

Confident Business English
Anna Connelly
Are you a senior manager who lacks confidence communicating in English at work? Accredited Neurolanguage Coach® Anna Connelly brings professionals like you, who already need to use English in their daily work, practical business English tips to help your boost confidence. The goal is to help you feel more confident using a framework of 1. Learn, 2. Take Action, 3. Repeat. Professionals say they love the podcast because it's to-the-point, it covers on very relevant topics and they get results just from listening.
Episodes
Mentioned books

19 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 15min
299. Decode Business Phrases: No More “What Does That Mean?”
Ever found yourself puzzled by business jargon? This discussion breaks down common phrases to boost your confidence in meetings. Learn that 'across the board' means universally applicable, while an 'airtight contract' leaves no room for loopholes. Discover how a 'rule of thumb' serves as a general guideline and what it means to 'beef up' your ideas. Understand 'blanket policy' and its uniform application, and find out why 'dovetail' refers to things fitting together perfectly. Tune in for a fun decoding of business language!

9 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 15min
298. Don’t Break Your Flow! Clarify the Business Words That Make You Hesitate
Do you find yourself hesitating when speaking in business? Discover tips to clarify common word differences like duplicate vs. double and each vs. every. Learn how to use phrases like in the end vs. at the end effectively. Anna also differentiates happy from glad and explains ad hoc versus one-off. Plus, unpack the nuances between argue and discuss in workplace conversations. This episode is packed with practical advice to boost your confidence and keep your flow!

Oct 29, 2025 • 12min
297. Ask Your First Question at a Conference
Nervous about speaking up at conferences? Discover why visibility is key for senior managers. Learn a simple 5-step framework to craft your question with confidence. Anna shares real-life examples, including inquiries about AI and hybrid work culture. Get delivery tips on pacing and clarity to ease your nerves. Avoid asking multiple questions at once and upgrade your language with smarter phrases. With practical tasks, you'll be ready to make your voice heard at your next conference!

Oct 22, 2025 • 16min
296. 15 Minutes to See Your English Differently
Struggling with English confidence? This discussion reveals that perceived language flaws may be overblown. Most professionals misjudge their speaking skills, often letting nerves overshadow their abilities. Discover the true meaning of fluency and how minor mistakes don't define your competence. Learn how to gather constructive feedback effectively and why everyone faces challenges when speaking on the spot. Embrace your skills and shift your mindset to build lasting confidence!

10 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 16min
295. Disagree Without Disconnecting: Cross-Cultural Skills for International Managers (With Lindsay McMahon, All Ears English)
In this conversation, Lindsay McMahon, CEO and co-host of All Ears English, shares her expertise in international communication and cross-cultural disagreement. She highlights the importance of sensitivity for senior managers, revealing her personal experience with missed cultural cues in Japan. Lindsay explains high vs. low context communication and power distance, offering three distinct styles for disagreeing effectively. With practical phrases, she emphasizes maintaining relationships while navigating disagreements, all while focusing on human connection.

15 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 16min
294. Crack the Code: Everyday British Work Phrases—Explained
Discover the intriguing world of British workplace phrases! Learn how to use expressions like 'cheers' for casual thanks and 'ping me' for quick messages. Unravel formal terms such as 'herein' and idiomatic nuances like 'fair enough' for agreement. Get acquainted with fun slang like 'faff' for unnecessary hassle. Plus, insights on scheduling with 'pop it in the diary' will enhance your work communication. This guide will boost your confidence and make navigating conversations a breeze!

Oct 1, 2025 • 16min
293. Help! I Need to Improvise in Meetings — And Be Confident
Feeling nervous about speaking in English during meetings? This discussion shares strategies to boost your confidence on the spot. Learn how to buy time before responding and understand the power of structure over vocabulary. Discover three practical frameworks: acknowledging and adding, stating a point with reasoning, and summarizing with a caveat. Each approach simplifies your responses and keeps you focused. Embrace shifts in mindset to handle the pressure with ease and clarity. Get ready to tackle impromptu discussions head-on!

Sep 24, 2025 • 11min
292. Explain Why It Matters: Effective English Structures to Persuade at Work
Do you ever feel it's hard to convince people of your ideas in English? You feel you are not as persuasive and your sentences are flat. I actually come across this problem frequently with clients. That's why I'd like to help you explain why things matter. I will show you 3 effective English structures you can use to hopefully sound more convincing and help your colleagues understand the importance behind your ideas. Enjoy! Anna
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Sep 17, 2025 • 13min
291. Put These 3 Phrases into Action in Your Next Meeting (Season Premiere)
Kick off your season with practical phrases to elevate your meetings! Discover how set phrases can boost your confidence and naturalness as a senior manager. Learn to set next steps assertively and ask for input effectively with simple yet powerful expressions. Master the art of diplomatically expressing preferences, making your communication smooth and professional. Don't miss the chance to deepen your skills with a five-day commuter challenge designed specifically for busy professionals!

Jul 16, 2025 • 16min
290. Let's Wrap it Up! My Final Key Takeaways for This Season
In this season finale, the host emphasizes the importance of clear communication in business English. They share strategies for navigating language challenges in high-pressure meetings, highlighting the need for clarity. Listeners learn to differentiate between 'helpful' and 'useful,' while also enhancing their emotional vocabulary by distinguishing feelings like 'angry' and 'upset.' The focus on taking action is stressed as essential for building confidence, alongside insights into upcoming resources for support.


