

Business English from All Ears English
Lindsay McMahon
Want to feel more confident with your business English?Lindsay and Michelle show you real, business English vocabulary for the global economy in this podcast from All Ears English. Learn spoken English for business with native speakers.Get advanced skills for English meetings, presentations, small talk and socializing at work, job interviews, telephone English and more.Write more clear and concise business emails in English to sound professional.Be respected when you speak to colleagues, bosses, partners, suppliers, and stakeholders.Increase your self-esteem at work to participate, facilitate, persuade, and respond quickly in English.Learn formal, informal, and semi-formal English for different workplace situationsIncrease your salary and get a promotion.This podcast is perfect for you if you are at the mid-career or middle management stage, early career, senior-level or C-suite, entrepreneur, self-employed freelancer, or a small business owner.The English level for this podcast is intermediate to advanced English CEFR B1 Intermediate English, CEFR B2 Upper-Intermediate English, CEFR C1 Advanced English, CEFR C2 Proficiency EnglishThis podcast is great for software engineers, senior executives, MBA students, marketing managers, doctors, lawyers, accountants, project managers, HR professionals, customer service professionals, IT, financial planners, import/export businesses, biotech professionals, sales reps, and any career that involves international business or using English.With every episode, we show you how to organize and deliver your message clearly.You’ll be able to understand phone calls and conference calls by improving your listening skills.Use the right English grammar and the right English tenses in every situation.We also cover: Assigning tasks to the team, global leadership and management, English pronunciation and accent, American culture and business, cross-cultural communication skills for business, negotiation idioms, vocabulary, slang, and business proverbs and sayings.Learn how to tell stories that convince people to take action in business.Speak with customers and resolve client issues.Be polite with the right English vocabulary when you speak with your colleagues.This podcast is a collection of episodes that were originally published on All Ears English Podcast and new Business English episodes.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2025 • 14min
BE 466: Can You Still Say "It Costs an Arm and a Leg?"
Discover the evolving use of the idiom 'costs an arm and a leg' and whether it still fits in modern business language. Explore practical alternatives for discussing expenses, such as 'not within our budget' and 'exorbitant,' while diving into relatable role plays. Enhance your professional vocabulary while learning how these phrases can shape financial discussions and decisions. Tune in for valuable insights that will elevate your Business English skills!

32 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 15min
BE 465: Tricky? Complex? Challenging? How to Describe Hard Things at Work
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.

31 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 14min
BE 464: With This English, You're a Shoo-in
Discover how a simple idiom like 'schoo-in' can elevate your confidence in business conversations. The hosts explore its origins in horse racing and its evolution into a term for strong candidates. They emphasize the power of expressions of certainty in professional settings, highlighted through engaging anecdotes and role-plays around job interviews. Plus, enjoy light-hearted discussions, personal stories, and a tease of unexpected knowledge to come. It's a mix of fun and insights that boosts your English skills while making you feel more professional!

26 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 17min
BE 463: Expert, Excerpt, and Expect- What's the Difference?
Discover the nuances between 'expert,' 'excerpt,' and 'expect' in today's discussion, emphasizing clear communication in business. The hosts provide clarity on these commonly confused terms, highlighting their importance in professional settings. Learn how excerpts can enrich speeches and presentations, making them more engaging. Explore the complexities of words beginning with 'ex' while sharing practical strategies for language mastery. The conversation emphasizes improving spelling skills through exposure and advocating for a connection over perfection in learning.

38 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 17min
BE 462: Mind Your P’s and Q’s in Business English
Explore the subtle nuances of business English that can elevate your communication skills. Discover the meaning behind 'mind your P's and Q's' and its relevance in diverse work environments. Learn how proper etiquette and language can enhance professionalism in meetings and with superiors. Dive into role-plays that illustrate the importance of tactful communication with clients. Additionally, uncover strategies for providing constructive feedback that fosters relationships and minimizes misunderstandings.

44 snips
Sep 7, 2025 • 20min
BE 461: New at Work? How to Find Common Ground With Coworkers
Navigating the workplace can be a challenge, especially when establishing common ground with coworkers. The discussion highlights the importance of small talk and its role in fostering deeper connections. Strategies for introverts to engage proactively are explored, along with the CARE framework for building trust. Practical tips for casual conversation starters are provided, emphasizing curiosity and active listening. The hosts also delve into how personal interactions can lead to meaningful collaboration, bridging gaps between diverse environments.

27 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 18min
BE 460: Be Playful With Your Mistakes to Boost Connection in English
Discover the power of playfulness when it comes to making mistakes in language learning! Embrace errors to enhance your communication, especially in professional settings. Learn how humor can foster connection and make conversations relatable. Explore practical role-play scenarios that demonstrate how to navigate misunderstandings gracefully. Reflect on personal anecdotes and strategies that show how owning your mistakes can deepen your interactions and create enjoyable conversations.

10 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 22min
BE 459: Simple Swaps for Better Hedging in English
Explore effective communication strategies in business English with a focus on hedging. Discover how to balance confidence and politeness using softening phrases. Learn the significance of context when expressing uncertainty while maintaining clarity. The discussion includes personal anecdotes and role plays, illustrating how simple language swaps can enhance assertiveness. The hosts encourage intentional language choices for better professional connections.

14 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 19min
BE 458: Advice and Phrases to Schedule an Impromptu Meeting in English
Discover the art of scheduling spontaneous meetings in a professional setting. Learn effective language tips and phrases that enhance communication skills. Explore the complexities of requesting impromptu meetings, particularly in remote work environments. A structured four-step process is shared for impactful scheduling while respecting colleagues’ time. Enjoy role plays and practical advice on timing, and how late Friday requests can disrupt weekend plans. Master clear and considerate communication to improve workplace dynamics!

16 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 18min
BE 457: All Sorts of Great English Expressions
Dive into the world of casual versus formal communication with entertaining anecdotes from various work experiences. Discover the nuance of the phrase 'of sorts' and how it can soften definitions in conversation. Master informal expressions like 'sort of' to enhance your business communication. Learn the art of softening language to convey subtle emotions and uncertainties. Gain confidence through understanding and practicing various English expressions, crucial for effective communication in any setting.