Bonus Ep 82 - British Work Etiquette: 5 Things You Should Never Do
Jul 31, 2025
Dive into the delightful quirks of British work culture! Discover five key behaviors to avoid in the office while learning about the curious cultural significance of the Watford Gap. Unpack the art of handshakes and the importance of reading social cues, plus explore the power of silence in negotiations. The comedic nuances of awkward silences and small talk also shine through, offering a humorous perspective on social interactions. And if you’re curious about restroom lingo, you won’t want to miss out!
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Handshake Etiquette Tips
Offer a firm handshake but avoid being intimidating or overly aggressive.
Read the room and adapt your handshake style depending on the situation and person.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Power of Silence in Communication
Embrace silence in conversations; it allows reflection and can be a powerful communication tool.
Avoid rushing to fill every silence, especially in negotiations or meetings.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Shared Silence in Japan
Chris Broad experienced a 30-45 second shared silence in Japan during a meeting.
This cultural practice helps build mutual understanding and connection.
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Check out Rob's podcast - The Business English Podcast
⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Highlights
00:37 Intro
1:40 5 Awkward Scenarios in Business
3:30 FREE Vocabulary PDF
4:41 5 Awkward Scenarios in Business
21:19 Reminder of FREE Vocabulary PDF
I’ll be honest—before I started teaching English, I didn’t realise how many odd little phrases we use in British English that just don’t appear in textbooks.
Words like “dunnit” or “the Watford Gap” sound totally normal to us… but leave learners totally confused!
So in this lesson, I’m sharing 10 brilliant British phrases that every B1-level learner should know. These expressions are the real deal—stuff you’ll hear in the pub, on TV, or when you’re out with British friends.
🇬🇧 What you'll learn:
Real British phrases with natural examples
What expressions like “Queen’s English” or “jaunt” actually mean
Key collocations and pronunciation notes
Mini quizzes and context breakdowns
Why Kendal mint cake is a big deal if you go hiking
📘 Who it’s for:
Perfect for intermediate+ (B1+) learners who want to speak more naturally, boost their cultural knowledge, and understand the unspoken rules of British English.
✅ Subtitles available
✅ Includes listening, pronunciation, and comprehension practice
✅ Free PDF lesson pack in the description!
#BritishEnglish #LearnEnglish #BritishPhrases #BritishVocabulary #EnglishListeningPractice #BritishSlang #SpeakLikeABrit #BritishEnglishWithCharlie #EnglishWithStories