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).

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?

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]. 

A0032 220225 EPISODE 11

EPISODE SUMMARY

Getting results in business meetings with the top ten phrases used in meetings (that you were never taught in school). 

Strong communication skills are essential for building good relationships, collaborating effectively, and achieving career and personal goals.

EXAMPLE CONTENT

These polite phrases will help you communicate clearly. They are the top ten phrases native English speakers use in meetings.

Each phrase comes with a definition and three examples of how the phrase is used. The top ten phrases are:

1. I'd be happy to.

2. Could you please clarify?

3. I see your point, but ...

4. Let's brainstorm some ideas.

5. I appreciate your feedback.

6. I'm confident that ...

7. Moving forward, ...

8. Let's circle back to ...

9. I'm on it.

10. Thank you for your time.

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

Importance of Key Business Phrases

Top 10 Smart Phrases for the Workplace

I'd be happy to

Shows willingness and enthusiasm to help or take on tasks.

Examples:

Could you please clarify?

Asks for more information to ensure understanding.

Examples:

"Could you please clarify what you meant by an aggressive timeline?"

I see your point, but

Acknowledges the other person's perspective while expressing a differing opinion respectfully.

Examples:

"I see your point about the budget constraints, but I think we can find a creative solution."

Let's brainstorm some ideas

Encourages collaboration and creativity.

Examples:

"Let's brainstorm some ideas for how to increase website traffic."

I appreciate your feedback

Shows appreciation for feedback, demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow.

Examples:

"I appreciate your feedback on my presentation. I'll definitely incorporate these suggestions."

I'm confident that

Expresses confidence in abilities or project outcomes, inspiring others.

Examples:

"I'm confident that we can meet this deadline if we work together."

Moving forward

Transitions to new topics or next steps, keeping conversations focused.

Examples:

"Moving forward, let's focus on implementing the new strategy."

Let's circle back to

Signals the intention to revisit a topic later, showing organization and thoroughness.

Examples:

"Let's circle back to the issue of budget allocation in our next meeting."

I'm on it

Indicates taking ownership of a task and actively working on it.

Examples:

"I'm on it. I'll have that report finished by the end of the day."

Thank you for your time

Expresses gratitude, ending conversations or meetings on a positive note.

Examples:

"Thank you for your time today. I really appreciate your insights."

Conclusion

Mastering these phrases and developing a professional communication style in English takes time and effort. Regular practice and consistency in using these expressions can greatly enhance workplace communication, boosting confidence and clarity. Remember, the way you communicate can open doors or close them. Invest in your language skills to advance your career and succeed in the professional world.

Practice regularly, stay consistent, and watch your confidence soar. You've got this!

Why This Matters

Strong communication skills are essential for:

Invest in your communication skills to enhance your professional image and advance your career.

A0058 240224 EPISODE5

EPISODE SUMMARY

In Business English, using phrases that express agreement is important in business conversations. These several phrases using “agree” and “exactly” will make your Business English broader and stronger. Each has a definition and example to help you learn.

EXAMPLE CONTENT

Phrases That Show Agreement

Using phrases that express agreement is important in business conversations. Here are some common phrases, their meanings, and examples of how to use them.

I agree

Meaning: You share the same opinion as someone else.

Example: "I agree; we need to improve our marketing strategy.”

Exactly

Meaning: You completely agree with what has been said.

Example: "Exactly, that's what I was thinking!"

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 NOTES

Phrases That Show Agreement

Using phrases that express agreement is important in business conversations. Here are some common phrases, their meanings, and examples of how to use them.

Common Phrases with “Agree"

I agree

Meaning: You share the same opinion as someone else.

Example: "I agree; we need to improve our marketing strategy.”

I agree with you

Meaning: You specifically support the opinion of the person you are talking to.

Example: "I agree with you; this project will benefit our company."

I’m in agreement

Meaning: You are officially stating that you share the same opinion.

Example: "I’m in agreement with the team's decision to move forward."

We are in agreement

Meaning: This indicates that a group shares the same opinion.

Example: "We are in agreement that this is the best approach."

We agree on this

Meaning: You and someone else have the same view on a specific issue.

Example: "We agree on this point; we should prioritize customer feedback."

I couldn’t agree with you more

Meaning: You strongly support what someone has said.

Example: "I couldn’t agree with you more; teamwork is essential for success."

Phrases That Use "Exactly"

Here are some phrases that use "exactly" along with their meanings:

Exactly

Meaning: You completely agree with what has been said.

Example: "Exactly, that's what I was thinking!"

That’s exactly what I think

Meaning: You completely share the same opinion as someone else.

Example: "That’s exactly what I think; we need to focus on quality."

That’s exactly how I feel

Meaning: You have the same feelings or emotions as someone else.

Example: "That’s exactly how I feel; it's important to listen to our clients."

Exactly right

Meaning: You confirm that something is correct or true.

Example: "You are exactly right about the deadline; we need to meet it."

Exactly what I needed

Meaning: Something is perfectly suitable or helpful for your needs.

Example: "This information is exactly what I needed for my report."

Exactly as planned

Meaning: Something happened just like it was intended or organized.

Example: "The meeting went exactly as planned, and we achieved our goals."

Using these phrases can help you communicate more effectively in business settings, showing your agreement clearly and confidently.

A0038  220225 EPISODE 5

EPISODE SUMMARY

The top three fears people have: snakes, heights and public speaking.

These top tips for making a presentation will help you be prepared so you fear is less (can't help you with any snakes in the room). 70% of executives surveyed have stated that having better public speaking skills is critical for success. Even noted investor Warren Buffett stated that public speaking is “an asset that will last you 50 or 60 years”. Buffett also warned that low skills in public speaking are a liability; Buffett said "If you can't communicate and talk to other people … you're giving up your potential". 

EXAMPLE CONTENT

Preparation

Be prepared. It seems obvious, but if you are more familiar with your material, you will have less to be nervous about.

Practice

Practice early and often. The closer you can come to recreating the speaking experience, the more effective the practice will be.

Put your feet on the floor

Stand up when rehearsing and actually speak aloud. You can practice with an audience after you’ve done a few run-throughs on your own.

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:

> 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 CONTENT

Remember These P Strategies for Handling Anxiety

Preparation

Be prepared. It seems obvious, but if you are more familiar with your material, you will have less to be nervous about.

Practice

Practice early and often. The closer you can come to recreating the speaking experience, the more effective the practice will be.

Put your feet on the floor

Stand up when rehearsing and actually speak aloud. You can practice with an audience after you’ve done a few run-throughs on your own.

Plan ahead

Get comfortable in the space. Check out the room where you will be speaking ahead of time. Even if you will speak in the same room in which you’ve had class all semester, take a moment to stand at the front of the room and look out at where your audience will be. Making yourself familiar with the view from the front of the room, eliminates one more aspect that can trip you up.

Plant a friendly face

Have a friend in the audience? Someone you would like to have as a friend? Use that person as a touchstone.  If you are comfortable, you can let that person know that you tend to get nervous and ask them to give you some extra encouragement. Seeing that smiling face (and maybe the occasional thumbs up) can give you a boost in the moment.

Pace your breath

Take a few calming breaths before you go to the front of the room, and take another one before you begin. Inhale through your nose for a count of ten, hold that breath for a count of ten, and then exhale slowly out of your mouth for a count of ten. Doing this a few times before you get up to speak will slow your racing heart and give your brain important oxygen.

Picture your success 

A common strategy for athletics and other performers works for speaking too. Picture or Visualize yourself in the speaking event.  Visualize yourself giving the speech confidently and successfully. Pay attention to how it feels to do well and hold on to those feelings for when you get nervous.

Pump out the nerves

Shake it off. Take a minute to literally get the jitters out before speaking. Stretch out your arms, run in place, roll your shoulders, move your neck and jaw around— anything that gets you moving. This helps you relax by loosening up those muscles that you have been tensing. 

Presentation pose

When you are on stage speaking to the audience, here are some things you can do to keep yourself calm. Squeeze your toes in your shoes to reduce shaky legs. Stand balanced to avoid swaying. Gesture broad and forward. Keep your arm gestures below your head and above your waist. This shows you are in control.

A0081 240225 EPISODE 10