Podcast
Business English Expressions at Work
Hosted by Johnny · EN
Welcome to the "Expressions at Work" podcast, where we explain common workplace phrases in the easiest way possible. We know that office talk can sometimes feel confusing. That's why we're here to help.
Each episode, we pick a popular work-related phrase and break it down. Ever been puzzled when someone said they want to "touch base" or "circle back"? We explain what these terms mean and how you can use them. Our explanations are simple, so anyone can understand, whether you're new to the office or have been working for years.
We also use real-world examples to show these phrases in action. This way, you can feel confident using them in your own work conversations. Plus, even if you're not working in an office, our podcast can help you understand these phrases when you hear them in movies, TV shows, or books.
By listening to our podcast, you'll be better prepared for work chats and meetings. No more feeling lost or unsure. With our help, you'll know exactly what's being said and how to respond.
So, if you want to understand office talk better and feel more confident in your work conversations, "Expressions at Work" is the podcast for you. Join us and become a pro at workplace communication.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 17: Episode 87: Handling a Difficult Employee
Mar 2000:04:05Tap to summarizeEpisode 87 of Expressions at Work takes you back inside the Human Resources department as the team deals with a challenging workplace situation — a high-performing employee whose behavior is beginning to affect the team. In this episode, you’ll hear how HR professionals handle sensitive issues by discussing performance concerns, deciding how to address the behavior, and ensuring that problems are properly documented. The team also explores how to set clear expectations and when to introduce a performance improvement plan (PIP). This episode is ideal for intermediate to advanced English learners who want to understand how professionals communicate in difficult workplace situations, especially when balancing performance with professionalism. Listening to realistic HR conversations will help you improve your business English vocabulary, communication skills, and confidence in professional environments. 🎧 In this episode you’ll learn expressions such as: • Performance concerns • Address the behavior • Document the issue • Set clear expectations • Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) • Professional conduct Subscribe to Expressions at Work for more realistic workplace English conversations designed to help you sound more natural, clear, and confident at work.
Transcribe →Episode 16: Episode 86:'The Human Resources Department: A Rising Turnover Problem
Mar 1500:04:29Tap to summarizeEpisode 86 of Expressions at Work takes us inside the Human Resources department of a large international company. The HR team has noticed an unusual increase in employee resignations, and they need to figure out what’s causing the problem. In this episode, you’ll hear a realistic workplace discussion as the HR team analyzes employee turnover, reviews exit interview feedback, and considers how issues like burnout, career progression, and competitive compensation may be affecting employee retention. This episode is perfect for intermediate to advanced English learners who want to understand the kind of language professionals use when discussing staffing, workplace culture, and business strategy. Listening to realistic workplace conversations can help you improve your business English vocabulary, listening comprehension, and professional communication skills. 🎧 In this episode you’ll learn expressions such as: • Employee retention • Exit interview • Burnout • Career progression • Competitive compensation • Retention strategy Subscribe to Expressions at Work for more realistic workplace English conversations and explanations designed to help you sound more natural and confident in professional environments.
Transcribe →Episode 15: Episode 85 — Strategic Storytelling in Business Communication
Feb 2600:02:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Expressions at Work, we explore one of the most powerful communication skills in business: strategic storytelling. Data informs, but stories persuade. How do you present ideas so they are remembered. How do you structure updates so they influence decisions. And how do you communicate strategy in clear, persuasive English. In this Advanced Business English ESL episode, you will learn practical workplace expressions that help you organize ideas logically and speak with impact. You will learn phrases such as: frame the narrative establish context highlight the turning point tailor the message draw a clear takeaway structure ideas strategically This episode is ideal for advanced ESL learners, managers, and international professionals who want to communicate more persuasively in meetings, presentations, and executive discussions. If you want your ideas to be understood, remembered, and acted on, this episode will help you speak with clarity and influence. Subscribe for weekly Advanced Business English lessons.
Transcribe →Episode 14: Episode 84 — Executive Presence in English
Feb 2200:03:17Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Expressions at Work, we focus on a powerful professional skill: executive presence in English. What makes someone sound like a leader in meetings. How do some professionals communicate authority without raising their voice. And why does language shape how others perceive your credibility. In this Advanced Business English ESL episode, you will learn practical workplace expressions that help you speak with clarity, composure, and strategic confidence. You will learn phrases such as: demonstrate executive presence articulate trade-offs signal ownership elevate the conversation project composure use decisive language This episode is ideal for advanced ESL learners, managers, and international professionals who want to sound more confident in high-stakes conversations. If you want to strengthen your executive communication skills and project authority in English, this episode will help you speak with precision and impact.
Transcribe →Episode 13: Episode 83 — Leading Meetings That Actually Get Results
Feb 2100:02:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Expressions at Work, we focus on a critical professional skill: leading meetings that actually get results. Do your meetings drift off track? Do discussions go in circles without clear decisions? In this Advanced Business English ESL episode, you’ll learn practical workplace expressions that help you guide conversations, manage different viewpoints, and drive meetings toward real outcomes. You’ll learn phrases such as: set the agenda frame the objective keep the discussion on track manage competing viewpoints drive toward a decision confirm action items This episode is ideal for: ✔ Advanced ESL learners ✔ Team leaders and managers ✔ International professionals ✔ Anyone who wants stronger executive communication skills in English If you want to sound more confident, structured, and influential in meetings — this episode is for you.
Transcribe →Episode 12: Episode 82 — Giving Constructive Feedback Without Creating Tension
Feb 1500:02:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Expressions at Work, we focus on a critical leadership skill: giving constructive feedback. How do you correct someone professionally? How do you improve performance without creating defensiveness or tension? In this Advanced Business English ESL episode, you’ll learn powerful workplace expressions that help you deliver feedback clearly, calmly, and diplomatically. You’ll learn phrases such as: set the context focus on specific behaviors identify development areas invite perspective clarify expectations constructive feedback This episode is ideal for: ✔ Advanced ESL learners ✔ Managers and team leaders ✔ International professionals ✔ Anyone who wants to improve executive communication in English If you want to speak more confidently in performance conversations, this episode will help you sound professional and composed.
Transcribe →Episode 11: Episode 81 — Handling Unrealistic Deadlines Without Stress
Feb 1400:03:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Expressions at Work, we focus on a common workplace challenge: unrealistic deadlines. How do you respond professionally when a deadline isn’t realistic? How do you protect your credibility without sounding negative? In this Advanced Business English ESL episode, you’ll learn powerful workplace expressions that help you negotiate timelines, communicate constraints, and stay calm under pressure. You’ll learn phrases such as: assess feasibility communicate constraints early negotiate timelines prioritize tasks document agreements tone matters This episode is ideal for: ✔ ESL learners ✔ International professionals ✔ Managers working in global teams ✔ Anyone who needs stronger business communication skills in English If you want to sound calm, clear, and professional — even under pressure — this episode is for you.
Transcribe →Episode 10: Episode 80: Managing Up at Work | Business English ESL Podcast
Feb 1100:03:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Expressions at Work, we explore an essential professional skill: managing up. How do you influence your boss without formal authority? How do you communicate strategically with senior leadership in English? In this Advanced Business English ESL episode, you’ll learn practical workplace expressions that help you sound confident, clear, and professional when speaking to managers or executives. You’ll learn phrases such as: manage up align with priorities anticipate concerns frame updates strategically manage bandwidth read the room This episode is perfect for: ✔ Advanced ESL learners ✔ International professionals ✔ Managers working in global teams ✔ Anyone who wants to improve executive communication in English If you want to speak more strategically at work — this episode is for you.
Transcribe →Episode 9: Episode 79: Pushing Back Politely Without Sounding Weak | Expressions at Work
Feb 1000:03:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Expressions at Work, we focus on a critical professional skill: pushing back politely. In international and fast-paced workplaces, agreeing too quickly can lead to overload, missed deadlines, and frustration. Strong professionals know how to push back clearly — without sounding defensive, negative, or weak. In this episode, you’ll learn practical business expressions such as: acknowledge the request reframe the conversation flag a concern early set boundaries buy time offer an alternative This episode is ideal for professionals, managers, and advanced English learners who want to communicate limits confidently while maintaining strong working relationships. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to protect your priorities without creating friction.
Transcribe →Episode 8: Episode 78: Managing Expectations Without Killing Momentum | Expressions at Work
Feb 900:04:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Expressions at Work, we explore one of the most underrated professional skills: managing expectations. Many workplace problems don’t come from poor performance — they come from assumptions, overpromising, and misaligned timelines. In this episode, you’ll learn how experienced professionals protect trust and credibility by setting expectations early and adjusting them strategically. You’ll hear real-world business expressions such as: set realistic expectations temper expectations overcommit walk something back manage the optics under-promise and over-deliver This episode is ideal for professionals, international teams, and advanced English learners who want to sound clear, confident, and credible at work.
Transcribe →