Into the Story: Learn English with True Stories

#53 | Building Confidence (with Anna Connelly)

Jan 30, 2024

Storyteller Anna Connelly shares her journey on building confidence through personal experiences. Topics include overcoming challenges, navigating childhood memories, determination to attend university, taking a leap of faith, career journey advice, and presentation tips.

23:08

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Episode guests

Anna Connelly

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Facing challenges leads to personal growth and self-discovery.

Slowing down and focusing on key messages is essential for successful presentations.

Deep dives

Anna's Journey to Find Her Path

Anna's journey began with wanting a fresh start for university and despite not being accepted initially, she was determined to go to Liverpool, a place that resonated with her. She later moved there for an internship, despite not earning any money, taking a leap of faith towards her passion for charity work. Over the years, Anna's career path took various unexpected turns, eventually leading her to become a successful radio presenter and language coach.

Introduction

2min

Navigating Challenges and Memories of Growing Up

5min

Anna's Determination to Attend University in Liverpool

2min

Taking a Leap of Faith

12min

Career journey, presentation advice, and podcast promotion

3min

Anna Connelly tells a story about giving her first big presentation at work and about confidence.

Level: Upper Intermediate

Accent: United Kingdom (Oxford)

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5 words and expressions in today's story:

- TO HAVE EVERYTHING TOGETHER: To be organized, calm, or sure about handling all different aspects of life. Examples: "Even in tough times, she looks like she has everything together." "Feeling confident comes from having everything together."

- TO LOSE YOUR TRAIN OF THOUGHT: To forget or be unable to continue thinking or talking about something. Examples: "While speaking, he forgot what he was saying, lost his train of thought." "It's easy to lose your train of thought when someone interrupts you."

- TO STICK OUT (A MEMORY): To be a very memorable or easy-to-remember memory. Examples: "The day we first met really sticks out as a special memory." "Some events stick out because they're important."

- TO BE PUT ON THE SPOT: To be in a situation where you feel pressure or people are paying attention to you. Examples: "Feeling nervous during the presentation, she felt put on the spot." "It's uncomfortable to put people on the spot by asking them unexpected questions."

- TO BE THROWN IN THE DEEP END: To be given a challenging task or situation without much preparation. Examples: "On his first day at work, he was thrown in the deep end with a tough project." "Being thrown in the deep end can be overwhelming, but is also a chance to learn quickly."

Episode Links:

- Listen to Bree on Anna’s podcast ⁠Confident Business English

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