Confident Business English

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

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 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

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 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

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! AnnaTimestamps02:10 The “outfit” analogy 03:10 — Upgrade 1: Further (vs. more)04:10 — Upgrade 2:  I think alternatives05:35 — Upgrade 3: preference without over-commitment07:40 — Upgrade 4: diplomatic disagreement09:10 — Upgrade 5: manage objections neutrally10:50 — Upgrade 6: sound inclusive in openings11:50 — Upgrade 7:directive but collaborative control13:25 — Upgrade 8: Ipolite interruption / keep meeting on track14:55 — Upgrade 9: Replace common adjectives16:30 — Upgrade 10: raise issue with the right person17:50 — Upgrade 11: conviction without aggression17:50 — 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 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, 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! Anna00:00 – Why missing meaning in meetings crushes confidence03:00 – Phrase 105:30 – Phrase 207:00 – Phrase 308:00 – Phrase 409:30 – Phrase 510:30 – Phrase 612:00 – Quick recap of all phrases13:00 – 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 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

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! Anna01:30 – The uncomfortable lesson I learned from my own communication coach05:10 – Habit 1 07:00 – Habit 210:40 – Habit 313:20 – Practical ways to get feedback and improve15:20 – 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 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

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 TImestamps01:15 – The problem: underselling your experience in English03:05 – How to talk like a leader: essential verbs and phrases03:20 – Verb 104:00 – Verb 204:40 – Verb 305:25 – Verb 406:00 – Verb 506:30 – Verb 607:10 – Verb 707:45 – Verb 809:20 – Practical tas10:00 – 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 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

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 Timestamps00:00 Why this tiny word matters01:05 What the word really means02:40 When to use it (and when not to)04:15 How to use it to to soften feedback06:10 Using the word to express risks08:00 Practice: Rephrase your sentences09:45 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 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

The last Decode episode was really popular so I wanted to expand to a new mini series throughout this season. If you’ve ever been in a meeting and thought, “Wait… what does that phrase actually mean?” this episode is for you. Let me take you through a list of common business expressions you’ll hear across companies and industries. You’ll learn what they mean, how they’re used, and the origin of the phrase. That will mean that next time, you can follow the conversation and won't have to wonder what it means! Enjoy. Anna01:30 Phrase 103:05 Phrase 204:40 Phrase 306:05 Phrase 407:40 Phrase 509:05 Phrase 610:45 Phrase 712:10 Phrase 813:20 Phrase 914:30 Wrap-up + what to do 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 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

CLICK HERE TO MY NEXT FREE LIVESTREAM 12TH NOVEMBER 2025 19.30 (Madrid time)  Do you break the flow when you speak because you’re unsure if you’re using the right word? In this 15-minute episode, I’ll help you finally clarify the most common “what’s the difference” questions my clients ask.  You’ll stop second-guessing yourself in meetings and just go for it. Keep the flow going! Enjoy. Anna00:00 – Why we hesitate when we speak02:00 – My “SUMO” trick to deal with hesitation04:00 – Double vs. Duplicate05:30 – Each vs. Every07:00 – In the End vs. At the End08:30 – Happy vs. Glad10:00 – Ad Hoc vs. One-Off11:30 – Argue vs. Discuss13:30 – How to use this in real conversations14:30 – Wrap-up and live stream invitation   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 have a a great question but there's a big audience and it's intimidating? this short, practical session I give you a clear 5-step framework, real examples, and delivery tips so you can speak up, ask a question confidently and feel like you are contributing to the conversation. Enjoy! Anna00:35 – Why speaking up matters for senior managers (visibility & impact)02:10 – The 5-step question framework 04:20 – Example 1: 05:20 – Example 2: 06:05 – Example 3: 06:55 – Delivery tips:08:10 – Sound more advanced08:55 – Action task09:35 – Start small  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

If you already speak English every day but still doubt yourself, this one’s for you. In 15 minutes, I want to help you shift your perspective so you can focus on more on what actually matters. This is a coaching episode which is part of the content on Confident Business English. It's not just about the technical stuff, you also need to put in the work to move forward in the way you think. I hope you find it useful. Anna. Timings00:00 – Why your English confidence might be the real problem, not your skills02:00 – The mismatch between how you think you sound and how others hear you05:00 – Why “bad English” isn’t an accurate description for most professionals08:00 – Universal experiences: nerves, difficult people, and speaking on the spot11:00 – What “fluency” really means (and why you’re probably fine)13:00 – How to get useful feedback and build long-term confidence14:30 – Final takeaway: Stop fixing what isn’t broken 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