Business English from All Ears English BE 508: This is Promising! How to Talk About Potential at Work
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Dec 25, 2025 Explore the meaning of 'holds promise' at work and its impact on potential for success. Discover various phrases like 'shows promise' and 'looks promising' and when to use them effectively. The hosts provide real-world examples involving resumes and AI, alongside a role-play segment on hiring conversations. Learn how to convey positivity with terms like 'encouraging' and the nuances between casual and formal expressions. Wrap up with tips on speaking optimistically about potential in any professional scenario.
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Kids' Promises Change With Circumstance
- Michelle tells a story about her daughter being promised a cookie then receiving lava cake instead.
- The example shows how small promises can change because circumstances change.
Promise Means Potential, Not Commitment
- The phrase "holds promise" means something has strong potential for success, not a kept promise.
- Use it to describe projects, people, or technologies that could succeed with development.
Choose Formal Or Casual Phrasing
- Prefer saying "has promise" or "is promising" in casual speech to sound natural.
- Use "holds promise" in formal settings to up-level your language at work.