Does the question "why?" sometimes feel too strong or uncomfortable in English? In this episode, we talk about why "why" can sound rude in English and what you can say instead to keep conversations comfortable and natural.

You'll learn six gentle alternatives that help you ask about personal choices, life changes, and meaningful stories without putting pressure on the other person.

These simple questions make it easier to stay curious, build trust, and speak confidently in real conversations.

In this episode, you'll learn: • Why "why" can sound judgmental or demanding • How tone changes the meaning of your questions • Six natural, polite questions to use instead • Everyday examples you can try right away

If you'd like more real-life English practice in a supportive community, you can learn about the Confident Women Community here: https://speakconfidentenglish.com/community

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 The Problem with 'Why'

02:40 Alternatives to 'Why'

03:06 What Brought You...

04:26 What Led You To...

05:41 How Did That Come About...

06:54 What Made You Think Of...

07:57 What Inspired...

09:20 I'd Love to Hear How...

10:50 Recap & Practice

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Thank you for listening! I share new episodes every Wednesday. Make sure you click the follow button to get notified.

Get the full episode show notes at: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/why-sounds-rude-in-english-heres-what-to-say-instead

If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all my episodes on YouTube → ⁠https://www.youtube.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

COME SAY 'HI!'

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/speakconfidentenglish/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU:

How to Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English (Free Fluency Training) → ⁠https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english/⁠

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! It really helps get encouragement and actionable advice to nonnative English speakers around the world.

Being polite in English is important — but sometimes, clarity is kindness. In this episode, you'll learn how to be direct in English without sounding rude, harsh, or impolite.

We'll explore the right times to use direct communication in English and the grammar tools that help you sound clear and confident at work — not cold or aggressive.

You'll discover how to: ✅ Use imperatives, simple statements, and modal verbs effectively ✅ Give feedback and set boundaries with professionalism ✅ Communicate deadlines and instructions with confidence ✅ Improve your English communication skills and sound confident, not rude

If you want to practice speaking English this way in real conversation, join my Confident Women Community — a supportive space to use your English for real 👉 https://speakconfidentenglish.com/community

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Was no one listening? 03:23 When to be direct 07:01 Choosing the right grammar 08:07 Imperatives 09:05 Statements 09:44 Modals 11:42 Tone 15:57 Practice

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Thank you for listening! I share new episodes every Wednesday. Make sure you click the follow button to get notified.

Get the full episode show notes at: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/be-direct-in-english

If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all my episodes on YouTube → ⁠https://www.youtube.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

COME SAY 'HI!'

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/speakconfidentenglish/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU:

How to Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English (Free Fluency Training) → ⁠https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english/⁠

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! It really helps get encouragement and actionable advice to nonnative English speakers around the world.

When English conversations get tense, your words can decide whether things end in frustration or progress.

In this episode, you'll learn how to sound more professional in English with 5 powerful "were" phrases that help you:

• Disagree politely without sounding rude

• Offer feedback and advice clearly

• Keep your tone calm, confident, and professional

These simple professional English phrases will help you handle difficult conversations at work and speak with clarity and respect in any situation.

💬 Try this: Practice one phrase this week and notice how it changes the tone of your next meeting.

Free Training: Want more strategies like this? Join my free video training: Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English 👉 https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english/

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Why the pillow?

01:50 Why you need 'were'

03:43 If I were to...

04:58 If I were in your situation...

06:19 Practice

06:54 I wish it were...

08:23 Suppose we were...

09:51 I'd rather it were...

11:42 Practice

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Thank you for listening! I share new episodes every Wednesday. Make sure you click the follow button to get notified.

Get the full episode show notes at: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/sound-more-professional-in-english

If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all my episodes on YouTube → ⁠https://www.youtube.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

COME SAY 'HI!'

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/speakconfidentenglish/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU:

How to Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English (Free Fluency Training) → ⁠https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english/⁠

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! It really helps get encouragement and actionable advice to nonnative English speakers around the world.

The secret to never sounding nervous in English? Controlling your voice.

Have you ever listened to a coworker or friend speak English who sounds perfectly confident, even though she felt nervous inside? How did she do it?

The key is to control your voice so you sound confident in English.

Controlling your voice and projecting confidence when you speak helps to engage your listeners and inspire trust.

And the strategies you'll learn here will help you give a formal presentation to a room of 537 people or speak in a meeting with 3 coworkers.

Use these 4 simple steps to reduce the nervousness of your voice so you sound clear and in control.

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 - What does a nervous voice sound like?

03:02 - Step 1: Remove the anxiety

06:49 - Step 2: Be Conscious of Your Flow

10:05 - Step 3: Be clear and project

13:30 - Step 4: Relax and enjoy

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Thank you for listening! I share new episodes every Wednesday. Make sure you click the follow button to get notified.

Get the full episode show notes at: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/control-your-voice-sound-confident/

If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all my episodes on YouTube → ⁠https://www.youtube.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

COME SAY 'HI!'

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/speakconfidentenglish/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU:

How to Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English (Free Fluency Training) → ⁠https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english/⁠

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! It really helps get encouragement and actionable advice to nonnative English speakers around the world.

Learn how to explain a decision in English clearly and confidently in this practical leadership English lesson. You'll discover a simple 4-step method to organize your ideas, express your reasoning, and speak with clarity. Perfect for professional English communication and meetings.

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

✅ Share your thought process naturally ✅ Use key decision-making vocabulary in English ✅ Speak clearly in meetings and interviews ✅ Build confidence through real-world examples

This Confident English lesson is part of our ongoing series to help you build English fluency and communication skills for everyday and professional success.

💬 Ready for real conversation practice? Join the Confident Women Community — the safe, supportive space where women practice speaking English with confidence. https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/community

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Explaining "Why" — the Challenge

01:58 The "STEP" Method

02:53 Step 1: Set the Scene

05:08 Step 2: Tell Your Thought Process

07:32 Step 3: Explain the Options

09:51 Step 4: Present the Decision

12:10 Where/How to Practice

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Thank you for listening! I share new episodes every Wednesday. Make sure you click the follow button to get notified.

Get the full episode show notes at: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/explain-a-decision-in-english

If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all my episodes on YouTube → ⁠https://www.youtube.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

COME SAY 'HI!'

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/speakconfidentenglish/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU:

How to Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English (Free Fluency Training) → ⁠https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english/⁠

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! It really helps get encouragement and actionable advice to nonnative English speakers around the world.

Talk about your personal growth in English using 12 powerful phrasal verbs.

In this English phrasal verbs lesson, you'll discover natural ways to describe life changes, mindset shifts, and new beginnings — perfect to improve speaking confidence and express yourself more naturally.

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

• Talk about new beginnings and letting go • Describe identity and mindset shifts • Express slow, steady personal growth in English

This self-growth English lesson will help you find the right words to describe your journey — in life and in English.

🌐 Learn more or practice with me inside the Confident Women Community → https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/community

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Common English Conversation Questions

01:19 Phrasal Verbs for New Beginnings

06:27 Phrasal Verbs on Mindset Shifts

09:58 Phrasal Verbs on Sustainable Change

11:49 Practice

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Thank you for listening! I share new episodes every Wednesday. Make sure you click the follow button to get notified.

Get the full episode show notes at: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/conversations-on-personal-growth-in-english

If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all my episodes on YouTube → ⁠https://www.youtube.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

COME SAY 'HI!'

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/speakconfidentenglish/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU:

How to Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English (Free Fluency Training) → ⁠https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english/⁠

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! It really helps get encouragement and actionable advice to nonnative English speakers around the world.

Have you ever made a big change — moving to a new country, starting a new job, or beginning again? In this episode of Better English Conversations, you'll learn English vocabulary for life changes — including how to talk about moving, new jobs, and starting over with confidence.

You'll discover how to: ✔ Describe emotional transitions with natural, everyday English vocabulary ✔ Use expressions like make a fresh start, take the plunge, and turn over a new leaf ✔ Talk about big decisions and changes in your life — clearly and naturally

Whether you're moving abroad, changing careers, or simply ready for something new, this episode will help you improve your English speaking confidence and connect your story to real-life English conversations.

🎧 Subscribe for weekly lessons on Better English Conversations and learn how to speak with clarity and courage in every part of your life.

For more practice and community support, visit → https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/community

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 English Conversations on Major Life Changes

1:11 Starting New Vocabulary

6:05 Moving Vocabulary

11:22 Changing Careers Vocabulary

15:50 Example Sentences

16:37 Support Network Vocabulary

19:22 Example Sentences 19:56 Practice

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Thank you for listening! I share new episodes every Wednesday. Make sure you click the follow button to get notified.

Get the full episode show notes at: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/better-english-conversations-on-major-life-changes

If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all my episodes on YouTube → ⁠https://www.youtube.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

COME SAY 'HI!'

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/speakconfidentenglish/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU:

How to Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English (Free Fluency Training) → ⁠https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english/⁠

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! It really helps get encouragement and actionable advice to nonnative English speakers around the world.

Have you ever wanted to give a compliment in English to a colleague or manager — but stopped yourself because you weren't sure what to say? Maybe you worried it would sound awkward or too personal.

In this episode, I'll show you exactly how to give compliments in English at work with confidence. You'll learn two simple formulas you can copy, plus real examples of workplace English compliments that sound natural and professional.

Here's what you'll discover in this lesson:

• Why compliments matter in English-speaking workplaces

• 2 clear structures for professional English compliments

• Examples of compliments in English you can use right away

• What to avoid so your compliments don't cross a line

By the end, you'll know how to compliment your colleagues in English with short, sincere phrases that build trust and connection.

👉 If you enjoy this episode, follow the podcast so you never miss a new Confident English lesson.

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 The Challenge of Compliments in English

01:02 Why Compliments Matter

02:01 How to Give Compliments

02:50 Compliment Structure 1

05:41 Compliment Structure 2

08:43 The Way You Say It

10:39 When, Where, & To Whom

12:22 Dos and Don'ts

13:55 Practice

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Thank you for listening! I share new episodes every Wednesday. Make sure you click the follow button to get notified.

Get the full episode show notes at: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/how-to-compliment-colleagues-at-work-in-english/

If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all my episodes on YouTube → ⁠https://www.youtube.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

COME SAY 'HI!'

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/speakconfidentenglish/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU:

How to Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English (Free Fluency Training) → ⁠https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english/⁠

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! It really helps get encouragement and actionable advice to nonnative English speakers around the world.

Do you ever wonder why you know English but don't feel confident speaking it? Here's the truth: English confidence isn't a feeling. It's a skill you can build — and in this episode, I'll show you how.

You'll learn:

• Why waiting to "feel confident" keeps you stuck

• How to overcome nervousness in English and use it as fuel

• The two main reasons confidence falls apart — and how to fix them

• A 3-step process to build real, lasting English speaking confidence

By the end, you'll know how to act with confidence in English — even when your heart is racing.

Want to practice these strategies with me in real conversations? Learn more about Fluency School: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/fluencyschool

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Confidence is a choice. And a skill.

03:04 Rethink nervousness

04:32 Why confidence falls apart

06:59 3 Steps to build English confidence

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Thank you for listening! I share new episodes every Wednesday. Make sure you click the follow button to get notified.

Get the full episode show notes at: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/english-confidence-is-a-skill

If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all my episodes on YouTube → ⁠https://www.youtube.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

COME SAY 'HI!'

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/speakconfidentenglish/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU:

How to Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English (Free Fluency Training) → ⁠https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english/⁠

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! It really helps get encouragement and actionable advice to nonnative English speakers around the world.

Ever start speaking English… and suddenly forget the word you need? Your mind goes blank. You freeze. And it feels like your confidence disappears.

In this episode, you'll learn what to do in that exact moment — so you can recover quickly and keep going with calm, clarity, and confidence.

What you'll learn today:

– Why freezing doesn't mean your English is bad

– The 3 Rs: a proven method to recover when your mind goes blank

– Real recovery phrases fluent speakers use in everyday conversation

– How to stay focused under pressure (without striving for perfection)

This episode is especially helpful if you're a shy English speaker, struggle with English speaking anxiety, or want more tools to think in English when it matters most.

🎧 Listen, take what works for you, and practice using one recovery phrase today.

✨ Want to go further? In Fluency School, you'll train for real conversations, learn how to manage pressure, and speak with more confidence — even when things don't go perfectly. 👉 Learn more at speakconfidentenglish.com/fluencyschool

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Fluency speakers forget words

01:24 Why you forget words when speaking

04:18 The 4 'Rs' to stay fluent

04:35 Step 1: Recenter

06:12 Step 2: Return

07:42 Step 3: Relax

12:58 What's next for you

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Thank you for listening! I share new episodes every Wednesday. Make sure you click the follow button to get notified.

Get the full episode show notes at: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/forget-words-in-english

If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all my episodes on YouTube → ⁠https://www.youtube.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

COME SAY 'HI!'

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/speakconfidentenglish/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakconfidentenglish⁠

MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU:

How to Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English (Free Fluency Training) → ⁠https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english/⁠

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! It really helps get encouragement and actionable advice to nonnative English speakers around the world.