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Learning English Conversations

BBC

Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your English conversations easier. Every week, we teach you a new phrase or word you can use in conversation with The English We Speak. And we bring you special series to improve your...

Location:

United Kingdom

Genres:

Podcasts

Networks:

BBC

Description:

Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your English conversations easier. Every week, we teach you a new phrase or word you can use in conversation with The English We Speak. And we bring you special series to improve your English conversation. Try Beating Speaking Anxiety to learn how to fight your fears of speaking English. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

Language:

English


Episodes
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The English We Speak: Got you

3/30/2026
If you've got someone, you support them.Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca. As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260330 And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app. We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to discover the range.

Duration:00:02:15

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The English We Speak: A bit of a stretch

3/24/2026
Sometimes we say things that aren't 100% true. They're not complete lies, but they are a bit of a stretch. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260323 And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app. We send a newsletter with our weekly higlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to discover the range.

Duration:00:02:04

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The English We Speak: Kick the can down the road

3/16/2026
Sometimes at work we need to kick the can down the road. Learn how to use this expression with Phil and Feifei. TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260316 OFFICE ENGLISH: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ 6 Minute English They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)

Duration:00:02:24

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The English We Speak: Cut corners

3/10/2026
If you want to do a task perfectly, it's usually not a good idea to cut corners. Learn about this expression and how to use it in conversations with Feifei and Georgie. TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260309 BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ 6 Minute English They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)

Duration:00:03:19

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Beating Speaking Anxiety: 8. I’m scared I can’t be myself

3/9/2026
It can be harder to express our personality in a foreign language because we have fewer language tools available and speaking anxiety can make it harder to let our personalities shine. Learn from experts about this topic and get tips on how to show your true self in English in the last episode of this special series. Don't forget, you can watch Georgie's explainer videos and see learners of English try different activities to improve their speaking confidence. Find them on our website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety Office English is back for a third series! Search for 'Learning English for Work' in your favourite podcast app, or find the episodes with free transcripts here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english Our newsletter with our weekly highlights and language learning tips comes out every Wednesday. Make sure you're signed up! https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

Duration:00:09:08

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The English We Speak: Short-change

3/3/2026
If you give someone less than they deserve, you short-change them. Learn the literal and metaphorical use of this expression with Feifei and Georgie and hear more examples. IND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260302 BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ 6 Minute English They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)

Duration:00:03:33

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Beating Speaking Anxiety: 7. I’m scared I’m not getting better

3/2/2026
Sometimes it can feel like no matter how much you practise speaking, you don’t get any better. In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about what to do when you feel stuck learning English. With speaking coaches Rhiannon Carter and Barnaby Griffiths. WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/progress-video TRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/progress-podcast NEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

Duration:00:07:52

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The English We Speak: Go through a rough patch

2/24/2026
Life isn't always great, sometimes things can be difficult. Use 'go through a rough patch' when life gets difficult for a while. Learn this useful expression with Feifei and Phil. As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260223 And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app. We send a newsletter with our weekly higlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to discover the range.

Duration:00:02:56

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Beating Speaking Anxiety: 6. I’m scared I won’t get the joke

2/23/2026
Have you ever been in a group of friends and everyone laughs, but you didn’t understand the joke? In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about understanding humour and making people laugh when speaking English. With Peruvian performer Pepa Duarte. WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/humour-video TRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/humour-podcast NEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

Duration:00:10:37

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The English We Speak: Learn the hard way

2/16/2026
Sometimes we ignore advice. Sometimes things go wrong and this programme is about those times. Phil and Feifei teach you how to use the expression to learn something the hard way. FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260216 BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ 6 Minute English They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)

Duration:00:03:04

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Beating Speaking Anxiety: 5. I’m scared people won’t understand me

2/16/2026
Have you ever spoken in English, and the other person didn’t understand? In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about accents and pronunciation. With Jennifer Jenkins, Emeritus Professor of Global Englishes, University of Southampton. WATCH – Find Georgie’s video with tips to improve your speaking here https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/being_understood-video TRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/being_understood-podcast NEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

Duration:00:08:55

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The English We Speak: A big ask

2/10/2026
Sometimes people ask for too much. Listen to examples of this phrase being use and learn how to use it for those moments. FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260202 BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ 6 Minute English They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)

Duration:00:02:53

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Beating Speaking Anxiety: 4. I'm scared of speaking in front of people

2/9/2026
Do you get nervous speaking English in front of people, even a small group of friends? In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about public speaking and speaking in bigger groups. With Regina Kaplan Rakowski, Professor of Learning Technologies at the University of North Texas. WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/not_understanding-video TRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary: https://downloads.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/4_BSA_speaking_in_front_of_others_transcript__.pdf NEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

Duration:00:09:23

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The English We Speak: Facepalm moment

2/3/2026
Something embarrassing or frustrating could lead to a facepalm moment. Learn how to use this expression here. FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260202 BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ 6 Minute English They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)

Duration:00:03:22

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Beating Speaking Anxiety: 3. I’m scared I won’t understand people

2/2/2026
Speaking is only one side of the conversation. You also have to listen to and understand the other person. In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about how you can improve your listening in real life conversations. With Erhan Aslan, Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Reading. WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/not_understanding-video TRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/not_understanding-podcast NEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

Duration:00:09:15

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The English We Speak: Shoot off

1/27/2026
This expression means leave quickly because you're in a hurry or there's somewhere you need to be. Learn how to use it here. FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260126 BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ 6 Minute English They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)

Duration:00:02:12

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Beating Speaking Anxiety: 2. I’m scared of forgetting my words

1/26/2026
Have you ever been speaking English, and suddenly you freeze and forget your words? In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about why our brain can’t always remember words we know in a new language. With Alissa Melinger, Professor of psycholinguistics at the University of Dundee. WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety TRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/forgetting_words-podcast NEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

Duration:00:08:23

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The English We Speak: Hot on the heels

1/20/2026
This expression means something happens immediately after something else, often unexpectedly. Learn how to use it here. FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260119 TRY BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY ✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ 6 Minute English They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)

Duration:00:02:36

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Beating Speaking Anxiety: 1. I’m scared of making mistakes

1/19/2026
Do you get anxious when speaking English? You’re not alone. In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about how to increase your confidence speaking English, even when you make mistakes. With professor of Chinese Han Luo and speaking coach Barnaby Griffiths. WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/making_mistakes-video TRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/making_mistakes-podcast NEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

Duration:00:11:26

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The English We Speak: Aura farming

1/13/2026
Learn this expression which means do something for attention or praise. FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260112 TRY THE LISTENING ROOM ✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ 6 Minute English They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)

Duration:00:02:59