Confident Business English

In this Technical Series episode, I focus on reported speech. This was inspired by a client question and I thought it would be a great topic, as it is something often often looked but something you use every single day as a senior manager when relaying what the board, clients, or your team have said. I'll clarify the key structures, common mistakes, and how to broaden your reporting verbs so you can speak clearly, accurately, and without breaking your flow. Enjoy! Anna 00:0002:0005:0008:3011:30 GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN COACHING WITH ME? Register interest to be informed of future places on my 3-month programme THIS PODCAST IS MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR FANTASTIC SUPPORTERS. WANT TO BECOME A SUPPORTER TOO? TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

Do you ever feel your English sounds fine, but not quite executive? In this episode, you’ll learn three simple language shifts that will help strengthen your presence in your interactions as a senior manager. Nothing complicated. Just smarter framing that changes how you’re perceived. Book mentioned in episode: The First Minute, Chris Fenny GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN COACHING WITH ME? Register interest to be informed of future places on my 3-month programme THIS PODCAST IS MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR FANTASTIC SUPPORTERS. WANT TO BECOME A SUPPORTER TOO? TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

Asa senior manager you constantly report on progress, what’s done, what’s delayed, what’s ongoing, and what’s stopped. In this episode, you’ll learn how to use four essential adverbs to make your status updates clearer, more precise, and more credible in meetings. Enjoy! Anna 00:00 – Why precision matters in senior-level communication 02:30 – First key language shift 05:00 – Second key language shift 07:30 – Third key language shift 09:30 – Fourth key language shift 12:30 – A subtle nuance that changes tone 14:00 – How to apply the learning GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN COACHING WITH ME? Register interest to be informed of future places on my 3-month programme THIS PODCAST IS MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR FANTASTIC SUPPORTERS. WANT TO BECOME A SUPPORTER TOO? TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

Highly capable professionals are often overlooked not because of their expertise, but because their message isn’t clear. In 5-minute short episode, you’ll learn simple, practical tips to communicate more clearly with executives, link your ideas to business impact, and get better feedback so your message lands with confidence. Enjoy! Anna Little Snippets are my 5-minute mini episode series on Confident Business English. GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN COACHING WITH ME? Register interest to be informed of future places on my 3-month programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

In this mini episode, you’ll learn how putting key phrases and standard interactions on autopilot can reduce stress, improve fluency, and free up your energy for more difficult conversations. Perfect for busy professionals who want practical confidence, not more theory. Enjoy! Anna Little Snippets are my 5-minute mini episodes on Confident Business English focused on my best confidence-boosting tips. GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN COACHING WITH ME? Register interest to be informed of future places on my 3-month programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

Speaking English all day at conferences, events, or meetings is mentally exhausting and that’s normal. In this short episode, you’ll learn why your English can feel worse as the day goes on, why this has nothing to do with your level, and how to be more compassionate with yourself when fatigue kicks in, especially at senior level. Enjoy! Anna Little Snippets are my mini 5-minute episodes on Confident Business English focused on my best confidence-boosting tips. GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN COACHING WITH ME? Register interest to be informed of future places on my 3-month programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

In this episode, I introduce a new format Anna Reports, where I reveal takeaways from real business conversations I've heard and break them down the natural English phrases so you feel more confident with them in the workplace. You’ll learn: broachPLEASE NOTE I've deliberately recorded this episode to be even more conversational to challenge you more. It's normal if you find it harder than usual. Read along with the transcript if that helps. Enjoy! GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN COACHING WITH ME? Register interest to be informed of future places on my 3-month programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

In this episode, you will hear Business English questions from senior managers like you. If you want to choose the right word with confidence and sound more precise at work, this episode is for you. Enjoy! Anna Do you want to record a 30-second question for the episode? Send me an email at info@confidentbusinessenglish and I'll give you the information. 01:40 — Question 1: Luis 06:10 — How to choose the right word when working with teams, partners, and authorities 08:10 — Question 2: Petra 12:40 — How these words fit together (the “Russian doll” model) 17:40 — Practical summary + how to submit your own question GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN COACHING WITH ME? Register interest to be informed of future places on my 3-month programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

As a senior manager, at times you will need to be direct and at times, diplomatic. However, you feel your vocabulary is limited and you tend to speak too directly. In this episode, I show you how to say the same message in different ways, so you can choose the right tone for meetings, feedback, and difficult conversations. Enjoy! Anna 01:40 — Direct vs diplomatic: the core communication problem 03:20 — Scenario 1: Managing time in meetings 06:40 — Scenario 2: Giving negative feedback 11:20 — Scenario 3: Rejecting an idea 14:40 — Key takeaways + how to practice 15:30 — Final action step GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN COACHING WITH ME? Register interest to be informed of future places on my 3-month programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

Making conversation in English can feel harder than meetings, presentations, or technical discussions, especially when you are a senior manager. In this episode, I give you ways to help reduce feeling awkward and uncertain to feeling more confident, in control, and connected when you speak with colleagues in English. I'll share with you simple, repeatable strategies to: I hope you can take something away from the episode today. Enjoy. Anna GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

You are already able to communicate in English but you don't feel confident that you sound like a senior manager. In this episode, I've picked my top 11 quick upgrades you can make to sound more executive. But let me be clear, you don’t need these to do your job. You already are a senior manager. But if you want to feel more confident when you walk into the room, this episode will help. Enjoy! Anna Timestamps 02:1003:10 — Upgrade 1:Further04:10 — Upgrade 2:05:35 — Upgrade 3:07:40 — Upgrade 4:09:10 — Upgrade 5:10:50 — Upgrade 6:11:50 — Upgrade 7:13:25 — Upgrade 8:I14:55 — Upgrade 9:16:30 — Upgrade 10:17:50 — Upgrade 11:17:50 — Practice Out loud: GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

As a senior manager, not understanding can feel very uncomfortable. You know people are looking to you to lead the conversation. If you miss something, you might say something wrong and worry you will look like silly. It's an understandable concern so let me help you build your confidence by learning common phrases from real meetings so next time you know exactly what you're colleagues are saying. Enjoy! Anna GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

You can already speak English but do you sound like the senior manager you are? In this episode, I walk you through the small communication habits that quietly affect how you come across at work. Enjoy! Anna 01:30 – The uncomfortable lesson I learned from my own communication coach 05:10 – Habit 1 07:00 – Habit 2 10:40 – Habit 3 13:20 – Practical ways to get feedback and improve 15:20 – Final challenge for the week GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

If you’ve got an interview in English for a senior role, you need answers that reflect your true experience, clearly, confidently, and with the right vocabulary. In just 12 minutes, I’ll walk you through the leadership verbs and phrases that instantly make your answers stronger and more accurate. All inspired by my clients who have gone through this process too. They are all straightforward upgrades you can try to incorporate in your next interview. I really hope you find it useful. Anna TImestamps 01:15 – The problem: underselling your experience in English 03:05 – How to talk like a leader: essential verbs and phrases 03:20 – Verb 1 04:00 – Verb 2 04:40 – Verb 3 05:25 – Verb 4 06:00 – Verb 5 06:30 – Verb 6 07:10 – Verb 7 07:45 – Verb 8 09:20 – Practical tas 10:00 – Final reminders + where to get extra tips GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

Learn one small but powerful word you can use in difficult conversations to sound more diplomatic and confident without hiding your message. Senior managers use this word to soften feedback, communicate concerns clearly, and handle sensitive moments better. Enjoy! Anna Timestamps 00:00 Why this tiny word matters 01:05 What the word really means 02:40 When to use it (and when not to) 04:15 How to use it to to soften feedback 06:10 Using the word to express risks 08:00 Practice: Rephrase your sentences 09:45 Your action step for this week GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

The last Decode episode was really popular so I wanted to expand to a new mini series throughout this season. If you’ve ever been in a meeting and thought, “Wait… what does that phrase actually mean?” this episode is for you. Let me take you through a list of common business expressions you’ll hear across companies and industries. You’ll learn what they mean, how they’re used, and the origin of the phrase. That will mean that next time, you can follow the conversation and won't have to wonder what it means! Enjoy. Anna GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

CLICK HERE TO MY NEXT FREE LIVESTREAM 12TH NOVEMBER 2025 19.30 (Madrid time) Do you break the flow when you speak because you’re unsure if you’re using the right word? In this 15-minute episode, I’ll help you finally clarify the most common “what’s the difference” questions my clients ask. You’ll stop second-guessing yourself in meetings and just go for it. Keep the flow going! Enjoy. Anna 00:00 – Why we hesitate when we speak 02:00 – My “SUMO” trick to deal with hesitation 04:00 – Double vs. Duplicate 05:30 – Each vs. Every 07:00 – In the End vs. At the End 08:30 – Happy vs. Glad 10:00 – Ad Hoc vs. One-Off 11:30 – Argue vs. Discuss 13:30 – How to use this in real conversations 14:30 – Wrap-up and live stream invitation GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

Do you have a a great question but there's a big audience and it's intimidating? this short, practical session I give you a clear 5-step framework, real examples, and delivery tips so you can speak up, ask a question confidently and feel like you are contributing to the conversation. Enjoy! Anna 00:35 – Why speaking up matters for senior managers (visibility & impact) 02:10 – The 5-step question framework 04:20 – Example 1: 05:20 – Example 2: 06:05 – Example 3: 06:55 – Delivery tips: 08:10 – Sound more advanced 08:55 – Action task 09:35 – Start small GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

If you already speak English every day but still doubt yourself, this one’s for you. In 15 minutes, I want to help you shift your perspective so you can focus on more on what actually matters. This is a coaching episode which is part of the content on Confident Business English. It's not just about the technical stuff, you also need to put in the work to move forward in the way you think. I hope you find it useful. Anna. Timings 00:00 – Why your English confidence might be the real problem, not your skills 02:00 – The mismatch between how you think you sound and how others hear you 05:00 – Why “bad English” isn’t an accurate description for most professionals 08:00 – Universal experiences: nerves, difficult people, and speaking on the spot 11:00 – What “fluency” really means (and why you’re probably fine) 13:00 – How to get useful feedback and build long-term confidence 14:30 – Final takeaway: Stop fixing what isn’t broken GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish

In this episode, I talk with Lindsay McMahon, CEO and co-host of All Ears English, about how senior managers can disagree more effectively and sensitively in global business settings. We explore cultural differences in communication, key concepts like context and power distance, and practical English phrases you can use to disagree without damaging relationships. Enjoy! Here are the timings: 00:00 – Introduction & why disagreeing well matters for leaders 01:00 – Meet Lindsay McMahon and her global communication insights 02:30 – A real-life story about missing cultural cues 04:30 – Key ideas: high vs. low context cultures and power distance 07:00 – How culture and personality shape disagreement styles 08:00 – Three approaches to disagree in English 08:30 – Style 1: Direct disagreement 10:00 – Style 2: Disagreeing while maintaining relationships 12:00 – Style 3: Delaying or avoiding disagreement 13:30 – Final takeaways: focus on connection, not perfection 14:30 – Where to find All Ears English GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly Instagram @annabusinessenglish YouTube @annabusinessenglish