Business English Executive Coaching

Business English phrases that combine the request word "would" and the use of "please" are some of the best polite phrases you must learn. The combination of "would" and "please" signal your English is polite, pleasant and correct in business meetings, presentations and small talk with clients and colleagues. English has almost 500,000 words and phrases, but polite Business English uses a subset of 20,000 words and phrases that you should know and use so native English speakers admire and respond to how you speak and write. The episode summary is below.

Episode Summary:

Sometimes you may need to ask for repetition or clarification of something another person has said.

Some of the situations where this might happen include:

Someone is talking to you but you can’t understand.

You might be a in noisy place and can’t hear the person.

You might not understand a piece of slang the other person used.

You might not understand the way the other person speaks English. 

They might have a heavy accent or be speaking in a dialect you don’t understand. There are so many different ways English is spoken, depending on the country the person is from and what part of their country they are from. Sometimes the speaker might be a non-native English speaker and they have an accent.

The key idea is to use one of these phrases and for the most polite English, use “would” instead of “could”.

Would is more polite, more formal and more classy when making a request.

Here are some examples of how would can be used. Next we will use these in polite requests.

Would is used in three ways.

1. Would you like = Would you like to sit down? (This is a polite invitation or offer).

2. Would you mind = Would you mind moving down one seat? (tentative request with some worry that it will cause inconvenience or offense).

3. Would it be possible = Would it be possible for you to pick me up on your way to work? (similar to would you mind, used to make an inquiry about a desired action or request for a favor).

Here are eight key polite phrases you can use to ask for clarification when you don’t understand something.

For the first two examples, we use the word “catch”.

Usually, catch is used with a ball like to catch a ball in baseball or American football where the ball lands in your hand.

Here, imagine you are trying to catch their words.

1. I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that. Would you say it again, please?

2. I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that. Would you repeat that, please?

3. Would you say that again, please? I want to make sure I understood you.

4. I’m sorry, I’m not following you. Would you repeat it, please?

5. I don’t think I understood what you said. Would you explain it again, please?

6. I don’t think I understood you clearly. Would you explain it again, please?

7. I missed that. Would you explain it again, please?

8. I missed that. Would you repeat it, please?

250225 A0045 EPISODE 4

EPISODE SUMMARY

Business English. That’s the English they didn’t teach you in school, but you need to advance in your career.  The podcast has tips on using the word "plan". It uses the example of my father planning to start his dream business - making furniture.

EXAMPLE CONTENT

Example 1: “Plan the work and then work the plan..” This means understanding the business plan, outlining all the steps of the plan and then talking steps to make the plan work.

FREE PDF OF THE LESSON WITH BONUS CONTENT

You can download the PDF of notes for the episode. The PDF's include detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics).

Want more Business English tips? Join the Business English Executive Coaching Club. Learn the English you need for business (but you didn’t learn in school). What you get as a free member:

> Access to the podcast topic with detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics)

> Career planning tips

> Bonus resources on professional English

> First to know about new lessons

> Special discounts and offers

BUSINESS ENGLISH PODCAST TIPS

HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS ENGLISH?

Employers want their staff to have higher "soft skills" in making presentations plus small talk for success with colleagues and clients.

What is your plan for 2025 and how I can help you make a career plan?

Say hello on LinkedIn: Business English Success Coaching

Get your free Presentations Skills course and Small Talk, Big Results business conversation course by sending an email to me at [email protected]. 

PODCAST PURPOSE

Business English. That’s the English they didn’t teach you in school, but you need to advance in your career.

If you want to learn more to earn more, you must increase your ability to give powerful presentations, engage in small talk in a skillful way and plan out your career.

I call this the “Learn More To Earn More” podcast because it helps you understand and know and use the correct Business English you are required to use to advance your career.

I offer you my background having worked for two Fortune 500 companies, a United States Senator and I also got my MBA from Columbia Business School.

For you this means a senior coach and counselor that will help you get to the next step.

I am your coach every step of the way to help you get the career you deserve.

In my research of many companies and in research done by universities and governments, there is a high need for personal “soft skills”.

Every boss wants their employees to know more, but there is a large gap between what the senior executives need for the company to be successful and the skills their employees actually have.

I have inventoried and studied and written all of the key things that you need to know to be successful.

Follow along with this podcast and you will learn what you need to know. I offer my 40 years of experience as a writer, helping people prepare for presentations and speeches, helped them with small talk, helped them with American accent and knowing about American culture and with career planning.

In these episodes you will hear very specific suggestions on how to make your presentations more memorable and powerful, how to engage in small talk so you can get to know your colleagues and clients better.

I offer a number of free courses for you so you can understand my style and I also do one-to-one coaching for people who have questions like “What should I do next?” and “What are the tools I need in my toolkit to be successful?”

Let me help you get the success you deserve. I’m Coach William Pitts and I’m here to help you! If you want to earn more, you need to learn more. Learning what you need to know is the first step.

My emphasis is on knowing the 20,000 words and phrases that you will use, not the nearly 500,000 English words in the big dictionary.

JOIN THE FREE BUSINESS ENGLISH EXECUTIVE COACHING CLUB

https://william-pitts-business-english-coaching.kit.com/3a6a623b6f

PODCAST NOTES

Today’s specific theme is about plan the work and then work the plan.

We’re going to use my father as an example. My Dad dreamed of having his own company. He wanted to make furniture. He didn’t know anything about business. He worked in an assembly factory but loved designing furniture.

My Dad drew a sketch that showed the size of all the pieces that he needed for making a table. Once he understood to the many costs and steps involved in making and selling his furniture. 

He had a plan. He was successful because his plan included, first, making a business plan. Second, understanding all the steps involved in executing the plan. And third, increasing his skills and reducing his costs and understanding the cost of each table.

Now we have some small talk vocabulary and phrases using “plan”.

Example 1: “Plan the work and then work the plan..” This means understanding the business plan, outlining all the steps of the plan and then talking steps to make the plan work.

For example, my Dad’s business plan required him to estimate all the costs for making a table. He listed the cost of the wood per table, the cost of the machinery and the price of the labor involved.

He started this furniture business in our family garage and later had a small factory that made tables, chairs and bookcases.

Example 2: “Failing to plan means planning to fail.”

This idea means that knowing the costs and demand for a product or service will make it more likely for the business to make a profit and be successful.

Example 3: Phrases that use plan.

Make a plan

“We need to make a plan before we proceed with the furniture project.”

Come up with a plan

“My Dad’s friend came up with an excellent plan to estimate the costs of making furniture so it could be sold at a profit.”

Draw up a plan

“The purpose of today’s meeting is to draw up a plan to build and sell furniture.”

Map out a plan

“I think we should map out a plan before investing in the machinery to make the furniture.”

Work out a plan

“We must work out a plan on how to make a profit making furniture.”

Now what this means for you (even if you don’t want to make furniture) I help you develop your plan for success. 

Please let me know your goal and let me know how I can help you plan your future success story.

HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS ENGLISH?

Employers in 2025 want their staff to have higher "soft skills" in making presentations plus small talk for success with colleagues and clients. This podcast lesson teaches the useful specific business English phrases for meetings.

What is your plan for 2025 and how I can help you make a career plan?

Say hello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willliampittsbusinessenglish/

Get your free Presentations Skills course and Small Talk, Big Results business conversation course by sending an email to me at [email protected]. 

Want more Business English tips? Join the Business English Executive Coaching Club. Learn the English you need for business (but you didn’t learn in school). What you get as a free member:

> Career planning tips

> Bonus resources on professional English

> First to know about new lessons

> Special discounts and offers

https://william-pitts-business-english-coaching.kit.com/3a6a623b6f

A0001 220225 EPISODE 2

EPISODE SUMMARY

Business English Presentation and public speaking mistakes can be avoided by knowing the audience, clearly stating your goal, using easy to understand presentation materials and practicing out loud.

When comedians get a great reaction from an audience, they say "I killed it up there" or "I killed it." When the audience doesn't react or laugh, comedians say "I died up there." If you don't want to "die", here are some tips on how to make your presentation interesting.  

EXAMPLE CONTENT

Not Knowing Your Goal: Many speakers do not clearly understand what they want to achieve. It is important to know if you want to inform, persuade, or entertain your audience.

FREE PDF OF THE LESSON WITH BONUS CONTENT

You can download the PDF of notes for the episode. The PDF's include detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics).

Want more Business English tips? Join the Business English Executive Coaching Club. Learn the English you need for business (but you didn’t learn in school). What you get as a free member:

> Access to the podcast topic with detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics)

> Career planning tips

> Bonus resources on professional English

> First to know about new lessons

> Special discounts and offers

BUSINESS ENGLISH PODCAST TIPS

HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS ENGLISH?

Employers want their staff to have higher "soft skills" in making presentations plus small talk for success with colleagues and clients.

What is your plan for 2025 and how I can help you make a career plan?

Say hello on LinkedIn: Business English Success Coaching

Get your free Presentations Skills course and Small Talk, Big Results business conversation course by sending an email to me at [email protected]. 

EPISODE NOTES

Not Knowing Your Goal: Many speakers do not clearly understand what they want to achieve. It is important to know if you want to inform, persuade, or entertain your audience.

Ignoring the Audience: If you do not understand your audience, you may make mistakes. You should know what they care about and how your presentation can help them.

Lack of Preparation: Not preparing enough can make your presentation messy. It is essential to practice and plan your content ahead of time.

Too Much Text on Slides: Presenters often put too much information on their slides. This can distract the audience because they may just read the slides instead of listening to you.

Speaking Unclearly: Not speaking clearly can frustrate your audience. Make sure to pronounce your words well and avoid using complicated language that they might not understand.

Reading from Slides: Simply reading what is on the slides can make the presentation boring. Instead, use the slides as a guide and talk directly to your audience.

Failing to Create Energy: Presenters sometimes lack enthusiasm, which can make the audience lose interest. Show energy and passion for your topic to keep them engaged.

Not Having a Clear Structure: Jumping from one point to another without a clear plan can confuse the audience. It is important to have an outline and stick to it.

Not Practicing Enough: Many presenters do not practice their delivery, which can lead to mistakes during the presentation. Practicing helps build confidence and clarity.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve your presentation skills and better connect with your audience.

A0105  110225

EPISODE SUMMARY

Most Business English meeting and interview self-introductions are dry and boring. They give the other person little information and no reason to continue the conversation.

You’ll learn how to introduce yourself in a charming manner using a technique that incudes interesting facts from your present situation, your past and your plans for the future.

This technique will help you feel more comfortable and confident when meeting new people, especially in business settings.

EXAMPLE CONTENT

FREE PDF OF THE LESSON WITH BONUS CONTENT

You can download the PDF of notes for the episode. The PDF's include detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics).

Want more Business English tips? Join the Business English Executive Coaching Club. Learn the English you need for business (but you didn’t learn in school). What you get as a free member:

> Access to the podcast topic with detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics)

> Career planning tips

> Bonus resources on professional English

> First to know about new lessons

> Special discounts and offers

BUSINESS ENGLISH PODCAST TIPS

HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS ENGLISH?

Employers want their staff to have higher "soft skills" in making presentations plus small talk for success with colleagues and clients.

What is your plan for 2025 and how I can help you make a career plan?

Say hello on LinkedIn: Business English Success Coaching

Get your free Presentations Skills course and Small Talk, Big Results business conversation course by sending an email to me at [email protected]. 

Episode Notes

A0027 220225

EPISODE SUMMARY

The first episode of Learn More to Earn More—the podcast designed to help you improve your Business English skills so you can advance in your career. I’m Coach William Pitts, and I specialize in helping business professionals like you communicate more effectively in English. Whether you need to give a presentation, lead a meeting, engage in small talk, or reduce your anxiety about speaking English, this podcast is here to guide you.

FREE LESSON PDF WITH BONUS CONTENT

Want more Business English tips? Join the Business English Executive Coaching Club. Learn the English you need for business (but you didn’t learn in school). What you get as a free member:

> You can download the PDF of notes for the episode. The PDF's include detailed notes on the podcast subject. Some podcast episodes have a quiz; some podcast episodes have lyrics to the songs in the podcast (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics).

> Career planning tips

> Bonus resources on professional English

> First to know about new lessons

> Special discounts and offers

Click on the line below to sign up for the newsletter and all the free extra tips and lessons

BUSINESS ENGLISH PODCAST TIPS

HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS ENGLISH?

Employers want their staff to have higher "soft skills" in making presentations plus small talk for success with colleagues and clients.

How I can help you make a career plan?

Say hello on LinkedIn: Business English Success Coaching

Get your free Presentations Skills course and Small Talk, Big Results business conversation course by sending an email to me at [email protected]. 

A0140 250225 EPISODE 1

Episode Summary

In English small talk conversations, people say "Sorry to bother you", but do you say “sorry” too much? We hear business meeting and English small talk phrases using the word “sorry” but there are other phrases that are more precise and don’t sound as apologetic. Sorry is a useful word when you have made a mistake; these business English phrases are better if you vary your use of phrases, your English will sound more fluent and professional.

Here are some examples of how to reduce inappropriate of “sorry” to more precise and useful phrases.

Sorry to bother you, but do you say “sorry” too much? We hear business meeting and English small talk phrases using the word “sorry” but there are other phrases that are more precise and don’t sound as apologetic. Sorry is a useful word when you have made a mistake; these business English phrases are better if you vary your use of phrases. Your English will sound more fluent and professional.

Here are some examples of how to reduce inappropriate use or overuse of “sorry” to more precise and useful phrases.

Instead of saying “Sorry for rescheduling”, acknowledge the other person’s being considerate by saying “Thanks for being flexible”.

Instead of saying “Sorry to bother you”, show appreciation for the other person giving you some of their time by saying “Thanks for carving out time”.

Carving means to slice - we carve meat or an artist called a sculptor carves wood or stone to make a design or the shape of a body. Here, the person is cutting part or carving out part of their time to give it to you.

Instead of saying “Sorry for venting”, acknowledge the other person was patient in listening to you by saying “Thanks for listening”.

Instead of saying “Sorry for running late”, you can show your appreciation for the other person’s time and patience by saying “Thanks so much for waiting”.

Instead of saying, “Sorry, I had to take that call”, you can show your appreciation for the other persons time and for waiting or being interrupted by saying “Thanks for your patience”.

Instead of saying “Sorry for jumping in” as if you are contradicting or interrupting the other person, you can say “I have an idea that may help”. It shows that you have a contribution to make and your opinion is valuable.

Instead of saying “Sorry for the mistakes”, you can say “Thanks for catching that!”. The other person might have noticed a missing period or full stop in your writing or they may have seen a typo. Here, to “catch” means they noticed something and hoped correct it.

Instead of saying “Sorry, I don’t get it” you can say “Would you repeat that? I just want to be clear”. That means the other person didn’t make a clear explanation. You are at fault for not “getting” or understanding what they said.

Instead of saying “Sorry, does that make sense?” You can say “I’m happy to answer any questions” as an invitation for people to ask questions.

A0088 220225

EPISODE SUMMARY

Small talk is an important "soft skill" to have - but conversations can stall and die if you don't ask questions that get the other person interested. The answer to “Did you?” can result in a yes or no answers. The conversation does not go any further.

Questions using "What” help us can learn what action a person took. It can lead to a better quality conversation. “What did you do this weekend?” is a deeper question that “Did you have a nice weekend?”

Use small talk questions with “What” will help us learn more about your colleague or client.

EXAMPLE CONTENT

Here are the five examples we will discuss.

1. What did you do this weekend?

2. What’s been keeping you busy?

3. What’s been the highlight?

4. What’s your connection?

5. What’s put a smile on your face?

FREE PDF OF THE LESSON WITH BONUS CONTENT

You can download the PDF of notes for the episode. The PDF's include detailed notes on the subject, and a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics).

Want more Business English tips? Join the Business English Executive Coaching Club. Learn the English you need for business (but you didn’t learn in school). What you get as a free member:

> Access to the podcast topic with detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics)

> Career planning tips

> Bonus resources on professional English

> First to know about new lessons

> Special discounts and offers

BUSINESS ENGLISH PODCAST TIPS

HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS ENGLISH?

Employers want their staff to have higher "soft skills" in making presentations plus small talk for success with colleagues and clients.

What is your plan for 2025 and how I can help you make a career plan?

LinkedIn ConnectionSay hello on LinkedIn: Business English Success Coaching

Get your free Presentations Skills course and Small Talk, Big Results business conversation course by sending an email to me at [email protected]. 

EPISODE CONTENT

Here are the five examples we will discuss.

1. What did you do this weekend?

2. What’s been keeping you busy?

3. What’s been the highlight?

4. What’s your connection?

5. What’s put a smile on your face?

Here are some examples for alternatives to “What’s been keeping you busy?” - To that we can add a time period.

> What’s been keeping you busy lately?

> What’s been keeping you busy these days?

> What’s been keeping you this this month?

> What’s been keeping you busy this year?

Here are some examples for alternatives to "What’s been the highlight?” questions.

> What’s been the highlight of your day?

> What’s been the highlight of your week?

> What’s been the highlight of your month?

Here are some examples for alternatives to "What’s put a smile on your face?” questions. You can add a time period so they have more things to say).

> What’s put a smile on your face today?

> What’s put a smile on your face this week?

> What has put a smile on your face lately?

A0066 220225 EPISODE 9

EPISODE SUMMARY

The word "look" is used in many Business English conversations. If you want your colleagues and clients to "look up to you" (admire and respect) you should "look over" (read and learn) this lesson. When you study and learn more everyday phrases you can "look forward to" (anticipate with pleasure a future event or result) stronger, more confident English.

These phrases are part of 20,000 English words and phrases you need to be successful (there are nearly 500,000 words and phrases in the largest English dictionary, but most are never used). Listen and learn these phrases so you can understand what is being said and join in conversations and meetings.

EXAMPLE CONTENT

The top English phrases and idioms that use the word “look”.

Look after

Definition: To take care of someone or something.

Example 1: I’ll look after the project while you’re on vacation.

Example 2: She’s been looking after her younger siblings since their parents are away.

Example 3: Can you look after my dog while I’m out of town?

FREE PDF OF THE LESSON WITH BONUS CONTENT

You can download the PDF of notes for the episode. The PDF's include detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics).

Want more Business English tips? Join the Business English Executive Coaching Club. Learn the English you need for business (but you didn’t learn in school). What you get as a free member:

> Access to the podcast topic with detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics)

> Career planning tips

> Bonus resources on professional English

> First to know about new lessons

> Special discounts and offers

BUSINESS ENGLISH PODCAST TIPS

HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS ENGLISH?

Employers want their staff to have higher "soft skills" in making presentations plus small talk for success with colleagues and clients.

What is your plan for 2025 and how I can help you make a career plan?

Say hello on LinkedIn: Business English Success Coaching

Get your free Presentations Skills course and Small Talk, Big Results business conversation course by sending an email to me at [email protected]. 

Episode Summary

The word "look" is used in many Business English conversations. If you want your colleagues and clients to "look up to you" (admire and respect) you should "look over" (read and learn) this lesson. When you study and learn more everyday phrases you can "look forward to" (anticipate with pleasure a future event or result) stronger, more confident English.

These phrases are part of 20,000 English words and phrases you need to be successful (there are 475,000 words and phrases in the largest English dictionary, but most are never used). Listen and learn these phrases so you can understand what is being said and join in conversations and meetings.

Show Notes

The top English phrases and idioms that use the word “look”.

Look after

Definition: To take care of someone or something.

Example 1: I’ll look after the project while you’re on vacation.

Example 2: She’s been looking after her younger siblings since their parents are away.

Example 3: Can you look after my dog while I’m out of town?

Look down at

Definition: To direct your eyes downward, often to focus on something below you.

Example 1: He looked down at his phone while waiting for the call.

Example 2: She looked down at the street from her balcony.

Example 3: When he heard the bad news, he looked down at the floor in disappointment.

Look down on

Definition: To regard someone or something as inferior.

Example 1: He tends to look down on people who don’t have a university degree.

Example 2: It’s wrong to look down on others just because they make different choices.

Example 3: She felt that her colleagues looked down on her because she was new.

Look forward to

Definition: Look forward to (anticipate with pleasure)

Example 1: I'm looking forward to the weekend.

Example 2: We're looking forward to seeing you next week.

Example 3: She's looking forward to her vacation.

Look in on

Definition: To visit someone briefly, usually to check on their well-being.

Example 1: Could you look in on me tomorrow to see if I’m feeling better?

Example 2: I always look in on my neighbor to make sure she’s okay.

Example 3: She looked in on her friend after the surgery.

Look into

Definition: To investigate or examine something.

Example 1: The company is looking into ways to improve its customer service.

Example 2: The police are looking into the incident to find out what happened.

Example 3: We need to look into this issue before making a decision.

Look out for yourself

Definition: To be cautious and careful in a dangerous situation.

Example 1: The road is flooded. Look out for yourself when you are driving home so you don’t have an accident.

Example 2: In a crowded city, you have to look out for yourself, especially when crossing busy streets.

Example 3: If you're traveling alone in an unfamiliar place, it's important to look out for yourself and stay safe.

Look over

Definition: To review something carefully.

Example 1: Could you look over the document before we submit it?

Example 2: She asked her friend to look over the report for any mistakes.

Example 3: I always look over my notes before a presentation.

Look to

Definition: To rely on or expect someone to help or guide you.

Example 1: We always look to our manager for advice on important decisions.

Example 2: As a leader, you should be someone your team can look to in difficult times.

Example 3: When I'm unsure, I look to my parents for support.

Look through

Definition: To quickly scan or search through something, like documents or items.

Example 1: I need to look through these papers before the meeting.

Example 2: She looked through the emails but couldn’t find the one she was looking for.

Example 3: I’ll look through the book tonight to prepare for the class.

Look (someone/something) up

Definition: To search for someone or something, especially to visit or contact them after a period of not being in touch.

Example 1: I’ll look you up when I’m in town next week.

Example 2: She decided to look up her old college friends after 10 years.

Example 3: Whenever I travel, I look up local landmarks to explore.

Look up

Definition: To search for information or find something, especially in a book, database, or online.

Example 1: Let me look up the word in the dictionary.

Example 2: I looked up the company’s address before visiting.

Example 3: Can you look up the train schedule for me?

Look up to

Definition: To admire or respect someone.

Example 1: Many young athletes look up to their coaches.

Example 2: She has always looked up to her older sister.

Example 3: He’s the kind of teacher that students look up to.

HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS ENGLISH?

A0005 200225 EPISODE 6

EPISODE SUMMARY

Business English skills companies want their employee to have are lacking - the Nippon.com survey of large Japanese employers showed 82% considered English as an important skill in the workplace but only 65% were satisfied with their employee’s ability. Further, communications skills were ranked at 80% important but a small 35% were satisfied with their employee’s level.

The podcast has notes on the five areas where an employee can increase their skills.

How can you improve your skillset?

EXAMPLE CONTENT

Five Things Employers Wish Their Employees Knew About Business English

1. Clarity and Precision Matter

FREE PDF OF THE LESSON WITH BONUS CONTENT

You can download the PDF of notes for the episode. The PDF's include detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics).

Want more Business English tips? Join the Business English Executive Coaching Club. Learn the English you need for business (but you didn’t learn in school). What you get as a free member:

> Access to the podcast topic with detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics)

> Career planning tips

> Bonus resources on professional English

> First to know about new lessons

> Special discounts and offers

Click on the link below to get your free learning material:

BUSINESS ENGLISH PODCAST TIPS

HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS ENGLISH?

Employers want their staff to have higher "soft skills" in making presentations plus small talk for success with colleagues and clients.

What is your plan for 2025 and how I can help you make a career plan?

Say hello on LinkedIn: Business English Success Coaching

Get your free Presentations Skills course and Small Talk, Big Results business conversation course by sending an email to me at [email protected]. 

EPISODE NOTES

Five Things Employers Wish Their Employees Knew About Business English

1. Clarity and Precision Matter

2. Cultural Sensitivity and Professionalism

3. The Importance of Tone

4. Email Etiquette

5. The Power of Listening and Asking Questions

These elements of business English not only improve individual performance but also contribute to a more efficient, respectful, and collaborative workplace. By mastering these aspects, employees can enhance their professional image and effectiveness in a global business environment.

HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS ENGLISH?

What is your plan for 2025 and how I can help you make a career plan?

Say hello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willliampittsbusinessenglish/

Get your free Presentations Skills course and Small Talk, Big Results business conversation course by sending an email to me at [email protected]. 

Want more Business English tips? Join the Business English Executive Coaching Club. Learn the English you need for business (but you didn’t learn in school). What you get as a free member:

> Career planning tips

> Bonus resources on professional English

> First to know about new lessons

> Special discounts and offers

https://william-pitts-business-english-coaching.kit.com/3a6a623b6f

EPISODE SUMMARY

Business English language names and nicknames: a brief guide so you don't go crazy trying to understand why your colleague "Robert Jones" is called "Bobby" or "Jonesy". Learn why many people from English-speaking countries have formal first name plus a shortened "nickname". Remembering nicknames is crucial for improving your small talk skills when conversing with clients and colleagues. Review of nicknames will make improving English conversation easier and help you be fluent in English.

EXAMPLE CONTENT

My first name is William. My family calls me by a nickname. My family nickname is "Billy". The phrase "nicknames comes from the word "nick" (to cut or slice in English) so a nickname can be a shorter version of a first name.  Other nicknames for men named William are: Will, Willy and Bill.  The lesson also shows how last names/family names can be shortened. The lesson explains why people from English speaking countries (The UK, Ireland, America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia) have three names on their birth certificate or driving license or passport.

Episode Details:

Western first names can have many forms. The most formal form is how the name is spelled on a person's birth certificate, driving license or passport. Their friends and family might call them by a nickname. "Nick" means to cut or trim, so the nickname is a shorter version of the formal and legal name.

The Top Names and Nicknames for Americans

The most popular American male names:

Format is Formal Name: Nickname(s)

James: Jim, Jimmy

John: Johnny, Jack

Robert: Rob, Robby, Robbie, Rob, Bob, Bobby

Michael: Mike, Mikey, Mick

William: Will, Willy, Bill, Billy

David: Dave, Davey

Richard: Rich, Richy, Rick, Dick, Dicky

Charles: Charley, Chuck

Joseph: Joe, Joey

Thomas: Tom, Tommy

Christopher: Chris

Paul: Paulie

Mark: Markey

The most popular American female names:

Format is Formal Name: Nickname(s)

Mary: Mare

Patricia: Pat, Patty

Linda: Lin

Barbara: Barb, Babs

Elizabeth: Liz, Lizzy

Jennifer: Jen, Jenny

Maria: Mary

Susan: Sue

Margaret: Margie, Mags

Dorothy: Dot, Dotty

Family Names:

A formal family name / last name might have "-sy" added to it - it a playful and friendly nickname, especially for the most common family names / last names. 

Format is Formal Name => Nickname(s)

Jones => Jonesy

Clark => Clarky

Smith => Smithey

Brooks => Brooksy

Scott => Scotty

Why Do Westerners Have Three Names:

Most Westerners (from English speaking countries) have three names on their birth certificate and passport. This is their legal name registered with their government. For example, My first name is William. I was named after my grandfather's brother William as a sign of respect. My middle name is Parker. This was my grandmother's maiden name before she got married to my grandfather. It is included to show respect to my grandmother's family. My family name is Pitts. It is also my father's family name and grandfather's family name. 

FREE PDF OF THE LESSON WITH BONUS CONTENT

You can download the PDF of notes for the episode. The PDF's include detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics).

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