Episodes

  • Polite and Classy Business English Using "Would" And "Please" to Clarify What Was Said - EP. 4

    Polite and Classy Business English Using "Would" And "Please" to Clarify What Was Said - EP. 4
    Feb 24 2025

    Business English phrases that combine the request word "would" and the use of "please" are some of the best polite phrases you must learn. The combination of "would" and "please" signal your English is polite, pleasant and correct in business meetings, presentations and small talk with clients and colleagues. English has almost 500,000 words and phrases, but polite Business English uses a subset of 20,000 words and phrases that you should know and use so native English speakers admire and respond to how you speak and write. The episode summary is below.

    Episode Summary:

    Sometimes you may need to ask for repetition or clarification of something another person has said.

    Some of the situations where this might happen include:

    Someone is talking to you but you can’t understand.

    You might be a in noisy place and can’t hear the person.

    You might not understand a piece of slang the other person used.

    You might not understand the way the other person speaks English.

    They might have a heavy accent or be speaking in a dialect you don’t understand. There are so many different ways English is spoken, depending on the country the person is from and what part of their country they are from. Sometimes the speaker might be a non-native English speaker and they have an accent.

    The key idea is to use one of these phrases and for the most polite English, use “would” instead of “could”.

    Would is more polite, more formal and more classy when making a request.

    Here are some examples of how would can be used. Next we will use these in polite requests.

    Would is used in three ways.

    1. Would you like = Would you like to sit down? (This is a polite invitation or offer).

    2. Would you mind = Would you mind moving down one seat? (tentative request with some worry that it will cause inconvenience or offense).

    3. Would it be possible = Would it be possible for you to pick me up on your way to work? (similar to would you mind, used to make an inquiry about a desired action or request for a favor).

    Here are eight key polite phrases you can use to ask for clarification when you don’t understand something.

    For the first two examples, we use the word “catch”.

    Usually, catch is used with a ball like to catch a ball in baseball or American football where the ball lands in your hand.

    Here, imagine you are trying to catch their words.

    1. I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that. Would you say it again, please?

    2. I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that. Would you repeat that, please?

    3. Would you say that again, please? I want to make sure I understood you.

    4. I’m sorry, I’m not following you. Would you repeat it, please?

    5. I don’t think I understood what you said. Would you explain it again, please?

    6. I don’t think I understood you clearly. Would you explain it again, please?

    7. I missed that. Would you explain it again, please?

    8. I missed that. Would you repeat it, please?

    250225 A0045 EPISODE 4
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    5 mins
  • Business English and English Small Phrases Using "Hand" (these are expressions you need to know but didn't learn in school) - EP. 3

    Business English and English Small Phrases Using "Hand" (these are expressions you need to know but didn't learn in school) - EP. 3
    Feb 24 2025
    Episode Summary The word "hand" is used in many common Business English phrases. These English phrases are part of the building blocks of English vocabulary building you need to participate in meetings, presentations and small talk. English has almost 500,000 words, but only 20,000 words and phrases are commonly used. See the episode phrases and examples below. Just for fun, this episode has a silly country & western style songs I wrote and sang using hand phrases. Episode Contents Here is a list of the phrases using "hand" with sample sentences to help you understand the phrase. 1. Living hand to mouth Definition: To survive with very little money, spending everything as soon as it is earned. Examples: After losing his job, he was living hand to mouth for months. Many families in the countryside live hand to mouth, relying on small incomes from farming.She’s been living hand to mouth, barely able to pay the rent each month. 2. Hand it off to someone Definition: To pass a responsibility or task to another person. Examples: After completing the first part of the project, I handed it off to John to finish the report. The quarterback handed it off to the running back during the final play.You can hand it off to Sarah if you’re too busy to finish it. 3. Give you the hand off Definition: To quickly pass on a task or responsibility, often without much explanation. Examples: Don’t give me the hand off without proper instructions.He gave her the hand off for the client presentation just minutes before the meeting.I don’t want a quick hand off; I need more guidance. 4. I’ve got to hand it to you Definition: To acknowledge someone's accomplishment or success. Examples: I’ve got to hand it to you, your presentation was amazing! I’ve got to hand it to him; he managed to finish the project on time despite all the setbacks.Well done on the new proposal – I’ve got to hand it to you, that’s impressive work! 5. Come in handy Definition: To be useful in a particular situation. Examples: This pocketknife will come in handy when we go camping. The extra money I saved came in handy when my car broke down.That flashlight came in handy during the power outage last night. 6. Hand over the presentation Definition: To pass control of or responsibility for a presentation to another person. Examples: After introducing the topic, I’ll hand over the presentation to Michael. Once the statistics are covered, I’ll hand over the presentation to the finance team.She handed over the presentation with confidence to her colleague. 7. Hand over the meeting to Definition: To transfer the leadership or control of a meeting to someone else. Examples: After I finish the introduction, I’ll hand over the meeting to you. Can you hand over the meeting to me when you’re done with your section?She handed over the meeting to her manager after presenting the latest data. 8. To have the upper hand Definition: To have control or an advantage over someone. Examples: He had the upper hand in negotiations because he had more information. The team that wins the first round will have the upper hand in the competition.She always seems to have the upper hand in every argument. 9. Give him a hand Definition: To help or assist someone. Examples: Could you give him a hand with carrying those boxes? We all gave her a hand when she was struggling with the project.He gave me a hand in setting up the equipment for the event. 10. Give me a hand Definition: To ask for assistance or help with something. Examples: Can you give me a hand moving this furniture? I need someone to give me a hand with these reports before the deadline.Could you give me a hand fixing this issue? 11. Hand it over Definition: To give something to someone, often reluctantly or when asked. Examples: The thief was caught and forced to hand over the stolen goods. Can you hand it over to me once you’re finished with it?After a long negotiation, he finally handed over the keys to the car. 12. Hat in hand Definition: To ask for something humbly, often with embarrassment. Examples: He went to his boss hat in hand, asking for a raise. After the mistake, she had to go to the client hat in hand to apologize.He approached his parents hat in hand, asking for financial help. 13. Stick out your hand Definition: To extend your hand to greet someone or offer something. Examples: When I arrived at the meeting, I stuck out my hand to introduce myself. He stuck out his hand to congratulate her on the promotion.After the argument, she stuck out her hand to make peace. 14. Shake hands and make up Definition: To reconcile and stop a quarrel. Examples: After a long disagreement, they finally shook hands and made up. Let’s just shake hands and make up; this fight isn’t worth it.They had a heated argument, but in the end, they shook hands and made up. 15. Will handle the handover Definition: To manage the transfer of duties or responsibilities ...
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    14 mins
  • Business English You Didn't Learn In School (But Need To Know) Using Phrases With "Plan" EP. 2

    Business English You Didn't Learn In School (But Need To Know) Using Phrases With "Plan" EP. 2
    Feb 24 2025
    EPISODE SUMMARY Business English. That’s the English they didn’t teach you in school, but you need to advance in your career. The podcast has tips on using the word "plan". It uses the example of my father planning to start his dream business - making furniture. EXAMPLE CONTENT Example 1: “Plan the work and then work the plan..” This means understanding the business plan, outlining all the steps of the plan and then talking steps to make the plan work. FREE PDF OF THE LESSON WITH BONUS CONTENT You can download the PDF of notes for the episode. The PDF's include detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics). Want more Business English tips? Join the Business English Executive Coaching Club. Learn the English you need for business (but you didn’t learn in school). What you get as a free member: > Access to the podcast topic with detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics) > Career planning tips > Bonus resources on professional English > First to know about new lessons > Special discounts and offers BUSINESS ENGLISH PODCAST TIPS HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS ENGLISH? Employers want their staff to have higher "soft skills" in making presentations plus small talk for success with colleagues and clients. What is your plan for 2025 and how I can help you make a career plan? Say hello on LinkedIn: Business English Success Coaching Get your free Presentations Skills course and Small Talk, Big Results business conversation course by sending an email to me at william@williampittsbusinessenglish.com. PODCAST PURPOSE Business English. That’s the English they didn’t teach you in school, but you need to advance in your career. If you want to learn more to earn more, you must increase your ability to give powerful presentations, engage in small talk in a skillful way and plan out your career. I call this the “Learn More To Earn More” podcast because it helps you understand and know and use the correct Business English you are required to use to advance your career. I offer you my background having worked for two Fortune 500 companies, a United States Senator and I also got my MBA from Columbia Business School. For you this means a senior coach and counselor that will help you get to the next step. I am your coach every step of the way to help you get the career you deserve. In my research of many companies and in research done by universities and governments, there is a high need for personal “soft skills”. Every boss wants their employees to know more, but there is a large gap between what the senior executives need for the company to be successful and the skills their employees actually have. I have inventoried and studied and written all of the key things that you need to know to be successful. Follow along with this podcast and you will learn what you need to know. I offer my 40 years of experience as a writer, helping people prepare for presentations and speeches, helped them with small talk, helped them with American accent and knowing about American culture and with career planning. In these episodes you will hear very specific suggestions on how to make your presentations more memorable and powerful, how to engage in small talk so you can get to know your colleagues and clients better. I offer a number of free courses for you so you can understand my style and I also do one-to-one coaching for people who have questions like “What should I do next?” and “What are the tools I need in my toolkit to be successful?” Let me help you get the success you deserve. I’m Coach William Pitts and I’m here to help you! If you want to earn more, you need to learn more. Learning what you need to know is the first step. My emphasis is on knowing the 20,000 words and phrases that you will use, not the nearly 500,000 English words in the big dictionary. JOIN THE FREE BUSINESS ENGLISH EXECUTIVE COACHING CLUB https://william-pitts-business-english-coaching.kit.com/3a6a623b6f PODCAST NOTES Today’s specific theme is about plan the work and then work the plan. We’re going to use my father as an example. My Dad dreamed of having his own company. He wanted to make furniture. He didn’t know anything about business. He worked in an assembly factory but loved designing furniture. My Dad drew a sketch that showed the size of all the pieces that he needed for making a table. Once he understood to the many costs and steps involved in making and selling his furniture. He had a plan. He was successful because his plan included, first, making a business plan. Second, understanding all the steps involved in executing the plan. And third, increasing his skills and reducing his costs and understanding the cost of each table. Now we have some small talk vocabulary and phrases using “plan”. Example 1: ...
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    6 mins
  • Presentation and Public Speaking Mistakes To Avoid (How To Get Your Audience's Attention And Keep It) EP. 14

    Presentation and Public Speaking Mistakes To Avoid (How To Get Your Audience's Attention And Keep It) EP. 14
    Feb 24 2025

    EPISODE SUMMARY

    Presentation and public speaking mistakes can be avoided by knowing the audience, clearly stating your goal, using easy to understand presentation materials and practicing out loud.

    When comedians get a great reaction from an audience, they say "I killed it up there" or "I killed it." When the audience doesn't react or laugh, comedians say "I died up there." If you don't want to "die", here are some tips on how to make your presentation interesting.

    EXAMPLE CONTENT

    Not Knowing Your Goal: Many speakers do not clearly understand what they want to achieve. It is important to know if you want to inform, persuade, or entertain your audience.

    FREE PDF OF THE LESSON WITH BONUS CONTENT

    You can download the PDF of notes for the episode. The PDF's include detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics).

    Want more Business English tips? Join the Business English Executive Coaching Club. Learn the English you need for business (but you didn’t learn in school). What you get as a free member:

    > Access to the podcast topic with detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics)

    > Career planning tips

    > Bonus resources on professional English

    > First to know about new lessons

    > Special discounts and offers

    BUSINESS ENGLISH PODCAST TIPS

    HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS ENGLISH?

    Employers want their staff to have higher "soft skills" in making presentations plus small talk for success with colleagues and clients.

    What is your plan for 2025 and how I can help you make a career plan?

    Say hello on LinkedIn: Business English Success Coaching

    Get your free Presentations Skills course and Small Talk, Big Results business conversation course by sending an email to me at william@williampittsbusinessenglish.com.

    EPISODE NOTES

    Not Knowing Your Goal: Many speakers do not clearly understand what they want to achieve. It is important to know if you want to inform, persuade, or entertain your audience.

    Ignoring the Audience: If you do not understand your audience, you may make mistakes. You should know what they care about and how your presentation can help them.

    Lack of Preparation: Not preparing enough can make your presentation messy. It is essential to practice and plan your content ahead of time.

    Too Much Text on Slides: Presenters often put too much information on their slides. This can distract the audience because they may just read the slides instead of listening to you.

    Speaking Unclearly: Not speaking clearly can frustrate your audience. Make sure to pronounce your words well and avoid using complicated language that they might not understand.

    Reading from Slides: Simply reading what is on the slides can make the presentation boring. Instead, use the slides as a guide and talk directly to your audience.

    Failing to Create Energy: Presenters sometimes lack enthusiasm, which can make the audience lose interest. Show energy and passion for your topic to keep them engaged.

    Not Having a Clear Structure: Jumping from one point to another without a clear plan can confuse the audience. It is important to have an outline and stick to it.

    Not Practicing Enough: Many presenters do not practice their delivery, which can lead to mistakes during the presentation. Practicing helps build confidence and clarity.

    By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve your presentation skills and better connect with your audience.

    A0105 110225
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    9 mins
  • English Small Talk - Introduce Yourself So People Will Be Charmed - EP. 8

    English Small Talk - Introduce Yourself So People Will Be Charmed - EP. 8
    Feb 24 2025

    EPISODE SUMMARY

    Most Business English meeting and interview self-introductions are dry and boring. They give the other person little information and no reason to continue the conversation.

    You’ll learn how to introduce yourself in a charming manner using a technique that incudes interesting facts from your present situation, your past and your plans for the future.

    This technique will help you feel more comfortable and confident when meeting new people, especially in business settings.

    EXAMPLE CONTENT

    • The best self-introduction for meetings, interviews and conversation can include three parts: the present, the past and the future. This can include your name and occupation/profession plus some of your past history and the future you look forward to in working for the company.

    FREE PDF OF THE LESSON WITH BONUS CONTENT

    You can download the PDF of notes for the episode. The PDF's include detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics).

    Want more Business English tips? Join the Business English Executive Coaching Club. Learn the English you need for business (but you didn’t learn in school). What you get as a free member:

    > Access to the podcast topic with detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics)

    > Career planning tips

    > Bonus resources on professional English

    > First to know about new lessons

    > Special discounts and offers

    BUSINESS ENGLISH PODCAST TIPS

    HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS ENGLISH?

    Employers want their staff to have higher "soft skills" in making presentations plus small talk for success with colleagues and clients.

    What is your plan for 2025 and how I can help you make a career plan?

    Say hello on LinkedIn: Business English Success Coaching

    Get your free Presentations Skills course and Small Talk, Big Results business conversation course by sending an email to me at william@williampittsbusinessenglish.com.

    Episode Notes

    A0027 220225
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    11 mins
  • Learn More To Earn More Podcast - Business English, Presentations, Small Talk and American Accent Training EP. 1

    Learn More To Earn More Podcast - Business English, Presentations, Small Talk and American Accent Training EP. 1
    Feb 24 2025

    EPISODE SUMMARY

    The first episode of Learn More to Earn More—the podcast designed to help you improve your Business English skills so you can advance in your career. I’m Coach William Pitts, and I specialize in helping business professionals like you communicate more effectively in English. Whether you need to give a presentation, lead a meeting, engage in small talk, or reduce your anxiety about speaking English, this podcast is here to guide you.

    FREE LESSON PDF WITH BONUS CONTENT

    Want more Business English tips? Join the Business English Executive Coaching Club. Learn the English you need for business (but you didn’t learn in school). What you get as a free member:

    > You can download the PDF of notes for the episode. The PDF's include detailed notes on the podcast subject. Some podcast episodes have a quiz; some podcast episodes have lyrics to the songs in the podcast (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics).

    > Career planning tips

    > Bonus resources on professional English

    > First to know about new lessons

    > Special discounts and offers

    Click on the line below to sign up for the newsletter and all the free extra tips and lessons

    BUSINESS ENGLISH PODCAST TIPS

    HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS ENGLISH?

    Employers want their staff to have higher "soft skills" in making presentations plus small talk for success with colleagues and clients.

    How I can help you make a career plan?

    Say hello on LinkedIn: Business English Success Coaching

    Get your free Presentations Skills course and Small Talk, Big Results business conversation course by sending an email to me at william@williampittsbusinessenglish.com.

    A0140 250225 EPISODE 1
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    7 mins
  • Small Talk English Phrases That Show Powerful English (how to change your English from overuse of "sorry" to more precise phrases) EP. 13

    Small Talk English Phrases That Show Powerful English (how to change your English from overuse of "sorry" to more precise phrases) EP. 13
    Feb 19 2025

    Episode Summary

    Sorry to bother, but do you say “sorry” too much? We hear business meeting and English small talk phrases using the word “sorry” but there are other phrases that are more precise and don’t sound as apologetic. Sorry is a useful word when you have made a mistake; these business English phrases are better if you vary your use of phrases, your English will sound more fluent and professional.

    Here are some examples of how to reduce inappropriate of “sorry” to more precise and useful phrases.

    Sorry to bother you, but do you say “sorry” too much? We hear business meeting and English small talk phrases using the word “sorry” but there are other phrases that are more precise and don’t sound as apologetic. Sorry is a useful word when you have made a mistake; these business English phrases are better if you vary your use of phrases. Your English will sound more fluent and professional.

    Here are some examples of how to reduce inappropriate use or overuse of “sorry” to more precise and useful phrases.

    Instead of saying “Sorry for rescheduling”, acknowledge the other person’s being considerate by saying “Thanks for being flexible”.

    Instead of saying “Sorry to bother you”, show appreciation for the other person giving you some of their time by saying “Thanks for carving out time”.

    Carving means to slice - we carve meat or an artist called a sculptor carves wood or stone to make a design or the shape of a body. Here, the person is cutting part or carving out part of their time to give it to you.

    Instead of saying “Sorry for venting”, acknowledge the other person was patient in listening to you by saying “Thanks for listening”.

    • This word “vent” comes from volcanoes. A volcano has a top. If the volcano explodes, fire, smoke and ash come out of the top. Depending on how big the volcano is, and how big the explosion, the damage done can be huge. However, volcanoes sometimes develop a tear or hole in the side of the volcano - this fissure or gap helps to relieve the build up of pressure in the volcano. From the idea of pressure being released, “venting” means we complain or state dissatisfaction. It is similar to the phrase “letting off steam” where pressure builds up inside a tea kettle or engine.

    Instead of saying “Sorry for running late”, you can show your appreciation for the other person’s time and patience by saying “Thanks so much for waiting”.

    Instead of saying, “Sorry, I had to take that call”, you can show your appreciation for the other persons time and for waiting or being interrupted by saying “Thanks for your patience”.

    Instead of saying “Sorry for jumping in” as if you are contradicting or interrupting the other person, you can say “I have an idea that may help”. It shows that you have a contribution to make and your opinion is valuable.

    Instead of saying “Sorry for the mistakes”, you can say “Thanks for catching that!”. The other person might have noticed a missing period or full stop in your writing or they may have seen a typo. Here, to “catch” means they noticed something and hoped correct it.

    Instead of saying “Sorry, I don’t get it” you can say “Would you repeat that? I just want to be clear”. That means the other person didn’t make a clear explanation. You are at fault for not “getting” or understanding what they said.

    Instead of saying “Sorry, does that make sense?” You can say “I’m happy to answer any questions” as an invitation for people to ask questions.

    A0088 220225
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    7 mins
  • Better English Small Talk By Asking Better Questions (So Your Conversation Doesn't Die) - EP. 9

    Better English Small Talk By Asking Better Questions (So Your Conversation Doesn't Die) - EP. 9
    Feb 14 2025

    EPISODE SUMMARY

    Small talk is an important "soft skill" to have - but conversations can stall and die if you don't ask questions that get the other person interested. The answer to “Did you?” can result in a yes or no answers. The conversation does not go any further.

    Questions using "What” help us can learn what action a person took. It can lead to a better quality conversation. “What did you do this weekend?” is a deeper question that “Did you have a nice weekend?”

    Use small talk questions with “What” will help us learn more about your colleague or client.

    EXAMPLE CONTENT

    Here are the five examples we will discuss.

    1. What did you do this weekend?

    2. What’s been keeping you busy?

    3. What’s been the highlight?

    4. What’s your connection?

    5. What’s put a smile on your face?

    FREE PDF OF THE LESSON WITH BONUS CONTENT

    You can download the PDF of notes for the episode. The PDF's include detailed notes on the subject, and a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics).

    Want more Business English tips? Join the Business English Executive Coaching Club. Learn the English you need for business (but you didn’t learn in school). What you get as a free member:

    > Access to the podcast topic with detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics)

    > Career planning tips

    > Bonus resources on professional English

    > First to know about new lessons

    > Special discounts and offers

    BUSINESS ENGLISH PODCAST TIPS

    HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS ENGLISH?

    Employers want their staff to have higher "soft skills" in making presentations plus small talk for success with colleagues and clients.

    What is your plan for 2025 and how I can help you make a career plan?

    LinkedIn ConnectionSay hello on LinkedIn: Business English Success Coaching

    Get your free Presentations Skills course and Small Talk, Big Results business conversation course by sending an email to me at william@williampittsbusinessenglish.com.

    EPISODE CONTENT

    Here are the five examples we will discuss.

    1. What did you do this weekend?

    2. What’s been keeping you busy?

    3. What’s been the highlight?

    4. What’s your connection?

    5. What’s put a smile on your face?

    Here are some examples for alternatives to “What’s been keeping you busy?” - To that we can add a time period.

    > What’s been keeping you busy lately?

    > What’s been keeping you busy these days?

    > What’s been keeping you this this month?

    > What’s been keeping you busy this year?

    Here are some examples for alternatives to "What’s been the highlight?” questions.

    > What’s been the highlight of your day?

    > What’s been the highlight of your week?

    > What’s been the highlight of your month?

    Here are some examples for alternatives to "What’s put a smile on your face?” questions. You can add a time period so they have more things to say).

    > What’s put a smile on your face today?

    > What’s put a smile on your face this week?

    > What has put a smile on your face lately?

    A0066 220225 EPISODE 9
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    19 mins