Business English from All Ears English BE 465: Tricky? Complex? Challenging? How to Describe Hard Things at Work
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Sep 16, 2025 Explore the nuances of describing complex challenges in the workplace. Discover how vocabulary can affect perceptions and promote a positive mindset. Learn effective strategies for time management and the importance of delegation. Delve into language choices, from 'demanding' to 'challenging,' and see how they can shape conversations and collaboration. The podcast emphasizes the art of communication in business, especially for non-native speakers, providing insights to enhance understanding and teamwork.
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Choose Precise Words For Difficulty
- Use specific vocabulary to describe difficulty instead of the flat word "hard."
- Saying something is tricky, tough, or complex helps warn, comfort, or connect with coworkers.
Contractors Underestimate Complexity
- Lindsay describes contractors underestimating small-company tracking work and failing projects.
- She uses this example to show why giving a clear heads-up about complexity matters.
Say "Tricky" To Warn About Traps
- Call something "tricky" when it's not extremely hard but contains traps or common mistakes.
- Use this informal term at work to warn others without sounding alarmist.