and instructions with confidence
✅ Improve your English communication skills and sound confident, not rude

If yo...

When English conversations get tense, your words can decide whether things end in frustration or progress.

In this episode, you'll learn how to sound more professional in English with 5 powerful "were" phrases that help you:

Disagree politely without sounding rude

Offer feedback and advice clearly

Keep your tone calm, confident, and professional

These simple professional English phrases will help you handle difficult conversations at work and speak with clarity and respect in any situation.

💬 Try this: Practice one phrase this week and notice how it changes the...

The secret to never sounding nervous in English? Controlling your voice.

Have you ever listened to a coworker or friend speak English who sounds perfectly confident, even though she felt nervous inside? How did she do it?

The key is to control your voice so you sound confident in English.

Controlling your voice and projecting confidence when you speak helps to engage your listeners and inspire trust.

And the strategies you'll learn here will help you give a formal presentation to a room of 537 people or speak in a meeting with 3...

Learn how to explain a decision in English clearly and confidently in this practical leadership English lesson. You'll discover a simple 4-step method to organize your ideas, express your reasoning, and speak with clarity. Perfect for professional English communication and meetings.

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

✅ Share your thought process naturally
✅ Use key decision-making vocabulary in English
✅ Speak clearly in meetings and interviews
✅ Build confidence through real-world examples

This Confident English lesson is part of our ongoing series to help you build English fluency and communication skills for every...

Talk about your personal growth in English using 12 powerful phrasal verbs.

In this English phrasal verbs lesson, you'll discover natural ways to describe life changes, mindset shifts, and new beginnings — perfect to improve speaking confidence and express yourself more naturally.

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

• Talk about new beginnings and letting go
• Describe identity and mindset shifts
• Express slow, steady personal growth in English

This self-growth English lesson will help you find the right words to describe your journey — in life and in English.

🌐 Learn more or practi...

Have you ever made a big change — moving to a new country, starting a new job, or beginning again?
In this episode of Better English Conversations, you'll learn English vocabulary for life changes — including how to talk about moving, new jobs, and starting over with confidence.

You'll discover how to:
✔ Describe emotional transitions with natural, everyday English vocabulary
✔ Use expressions like make a fresh start, take the plunge, and turn over a new leaf
✔ Talk about big decisions and changes in your life — clearly and naturally

Whether you're moving abroad, changing careers, or...

Have you ever wanted to give a compliment in English to a colleague or manager — but stopped yourself because you weren't sure what to say? Maybe you worried it would sound awkward or too personal.

In this episode, I'll show you exactly how to give compliments in English at work with confidence. You'll learn two simple formulas you can copy, plus real examples of workplace English compliments that sound natural and professional.

Here's what you'll discover in this lesson:

Why compliments matter in English-speaking workplaces

2 clear structures for professional English compliments

Do you ever wonder why you know English but don't feel confident speaking it? Here's the truth: English confidence isn't a feeling. It's a skill you can build — and in this episode, I'll show you how.

You'll learn:

Why waiting to "feel confident" keeps you stuck

How to overcome nervousness in English and use it as fuel

The two main reasons confidence falls apart — and how to fix them

A 3-step process to build real, lasting English speaking confidence

By the end, you'll know how to act with...

Ever start speaking English… and suddenly forget the word you need? Your mind goes blank. You freeze. And it feels like your confidence disappears.

In this episode, you'll learn what to do in that exact moment — so you can recover quickly and keep going with calm, clarity, and confidence.

What you'll learn today:

– Why freezing doesn't mean your English is bad

– The 3 Rs: a proven method to recover when your mind goes blank

– Real recovery phrases fluent speakers use in everyday conversation

– How to stay focused under pressure (wit...

Stuck in English? You're not imagining it — and you're not at a dead end.
If you've been practicing regularly but feel like your progress has disappeared, this episode will help you understand why.

You'll learn:
✔ What causes English learning plateaus (aka feeling stuck)
✔ The difference between stagnation and consolidation
✔ What's happening in your brain during slow progress
✔ Three specific strategies to move forward

This episode is especially useful if you:
– Feel stuck at the intermediate level
– Struggle to speak English naturally, even after years of learning
– Want research-backed...

Struggling to stay consistent in English? Feeling stuck — or frustrated with mistakes?
After 10 years of teaching Fluency School and reaching 1 million YouTube subscribers, I've learned a few things about what really helps women build confidence and fluency in English.

In this episode, I'm sharing 3 personal lessons that can shift the way you think about your English journey — especially if you're a perfectionist or constantly feel like you're not doing enough.

You'll learn:

What real consistency looks like (and how to stop feeling guilty when life happens)

How to get clear on y...

Learn English vocabulary with me in this must-know English vocabulary lesson inspired by Mel Robbins' Let Them Theory. In this episode, you'll improve English vocabulary, discover advanced English phrases for daily life, and build English fluency with words that help you speak naturally and confidently.

Most English lessons give you lists of words that are correct but rarely used in real conversations. That's not fluency.

Here's why these phrases matter:

You'll recognize the words real people use in everyday English conversations.

You'll understand the cultural meaning behind them so you don't...

Struggling to write professional emails in English that sound clear, polite, and natural?

Whether you're drafting them yourself or using AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini, this episode will help you write better emails in English — with professional tips you can start using today.

You'll learn:

How to avoid common email mistakes 

Phrases that help you sound professional without being too formal

Ways to improve your email writing skills in English for business or work

How to use AI for emails without losing your authentic voice

...

Do you struggle with when to use make and when to use do in English? They're definitely tricky. Even advanced learners get confused by these verb combinations.

In this episode, you'll learn the real difference between make vs do in English, and discover 20+ advanced collocations that fluent speakers use in daily conversations, professional settings, and written communication.

🔗 Mentioned in thi...

Have you ever wanted to describe a close friend in English… but didn't know the words to explain your connection?

In this episode, we explore the exact vocabulary and natural phrases you need to talk about friendships—whether you're describing a childhood friend, a long-distance friendship, or how a relationship has changed over time.

You'll learn how to:

Describe types of friendships in English (work friends, lifelong, long-distance…)

Use emotional vocabulary to talk about connection and trust

Talk about how friendships begin, grow, or drift apart

Express what m...

Have you ever wanted to help someone, but stayed quiet because you didn't know how to say it in English? In this episode, you'll learn exactly how to offer help in English politely, without sounding pushy or making someone uncomfortable.

I'll walk you through a 4-step method to help you support others in a way that feels clear, kind, and culturally appropriate—whether at work, with friends, or in emotionally sensitive situations.

You'll learn how to:
• Show empathy without overstepping
• Use specific English phrases to offer help
• Speak with confidence in professional and pers...

Ever felt nervous or stuck when you needed to ask for directions in English? You're definitely not alone.

In this episode, I'll teach you exactly what to say—and how to say it—so you can ask for directions in English with confidence and ease. You'll learn English travel phrases and English survival phrases that actually work in real-life situations.

Whether you're traveling abroad and need English for tourists or simply looking for English conversation practice, this episode is designed to help you speak clearly, politely, and naturally.

Here's what you'll learn today: — Simple...

You know that moment when you're trying to set expectations with your team, make a professional commitment, or discuss long-term goals - and you feel limited by simple future tenses?

When you want to say something like "By the time the project launches, we'll have been collaborating for six months" but you're not sure how to structure it correctly?

In this episode, you'll discover:

Learn the most effective English phrases for meetings and professional updates so you can sound clear, confident, and fluent in every workplace conversation — no more awkward or overly formal English.

In this Confident English lesson, you'll get practical business English phrasal verbs that native speakers use every day in team meetings, project updates, and workplace discussions.

Whether you're giving updates in English, describing progress, talking about delays, or wrapping up with next steps, this lesson gives you the tools to speak English for work fluently and naturally.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

...

Need to give a project update in English that gets attention? Master a 3‑step system to deliver a clear, professional project status update—so you can report progress, flag challenges, and impress your boss in every meeting.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

0:00  Why project updates feel stressful

2:07  Common mistakes to avoid

4:20  What's possible when you have the right structure

5:18 IKEA‑inspired "headline first" strategy

5:50  Start with the headline

7:54 Use the Progress / Challenges / Next Steps template

10:40 Give clear expectations

12:50  Practice + free fluency training

...

Master your spontaneous speaking skills and enjoy fluent English conversations with strategies that help you respond quickly and feel more comfortable in the moment.

If you've ever felt nervous in an English conversation, thinking

• What if someone asks me a question?

• What if I don't understand the question?

• What if I feel stuck and don't know what to say?

• What if I make a mistake?

You're not alone.

Speaking spontaneously can be a challenge for native and nonnative speakers, especially when the questions are unexpected.

Th...

Get the vocabulary you need to describe personality in English. In both personal and professional situations, it's not uncommon to have questions that explore your personality and characteristics. That means you'll need the right vocabulary to describe personality - how you typically think, behave, and feel.

If you've ever felt unsure how to describe your unique qualities in an English conversation, a job interview, or even on your social media bio, you're not alone.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

0:00 Personal/Professional Conversations on Personality

03:10 Sentence Starters to Describe Personality

05:05...

Unlock the secrets of effective workplace English networking. In this episode, you'll learn how to network in English confidently, including mastering the art of coffee chats and informal informational interviews.

This is your ultimate resource for understanding the nuances of English networking, providing practical tips and strategies to enhance your communication skills and build meaningful professional relationships.

Whether it's a casual coffee chat, an informal informational interview, or a formal business meeting, understanding the art of networking can open doors to incredible career opportunities and enriching experiences.

In this episode, we explore:

Transform how you think in English and speak faster in conversations with strategies you can start using now!

Today, I'll guide you through the essential steps to stop translating in your head and start responding instantly in English conversations—no more lost opportunities to say what you want.

In this detailed episode, we'll explore practical strategies to enhance your fluency and help you begin thinking in English, enabling you to speak faster and more naturally.

You'll learn to navigate common conversational scenarios and how to respond without hesitation.

We'll dive into se...

Struggling to find the right words during conversations, even though you've studied for years? Do you often feel stuck or struggle to find words faster when you speak?

You're not alone! Most people have a much larger passive vocabulary, which means they understand more words than they actively use. But what if you could activate those passive words and start using them confidently in your speech?

In this episode, I'll show you exactly how to activate passive vocabulary and turn those forgotten words into ones you can easily recall during conversations.

W...

No more boring verbs. Instead, use phrasal verbs for daily English conversation to communicate power and precision!

In this episode, you'll learn 21 commonly used phrasal verbs like "jump in," "wrap up," or "weigh in" give your conversations life and help you avoid that repetitive "I said, she said" cycle.

Plus:

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Learn how to be direct and polite in English while mastering the art of assertive communication, including strategies to express your thoughts clearly, maintain respect, and boost your confidence in both professional and personal conversations.

Whether you're asking for a raise, setting boundaries, or trying to communicate your boundaries more effectively, this video will guide you through using direct language without sounding rude.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Is assertive communication rude?

02:23 Passive vs. Assertive

04:35 Assertive vs. Aggressive

05:40 When to be assertive

06:22 Use 'I' language<...

If you've ever wondered how to have interesting English conversations or how to sound more interesting in English, this episode is for you!

I'll share English conversation tips for shy speakers and practical strategies on how to keep a conversation going in English, without feeling awkward.

You'll also learn how to have better conversations in English, plus English speaking confidence tips to help you improve English conversation skills and feel at ease.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 The 'Did I sound boring?' Question

01:09 For Great Conversations: Be Interested...

If you're using books to improve your English but still can't express your thoughts clearly, this English reading practice will help you speak more fluently and confidently.

Many English learners read regularly, but struggle to use the new vocabulary or talk about what they've read. That's because most were never taught how to turn reading into real speaking practice.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Can reading help fluency?

02:04 Two types of reading

03:39 Tips for reading to boost fluency

05:42 Strategy 1: Context detective

06:39 Strategy 2: Take smart notes<...

Struggling to explain your opinions in English clearly? Maybe in a work meeting, a conversation with friends, or when asked for your thoughts—but your ideas don't flow the way you want.

The key to English fluency and sounding confident and professional is using the right English connectors—words that help you explain ideas smoothly and organize your thoughts naturally.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 What's Missing from Your Opinions

01:59 First, Use the Right Structure

04:24 Explain the Cause/Reason

06:53 Examples

09:19 Practice

09...

Do you want better English conversations about the economy, finance, and global events? If you've ever felt unsure using economic vocabulary in English, this lesson will help you increase your economic vocabulary and speak with confidence in real conversations.

From tariffs, inflation, and GDP to job market vocabulary and financial terms, these words are everywhere in the news and at work. But don't worry—I'll break them down in a clear, practical way so you can start using them naturally in everyday discussions.

What You'll Learn:

✅ Better English conversations for work, finance, and econ...