

Learning English For Work
BBC News
Short podcasts to improve your English at work. Find more at bbclearningenglish.comFollow us at
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Episodes
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29 snips
May 5, 2025 • 9min
Office English: Cold calls
Navigating the world of cold calls can be daunting, but it's all about the approach. The discussion emphasizes the importance of a positive attitude and clear communication to ease anxiety. Discover strategies for making effective connections and the role of cultural awareness in building relationships. Insightful questions can help drive conversations, ensuring you leave a lasting impression. Plus, learn how to manage the differences between phone and email interactions for professional success!

6 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 8min
Office English: Misunderstanding
Miscommunication can be a significant source of stress at work. The hosts share strategies to seek clarification, emphasizing polite inquiries and leveraging colleague support. They discuss the best practices for addressing misunderstandings in meetings and emails, including essential phrases for clearer communication. Navigating diverse cultural settings adds another layer of complexity, but understanding perspectives and fostering constructive dialogue can lead to effective resolutions. Tune in for shared experiences that resonate with many office environments!

11 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 8min
Office English: Delegating
Learn how to give instructions to other people at work who might be able to help with your workload. (Image credit: BBC/Getty Images) Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english/250421 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ 6 Minute English
✔️ Learning English from the News
✔️ Learning English Conversations They're all available by searching in your podcast app.

14 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 6min
Office English: Presentations
Mastering presentations can be tough, but there are strategies to ease the stress. The hosts share personal experiences with public speaking woes, providing practical tips for better preparation. They emphasize engaging openings to hook the audience's interest right away. Discover techniques for impactful delivery, including organizing information in threes, which aids recall. Handling audience questions with confidence and maintaining a positive mindset are also key takeaways to elevate your presentation skills.

Apr 7, 2025 • 8min
Office English: Saying no
Is it okay to say no at work? This discussion dives into the importance of setting boundaries and managing workloads. Learn practical tips for politely declining extra tasks while keeping communication clear. The speakers tackle strategies for negotiating deadlines and maintaining work-life balance, especially in a remote work environment. They also emphasize the need for polite language when communicating in professional settings, leaving you with plenty of insights to navigate your workplace dynamics.

6 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 11min
Office English: Selling Yourself
Discussing how to effectively 'sell yourself' at work, the hosts explore strategies for sharing your achievements during interviews and performance reviews. They emphasize the importance of communicating personal strengths confidently, using evidence and specific examples to demonstrate impact. The conversation also touches on mastering common interview questions and balancing modesty with self-promotion. This insightful dialogue equips listeners with the tools to make a positive impression and enhance their professional visibility.

Mar 24, 2025 • 10min
Office English: Negotiating
Negotiating can be nerve-wracking, but clarity in your goals is key. Discover how to balance directness with politeness to set the right tone. Starting high can lead to better outcomes, as shared through intriguing personal anecdotes. Skills for effective discussions focus on using friendly language while negotiating salaries or deals. Finally, learn strategies to end negotiations positively, ensuring relationships remain intact while achieving your desired results.

Mar 17, 2025 • 11min
Office English: Conflict
Navigating workplace conflict can be tricky. The hosts share strategies for handling disagreements with professionalism and tact. They discuss the balance of differing opinions and authority in conversations. Tips include focusing on the impact of the conflict rather than personal feelings. They also dive into the nuances of imposter syndrome, highlighting how it affects communication at work. With an emphasis on politeness, their insights foster a constructive dialogue and maintain productivity amidst disagreements.

Mar 17, 2025 • 11min
Office English: Conflict
We don't always agree with people at work. But we still need to get the job done. In this episode of Office English, Pippa and Phil talk about how to stay polite and professional at work when conflict arises. Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english/240311 Note: this programme was first broadcast in March 2024. (Image credit: BBC/Getty Images) FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ 6 Minute English
✔️ Learning English Conversations
✔️ Learning English Stories They're all available by searching in your podcast app.

Mar 10, 2025 • 13min
Office English: Bad News
Navigating bad news at work can be tricky. Discover how to recognize when bad news is coming your way, and learn the vital differences between being sacked and made redundant. The use of euphemisms in the workplace is examined, revealing how phrases like 'budget cuts' can soften harsh realities. Strategies for delivering layoffs with empathy and clarity are discussed, emphasizing cultural context and emotional support. Tune in for insights on managing those difficult conversations with care!