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 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 tone changes the meaning of your questions • Six natural, polite questions to use instead • Everyday examples you can try right away If you'd like more real-life English practice in a supportive community, you can learn about the Confident Women Community here: https://speakconfidentenglish.com/community Episode Timestamps: 00:00 The Problem with 'Why' 02:40 Alternatives to 'Why' 03:06 What Brought You... 04:26 What Led You To... 05:41 How Did That Come About... 06:54 What Made You Think Of... 07:57 What Inspired... 09:20 I'd Love to Hear How... 10:50 Recap & Practice --- Thank you for listening! I share new episodes every Wednesday. Make sure you click the follow button to get notified. Get the full episode show notes at: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/why-sounds-rude-in-english-heres-what-to-say-instead If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all my episodes on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/speakconfidentenglish COME SAY 'HI!' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakconfidentenglish/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakconfidentenglish MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU: How to Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English (Free Fluency Training) → https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! It really helps get encouragement and actionable advice to nonnative English speakers around the world.
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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 statements, and modal verbs effectively ✅ Give feedback and set boundaries with professionalism ✅ Communicate deadlines and instructions with confidence ✅ Improve your English communication skills and sound confident, not rude If you want to practice speaking English this way in real conversation, join my Confident Women Community — a supportive space to use your English for real 👉 https://speakconfidentenglish.com/community Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Was no one listening? 03:23 When to be direct 07:01 Choosing the right grammar 08:07 Imperatives 09:05 Statements 09:44 Modals 11:42 Tone 15:57 Practice --- Thank you for listening! I share new episodes every Wednesday. Make sure you click the follow button to get notified. Get the full episode show notes at: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/be-direct-in-english If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all my episodes on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/speakconfidentenglish COME SAY 'HI!' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakconfidentenglish/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakconfidentenglish MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU: How to Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English (Free Fluency Training) → https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! It really helps get encouragement and actionable advice to nonnative English speakers around the world.
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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 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 next meeting. Free Training: Want more strategies like this? Join my free video training: Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English 👉 https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english/ Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Why the pillow? 01:50 Why you need 'were' 03:43 If I were to... 04:58 If I were in your situation... 06:19 Practice 06:54 I wish it were... 08:23 Suppose we were... 09:51 I'd rather it were... 11:42 Practice --- Thank you for listening! I share new episodes every Wednesday. Make sure you click the follow button to get notified. Get the full episode show notes at: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/sound-more-professional-in-english If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all my episodes on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/speakconfidentenglish COME SAY 'HI!' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakconfidentenglish/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakconfidentenglish MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU: How to Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English (Free Fluency Training) → https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! It really helps get encouragement and actionable advice to nonnative English speakers around the world.
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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 trust. And the strategies you'll learn here will help you give a formal presentation to a room of 537 people or speak in a meeting with 3 coworkers. Use these 4 simple steps to reduce the nervousness of your voice so you sound clear and in control. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - What does a nervous voice sound like? 03:02 - Step 1: Remove the anxiety 06:49 - Step 2: Be Conscious of Your Flow 10:05 - Step 3: Be clear and project 13:30 - Step 4: Relax and enjoy --- Thank you for listening! I share new episodes every Wednesday. Make sure you click the follow button to get notified. Get the full episode show notes at: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/control-your-voice-sound-confident/ If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all my episodes on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/speakconfidentenglish COME SAY 'HI!' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakconfidentenglish/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakconfidentenglish MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU: How to Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English (Free Fluency Training) → https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! It really helps get encouragement and actionable advice to nonnative English speakers around the world.
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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 in English ✅ Speak clearly in meetings and interviews ✅ Build confidence through real-world examples This Confident English lesson is part of our ongoing series to help you build English fluency and communication skills for everyday and professional success. 💬 Ready for real conversation practice? Join the Confident Women Community — the safe, supportive space where women practice speaking English with confidence. https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/community Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Explaining "Why" — the Challenge 01:58 The "STEP" Method 02:53 Step 1: Set the Scene 05:08 Step 2: Tell Your Thought Process 07:32 Step 3: Explain the Options 09:51 Step 4: Present the Decision 12:10 Where/How to Practice --- Thank you for listening! I share new episodes every Wednesday. Make sure you click the follow button to get notified. Get the full episode show notes at: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/explain-a-decision-in-english If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all my episodes on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/speakconfidentenglish COME SAY 'HI!' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakconfidentenglish/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakconfidentenglish MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU: How to Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English (Free Fluency Training) → https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! It really helps get encouragement and actionable advice to nonnative English speakers around the world.
Build your English confidence and speak fluently — even if you feel shy, stuck, or nervous right now.
I'm Annemarie, the founder of Speak Confident English and an English fluency coach with 20+ years of experience. Every week, I share proven strategies to help you go from, "I understand English," to "I speak it clearly and confidently."
With every episode, learn exactly what to say — and how to say it — so you can speak with calm clarity at work, in conversations, and in everyday life.
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