The Speak Confident English Podcast

Annemarie — Speak Confident English
  • 5.0 (6)
  • LANGUAGE LEARNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 🎧 Free Fluency Training → speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english

  1. Making Plans in English Conversation: Essential Phrases

    6D AGO

    Making Plans in English Conversation: Essential Phrases

    Making plans in English conversation can feel awkward, especially when someone says, "We should get together sometime," and then nothing happens. In this episode, you'll learn how to make plans in English with a simple 6-stage process, so you can invite people naturally, read the signals, and follow through with confidence. You'll learn how to: start casually: "Are you free this weekend?" / "What are you up to this weekend?" use natural invitations (inviting in English): "How about we…?" and "I was thinking we could…" understand we should get together meaning (warm politeness vs real interest) understand let me check my calendar meaning (often not rejection) get specific with time + place so plans actually happen decline politely in English and how to reschedule in English send a simple follow up text in English before you meet   Related lesson: https://speakconfidentenglish.com/yes-no-maybe-in-english   Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Missed opportunities? 02:44 Initiating plans 04:40 Suggesting plans 07:43 Reading unspoken signals 13:53 Determining time/place 16:15 Responding to invitations 19:45 Finalizing plans 20:29 Following up 22:20 Recap   Want to learn with me? My next Fluency School program is coming soon. Get all the details here: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/fluencyschool/ --- 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/making-plans-in-english-conversation 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.

    25 min
  2. Use "Just" in English: 6 Meanings and Tone Changes

    FEB 4

    Use "Just" in English: 6 Meanings and Tone Changes

    Learn to use just in English correctly, because it changes meaning and tone. In this Confident English lesson, you'll learn the real just meaning in 6 common situations—so you can sound natural in conversation and clear in emails at work. You hear "just" everywhere: "I just finished the report," "I just need five minutes." "That's just perfect." But the meaning of just depends on context. In this episode, you'll learn: how to use just for time (just recently) just in time and just missed (close calls) just vs only (limits and expectations) how to soften requests in polite English (especially email English) how hedging language can affect tone in professional English and workplace English how "just" can add emphasis in conversational English Perfect if you want practical English vocabulary you can use right away.   Episode Timestamps: 00:00 What makes 'just' tricky 01:40 The foundation 03:27 #1 for time 05:15 #2 for close calls 07:26 #3 for 'only this' 11:14 #4 for perfect fits 12:53 #5 for soft requests 14:53 #6 for strong feelings 16:23 Next steps   Want to learn with me? My next Fluency School program is coming soon. Get all the details here: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/fluencyschool/ --- 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/use-just-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.

    18 min
  3. Speak English with Power: Tips on How Stop Sounding Nervous

    JAN 21

    Speak English with Power: Tips on How Stop Sounding Nervous

    You can speak English with power and credibility, even if you feel nervous inside. This lesson shows you how to keep nerves from showing in your voice, so you sound confident and in control. If you want to speak English with authority and inspire trust but notice your voice shaking, speeding up, or rising at the end of sentences, this video will help. You'll learn how to adjust your breathing, pace, posture, and intonation so your voice sounds calm and confident, even when you don't feel perfectly calm. This doesn't mean you never feel nervous. Nervousness is normal, especially in high-stakes conversations like job interviews or presentations. Instead, this is about changing the habits that make nervousness audible, so your voice supports what you're saying instead of working against you. This lesson will help you: Stop the shakiness that makes you sound uncertain Use pauses that make you sound thoughtful (not lost) Sound calm and in control (even when your heart is racing) Stop sounding like you're asking a question when you're making a statement Practice in a way that actually shows you're improving Next step: To practice this even more, watch How to Group Words and Pause for Natural-Sounding English. It will help you slow down, breathe, and sound more confident when you speak. If you're listening and thinking, "This makes sense, but I know these habits will be hard to change on my own," that's exactly what we work on inside Fluency School. It's my in-depth speaking program where you practice voice control, pacing, and confidence in real conversations—with feedback and support. You can learn more here: https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/fluencyschool Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Why Your Voice Betrays You When Nervous 01:22 Control Breathing 05:14 Slow Down & Pause 08:07 Open Your Posture 11:35 End Statements with Certainty 14:52 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/speak-english-with-authority 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.

    22 min
  4. American English Intonation | Reduce Interruptions & Send Clear Messages

    JAN 14

    American English Intonation | Reduce Interruptions & Send Clear Messages

    American English intonation helps your listener understand what you mean in real time. It signals things like: "I'm asking a question," "I'm not finished," "I'm building to a point," or "I'm open to your input." So if you've ever been interrupted mid-sentence, asked a question and gotten silence, or felt like your message didn't land even when your grammar was correct, this episode will help. We're focusing on rising intonation — one of the clearest parts of English intonation for turn taking, clarity, and connection. In this lesson, you'll learn: what prosody is (stress and rhythm + pitch in English + intonation) what rising intonation is and what it signals how to hold the floor and stop interruptions when you're explaining or listing ideas how to ask yes/no questions with question intonation that invites a response how to clarify in English naturally (repeat, confirm, check understanding) how rising intonation can soften polite requests and open dialogue when rising intonation becomes upspeak, and how to avoid upspeak so you sound confident and credible This is one of the most useful pronunciation tips for American pronunciation because it helps you speak clearly, sound natural, and reduce misunderstandings. Listen next: How to Group Words and Pause for Natural-Sounding English https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/group-words-for-natural-sounding-english/   Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Why are you getting interrupted? 02:19 Why grammar isn't enough. 04:21 What is rising intonation? 06:16 Rise to hold attention. 08:39 Rise to ask & clarify. 10:30 Rise to express emotion. 11:43 Rise to soften. 13:49 A note of caution. 17:31 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/american-english-rising-intonation 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.

    19 min
  5. Formal vs Informal English: When to Switch and How to Know

    JAN 7

    Formal vs Informal English: When to Switch and How to Know

    Choosing between formal vs informal English can feel uncomfortable — especially when you don't want to sound unprofessional, too casual, or distant. In this episode, you'll learn how to recognize formal and informal English in real conversations and how to adjust your tone so it fits the situation. We'll focus on formal vs informal tone in English, why context matters more than rules, and how small language choices affect how your message is received. This episode helps you understand when to use formal English, when to use informal English, and how English tone and register guide those decisions — particularly in professional and social situations where the "right" tone isn't always obvious. If you've ever replayed conversations in your head or worried about sending the wrong signal, this episode will help you build stronger English communication skills and more natural English speaking confidence. Listen now and learn how to read the situation, trust your instincts, and choose words that feel right for the moment. And if you're looking for real-world speaking practice in a supportive, friendly community, join us inside the Confident Women Community. Details here → https://speakconfidentenglish.com/community Episode Timestamps: 00:00 What's the Difference 03:04 Tip: Read the Room 05:31 Formal vs Informal 07:59 When to Switch 14:19 Examples of Formal vs Informal 17:26 Semi-Formal 20:58 Quiz 21:53 Real-World Practice 26:41 Quiz 2   --- 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/formal-vs-informal-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.

    32 min
  6. How to Talk About Your Priorities in English | Real-Life Conversations

    12/17/2025

    How to Talk About Your Priorities in English | Real-Life Conversations

    When someone asks why you made a change, said no, or chose a different direction, it can be hard to explain yourself clearly in English. In this episode, we talk about how to talk about priorities in English in real-life conversations — at work, with friends, and with family — without sounding vague, defensive, or unsure. You'll learn practical phrases to help you: explain what matters to you talk about values and priorities naturally set boundaries without over-explaining say no and explain decisions with confidence talk about changes in direction when your priorities shift This episode is especially helpful if you know what matters to you, but struggle to find the right words in the moment — especially when people ask questions or expect an explanation. By the end, you'll have clear, natural language you can use right away in everyday and professional conversations.   Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Which Priority Is Right? 02:27 Name Your Priorities 05:56 Explain Your Values 09:59 Set Boundaries 15:25 Explain When Priorities Shift   --- 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/talk-about-your-priorities-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.

    20 min
  7. English Phrases for When Things Go Wrong | Everyday English

    12/10/2025

    English Phrases for When Things Go Wrong | Everyday English

    Talking about disappointment in English can feel overwhelming, especially when things don't go as planned. In this episode, you'll learn natural English phrases for when things go wrong — so you can express your feelings clearly and confidently. We'll explore language for mild, moderate, and intense disappointment, plus phrases for difficult moments, emotional clarity, asking for support, and talking about setbacks in a calm and honest way. You'll also learn how to name what's happening inside when someone asks, "How are you holding up?" and how to stay authentic without oversharing. This lesson is perfect for everyday English conversations, challenging moments at work, or personal situations where you want to feel understood. If you've struggled to find the right words in English when things didn't work out, this episode will give you language you can use right away. If you want more support and real speaking practice, you're welcome to join the Confident Women Community: speakconfidentenglish.com/community   Episode Timestamps: 00:00 A Bummer But... 01:56 Levels of Disappointment 07:49 Dealing with Conversations & Emotions 12:05 Phrases to Recover (When You're Not Ready to Talk) 13:51 Asking for Support 17:01 Bouncing Back     --- 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/english-phrases-for-when-things-go-wrong 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.

    21 min
  8. C1 Level English Vocabulary for Happiness and Well-Being

    12/03/2025

    C1 Level English Vocabulary for Happiness and Well-Being

    In this episode, you'll learn C1 level English vocabulary you can use to talk about happiness, well-being, and your real life in English. These advanced English phrases come from a podcast conversation between Dr. Rangan Chatterjee and Dr. Laurie Santos on the science of happiness. This lesson is perfect if you want to use English confidently in deeper conversations with friends, colleagues, or anyone you care about. Even better? If you  struggle to express real thoughts and feelings on complex topics, this episode helps you use clear, natural English when talking about: your emotions your goals and challenges your relationships your everyday well-being I recommend choosing the 4–5 phrases that resonate most and start using them 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 What We Get Wrong 03:13 How to Practice Today 03:49 Where You'll Use This Vocabulary 04:54 Social Connections 10:30 Practice 13:47 Cost of Technology 18:16 What Happy People Do 22:56 Your Natural Happiness 25:42 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/c1-level-english-vocabulary-for-happiness-and-well-being 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.

    29 min
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About

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. 🎧 Free Fluency Training → speakconfidentenglish.com/say-what-you-want-in-english

Information

  • Creator
    Annemarie — Speak Confident English
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Annemarie — Speak Confident English
  • Show Website
    The Speak Confident English Podcast

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