The Speak Confident English Podcast
The Speak Confident English Podcast, hosted by Annemarie, an English fluency coach with over 20 years of experience, provides weekly strategies to help learners go from understanding English to speaking it clearly and confidently. The podcast focuses on practical phrases and techniques for speaking with calm clarity in work, conversations, and everyday life, targeting those who feel shy, stuck, or nervous about speaking English.
Episodes
Build Social Fluency in English Through Authentic Small Talk
A coworker says, "I'm already on my third cup of coffee, and it's not even ten." You understand every word. But what do you say next? That small moment is an invitation, and knowing what to do with it is the start of social fluency in English: the ability to join the everyday conversations that help people get to know you, and help you get to know them. In this lesson, you'll learn how to recogniz
How to Tell a Story in English: 3 Past Tenses for Storytelling
You know what happened. You remember every detail. But when you tell a story in English, it can be hard to show when each thing happened. In this lesson, you'll learn how to use 3 past tenses to tell one clear story. The past simple tells your listener what happened next. The past continuous shows what was happening when something else happened. And the past perfect explains what had happened earl
How to Have Deeper Conversations in English: Ask Better Questions
Think of someone you'd like to know better. Maybe a neighbor, or another parent at your child's school. You've talked a few times, but the conversation never goes past simple facts. In this lesson, you'll learn how to ask better questions in English so your conversations can go deeper. You'll learn how to listen for one detail and use it to form your next question. You'll learn what makes a questi
From Feeling Stressed to Enjoying English | A Real English Conversation with Chih-shian
Do you feel stressed in English conversations? Do you prepare everything you want to say before you speak, and still worry about mistakes? My guest this month did that for years. Today she enjoys her conversations in English. In this real English conversation, she shares the simple mindset shift that helped her: communication over perfection. My guest is Chih-shian. I've known her for almost 4 yea
16 Phrasal Verbs for Relationships: Every Stage in English
How many times have you told the story of how you met someone you love? In this lesson, you'll learn 16 phrasal verbs for relationships in English, so you can tell that story naturally, from the first meeting to your life now. You'll learn how to describe the moment you met, with run into, strike up, and set someone up. You'll hear the difference between fall for and grow on, including the grammar
Use "For Now" to Explain Complicated Situations in English
Two little words help you explain a complicated situation in English: for now. In this episode, you'll learn how to say what is true right now, without telling the whole story. You'll hear the difference between "for now" and "for the time being," and when each one sounds natural. You'll learn how to use "for the moment" for a current feeling or decision. And you'll get the professional phrase "
Describe Winter and Summer in English: Beyond Hot and Cold
Cold isn't just cold. Sometimes it feels crisp and fresh, and sometimes it feels bitter and painful. In this lesson, you'll learn how to describe winter and summer in English with 24 specific words, so you can say what each season really looks like and feels like, at its best and at its worst. You'll learn words like blanketed, frosty, and bracing for winter, and lush, balmy, and sweltering for
Why You Should Talk About the Weather in English (Even If It Feels Pointless)
Talking about the weather in English can seem boring and pointless, right? But what if it's actually one of the easiest ways to feel more joy and connection in your day? In this episode, you'll learn what common weather phrases really mean, even when the words are simple and the meaning is not. You'll hear what to say when someone asks, "Cold enough for you?" or complains, "I'm so over this rain
A Real English Conversation about Speaking Up with Sima
What does English confidence really sound like? In this first episode of Confident English Conversations, I sit down with Sima, a member of my Confident Women Community since January 2024. Sima is from India and has lived in California for 19 years. In our conversation, she shares what has helped her feel more calm and confident when she speaks English — especially through regular practice with ot
How to Talk About the Past in English: Share Your Life Stories
Do you want to talk about your past in English? There are three easy ways to do it: used to, would, and the past simple. Each one is a little different. This lesson shows you when to use each one. "Used to" tells people that something has changed. "Would" brings an old routine back to life. And the past simple, with words like always and every summer, tells the simple facts. I'll also show you t
How to Talk About Feelings in English: Belonging, Trust, and Connection
There's a feeling that says, "Yes, this is my place. These are my people." And there's the opposite, when everyone is kind to you but you're still standing on the outside of the conversation. This lesson is about how to talk about feelings like these in English: belonging, trust, connection, and what it's like to be left out. Here's what you'll learn: You'll get the phrases English speakers use
At the Grocery Store in English: Phrases You'll Actually Use
The grocery store is one of the first places you have to speak when you live in or travel to an English-speaking country, and it can feel stressful. This lesson gives you the real phrases people actually use at the grocery store in English, from making your list to asking for help to checking out. You'll learn natural ways to talk about what you're running low on and need to stock up on, how to
How to Interrupt Politely in English | In-Person & Online
You're on a call. The conversation is moving, you only have 40 minutes, and you need to say so without sounding rude. Or someone is sharing a long story and you have a question that can't wait. Learning how to interrupt politely in English changes how comfortable you feel in those moments, at work, in meetings, and in everyday conversations. In this episode, you'll get: 5 tips for stepping into
Handle Interruptions in English — The Best Ways to Respond
Have you ever been interrupted in English and frozen, lost your thought, or felt like you couldn't get your turn back? Knowing what to say when someone interrupts you in English depends entirely on what kind of interruption is happening. In this episode, you'll get five specific responses matched to five different situations. Some interruptions are collaborative and show active listening. Some a
Polite English Phrases for Daily Life: Ask Someone to Move
"Please move." It sounds polite. It isn't. Even "excuse me, please move" still comes across as a command in English. So what do native speakers actually say when someone is standing in your way at the grocery store, sitting too close on the bus, or blocking the hallway? In this episode, you'll learn the polite English phrases for daily life that turn a demand into a real request; the small words a
Fear of Speaking English? Here's What to Do
You've studied English for years, and the fear of speaking is still there. The fear of freezing in the moment, of making a mistake, of not being understood. And the truth is, more studying isn't going to fix it. In this episode, you'll learn why the fear of speaking English is physiological, not a sign that your English isn't good enough. You'll find out what's actually happening in your brain w
4 Steps to Find Flow and Enjoy Your English Practice
If you've lost motivation, then it's time to find flow and enjoy your English practice. To find flow means being so focused, so immersed in an activity that you begin to lose time, distractions, and self-doubt. And ultimately, you experience joy in what you're doing. You might be familiar with flow state learning and finding flow with hobbies such as painting, singing, playing piano, or running.
Sound More Expressive in English | Humor and Hyperbole
Think about feeling tired after working 9 hours, answering 47 emails, and sitting in traffic for 1 hour after work. You could go home and say, "I'm really tired." But is that what you would say in your native language? Probably not. My guess is there would be a fun way to express yourself in a more intense way, showing your strong feelings at the moment. That's what this is about. How to be more e
How to Talk About Aging in English | Vocabulary for Honest Conversations
Getting older comes up in conversations all the time (at least for me!) with friends, with family, with colleagues. So let's talk about the real English expressions for conversations about aging — what you're noticing, what you're not sure about, and how to be there for a friend going through the same thing. Not just "I feel old." Expressions covered include: the march of time, take a toll, ke
English Phrases for Building Trust at Work
If building trust in an English-speaking workplace has ever felt harder than it should be, there's a reason for that — and it's not your language skills. It's culture. In this episode, you'll learn six specific ways to build trust and influence in English-speaking professional environments like the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. These aren't generic communication tips. Each step comes with t
How to Best Group Words & Pause for Clear English
Sounds natural, more fluent, and clearer when speaking English with this one technique. One of the biggest challenges in English fluency is knowing how to group words and pause for natural-sounding English. If your speech feels too slow, too fast, or choppy, learning thought groups will help you master English pronunciation, improve English rhythm, and develop connected speech. In this lesson, you
Stop Making This Common Grammar Mistake Speaking English | Word Forms
Have you ever said "I want to improve my confident" or "she's a very competition person"? This is one of the most common grammar mistakes in English — using the wrong word form — and it's more fixable than you think. In this episode, you'll learn why this mistake happens even at an intermediate or advanced level, how English suffixes and word endings signal whether you need a noun or adjective,
English Conversation Practice on Film Awards | Oscars, Golden Globes & More
Even if you never watch the Oscars or Golden Globes, you're going to hear about them — at work, on social media, in the news. And the language people use in those conversations is full of idioms, phrasal verbs, and phrases that can catch you off guard. In this episode, you'll get the vocabulary you need to join any conversation about film award ceremonies — before, during, and after the show. Yo
11 English Idioms for Work: Sports-Related Phrases You Need to Know
English idioms for work are full of sports language — and if you've ever nodded along in a meeting without fully understanding what someone meant, this episode is for you. In this lesson, you'll learn 11 of the most common sports-related phrases used in professional English conversations — including "knock it out of the park," "the ball is in your court," "down to the wire," and more. You'll di
You Understand English But Can't Speak Fluently — Here's Why
You understand English, but speaking still doesn't feel fluent? If you've studied for years and still can't speak English fluently when it matters, this episode will help you understand why, and how to start changing it. A lot of English learners can follow meetings, podcasts, and videos, but speaking feels different. Speaking is real-time. You have to find words fast, build sentences, and keep go
Making Plans in English Conversation: Essential Phrases
Making plans in English conversation can feel awkward, especially when someone says, "We should get together sometime," and then nothing happens. In this episode, you'll learn how to make plans in English with a simple 6-stage process, so you can invite people naturally, read the signals, and follow through with confidence. You'll learn how to: start casually: "Are you free this weekend?" / "Wha
Use "Just" in English: 6 Meanings and Tone Changes
Learn to use just in English correctly, because it changes meaning and tone. In this Confident English lesson, you'll learn the real just meaning in 6 common situations—so you can sound natural in conversation and clear in emails at work. You hear "just" everywhere: "I just finished the report," "I just need five minutes." "That's just perfect." But the meaning of just depends on context. In thi
Speak English with Power: Tips on How Stop Sounding Nervous
You can speak English with power and credibility, even if you feel nervous inside. This lesson shows you how to keep nerves from showing in your voice, so you sound confident and in control. If you want to speak English with authority and inspire trust but notice your voice shaking, speeding up, or rising at the end of sentences, this video will help. You'll learn how to adjust your breathing, pac
American English Intonation | Reduce Interruptions & Send Clear Messages
American English intonation helps your listener understand what you mean in real time. It signals things like: "I'm asking a question," "I'm not finished," "I'm building to a point," or "I'm open to your input." So if you've ever been interrupted mid-sentence, asked a question and gotten silence, or felt like your message didn't land even when your grammar was correct, this episode will help. We'r
Formal vs Informal English: When to Switch and How to Know
Choosing between formal vs informal English can feel uncomfortable — especially when you don't want to sound unprofessional, too casual, or distant. In this episode, you'll learn how to recognize formal and informal English in real conversations and how to adjust your tone so it fits the situation. We'll focus on formal vs informal tone in English, why context matters more than rules, and how smal
How to Talk About Your Priorities in English | Real-Life Conversations
When someone asks why you made a change, said no, or chose a different direction, it can be hard to explain yourself clearly in English. In this episode, we talk about how to talk about priorities in English in real-life conversations — at work, with friends, and with family — without sounding vague, defensive, or unsure. You'll learn practical phrases to help you: explain what matters to you
English Phrases for When Things Go Wrong | Everyday English
Talking about disappointment in English can feel overwhelming, especially when things don't go as planned. In this episode, you'll learn natural English phrases for when things go wrong — so you can express your feelings clearly and confidently. We'll explore language for mild, moderate, and intense disappointment, plus phrases for difficult moments, emotional clarity, asking for support, and talk
C1 Level English Vocabulary for Happiness and Well-Being
In this episode, you'll learn C1 level English vocabulary you can use to talk about happiness, well-being, and your real life in English. These advanced English phrases come from a podcast conversation between Dr. Rangan Chatterjee and Dr. Laurie Santos on the science of happiness. This lesson is perfect if you want to use English confidently in deeper conversations with friends, colleagues, or an
When 'Why' Sounds Rude in English → Here's What to Say Instead
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 qu
Be Direct in English — 4 Ways to Sound Confident, Not Rude
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 statement
Sound More Professional in English | 5 Phrases for Difficult Conversations
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 w
4 Steps to Control Your Voice and Sound Confident in English
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 tru
Explain a Decision in English Clearly | Leadership English Lesson
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 i
Conversations on Personal Growth in English | 12 Phrasal Verbs
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 shift
Better English Conversations | Vocabulary for Major Life Changes
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 lik
How to Give Compliments in English at Work (with Examples)
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
English Confidence: How to Increase It In 3 Steps
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-s
What to Do When Your Forget Words in English While Speaking
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 recove
Feeling Stuck in English? What It Really Means for Your Progress
Stuck in English? You're not imagining it — and you're not at a dead end. If you've been practicing regularly but feel like your progress has disappeared, this episode will help you understand why. You'll learn: ✔ What causes English learning plateaus (aka feeling stuck) ✔ The difference between stagnation and consolidation ✔ What's happening in your brain during slow progress ✔ Three specific str
How to Build English Fluency & Confidence | 3 Lessons from 1M Subscribers
Struggling to stay consistent in English? Feeling stuck — or frustrated with mistakes? After 10 years of teaching Fluency School and reaching 1 million YouTube subscribers, I've learned a few things about what really helps women build confidence and fluency in English. In this episode, I'm sharing 3 personal lessons that can shift the way you think about your English journey — especially if you're
Learn Advanced English Vocabulary with Mel Robbins' "Let Them"
Learn English vocabulary with me in this must-know English vocabulary lesson inspired by Mel Robbins' Let Them Theory. In this episode, you'll improve English vocabulary, discover advanced English phrases for daily life, and build English fluency with words that help you speak naturally and confidently. Most English lessons give you lists of words that are correct but rarely used in real conversat
Write Better Emails in English — Professional Tips (With or Without AI)
Struggling to write professional emails in English that sound clear, polite, and natural? Whether you're drafting them yourself or using AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini, this episode will help you write better emails in English — with professional tips you can start using today. You'll learn: How to avoid common email mistakes Phrases that help you sound professional without being too formal
MAKE vs DO in English | Advanced Collocations You Must Know
Do you struggle with when to use make and when to use do in English? They're definitely tricky. Even advanced learners get confused by these verb combinations. In this episode, you'll learn the real difference between make vs do in English, and discover 20+ advanced collocations that fluent speakers use in daily conversations, professional settings, and written communication. Understand why we sa
Better English Conversations: Talking About Friendship in English
Have you ever wanted to describe a close friend in English… but didn't know the words to explain your connection? In this episode, we explore the exact vocabulary and natural phrases you need to talk about friendships—whether you're describing a childhood friend, a long-distance friendship, or how a relationship has changed over time. You'll learn how to: Describe types of friendships in English
How to Offer Help in English to Friends & Coworkers (Without Sounding Rude)
Have you ever wanted to help someone, but stayed quiet because you didn't know how to say it in English? In this episode, you'll learn exactly how to offer help in English politely, without sounding pushy or making someone uncomfortable. I'll walk you through a 4-step method to help you support others in a way that feels clear, kind, and culturally appropriate—whether at work, with friends, or in
How to Ask for and Understand Directions | Travel English
Ever felt nervous or stuck when you needed to ask for directions in English? You're definitely not alone. In this episode, I'll teach you exactly what to say—and how to say it—so you can ask for directions in English with confidence and ease. You'll learn English travel phrases and English survival phrases that actually work in real-life situations. Whether you're traveling abroad and need English
Future Continuous and Future Perfect Forms | Advanced English Grammar
You know that moment when you're trying to set expectations with your team, make a professional commitment, or discuss long-term goals - and you feel limited by simple future tenses? When you want to say something like "By the time the project launches, we'll have been collaborating for six months" but you're not sure how to structure it correctly? In this episode, you'll discover: How to structu
Sound Fluent & Professional: English Phrases for Meetings & Updates
Learn the most effective English phrases for meetings and professional updates so you can sound clear, confident, and fluent in every workplace conversation — no more awkward or overly formal English. In this Confident English lesson, you'll get practical business English phrasal verbs that native speakers use every day in team meetings, project updates, and workplace discussions. Whether you're g
How to Give a Project Update in English at Work
Need to give a project update in English that gets attention? Master a 3‑step system to deliver a clear, professional project status update—so you can report progress, flag challenges, and impress your boss in every meeting. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 Why project updates feel stressful 2:07 Common mistakes to avoid 4:20 What's possible when you have the right structure 5:18 IKEA‑inspi
Master Spontaneous Speaking: Proven Strategies to Boost English Fluency
Master your spontaneous speaking skills and enjoy fluent English conversations with strategies that help you respond quickly and feel more comfortable in the moment. If you've ever felt nervous in an English conversation, thinking • What if someone asks me a question? • What if I don't understand the question? • What if I feel stuck and don't know what to say? • What if I make a mistake? You're no
How to Describe Personality in English | Advanced Vocabulary
Get the vocabulary you need to describe personality in English. In both personal and professional situations, it's not uncommon to have questions that explore your personality and characteristics. That means you'll need the right vocabulary to describe personality - how you typically think, behave, and feel. If you've ever felt unsure how to describe your unique qualities in an English conversatio
Master Workplace Networking in English | The Art of Coffee Chats
Unlock the secrets of effective workplace English networking. In this episode, you'll learn how to network in English confidently, including mastering the art of coffee chats and informal informational interviews. This is your ultimate resource for understanding the nuances of English networking, providing practical tips and strategies to enhance your communication skills and build meaningful prof
Think in English and Speak Faster in Conversations | Stop Translating
Transform how you think in English and speak faster in conversations with strategies you can start using now! Today, I'll guide you through the essential steps to stop translating in your head and start responding instantly in English conversations—no more lost opportunities to say what you want. In this detailed episode, we'll explore practical strategies to enhance your fluency and help you begi
Increase Speaking Vocabulary: How to Activate Passive Words and Speak Fluently
Struggling to find the right words during conversations, even though you've studied for years? Do you often feel stuck or struggle to find words faster when you speak? You're not alone! Most people have a much larger passive vocabulary, which means they understand more words than they actively use. But what if you could activate those passive words and start using them confidently in your speech?
21 Phrasal Verbs for Daily English Conversation | Vocabulary Booster
No more boring verbs. Instead, use phrasal verbs for daily English conversation to communicate power and precision! In this episode, you'll learn 21 commonly used phrasal verbs like "jump in," "wrap up," or "weigh in" give your conversations life and help you avoid that repetitive "I said, she said" cycle. Plus: The difference between "to jump into" vs. "to jump in on" a conversation The rudest w
Be Direct and Polite in English with Assertive Communication | 5 Tips
Learn how to be direct and polite in English while mastering the art of assertive communication, including strategies to express your thoughts clearly, maintain respect, and boost your confidence in both professional and personal conversations. Whether you're asking for a raise, setting boundaries, or trying to communicate your boundaries more effectively, this video will guide you through using d
How to Have Interesting English Conversations (Even If You're Shy!)
If you've ever wondered how to have interesting English conversations or how to sound more interesting in English, this episode is for you! I'll share English conversation tips for shy speakers and practical strategies on how to keep a conversation going in English, without feeling awkward. You'll also learn how to have better conversations in English, plus English speaking confidence tips to help
English Reading Practice to Be More Fluent | Proven Steps for Success
If you're using books to improve your English but still can't express your thoughts clearly, this English reading practice will help you speak more fluently and confidently. Many English learners read regularly, but struggle to use the new vocabulary or talk about what they've read. That's because most were never taught how to turn reading into real speaking practice. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISOD
The Best Professional Connectors to Explain Your Opinions in English
Struggling to explain your opinions in English clearly? Maybe in a work meeting, a conversation with friends, or when asked for your thoughts—but your ideas don't flow the way you want. The key to English fluency and sounding confident and professional is using the right English connectors—words that help you explain ideas smoothly and organize your thoughts naturally. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPIS
Better English Conversations: Increase Your Economic Vocabulary
Do you want better English conversations about the economy, finance, and global events? If you've ever felt unsure using economic vocabulary in English, this lesson will help you increase your economic vocabulary and speak with confidence in real conversations. From tariffs, inflation, and GDP to job market vocabulary and financial terms, these words are everywhere in the news and at work. But don
Become a Confident English Speaker | Practical Strategies
Tired of working so hard but still feeling shy or stuck in English? To become a confident English speaker, shift your focus and use the right strategies for practice. What you learn today has the power to quickly boost your progress. With practical steps to get you started, you'll stop believing myths that stop your progress. Instead, have a clear way to practice English so that THIS YEAR is the y
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