Better English Conversations | Vocabulary for Major Life Changes
The Speak Confident English Podcast
Release Date: 10/08/2025
6 Ways to Use ‘Just’ in English — Without Sounding Rude or Weak
The Speak Confident English Podcast
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 this episode, you’ll learn: how to use just for time (just recently) just in time and just missed (close calls) just vs only (limits and expectations) how to soften...
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Speak English with Authority: Stop Sounding Nervous When You Talk
The Speak Confident English Podcast
You can speak English with authority, 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, pace, posture, and intonation so your voice sounds calm and confident, even when you don’t feel perfectly calm. This doesn't mean you never feel nervous. Nervousness is normal, especially in high-stakes...
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American English Intonation | Reduce Interruptions & Send Clear Messages
The Speak Confident English Podcast
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’re focusing on rising intonation — one of the clearest parts of English intonation for turn taking, clarity, and connection. In this lesson, you’ll learn: what...
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Formal vs Informal English: When to Switch and How to Know
The Speak Confident English Podcast
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 small language choices affect how your message is received. This episode helps you understand when to use formal English, when to use informal English, and how English tone and register guide...
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How to Talk About Your Priorities in English | Real-Life Conversations
The Speak Confident English Podcast
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 talk about values and priorities naturally set boundaries without over-explaining say no and explain decisions with confidence talk about changes in direction when your priorities shift ...
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English Phrases for When Things Go Wrong | Everyday English
The Speak Confident English Podcast
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 talking about setbacks in a calm and honest way. You’ll also learn how to name what’s happening inside when someone asks, “How are you holding up?” and how to stay authentic without...
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C1 Level English Vocabulary for Happiness and Well-Being
The Speak Confident English Podcast
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 anyone you care about. Even better? If you struggle to express real thoughts and feelings on complex topics, this episode helps you use clear, natural English when talking about: your emotions...
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When 'Why' Sounds Rude in English → Here's What to Say Instead
The Speak Confident English Podcast
Does the question “why?” sometimes feel too strong or uncomfortable in English? In this episode, we talk about why “why” can sound rude in English and what you can say instead to keep conversations comfortable and natural. You’ll learn six gentle alternatives that help you ask about personal choices, life changes, and meaningful stories without putting pressure on the other person. These simple questions make it easier to stay curious, build trust, and speak confidently in real conversations. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why “why” can sound judgmental or demanding • How...
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Be Direct in English — 4 Ways to Sound Confident, Not Rude
The Speak Confident English Podcast
Being polite in English is important — but sometimes, clarity is kindness. In this episode, you’ll learn how to be direct in English without sounding rude, harsh, or impolite. We’ll explore the right times to use direct communication in English and the grammar tools that help you sound clear and confident at work — not cold or aggressive. You’ll discover how to: ✅ Use imperatives, simple statements, and modal verbs effectively ✅ Give feedback and set boundaries with professionalism ✅ Communicate deadlines and instructions with confidence ✅ Improve your English communication...
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Sound More Professional in English | 5 Phrases for Difficult Conversations
The Speak Confident English Podcast
When English conversations get tense, your words can decide whether things end in frustration or progress. In this episode, you’ll learn how to sound more professional in English with 5 powerful “were” phrases that help you: Disagree politely without sounding rude Offer feedback and advice clearly Keep your tone calm, confident, and professional These simple professional English phrases will help you handle difficult conversations at work and speak with clarity and respect in any situation. 💬 Try this: Practice one phrase this week and notice how it changes the tone of your...
info_outlineHave you ever made a big change — moving to a new country, starting a new job, or beginning again?
In this episode of Better English Conversations, you’ll learn English vocabulary for life changes — including how to talk about moving, new jobs, and starting over with confidence.
You’ll discover how to:
✔ Describe emotional transitions with natural, everyday English vocabulary
✔ Use expressions like make a fresh start, take the plunge, and turn over a new leaf
✔ Talk about big decisions and changes in your life — clearly and naturally
Whether you’re moving abroad, changing careers, or simply ready for something new, this episode will help you improve your English speaking confidence and connect your story to real-life English conversations.
🎧 Subscribe for weekly lessons on Better English Conversations and learn how to speak with clarity and courage in every part of your life.
For more practice and community support, visit → https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/community
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 English Conversations on Major Life Changes
1:11 Starting New Vocabulary
6:05 Moving Vocabulary
11:22 Changing Careers Vocabulary
15:50 Example Sentences
16:37 Support Network Vocabulary
19:22 Example Sentences 19:56 Practice
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