Smart English Coach

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• When English Words Come Too Late 17.06.2026 6min

  Have you ever finished an English conversation and thought: "I could have said much more than that." Why does this happen - and how can you get better at responding in the moment? In this episode, I explore why knowing English isn't always the same as being able to use it in real conversations. You'll learn how to practise speaking so you can organise your thoughts, respond more naturally, and hesitate less. Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the podcast Never miss an episode! Get free English coa...
• How It Feels To Be A Beginner 03.06.2026 9min

  After two weeks travelling around Japan, I was reminded what it feels like to operate in a language you don't understand - and how uncomfortable that can be. In this episode, I share a few stories from my trip, including getting lost on the Kyoto tram system, chatting with strangers in a traditional onsen, and using a tiny piece of Japanese that went a surprisingly long way. I talk about why language learning is about much more than grammar and vocabulary, and why confidence often comes from ...
• 3 Ways To Improve Your English 06.05.2026 7min

  If your English is already good, but it still doesn’t feel as clear or as confident as you’d like, this episode is for you. At this stage, progress doesn’t come from learning more. It comes from using what you already know more effectively. In this episode, I share 3 simple ways to do that: – how to improve what you say in real time (without repeating yourself) – how to build a set of phrases you can use again and again – why slowing down can make you more fluent These are small c...
• Why Your English Doesn't Sound Like You 15.04.2026 7min

  You can communicate in English - but it doesn’t always come out the way you want. If you hesitate in English, or sometimes say things in a simpler way than you want, this episode is for you! In this episode, you’ll learn: why this happens at higher levels the gap between thinking and speaking 3 strategies to help you sound clearer and more confident If you want to know exactly what to focus on next for clear, precise English, come to the live session nex...
• Is Your English Better Than You Think? 01.04.2026 5min

  Many people underestimate their level in English - and this can slow down their progress more than they realise. In this episode, I talk about: why it’s so common to misjudge your level how this leads to focusing on the wrong things the signs you may already be beyond intermediate If your English feels “not quite good enough”, this episode will help you see your level more clearly - and show you what to do next. Link in this episode Come to a free live session...
• How To Get A Precise English Vocabulary 18.03.2026 9min

  Many English learners believe they need more vocabulary. But at advanced level, progress comes from something different: precision. In this episode, I explore how stronger English comes from choosing better words - and not just learning more of them. You’ll learn five ways to get a more precise and professional vocabulary without memorising vocabulary lists. If you’re aiming for advanced or professional English, this episode will help you move from “good vocabulary” to precise communication.&...
• What Really Changes At Advanced English Level 04.03.2026 13min

  In this episode, I explore what really changes between intermediate and advanced English - and how to move beyond the “intermediate plateau.” You’ll learn: • Why advanced English is about refining what you know - not learning more • How grammar helps you express ideas with precision and emphasis • Why advanced vocabulary and speaking is about accuracy and nuance • The mindset change at advanced level - and how to handle performance pressure If you’re preparing for CAE or aim...
• Why It Feels Harder To Get To Advanced English Level 19.02.2026 6min

  In this episode, find out why getting to advanced English feels so different from getting to intermediate level - and why so many people feel stuck at this stage. I talk about: Why advanced English isn’t just “more vocabulary and fewer mistakes”The shift from fluency to precision and reliabilityThe hidden psychological pressure of performing in professional situationsWhy intermediate learning strategies stop working at advanced levelIf you’ve ever felt frustrated about slower progress in Engl...
• 4 Myths About Giving Presentations In English 04.02.2026 17min

  Why do presentations feel so scary, especially in English? Jill Cannon-Jones, who specialises in helping professionals deliver clearer, more confident presentations, talks about: Why presentation anxiety is so commonHow body language affects your confidenceHow your slides can weaken your messageFour common presentation mythsThis episode is full of practical advice for sounding confident, clear, and professional - without needing perfect English. Find out more about Jill! Her website: Say It L...
• How To Sound More Professional In English 21.01.2026 8min

  Your English can be correct and fluent - and still not sound fully professional. In this episode, I share the small language choices that change how professional your English sounds at work. You’ll hear: why vague language weakens otherwise good Englishhow choosing the right words (not more words) improves claritypractical examples you can use immediately in emails, meetings, and discussionsIf your English is already good, this episode will make it sound more professional. For more structured...
• The English 'Wins' To Aim For In 2026 07.01.2026 8min

  What does a real win in English actually look like? In this episode, I explain why success isn’t about more grammar or vocabulary. It's about English that works for you. You’ll learn - how to focus strategically, - how to choose the right areas to improve, and - how to connect your English to real professional situations. I also explain why advanced English is the key to clarity, confidence, and authority at work, and how the Advanced English Academy i...
• 3 Areas Where You've Made Progress In English This Year 23.12.2025 7min

  In this final episode of the year, I explain why progress isn’t only about fluency or perfect English, and how you’ve probably improved more than you realise. You’ll discover: Three areas where people often make “invisible” progressWhy confidence can grow even without big milestonesHow small wins build fluency and motivation over timeA simple reflection exercise to help you feel more confident about your EnglishThis episode will help you recognise your progress and feel proud of how far you’...
• How to do 'uncomfortable' things in English 10.12.2025 8min

  In this episode, I share advice from a psychologist on how to deal with things that make us feel anxious - either because they're difficult or because they make us feel uncomfortable. I also share some practical strategies on how to make progress in your English without stress. Links in this episode Meditations for Mortals (Oliver Burkeman) Advanced English Academy Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the podcast Never miss an episode! Get free English coaching tips here. Get the transcript Follow...
• How To Learn English Successfully On Your Own 19.11.2025 8min

  If you don't have an English teacher, you can still learn English successfully - with a clear plan and the right approach. In this episode, I share three essential strategies that help you learn independently and see real progress - even if you don't have much time. I also share details of the new Advanced English Academy - an online program which combines structure, flexibility and personalised help. Join the wait list for the Academy and get the Advanced Vocabulary Booster for free! Advance...
• How To Reset Your English Goals 05.11.2025 10min

  What can you do if you feel you haven't made the progress you want in English this year? In this episode, I talk about how November is the perfect time to reset your goals, and I share some strategies to do this, so that you end the year feeling strong and motivated! I also talk about the new Advanced English Academy, and how it can help you make consistent progress in English. The Academy opens later this month - join the waiting list to be the first to know. You'll also receive a special bo...
• How To Get Out Of Your Grammar Comfort Zone In English 22.10.2025 9min

  Do you use the same simple English grammar all the time? Maybe you avoid using certain grammar because you're not sure how to use it. You've learnt the rules, but you don't know how to apply them. This keeps you in a 'grammar comfort zone', where you're stuck with basic English. When you get out of this zone, you'll be able to speak with more precision, fluency - and sophistication. In this episode, I share some examples of the grammar you may be avoiding, and five steps to help you mov...
• How To Stop Searching For The 'Perfect Word' In English 08.10.2025 11min

  When you're in an English conversation and you know there's a perfect word - but you can't find it - you either 'freeze' and stop talking, or you use the same word as always. Both these situations are frustrating and they can reduce your confidence. In this episode I share two strategies: one strategy for when you're in that situation; and the other strategy for helping you remember the perfect word in the future! Link in this episode The English Fluency Club is a no-stress monthly program, w...
• How To Understand Fast Spoken English 17.09.2025 19min

  Do you find listening to fast spoken English difficult? If so, this episode is for you! Some of my students came over to the UK recently for an intensive summer program, and there were four 'listening' situations which they found difficult. I explain why the conversations were hard, and share some tips and strategies to help you understand fast spoken English. This episode is for you if you travel to English-speaking countries, or if you have conversations with native English speakers. Link i...
• What's Your Big 'Why' For Learning English? 03.09.2025 9min

  When you know the most important reason for learning English, you can make progress faster - even when you have 'bad' days with English! In this episode I share the three reasons why it's so powerful, and an easy way to discover your 'big why'. Links from this episode Contact me to book individual English sessions Join the English Fluency Club to speak English regularly and improve your general English level Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the podcast Never miss an episode! Get free English coa...
• Is Your English Teacher Helping You - Or Hurting You? 30.07.2025 11min

  Your English teacher is supposed to help you feel more confident with English - but what should you do if the opposite happens? In this podcast episode, find out: - why a teacher can make you feel less confident - three things you can do to regain your motivation and confidence Links in this episode English Fluency Club (regular English speaking in a fun atmosphere) 3-word story (deadline for the competition - 21 August 2025) Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the podcast Never miss...