Business English with Dr. Jo

Struggling to find the right words in your one-to-one meetings? In this Business English lesson, you’ll learn natural, professional phrases that both managers and colleagues can use to make 1:1s more productive and confident.

You’ll hear examples for:

Opening the meeting

Sharing progress and challenges

Giving and receiving feedback

Agreeing next steps

Closing the conversation

These phrases will help you speak clearly, set the right tone, and build stronger workplace relationships in English. Perfect for managers, team leaders, and professionals who want to communicate with confidence in one-to-ones.

For the free resources that go with this episode, please go to:

https://onetoones.carrd.co/ and https://bigbangpartnership.co.uk/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-one-to-one-meetings-with-your-team-or-line-manager/

To download the FREE resource pack that goes with this episode, please go to https://saynoatwork.carrd.co/

Do you ever say “yes” at work when you really want to say “no”? You’re not alone. Many professionals struggle to refuse requests without feeling guilty.

In this lesson, I’ll teach you six polite and professional ways to say no in English. You’ll learn how to decline requests respectfully, protect your time, and maintain good workplace relationships.

We’ll cover useful phrases like “I’m afraid I can’t…”, “I’d love to help, but…”, and “Can I get back to you on that?” You’ll also hear when and how to use them in real situations, plus tips on tone and body language so you sound confident and courteous.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to set boundaries in English without sounding rude — and without feeling guilty.

✅ Ideal for international professionals, managers, and executives who want to communicate clearly and assertively in English.

Download the free resource pack that accompanies this episode here:https://15idioms.carrd.co/ .

Do your colleagues use confusing phrases like “hit the ground running” or “call it a day”?

We’ll cover idioms for meetings, projects, training, and daily workplace conversations — from “get your foot in the door” to “think outside the box.” You’ll hear clear examples and learn when and how to use each one in real business situations.

By the end, you’ll be ready to use these idioms in your own emails, presentations, and conversations to sound more fluent and professional.

✅ Perfect for international professionals, managers, and executives who want to sound natural and confident in English at work.

Polite Ways to Disagree in Meetings

A clear lesson for EFL learners. Learn 15 meeting-ready phrases and the CARE method. Get repeat-after-me practice and intonation tips. Three real scenes: product, budget, and compliance.

How to use CARE: Confirm → Acknowledge → Reason → Explore

When to choose Soft / Neutral / Firm language

Intonation for polite disagreement (falling for Reason, rising for Explore)

Fast practice you can use in your next meeting

Confirm = check you’ve understood.

Product: launch timing

Budget: training cuts

Compliance: sharing customer data (DPA)

Speak with me. Echo each phrase. Then build your own CARE response using the prompts.

Need to chair a meeting in English? In this practical Business English lesson, Dr Jo shows you exactly what to say — from the moment you open the meeting to the final thank you.

You’ll learn:

How to open a meeting in English and get everyone’s attention

Phrases to introduce your topic and outline the agenda

Ways to move smoothly between agenda items

How to involve participants and encourage discussion

Phrases for handling distractions and staying on topic

How to summarise and close a meeting confidently

This lesson includes useful vocabulary, grammar tips, and pronunciation advice, plus real examples and time for you to practise.

Perfect for managers, team leaders, business professionals, and anyone who needs to run meetings in English.

Learn 50 essential Business English phrases for Zoom, Google Meet, and online meetings. Perfect for professionals who want to sound natural, fluent, and confident in English during virtual business calls.

You’ll discover what to say when:

Starting a video call

Managing discussions

Handling tech problems

Closing meetings

Following up afterwards

📥 Free Download: Get the full slide deck with all 50 phrases and examples here:

https://50phrases-online-meetings.carrd.co/

If you work with colleagues or clients worldwide, these expressions will help you communicate clearly and professionally in every online meeting.

#BusinessEnglish #EnglishForWork #ZoomEnglish #OnlineMeetings

In this episode, I’ll show you how to introduce yourself in English at work using a simple 3-part structure. Whether you're in a meeting, on a video call, or at a networking event, you’ll learn how to explain who you are and what you do — clearly, confidently, and professionally.

You’ll hear strong example introductions, common mistakes to avoid, and tips to improve fluency and delivery.

Download the free Business English Introduction Builder to help you write and practise your own introduction: https://mailchi.mp/7747dec1000e/introductions-in-business-english

After you listen, write your own business introduction and send it to me! I’ll give you personal feedback and tips to help you improve.

The three parts of a great business introduction

How to start with active, confident verbs

What to say about your company and your work

Examples you can copy and adapt

How to avoid vague, unclear, or overly detailed answers

Tips to sound natural and professional when you speak

Professionals using English at work

Intermediate+ English speakers

Anyone preparing for interviews, meetings, or networking

Business leaders and team members alike