Feeling stuck in your English progress? Learn why the intermediate plateau is common, especially for professionals managing English at work. Language consultant Lindsay Dow shares actionable strategies for intentional practice, boosting speaking output, and recognizing the gradual growth needed to reach advanced professional fluency.

Meet Our Guest:

Lindsay Dow is a language consultant and self-described "language nerd" who specializes in helping individuals master the process of learning languages. She possesses a professional background in applied linguistics and focuses on the dynamics of how languages are learned. Tip: "Progress is not a sudden leap; it is a continuous, very, very slight gradual incline of growth".

Top Takeaways

• Takeaway 1 The intermediate plateau is a common perception, not a reality; don't feel like you've failed.
• Takeaway 2 Prioritize speaking practice (output) as the end goal, despite the inherent emotional risk.
• Takeaway 3 Focus on depth and nuance in professional topics relevant to your life and career.

Vocabulary Corner

Term | Meaning + Example Sentence
Plateau | A stage in language learning where perceived progress flattens or stops. Example: Many professionals hit an English plateau after mastering basic meeting conversation.
Granular | Highly detailed or composed of tiny, gradual increments of progress. Example: To reach advanced fluency, focus on the granular details like nuanced expression and idiomatic phrases.
Output | Producing language, typically through speaking or writing, crucial for progress. Example: Increasing professional output (presentations, emails) helps fill vocabulary gaps and avoid stagnation.
Nuance | Subtle differences in meaning, expression, or tone required for advanced communication. Example: Mastering the nuance of requests and feedback is critical for effective business communication.
Pragmatics | The understanding of cultural context and implied meaning in communication beyond words. Example: Focusing on pragmatics helps you navigate cross-cultural professional interactions more effectively.

Helpful Links & Tools

Lindsay Dow's website: lindsaydoeslanguages.com

Ultimate Language Resource List: Lyndsaydoeslangages.com/list

Lindsay Dow's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/

Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule. Join our membership community here:

 https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/ 

***********************

Spotify 

• https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h 

 Apple Podcast 

• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460 

• Follow us on Social Media: Find us on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

@fluentenglish.pro (IG) https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/ 

Stop worrying that fast talking equals English fluency. Public speaking expert Maria Rincon shows non-native professionals how to leverage pace, tone, and intonation for powerful, confident communication. Learn strategies for overcoming anxiety and tapping into your core confidence for business success.

Meet Our Guest:

Maria Rincon, former UN consultant and 2025 TEDx speaker, coaches non-native English speakers in clarity and confidence. "Nervousness actually means that I care about what I'm doing”.

Top Takeaways

• Takeaway 1 Fluency relies on pace, tone, and intonation, not how fast you speak.
• Takeaway 2 Find the "sweet spot" pace—too fast suggests nervousness, too slow risks boring the audience.
• Takeaway 3 Boost confidence and reduce pressure by connecting with your playful, vulnerable "inner child".
  
  

Vocabulary Corner

Term | Meaning + Example sentence

Pacing | Meaning: The rate or rhythm at which you speak.
Example: A moderate pacing helps your audience absorb your important business message.

Intonation | Meaning: The rise and fall of your voice pitch across a full sentence.
Example: Varying your intonation stops your presentation from sounding flat or monotone.

Tone | Meaning: The emotional quality or specific emphasis given to a particular word.
Example: The tone of the email suggested that the client was very excited about the proposal.

Foreign Language Anxiety | Meaning: Stress or fear experienced when speaking a non-native language, often related to making mistakes or judgment.
Example: Using affirmation banks can help professionals battle foreign language anxiety before a big meeting.

Overachiever | Meaning: A person who performs better or achieves more success than expected.
Example: Her drive to be an overachiever resulted in great academic success and a prestigious career.

Helpful Links & Tools

• Maria Rincon's Website: www.publicspeakingwithmaria.com

• Maria C. Rincon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com

Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule. Join our membership community here:

 https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/ 

***********************

Spotify 

• https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h 

 Apple Podcast 

• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460 

• Follow us on Social Media: Find us on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

@fluentenglish.pro (IG) https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/ 

Discover the critical role of Medical English in healthcare and research, especially in an AI-driven world. Learn essential terminology, communication skills for different audiences, and how to navigate cultural and ethical challenges. This episode provides guidance on staying competitive and future-proofing your career in specialized English

Meet Our Guest: Jason Willis-Lee is a medical translator, linguistic validation expert, and personal branding strategist with 25 years of experience. He coaches professionals on business skills and adapting to an AI-powered market.

Top Takeaways:

• Medical English is specialized language vital for quality care, accurate data, and global knowledge sharing.
• Master medical terminology, reading comprehension, and clear communication for patient-facing contexts.
• Future-proof your career by specializing in AI-proof niches like linguistic validation and building strong relationships.

Vocabulary Corner:

• Linguistic Validation:
  • Meaning: The process of adapting medical questionnaires or instruments to be culturally and linguistically equivalent across different regions.
  • Example sentence: Linguistic validation ensures a medical survey translates effectively for diverse patient populations.
• Cognitive Debriefing:
  • Meaning: A step in linguistic validation where patients are asked if they understood a questionnaire, ensuring clarity and cultural relevance.
  • Example sentence: During cognitive debriefing, we learned some terms were confusing for patients in a different country.
• Pharmacology:
  • Meaning: The study of how medicines or drugs affect living organisms, including their effects and mechanisms of action.
  • Example sentence: Understanding pharmacology is crucial for healthcare professionals to prevent dosing errors.
• Patient-Facing Context:
  • Meaning: Situations or documents directly involving and understandable by patients, using non-technical or lay language.
  • Example sentence: Explaining a diagnosis requires using simple, patient-facing language.
• Hallucinates (AI):
  • Meaning: When Artificial Intelligence generates false or nonsensical information, presenting it as factual.
  • Example sentence: Always double-check medical information from AI, as it can sometimes hallucinate.

Helpful Links & Tools:

• Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine:  https://www.amazon.com/Oxford-Handbook-Clinical-Medicine-Handbooks/dp/0198568371
• Jason Willis-Lee's Website: entrepreneurialtranslator.com
• Jason Willis-Lee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/entrepreneurialtranslator/
• Subscribe to Jason's Newsletter: https://entrepreneurialtranslator.com/niche-your-way-to-the-top

Discover how to make your messages clear and concise in professional English, especially as a non-native speaker. This episode tackles the biggest communication barrier: confidence, and provides practical frameworks to structure work conversations, adapt your message for diverse stakeholders, and navigate cultural differences to communicate with impact.

Meet Our Guest: Chris Fennig is a communication expert whose background spans engineering, project management, and leadership in over 20 countries. He shifted from corporate life to teaching, sharing "hard-won experience". Chris believes that communication is "absolutely a learnable skill set".

Top Takeaways:

• Boost Confidence: Speak with conviction; mistakes are part of learning, not a barrier to clarity.
• Structure Work Talks: Use Topic, Intent, Point (TIP), then Goal, Problem, Solution (GPS) for clarity.
• Adapt for Your Audience: Translate technical terms into "efforts and outcomes" they value.

Vocabulary Corner:

• Go by the bushes: Meaning: To avoid direct communication, often using elaborate or indirect language. Example: "Instead of going by the bushes, please get straight to the point about the project deadline."
• Culture shock: Meaning: A feeling of confusion or discomfort experienced when encountering a new culture or way of doing things. Example: "Moving from a highly social work environment to a very direct one gave me culture shock."
• Hard-won experience: Meaning: Valuable knowledge or skill gained through significant effort and challenges. Example: "Chris Fennig's communication expertise comes from hard-won experience in over 20 countries."
• Stakeholders: Meaning: Individuals or groups who have an interest in or are affected by a project or business. Example: "It's crucial to tailor your message to different stakeholders, like technical teams versus management."
• Sugar coat: Meaning: To make something difficult or unpleasant seem more appealing or less severe. Example: "She preferred not to sugar coat the bad news, but to deliver it directly."

Helpful Links & Tools:

• Chris Fennig's Website: https://chrisfenning.com/
• Chris Fennig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-fenning/
• Chris Fennig's Books (e.g., "The First Minute"): https://chrisfenning.com/books/
• Book Recommendation: "The Culture Map" by Erin Mayer: https://erinmeyer.com/books/the-culture-map/

Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule. Join our membership community here:

 https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/ 

***********************

Spotify 

• https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h 

 Apple Podcast 

• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460 
• Follow us on Social Media: Find us on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

@fluentenglish.pro (IG) https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/

In today’s episode we address the common anxieties of non-native English-speaking professionals, from perfectionism to accent concerns. Discover how to leverage your leadership voice, adapt communication culturally, and cultivate connections to excel in your career.

Meet Our Guest: Tania Suarez is a leadership communication coach empowering non-native English-speaking executives worldwide. 

Top Takeaways:

Lead with Your Voice, Not Perfect English: Your expertise matters more than linguistic perfection in leadership roles.

• Embrace Mistakes with Grace: Leaders recover quickly and gracefully from errors, showing confidence and command.
• Adapt Your Communication Style: Understand cultural context; American business often values directness over lengthy warm-ups.
• Practice in Low-Pressure Situations: Build essential communication skills and confidence in safe, everyday settings.
• Strategic Pauses are Your Friend: Intentional pauses and transition phrases enhance natural, confident communication.

Vocabulary Corner:

Trickle-down effect: When benefits or influence at the top spread throughout an organization or system.

• Example sentence: Helping executives improve communication can have a powerful trickle-down effect on their entire team.
• Barrier to entry: An obstacle that makes it difficult or expensive for something to start or enter a particular field.
  • Example sentence: The lack of specific communication training for non-native executive leaders is a notable barrier to entry.
• Lost in translation: When the original meaning or impact is not accurately conveyed in another language or cultural context.
  • Example sentence: Focusing solely on perfect English might cause valuable leadership skills to get lost in translation.
• Executive presence: A leader's ability to inspire confidence, command respect, and influence others through their demeanor and communication style.
  • Example sentence: Adapting your communication to be more direct can significantly enhance your executive presence.
• High-frequency words: Words that are very common and used often in general communication or specific professional fields.
  • Example sentence: To improve clarity, identify and practice the pronunciation of your high-frequency words that might be affected by your accent.

Helpful Links & Tools:

Podcast: Leadership English https://open.spotify.com/show/6i2KREABJOlsZmIuEoDsig

• Instagram & TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/asktannia/  https://www.tiktok.com/@asktannia
• YouTube Channel: Tanya Suarez https://www.youtube.com/@TanniaSuarez
• Website: https://tanniasuarez.com/
  
  

Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule. Join our membership community here:

 https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/ 

***********************

Spotify 

• https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h 

 Apple Podcast 

• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460 
• Follow us on Social Media: Find us on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

@fluentenglish.pro (IG) https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/

You can conquer your fear of public speaking in English! This episode reveals why this crucial professional skill is no longer optional, especially for non-native speakers. Learn strategies for strategic preparation, overcoming anxiety, and structuring your ideas to persuade any audience and champion your business ideas effectively.

Meet Our Guest: Juanita Wheeler, founder of Full & Frank and Executive Director of TEDxBrisbane, is an expert who helps professionals deliver high-impact presentations. Her empowering advice: "Just start. Don't wait. Just start. The sooner you start, the sooner you become brilliant."

Top Takeaways:

• For non-native speakers, slowing down and strategic pausing significantly improves clarity and audience comprehension.
• Overcome public speaking fear by silencing self-doubt; your ideas are worth sharing.
• Public speaking is crucial for career progression; written communication alone isn't enough.
• Structure your message into three acts: problem, solution, and the audience's "happily ever after."

Vocabulary Corner:

• Champion an idea/cause: To strongly support, advocate for, or defend an idea, product, or cause.
  • Example: As a marketing professional, it’s essential to champion your new product to potential clients.
• Imposter phenomena: A psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a "fraud."
  • Example: Many professionals experience imposter phenomena, feeling they're not knowledgeable enough, especially when presenting.
• Strategic objective: A clear, specific goal an individual or organization aims to achieve, often used in business planning.
  • Example: Before any presentation, identify your strategic objective: what do you want your audience to say "yes" to?
• Pacing and cadence: The speed and rhythm of your speech; how quickly or slowly you talk, and the flow of your words.
  • Example: For non-native English speakers, mastering pacing and cadence with strategic pauses can significantly improve clarity.
• Flapping your gums: (Informal idiom) Talking a lot without saying anything meaningful or achieving a purpose.
  • Example: Without a clear strategic objective, you might just be flapping your gums instead of truly persuading your audience.
  • 
    

Helpful Links & Tools:

• Full & Frank: Juanita Wheeler’s company offering online courses and coaching for high-impact presentations. https://fullandfrank.com
• Juanita Wheeler on LinkedIn: Connect with Juanita and find valuable insights on public speaking. https://www.linkedin.com/in/juanitawheeler
• Juanita's Linktree: Access free guides on public speaking, growing your business, and other resources. https://linktr.ee/fullandfrank
• "10 things I wish I had known a little sooner" article: An article based on Juanita's International Women's Day keynote address. https://fullandfrank.com/international-womens-day-2021/

Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule. Join our membership community here:

 https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/ 

In this episode of Fluent English Pro, we dive into essential project management jargon, explaining why understanding these terms is crucial for us as professionals and English learners. We'll observe real-world examples to navigate project tasks, improve our business English, and "hit the ground running" in any professional role.

Meet Our Guest:

Dylan Gates is an experienced English language teacher and trainer, originally from the UK and now based in southern Spain. He specializes in working with adult professionals and other teachers, helping them improve their language for work-related purposes. Dylan emphasizes that LinkedIn is a "great place for professional development" and for connecting with fellow professionals.

Top Takeaways:

• Understanding project management jargon is essential for all professionals.
• Learn to identify and manage project challenges like scope creep and budget overruns.
• Effective communication, risk assessment, and contingency plans are crucial for project success.

Vocabulary Corner:

• Jargon: Technical language related to a specific profession or group of people.
  • Example sentence: "Understanding project management jargon helps you communicate effectively and appear more professional in the industry".
• Scope Creep: The slow, unnoticed expansion of a project beyond its original agreed-upon limits, often due to small, additional client requests.
  • Example sentence: "Unexpected client requests for extra features led to significant scope creep on the website design project, affecting deadlines and costs".
• Resource Allocation: The process of distributing available resources, such as budget, time, and team members, to various tasks within a project.
  • Example sentence: "The project manager's job includes careful resource allocation to ensure the team, budget, and equipment are used efficiently".
• Contingency Plan: A backup strategy or "plan B" prepared in advance to address potential problems or unexpected events that may arise during a project.
  • Example sentence: "We developed a contingency plan to have an alternative supplier ready if our primary material delivery was delayed".
• Risk Assessment: The process of identifying potential negative or harmful things that could happen to a project, evaluating their likelihood, and deciding on preventative actions.
  • Example sentence: "The event organizers performed a detailed risk assessment, planning for issues like bad weather, equipment failure, and crowd control".

Helpful Links & Tools:

• Dylan Gates' Website: dylangates.com
• Dylan Gates on LinkedIn: Connect with Dylan for professional development insights and content. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-gates/
• Udemy Course: Business English Idioms https://www.udemy.com/course/business-english-idioms/

Udemy Course: Master Polite English for professional purposes https://www.udemy.com/course/master-polite-english/?couponCode=MT40825

Are insecurity and perfectionism holding back your professional English? This episode explores how language learning is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, enhancing communication and opening career opportunities. Discover practical strategies to gain confidence and refine your English for the workplace.

Meet Our Guest:

Walter Freiberg is a life and language coach for professionals, working in five languages. He integrates his passion for languages and past experiences to foster personal growth and reshape identity through cultural learning. He also hosts a bilingual podcast.

Top Takeaways:

• To grow personally, language learning requires you to step out of your comfort zone.

• Language learning offers a deeper cultural connection beyond mere words, something AI cannot fully replicate

• Start with "tiny habits" and small, manageable steps to overcome learning overwhelm

Vocabulary Corner:

• Language Coach: A professional who guides individuals in acquiring a new language, often focusing on personalized learning methods and overcoming specific challenges.
  • Example sentence: “My language coach helped me prepare for my job interview by practicing industry-specific vocabulary and common business expressions.”

• Personal Growth: The process of improving oneself through new experiences, challenges, and self-reflection, which is inherently linked to language learning.
  • Example sentence: For many professionals, learning a new language is not just about communication; it's a journey of significant personal growth.

• Transferability of Skills: The concept that abilities or knowledge gained in one area can be effectively applied to different contexts or tasks.
  • Example sentence: The discipline required for learning a foreign language demonstrated a high transferability of skills to managing complex projects at work.

• Soft Skills: Non-technical abilities that relate to how you work and interact with others, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability, are crucial for professional success.
  • Example sentence: In today's global market, soft skills like active listening and cross-cultural communication are just as important as technical expertise.

Helpful Links & Tools:

• Walter Freiberg’s Website
• https://www.walterfreiberg.com/ 

• Walter Freiberg's Podcast Poder aprender • Walter Freiberg 

• https://open.spotify.com/show/6QaBz4BfakSgBNa5e4BxFZ 
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/poder-aprender/id1682951805 

Book Recommendation 

• Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg

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Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule. Join our membership community here:

 https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/ 

***********************

Spotify 

• https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h 

 Apple Podcast 

• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460 

• Follow us on Social Media: Find us on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

@fluentenglish.pro (IG) https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/ 

Taking the IELTS test can be stressful, as many life plans for studying or working abroad depend on its score. This episode with expert Salma Banouri explains the different IELTS exams, covers how scores are given, and offers important strategies. Learn to handle test nerves and get the score you need for your goals.

Meet Our Guest:

Salma Banouri Liong is an experienced English teacher and IELTS expert. With nearly 20 years teaching English, she guides professionals through the IELTS exam, leveraging her deep knowledge and passion for AI in education.

Top Takeaways:

• IELTS results expire in two years, so provide a recent score for applications.

• For speaking, natural, spontaneous answers are preferred over memorized responses.

• Examiners value clear communication and proper structure over perfect grammar.

Vocabulary Corner:

• IELTS: International English Language Testing System. A standardized English proficiency test often required for global education and job opportunities
  • Example sentence: "Many professionals take the IELTS to qualify for skilled worker visas."

• Academic IELTS: The version of the IELTS exam typically required for university admissions or professional registration in English-speaking countries.
  • Example sentence: "To practice medicine in the UK, doctors need to pass the Academic IELTS"

• General IELTS: The version of the IELTS exam commonly required for immigration purposes or specific job roles not needing a degree in English-speaking countries
  • Example sentence:"Many caregivers applying for residency need the General IELTS."

• Band score: The numerical score received on the IELTS exam, indicating your English language proficiency level. There's no pass or fail, only a minimum score required by institutions or employers
  • Example sentence: "A minimum band score of seven is often required for PhD programs, while foundation programs might accept 5.5."

• Professional Registration/Licensing: Official approval to work in certain jobs in another country, which usually requires IELTS.
  • Example sentence: "Nurses moving to Canada must get professional registration, which includes passing the IELTS."

Helpful Links:

Official IELTS Resources and Tools:

•  IELTS.org Website
•  IDP IELTS
•  Official Familiarization Tool (for computer-based exam)
•  Cambridge IELTS Test Books

Study Materials & Practice:

•  Exam samples
•  Mock exams
•  AI-powered marking tool (currently being developed by Salma Benuri)
•  IELTS texts

Listening Practice: 

•  TED Talks
•  YouTube videos (about specific, more technical subjects)
•  The Guardian (newspaper)
•  The New York Times (newspaper)
•  BBC podcasts

• Salma’s LinkedIn
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/salmabann/ 

• Salma’s Email
• support@yallateacherhub.com 

*********************

Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule. Join our membership community here:

 https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/ 

***********************

Spotify 

• https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h 

 Apple Podcast 

• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460 

• Follow us on Social Media: Find us on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

@fluentenglish.pro (IG) https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/ 

Busy schedule? Still want to improve your English work? In this episode, language coach Kerstin Cable shares how busy professionals can build strong English skills on their own, without feeling overwhelmed. Learn how to stay consistent, make time for daily English, and use AI tools to support your learning. You’ll also hear mindset tips to stay motivated and confident, even when mistakes happen.

Meet Our Guest:

Kerstin Cable is a language coach who specializes in helping people develop skills to learn and practice languages, mostly busy adult professionals. She helps them overcome self-imposed barriers and learn how to make language acquisition easier. She also co-runs the AI Language Club.

Top Takeaways:

• Short, daily contact is more powerful than long, irregular sessions.

• Mistakes are normal. The more you accept them as part of learning, the more confident you’ll become.

• Choose tasks that are just above your current level. When it feels a little hard but not impossible, you’ll make the most progress.

Vocabulary Corner:

• Language coach: A teacher who helps you learn smarter, not harder, focusing on motivation, mindset, and routines.
  • Example sentence: “My language coach helped me find a way to fit English into my workday.”

• Daily contact: A little bit of English every day, reading, listening, writing, or speaking.
  • Example sentence: “Even 10 minutes of daily contact helped me feel more confident at work.”

• Habit pairing: Doing English practice during a routine you already have.
  • Example sentence: “Through habit pairing, I started listening to English podcasts while walking the dog.”

• Zone of proximal development (ZPD): The learning “sweet spot” where something is challenging but still doable.
  • Example sentence: “Reading short business articles in English pushed me just enough; it was right in my ZPD.”

Helpful Links & Tools:

• AI Language Club:
• https://www.ailanguageclub.com/ 

• Kerstin Cable on Instagram: 
• https://www.instagram.com/kerstin_fluent 

• Language Superpower Quiz:
• https://www.ailanguageclub.com/quiz 

Tools Mentioned:

• Suno
• Natural Readers
• ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot
• Notion or Google Sheets
• YouTube

*********************

Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule. Join our membership community here:

 https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/ 

***********************

Spotify 

• https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h 

 Apple Podcast 

• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460 

• Follow us on Social Media: Find us on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

@fluentenglish.pro (IG) https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/ 

Excelling at your job is crucial, but it is not enough for career growth. This episode highlights why emotional intelligence, communication, and social skills are essential for promotions and standing out. Discover actionable tips and a powerful five-step framework from expert Brianne Rush to advance your professional English communication.

Meet Our Guest:

Brianne Rush is an expert specializing in helping individuals launch their careers, especially recent university graduates seeking their first job. She also provides valuable guidance for those already in a career or considering a professional shift.

Top Takeaways:

• The EQ5 framework applies broadly to anyone seeking a first job, a different job, or a promotion.

• To ask for a raise or promotion, demonstrate that you've already started doing the work of the next role or are actively learning it.

• During interviews, asking for time or rephrasing if nervous shows self-regulation and confidence.

Vocabulary Corner:

• Emotional Intelligence (EQ): A group of skills like being self-aware and managing emotions, that help you stand out and get promoted at work.
  • Example sentence: "To succeed in a leadership role, you need strong emotional intelligence."

• Self-Regulation: The skill of keeping your emotions in check, especially under pressure—an important trait for leaders.
  • Example sentence: "The leader’s self-regulation kept the team calm during the tough situation."

• Career Visibility: Being seen and recognized by others at work as someone ready for leadership or the next step in your career.
  • Example sentence: "By joining projects across teams, she boosted her career visibility and opened up new opportunities."

• Self-Awareness: The first step in EQ. It means knowing how you feel, what sets you off, or what makes you nervous—often by checking in with yourself throughout the day.
  • Example sentence: "Her self-awareness helped her spot stress early and stay calm before big meetings."

• Strategic Communication: Sharing your story in a way that connects your background to the job you want, instead of just listing your past roles.
  • Example sentence:  "In the interview, he used strategic communication to show how his past experience fit the new role."

Helpful Links & Tools:

• Emotional Intelligence Playbook (Free for Fluent English Pro listeners!): 
• https://theindependencelab.com/playbook 

• The Independence Lab (Brianne Rush’s organization):
• https://theindependencelab.com/ 

• Brianne Rush's TikTok: 
• https://www.tiktok.com/@brianneindependencelab 

*********************

Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule. Join our membership community here:

 https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/ 

***********************

Spotify 

• https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h 

 Apple Podcast 

• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460 

• Follow us on Social Media: Find us on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

@fluentenglish.pro (IG) https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/

Job interviews in the IT world can be tough, especially when English isn’t your first language. In this episode, Mariana Vignola, a language coach and job interview trainer, shares how to prepare for IT interviews, improve your CV, and explain your skills clearly in English. You'll also learn how to show both technical and soft skills with confidence.

Meet Our Guest:

Mariana Vignola is a multilingual language coach helping professionals succeed in IT job interviews and write strong, clear CVs in English. With experience in the UK and Europe, she helps non-native speakers communicate with confidence and land international roles.

Top Takeaways:

• Clarity matters more than perfection. Speak slowly, pronounce clearly, and don’t be afraid to ask for repetition if you didn’t understand a question.

• Practice interview questions out loud. Get used to saying your answers with confidence, not just in your head.

• Balance your skills. IT interviews often combine technical questions and soft skills. Be ready to talk about both with examples.

Vocabulary Corner:

• Soft skills: These are people skills, like being a good listener, showing empathy, or staying calm under pressure.
  • Example sentence: “In IT interviews, showing soft skills like handling stress or working well in a team is just as important as your technical knowledge.”

• Debugging: This means finding and fixing mistakes in your code or system.
  • Example sentence: “In many IT jobs, you’ll spend time debugging code to solve problems that pop up.”

• Deployment: This is when software gets installed, shared, or updated for users.
  • Example sentence: “Our team handles the deployment of new apps, making sure everything runs smoothly for users.”

• STAR Method: This is a smart way to answer interview questions by explaining the Situation, the Task, the Action you took, and the Result.
  • Example sentence: “If they ask about a challenge you faced at work, use the STAR method to tell your story clearly.”

• CV (Curriculum Vitae): Your CV is your job resume; it shows your experience, education, and skills.
  • Example sentence:  “Make sure your CV is clear and shows your most relevant IT experience, especially if you're applying in the UK.”

Helpful Links & Tools:

• Mariana Vignola's Website: 
• https://marianalanguagecoach.com/web/ 

• Mariana Vignola on Instagram: 
• https://www.instagram.com/mariana_language_coach/# 

• Mariana Vignola's LinkedIn: 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianavignola/ 

• AI Writing Assistants: 
• Claude or ChatGPT (for CV improvement support)

*********************

Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule. Join our membership community here:

 https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/ 

***********************

Spotify 

• https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h 

 Apple Podcast 

• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460 

• Follow us on Social Media: Find us on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

@fluentenglish.pro (IG) https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/ 

Having trouble talking to people in English at work? This episode shows how getting better at small talk can help you build trust, find new work opportunities, and feel more at ease in unfamiliar situations. You'll pick up useful tips to have better conversations and build real professional connections that can move your career forward.

Top Takeaways

• Small talk is a fundamental yet essential way to connect with people and build relationships at work and in other settings.

  
  

• Learn to read the room and respect how comfortable others are with small talk, especially across different cultures.

  
  

• Listening carefully and asking open-ended questions are great ways to keep a conversation going and show real interest.

Vocabulary Corner

• Lead (business context): A person who might become a potential customer, business partner, or even hire you for a future job.
  • Example sentence: “Chatting at events can help you find new leads for your business.”

• Networking Event: A gathering where professionals meet, share ideas, and build work connections.
  • Example sentence: “Small talk is common at a networking event because it's meant for people to connect.”

• Frowned Upon: Seen as inappropriate or not accepted, especially in social or cultural settings.
  • Example sentence: "In some cultures, initiating small talk with strangers might be frowned upon, so always be mindful of cultural norms."

• Open-ended Questions: Questions that encourage a detailed answer rather than a simple 'yes' or 'no' response, typically starting with 'what,' 'who,' 'where,' 'why,' or 'how'.
  • Example sentence: “Asking open-ended questions like ‘What was that project like for you?’ helps keep the conversation going.”

• Social Intelligence: The skill of understanding how others feel and act in social situations, so you can respond in a thoughtful way.
  • Example sentence: "Developing social intelligence is crucial for knowing when to continue a conversation and when to respect someone's boundaries."

Helpful Links & Tools

Listen to the Podcast: Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

*********************

Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule. Join our membership community here:

 https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/ 

***********************

Spotify 

• https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h 

 Apple Podcast 

• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460 

• Follow us on Social Media: Find us on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

@fluentenglish.pro (IG) https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/ 

Learn why networking is just as important as doing your job well for advancing your career. Michael Morgan, author of “The Power of Networking”, shares essential skills for building connections and making a positive impact. He explains how to overcome shyness, grow professional relationships, and use technology to support your networking efforts. This is especially useful for professionals who use English at work.

Meet Our Guest:

Michael Morgan, author of "The Power of Networking," teaches professionals to effectively network and influence their careers. Drawing on over 15 years of experience at major companies like JPMorgan Chase, Amazon, and Walmart, he offers essential strategies. Holding an MBA and PMP (Project Management Professional), his insights help others achieve professional growth and success.

Top Takeaways:

• Treat networking like part of your job. It helps you get work done, get promoted, and find new chances — both inside and outside your company.

• It’s better to have a few strong relationships than many weak ones. Stay in touch and try to help others too.

• To make a strong case, use clear data, include different points of view from other teams, and match how your company likes to see info (emails, slides, etc.).

Vocabulary Corner:

• Get your foot in the door: To gain an initial opportunity or a first chance to start working in a company or industry.
  • Example sentence: "Networking helped me get my foot in the door at a top-tier tech company."

• Weasel words: Words that are unclear or avoid giving a real answer. These are often not accepted in companies like Amazon.
  • Example sentence: "When presenting data, avoid weasel words like 'most' or 'usually'; always use specific numbers."

• Regular cadence: A consistent pattern or schedule for communication or activities.
  • Example sentence: "I keep in touch with my contacts on a regular cadence."

• Paying it forward:  Helping others because someone once helped you.
  • Example sentence: "Michael believes in paying it forward by sharing his knowledge to help others succeed, just as he was once helped."

• Employee Resource Group (ERG): A group at work where employees support each other and help make the company more welcoming for everyone.
  • Example sentence:  "Joining an Employee Resource Group is a good way to meet coworkers and grow your network.”

Helpful Links & Tools:

• Michael Morgan's Book: The Power of Networking
• https://a.co/d/a87lgrt 

• Michael Morgan's Website: 
• https://michaelvmorgan.com/ 

• Michael Morgan's LinkedIn: 
• Search "Michael Morgan PMP" or visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvmorgan/ 

*********************

Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule. Join our membership community here:

 https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/ 

***********************

Spotify 

• https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h 

 Apple Podcast 

• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460 

• Follow us on Social Media: Find us on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

@fluentenglish.pro (IG) https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro

Many non-native English professionals struggle to express precise, specific ideas in a work setting due to a lack of specialized vocabulary. This can hinder your confidence, credibility, and effective communication. In this episode, discover three practical strategies to improve your technical English vocabulary, helping you convey clear messages and significantly boost your professional presence.

Key Takeaways:

• To get better, try to read, watch, or listen to all your work-related content in English. This will help you stay up to date and learn how people in your field talk.

• For long-term improvement, focus on doing small learning tasks often—daily or weekly—rather than big study sessions once in a while.

  
  

• Knowing the right technical words not only makes you more confident but also helps you explain things clearly to coworkers and experts, making teamwork and communication smoother.

Vocabulary Corner:

• Technical Vocabulary: Specific words and expressions used within a particular professional field.
  • Example: "Mastering the technical vocabulary of software development is essential for communicating with engineers."

• Convey: To communicate or express an idea, feeling, or information clearly and effectively to others.
  • Example: "Learning specific phrases helps you convey complex ideas more clearly in a business meeting."

• Personalized Glossary: A list of important words, their meanings, and examples that relate to your job or field.
  • Example: "I've started building a personalized glossary by noting down key nouns and verbs from company manuals."

• Spaced Repetition: A method of studying where you review material over longer and longer periods to help remember it better.
  • Example: "Apps like Anki and Quizlet are excellent tools for practicing spaced repetition to build your vocabulary."

Helpful Links & Tools:

• Anki (App)
• https://apps.ankiweb.net/ 

• Quizlet (App)
• https://quizlet.com/es 
• Episode With Jakub Grajcar: “Using Linkedin to Improve Your English and Expand you Network”
• https://open.spotify.com/episode/7vXieecqgGsjMR0sGauldK 

*********************

Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule. Join our membership community here:

 https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/ 

***********************

Spotify 

• https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h 

 Apple Podcast 

• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460 

• Follow us on Social Media: Find us on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

@fluentenglish.pro (IG) https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/ 

Having trouble speaking English naturally at work? This episode shares simple, useful tips to help you improve your fluency, pronunciation, and intonation. You’ll learn how to use everything you know in English right when you need it, so you can speak more clearly and confidently in important meetings and presentations.

Top Takeaways

• Shadowing is key: Imitate native speakers' intonation and rhythm from short clips.

• Record & Review: Listen to yourself speaking so you can spot and fix any mistakes.

• Speak Aloud Daily: Try using English in your daily life, even when you're alone.

Vocabulary Corner

• Shadowing: Copying how someone else speaks—their words, pauses, and tone—to get better at speaking.
   Example: I’m using shadowing with a business video to work on my accent.

• Fluency: Speaking smoothly and easily, without stopping too much.
   Example: Practicing often is helping me speak more fluently about market trends.

  
  

• Accuracy: Using the right grammar, words, and pronunciation.
   Example: I’m working on accuracy too, so people understand me better at work.

  
  

• Consistency: Practicing regularly—at least a few times a week—so you get better over time.
   Example: Practicing my presentations often has made a big difference in how I sound.

Helpful Links & Tools

• Your telephone's recording app for recording yourself.

• Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts for finding short video clips for shadowing.

• Episode: Fluency vs. Accuracy
• https://open.spotify.com/episode/7owgPd3TtPO1NhzHaYzX3V 

• Episode: "Building a Supportive Language Community"
• https://open.spotify.com/episode/5EBQOqUc0vl3NNE5gEUZAx

*********************

Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule. Join our membership community here:

 https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/ 

***********************

Spotify 

• https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h 

 Apple Podcast 

• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460 

• Follow us on Social Media: Find us on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

@fluentenglish.pro (IG) https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/ 

Struggling with certain English sounds that make business communication tricky? This episode offers practical tips to tackle difficult pronunciation specific to Spanish speakers. Improve your clarity and confidence for crucial work interactions like meetings and negotiations.

Top Takeaways

• Clarity Beats Perfection: Don't obsess over a perfect accent; focus on clear, understandable pronunciation for better communication.

• Master Tricky Sounds: Practice sounds not found in Spanish, like TH, the retroflex R, and various English vowel nuances.

• Practice Smart: Use techniques like conscious tongue position, shadowing, and minimal pairs.

Vocabulary Corner

• 
  Excel: To be exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subject.
  • Example sentence: Improving your English can help you excel in international business meetings.
• Impactful: Having a marked effect or influence.
  • Example sentence: Delivering an impactful presentation requires clear communication.
• Negotiate: To try to reach an agreement or compromise by discussing something.
  • Example sentence: Clear pronunciation helps when you need to negotiate contracts with clients.
• Transmit: To cause (something) to pass on from one place or person to another.
  • Example sentence: We need to transmit our proposals clearly to potential partners.
• Asset: A useful or valuable thing or person.
  • Example sentence: Turning your English into your biggest professional asset requires consistent effort.

Helpful Links & Tools

• Listen to the Podcast: Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

*********************

Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule. Join our membership community here:

 https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/ 

***********************

Spotify 

• https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h 

 Apple Podcast 

• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460 

• Follow us on Social Media: Find us on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

@fluentenglish.pro (IG) https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/ 

Picking up a new language isn’t always easy. But have you ever thought about why some languages feel easier than others?

In this episode, I talk about what really makes a language feel easy or hard. I share my own thoughts as a Spanish speaker and compare English and Spanish to show that both languages have their tough spots. English has things like weird pronunciation and phrasal verbs. Spanish has tricky verb conjugations and formal vs. informal words for “you.”

I also explain how some languages—like Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese—are easier to learn if you already speak one of them, since they have a lot in common. But that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Even small differences can make learning a bit more complicated.

Every language has easy parts and hard parts. The most important thing is how much time you spend with the language. The more you listen, speak, read, and practice, the better you get.

Key Takeaways:

• Language learning is a gradual process that requires patience and acceptance of challenges.

  
  

• The difficulty of learning a language is influenced by both language structure and cultural factors.

  
  

• Formality and politeness rules vary between languages and can be confusing for learners.

  
  

Resources:

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Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule.

Join our membership community here:

 https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/

@fluentenglish.pro (IG)

https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/

Have you ever wondered how to improve your English and boost your marketing skills at the same time? What if using your passions could actually help you learn better?

In this episode, I chat with Jakub Grajcar, who shares his personal journey learning English and how long-form content like video essays and podcasts helped him grow. We talk about why following what you love makes language learning easier and how skills from your hobbies can transfer to your work life.

Jakub also breaks down how AI tools like ChatGPT can support your learning and marketing efforts, and why real conversations and connecting with people are so important. Plus, we give you tips on where to find fun, interesting content that helps you learn naturally.

If you’re looking for practical, enjoyable ways to improve your English while building professional skills, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Rewatching videos help you remember phrases and improve understanding.

  
  

• Networking and building genuine connections can lead to better career opportunities.

  
  

• Experiment with different AI tools to support marketing tasks and content creation.

  
  

Resources:

Jakub Grajcar is a seasoned marketing professional with a strong background in content strategy and brand development. He currently serves as the Head of Marketing at Talkie.ai, a company specializing in AI-driven solutions for healthcare practices. In addition to his role at Talkie.ai, Jakub is the host of the "Scaling Practice Management" podcast, where he engages with healthcare experts to discuss topics such as data utilization in healthcare, team management, insurance challenges, and the integration of AI and healthtech. His diverse interests also include playing bass in a metal band, showcasing his multifaceted personality.

Jakub’s Linkedin

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakub-grajcar/ 

Scaling Practice Management podcast

• https://open.spotify.com/show/27MgmTe9xjlnwt4KSDPtCu 

TalkieAi Linkedin

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/talkieai/ 

ChatGPT & Other AI tools: Jamie Nightly, Claude Anthropic’s model, Gemini voice chat

………………………………………………….

Fluent English Pro is your go-to podcast if you want to sound more confident and professional in English. Whether you're running meetings, negotiating deals, giving presentations, or just chatting with colleagues, we’ve got you covered. 

Each week, we break down essential language skills, common mistakes, and practical tips to help you improve—without taking up too much of your time. If you’re an intermediate to advanced English speaker looking to level up, tune in and start making real progress!

Contact us now:

🌐 Text us: WhatsApp
✉️ Contact us: Website Contact Form
📧 Email: info [at] fluentenglishpro.com

@fluentenglish.pro (IG) 

• https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/ 

 Spotify 

• https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h 

 Apple Podcast 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460 

Have you ever stopped yourself mid-sentence in English because you weren’t sure if it was “correct”? What if I told you that sometimes, breaking the rules might help you speak better?

In this episode, I talk about why making mistakes when you speak English isn’t a big deal and why it’s sometimes even helpful. I explain how being fluent matters more than being perfect, especially in conversations. If you stop to fix every little error, you might lose your train of thought or make the conversation awkward.

I also share when accuracy is more important, like in emails or reports, and how tools like Grammarly can help you check your writing. The main idea is to focus on speaking clearly and naturally and worry less about being perfect. That’s how you really improve.

Key Takeaways:

• 
  Work on both fluency and accuracy little by little

  
  

• Most mistakes go unnoticed in conversations, so don’t panic

  
  

• Writing gives you more time to fix things, so take advantage of that

  
  

Resources:

Grammarly: for checking grammar, spelling, and clarity in your writing

• https://www.grammarly.com/

………………………………………………….

Fluent English Pro is your go-to podcast if you want to sound more confident and professional in English. Whether you're running meetings, negotiating deals, giving presentations, or just chatting with colleagues, we’ve got you covered. 

Each week, we break down essential language skills, common mistakes, and practical tips to help you improve—without taking up too much of your time. If you’re an intermediate to advanced English speaker looking to level up, tune in and start making real progress!

Contact us now:

🌐 Text us: WhatsApp
✉️ Contact us: Website Contact Form
📧 Email: info [at] fluentenglishpro.com

@fluentenglish.pro (IG) 

• https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/ 

 Spotify 

• https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h 

 Apple Podcast 

• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460