Hello, I'm Aliex, a British Business English tutor. Many of my students tell me, "I know a lot of English, but I feel nervous at work." If you feel the same, you are not alone. Confidence is not about perfect English. It is about feeling ready and knowing you can be understood.
Here are five simple things you can start doing this week.
1. Learn a few useful phrases for meetings
Meetings are one of the most stressful places to use English. Having a few ready-made phrases can help you feel calmer. Try these:
"Could you say that again, please?"
"Let me check that I understand."
"I would like to add something."
"Can I come back to that point later?"
Write three phrases on a small note and keep it next to your computer. After a few meetings, you will start to use them without thinking.
2. Practise out loud
Reading and listening are important, but speaking is a skill of its own. You only get better at speaking by speaking. Spend five minutes a day saying your ideas out loud. You could explain your plans for the day, or practise an answer you want to give in a meeting.
You can also record yourself on your phone. It may feel strange at first, but listening back is a very good way to notice what is already working well.
3. Learn words in small groups
Instead of learning one word at a time, learn words that go together. These groups are called collocations. For example:
make a decision
meet a deadline
give feedback
share an update
This helps you sound more natural, and it makes sentences easier to build when you are speaking quickly.
4. Use short, clear sentences
Many learners try to use long, complicated sentences to sound professional. In real work situations, clear English is always better. Compare these two sentences:
"I would like to inform you that the report, which I have been working on, will be ready soon."
"The report will be ready on Friday."
The second sentence is shorter, clearer and easier to understand. Your colleagues will thank you for it.
5. Accept that mistakes are part of learning
Everyone makes mistakes, including people who speak English as their first language. If your listener understands you, your message has worked. Try to focus on communicating your ideas and not on being perfect. You can always correct a small mistake later and move on.
A small task for you
Choose one idea from this list and try it this week. Just one is enough. Small habits, repeated often, make a big difference over time.
Want some friendly support?
In my one to one online lessons, we practise the English you really use at work, such as meetings, emails, presentations and interviews. Every lesson is planned around your job and your goals, in a supportive space with no fear of judgement.
If you would like to meet me, you can book a free 20-minute intro chat. We will talk about what you want to improve, and you can ask me any questions.