Alle afleveringen van Learning English Conversations

The English We Speak: Leave to one's own devices

20 oktober 2026 · 3 min

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Sometimes people leave you to do something on your own because they trust you. Sometimes people just don't want to help you. In both of these situations we can say that you are left to your own devices. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. Lees meer

Get a free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-261019

Have you signed up to our email newsletter yet? If not, what are you waiting for?! Get weekly tips from your favourite presenters: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

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The English We Speak: Try one's patience

13 oktober 2026 · 3 min

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Try your patience means 'test your patience'. Find out how to use it here with Phil and Feifei. Lees meer

Get a free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-261012

Have you signed up to our email newsletter yet? If not, what are you waiting for?! Get weekly tips from your favourite presenters: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

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The English We Speak: Sack something off

6 oktober 2026 · 2 min

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I’ve got too many plans. I’m going to sack them off and just chill out this week! Learn how to use 'sack something off' in this programme with Georgie and Feifei. Lees meer

Get a free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-261005

Have you signed up to our email newsletter yet? If not, what are you waiting for?! Get weekly tips from your favourite presenters: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

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The English We Speak: In a tizzy

29 september 2026 · 2 min

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An expression to use when you feel stressed about something small and usually not worth the panic. Learn it here with Georgie and Feifei. Lees meer

Get a free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260928

Have you signed up to our email newsletter yet? If not, what are you waiting for?! Get weekly tips from your favourite presenters: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

And check out our newly updated website homepage. Find what you're looking for more quickly and easily: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/

The English We Speak: Same person, different font

22 september 2026 · 3 min

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Same hair, same style, same ways of waking and talking? They might be the 'same person, different font'. Learn how to use this expression with Becca and Feifei. Lees meer

Get a free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260921

Have you signed up to our email newsletter yet? If not, what are you waiting for?! Get weekly tips from your favourite presenters: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

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The English We Speak: Hot take

15 september 2026 · 3 min

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Do you want to share a surprising opinion? Learn how to use 'hot take' with Feifei and Becca. Lees meer

Get a free transcript to read while you listen here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english//features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260914

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We'd love some feedback about our website, or any of our programmes. Just email us at learningenglish@bbc.co.uk

The English We Speak: Try it on

8 september 2026 · 3 min

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Sometimes people lie to try and get away with things. They are just trying It on. Learn how to use 'try it on' with Feifei and Phil. As always, get your free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260907 Lees meer

Also on our website, you can practice your listening and speaking:
- The Listening Room https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room
- The Reading Room https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_reading_room

Sign up to our weekly newsletter! Your favourite presenters write you an email with tips and resources to help you improve your English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

The English We Speak: Non-starter

1 september 2026 · 3 min

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Some ideas are just never going to work. Those are what we call 'non-starters'. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. Lees meer

As always, get your free transcript for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260831

Sign up to our weekly newsletter! Your favourite presenters write you an email with tips and resources to help you improve your English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599 - also feel free to respond! We read everything, although we don't have time to reply to everyone.

Have you tried our 'Real Easy English' podcast? Listen to real conversations about everyday topics to boost your listening confidence. You can WATCH the podcast here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english

The English We Speak: No notes

25 augustus 2026 · 2 min

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Notes here is about negative feedback, so ‘no notes’ means that something is perfect. Use it when you have nothing negative to say. Learn about this expression and how to use it with Feifei and Georgie. Lees meer

As always, find a free transcript here:

✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260824

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:

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The English We Speak: Say less

18 augustus 2026 · 3 min

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This modern expression is a way of responding enthusiastically to a suggestion. It means something similar to ‘say no more’. Learn when and how to use it with Georgie and Feifei. Lees meer

As always, find a free transcript here:

✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260817

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com

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The English We Speak: Share your life story

11 augustus 2026 · 3 min

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Think you sometimes over-share unnecessary details? Learn how to use 'share your life story' with Becca and Feifei. Lees meer

As always, find a free transcript here:

✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260810

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:

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The English We Speak: Keep yourself to yourself

4 augustus 2026 · 3 min

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Learn an expression to use when someone doesn't socialise much with other people and prefers to be alone. Lees meer

You can get a free transcript for this programme here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260803

Find programmes to help you improve your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/skills

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Come back here this time next week for the next episode of The English We Speak

The English We Speak: One size fits all

28 juli 2026 · 3 min

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This expression was originally just about clothes, but it now it can mean anything that doesn't consider individual needs. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. Lees meer

As always, find a free transcript here:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260727

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:
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The English We Speak: Side quest

21 juli 2026 · 2 min

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Do you ever get distracted by something fun? A side quest is where you do something that's different to your main task. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. Lees meer

As always, find a free transcript here:

✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260721

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:

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The English We Speak: Passing Ships

14 juli 2026 · 3 min

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This phrase comes from a longer idiom, ‘like ships that pass at night’. It’s used when two people have busy schedules, and struggle to find time to meet for more than just a brief encounter. Learn how to use it here, with Georgie and Feifei. Lees meer

Find a free transcript here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260713

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:
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The English We Speak: Understood the assignment

7 juli 2026 · 3 min

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This slang phrase is about knowing what you have to do for a task, and doing it perfectly. Hear examples and learn how to use it in this programme, with Georgie and Feifei. Lees meer

As always, find a free transcript here:

✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260706.

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com

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The English We Speak: Onto something

30 juni 2026 · 2 min

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Onto something suggests progress or a good idea. Maybe not a complete answer, but you're moving in the right direction. Learn how to use 'onto something' with Becca and Feifei. Lees meer

As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260629.

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

The English We Speak: Sell yourself short

23 juni 2026 · 3 min

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When we sell ourselves short, we say negative things about ourselves. We undervalue or underestimate ourselves. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca. Lees meer

As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260622.

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

The English We Speak: Wrap it up

16 juni 2026 · 3 min

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Sometimes you just want people to stop. That's one way to use 'wrap it up'. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. Lees meer

Find a free transcript and related programmes here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260615

Exams coming up? Practise your skills with BBC Learning English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/skills

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The English We Speak: Throw ideas at the wall

9 juni 2026 · 3 min

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Sometimes you want to come up with ideas without thinking too much. That's when you throw ideas at the wall to see if anything sticks. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. Lees meer

As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260608.

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

The English We Speak: Like a moth to a flame

2 juni 2026 · 3 min

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Moths are winged insects which are attracted to light sources. Learn the metaphorical use of this expression in this programme with Feifei and Georgie. Lees meer

As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260601

Practise your listening in The Listening Room. Find it here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

The English We Speak: Gatekeep

26 mei 2026 · 3 min

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Gatekeep is a verb which means to withhold information. It can be used to talk about fandoms or products. Learn how with Feifei and Georgie. Lees meer

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260525

Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.

The English We Speak: In over my head

19 mei 2026 · 3 min

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Do you almost feel like you're drowning in your tasks? Maybe you're in over your head. Learn when and how to use this expression with Becca and Feifei. Lees meer

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260518

Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.

The English We Speak: A hunch

12 mei 2026 · 3 min

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Is it true or is it just a hunch? Learn when and how to use ‘a hunch’ in this programme Lees meer

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260511

Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.

The English We Speak: Take it as a given

5 mei 2026 · 3 min

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There are some things that you can just assume to be true. This expression is for those. Learn how to use it expression with Feifei and Phil. Lees meer

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260504

Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.

The English We Speak: Think on your feet

28 april 2026 · 3 min

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Sometimes you need to think quickly, like for a job or to answer a question. Thinking on your feet means to do just this! Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. Lees meer

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260427

Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.

The English We Speak: Can't see the wood for the trees

21 april 2026 · 3 min

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This idiom is about focusing on the small details too much and losing sight of the bigger picture. Learn when and how to use it, and learn other language to use in this situation, with Feifei and Georgie. Lees meer

For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260420

Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.

The English We Speak: Yap

14 april 2026 · 3 min

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"Stop yapping!" Learn a word to use when someone talks a lot with Feifei and Georgie. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com Lees meer

As always, find a free transcript here:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260413

And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to discover the range.

The English We Speak: Flow State

7 april 2026 · 3 min

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When we enter a flow state, we feel fully focused. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com Lees meer

As always, find a free transcript here:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260406

And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to discover the range.

The English We Speak: Got you

30 maart 2026 · 2 min

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If you've got someone, you support them.Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca. Lees meer

As always, find a free transcript here:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260330

And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to discover the range.

The English We Speak: A bit of a stretch

24 maart 2026 · 2 min

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Sometimes we say things that aren't 100% true. They're not complete lies, but they are a bit of a stretch. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. Lees meer

As always, find a free transcript here:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260323

And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.

We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to discover the range.

The English We Speak: Kick the can down the road

16 maart 2026 · 2 min

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Sometimes at work we need to kick the can down the road. Learn how to use this expression with Phil and Feifei. Lees meer

TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260316

OFFICE ENGLISH:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english

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✔️ Learning English Grammar
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The English We Speak: Cut corners

10 maart 2026 · 3 min

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If you want to do a task perfectly, it's usually not a good idea to cut corners. Learn about this expression and how to use it in conversations with Feifei and Georgie. Lees meer

TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260309

BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
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LIKE PODCASTS?

Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
✔️ Learning English from the News
✔️ 6 Minute English

They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)

Beating Speaking Anxiety: 8. I’m scared I can’t be myself

9 maart 2026 · 9 min

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It can be harder to express our personality in a foreign language because we have fewer language tools available and speaking anxiety can make it harder to let our personalities shine. Lees meer

Learn from experts about this topic and get tips on how to show your true self in English in the last episode of this special series.

Don't forget, you can watch Georgie's explainer videos and see learners of English try different activities to improve their speaking confidence. Find them on our website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety

Office English is back for a third series! Search for 'Learning English for Work' in your favourite podcast app, or find the episodes with free transcripts here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english

Our newsletter with our weekly highlights and language learning tips comes out every Wednesday. Make sure you're signed up! https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

The English We Speak: Short-change

3 maart 2026 · 4 min

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If you give someone less than they deserve, you short-change them. Learn the literal and metaphorical use of this expression with Feifei and Georgie and hear more examples. Lees meer

IND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260302

BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety

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Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

LIKE PODCASTS?
Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
✔️ Learning English from the News
✔️ 6 Minute English

They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)

Beating Speaking Anxiety: 7. I’m scared I’m not getting better

2 maart 2026 · 8 min

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Sometimes it can feel like no matter how much you practise speaking, you don’t get any better. Lees meer

In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about what to do when you feel stuck learning English.

With speaking coaches Rhiannon Carter and Barnaby Griffiths.

WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/progress-video

TRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/progress-podcast

NEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

The English We Speak: Go through a rough patch

24 februari 2026 · 3 min

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Life isn't always great, sometimes things can be difficult. Use 'go through a rough patch' when life gets difficult for a while. Learn this useful expression with Feifei and Phil. Lees meer

As always, find a free transcript here:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260223

And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.

We send a newsletter with our weekly higlights - subscribe here:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to discover the range.

Beating Speaking Anxiety: 6. I’m scared I won’t get the joke

23 februari 2026 · 11 min

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Have you ever been in a group of friends and everyone laughs, but you didn’t understand the joke? Lees meer

In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about understanding humour and making people laugh when speaking English.

With Peruvian performer Pepa Duarte.

WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/humour-video

TRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/humour-podcast

NEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

The English We Speak: Learn the hard way

16 februari 2026 · 3 min

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Sometimes we ignore advice. Sometimes things go wrong and this programme is about those times. Phil and Feifei teach you how to use the expression to learn something the hard way. Lees meer

FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260216

BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

LIKE PODCASTS?
Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
✔️ Learning English from the News
✔️ 6 Minute English

They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)

Beating Speaking Anxiety: 5. I’m scared people won’t understand me

16 februari 2026 · 9 min

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Have you ever spoken in English, and the other person didn’t understand? Lees meer

In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about accents and pronunciation.

With Jennifer Jenkins, Emeritus Professor of Global Englishes, University of Southampton.

WATCH – Find Georgie’s video with tips to improve your speaking here https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/being_understood-video

TRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/being_understood-podcast

NEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

The English We Speak: A big ask

10 februari 2026 · 3 min

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Sometimes people ask for too much. Listen to examples of this phrase being use and learn how to use it for those moments. Lees meer

FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://downloads.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/tews/260209_tews_a_big_ask_transcript.pdf

BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

LIKE PODCASTS?
Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
✔️ Learning English from the News
✔️ 6 Minute English

They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)

Beating Speaking Anxiety: 4. I'm scared of speaking in front of people

9 februari 2026 · 9 min

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Do you get nervous speaking English in front of people, even a small group of friends? Lees meer

In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about public speaking and speaking in bigger groups.

With Regina Kaplan Rakowski, Professor of Learning Technologies at the University of North Texas.

WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/not_understanding-video

TRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary: https://downloads.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/4_BSA_speaking_in_front_of_others_transcript__.pdf

NEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

The English We Speak: Facepalm moment

3 februari 2026 · 3 min

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Something embarrassing or frustrating could lead to a facepalm moment. Learn how to use this expression here. Lees meer

FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260202

BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

LIKE PODCASTS?
Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
✔️ Learning English from the News
✔️ 6 Minute English

They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)

Beating Speaking Anxiety: 3. I’m scared I won’t understand people

2 februari 2026 · 9 min

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Speaking is only one side of the conversation. You also have to listen to and understand the other person. Lees meer

In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about how you can improve your listening in real life conversations.

With Erhan Aslan, Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Reading.

WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/not_understanding-video

TRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/not_understanding-podcast

NEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

The English We Speak: Shoot off

27 januari 2026 · 2 min

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This expression means leave quickly because you're in a hurry or there's somewhere you need to be. Learn how to use it here. Lees meer

FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260126

BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
✔️ Learning English from the News
✔️ 6 Minute English

They're all available by searching in your podcast app.

(Photo: Getty)

Beating Speaking Anxiety: 2. I’m scared of forgetting my words

26 januari 2026 · 8 min

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Have you ever been speaking English, and suddenly you freeze and forget your words? Lees meer

In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about why our brain can’t always remember words we know in a new language.

With Alissa Melinger, Professor of psycholinguistics at the University of Dundee.

WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety

TRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/forgetting_words-podcast

NEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

The English We Speak: Hot on the heels

20 januari 2026 · 3 min

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This expression means something happens immediately after something else, often unexpectedly. Learn how to use it here. Lees meer

FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260119

TRY BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY
✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

LIKE PODCASTS?
Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
✔️ Learning English from the News
✔️ 6 Minute English

They're all available by searching in your podcast app.

(Photo: Getty)

Beating Speaking Anxiety: 1. I’m scared of making mistakes

19 januari 2026 · 11 min

Beluister deze aflevering

Do you get anxious when speaking English? You’re not alone. Lees meer

In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about how to increase your confidence speaking English, even when you make mistakes.

With professor of Chinese Han Luo and speaking coach Barnaby Griffiths.

WATCH – Find Georgie’s videos with tips to improve your speaking here https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/making_mistakes-video

TRANSCRIPT – Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/making_mistakes-podcast

NEWSLETTER – Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

The English We Speak: Aura farming

13 januari 2026 · 3 min

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Learn this expression which means do something for attention or praise. Lees meer

FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260112

TRY THE LISTENING ROOM
✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
✔️ Learning English from the News
✔️ 6 Minute English

They're all available by searching in your podcast app.

(Photo: Getty)

The English We Speak: Lock in

6 januari 2026 · 3 min

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This phrasal verb means to focus hard with no distractions. Learn how to use it here! Lees meer

FIND A TRANSCRIPT:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260105

TRY THE LISTENING ROOM
✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ Learning English Grammar
✔️ Learning English from the News
✔️ 6 Minute English

They're all available by searching in your podcast app.

(Photo: Getty)