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.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
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 →Episode 7: Episode 77: Pressure Points in Management Consulting
Jan 2000:02:28Tap to summarizeIn Episode 77 of Expressions at Work, we shift to a monologue-style format and step into the world of management consulting. Set inside a high-pressure consulting engagement, this episode explores how professionals handle tough conversations, internal resistance, and critical business decisions.Ideal for B1–B2 learners, this episode focuses on clear, natural business English used in real decision-making environments.
Transcribe →Episode 6: Episode 76: A CEO’s End-of-Year Message | Business English Expressions Explained
Dec 1600:01:03Tap to summarizeIn this episode, you’ll hear a CEO-style end-of-year message designed for Business English learners at B2 level.First, you’ll listen to a short executive reflection on the past year — the kind of message often shared with employees and stakeholders. Then, each key business expression is clearly explained in simple, practical English.This episode will help you: Understand how CEOs reflect on performance and challenges Learn natural business expressions used in leadership communication Improve listening skills with realistic executive language Speak more confidently in professional and corporate settings
Transcribe →Episode 5: Episode 75: Brand Strategy Overhaul
Jun 3, 202500:02:46Tap to summarizeFor Episode 76 of "Expressions at Work," titled "Brand Strategy Overhaul," let's focus on expressions like "lay the groundwork," "pivot strategy," "flesh out," and "push the envelope." This episode will feature a dialogue set during a high-stakes branding meeting where the team must rethink their brand positioning to stay competitive. We'll explore how strategic thinking and creative adjustments can help drive business success.
Transcribe →