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PODCAST

Smart English Coach

Smart English Coach helps advanced English learners communicate clearly, confidently and naturally at work.Each episode shares practical strategies to help you express complex ideas, choose the right words, and speak with authority.Hosted by Clare Whitmell, English teacher and coach with 30+ years’ experience helping professionals reach advanced fluency.Explore the Advanced English Academy for deeper training and coaching.

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All Episodes

11:27

Vocabulary Upgrade: Wheel

Smart English Coach ·

2026/09/30

How much can you do with one ordinary English word? In this episode of Vocabulary Upgrade, we look at the word wheel and some of the less obvious ways English speakers use it. You'll also discover why looking for patterns can be such a useful way to learn and remember vocabulary. Listen to the episode and see how many expressions you already know. Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the podcast Never miss an episode! Get free English coaching tips here. Get the transcript Follow me on LinkedIn and ...

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6:29

Why You Need Somewhere To Experiment With Your English

Smart English Coach ·

2026/09/17

If you already have a good level of English, you probably know a lot of language that you don't always use. In this episode, I talk about why advanced learners need opportunities to experiment with English: trying new vocabulary and expressions, getting feedback and trying again. A supportive environment makes this much easier. When you know it's OK to make mistakes, you're more willing to try using English in new ways. If you'd like somewhere to practise, get feedback and keep developing you...

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16:05

10 Words You Know But Don't Use

Smart English Coach ·

2026/09/02

You probably know much more English vocabulary than you actually use. In this episode, we look at why some ordinary words stay in your passive vocabulary - and how bringing them into your active English can help you express yourself more precisely, naturally and confidently. Advanced English isn't necessarily about learning more complicated words. Sometimes it's about finding the one right word instead of explaining the idea in five. Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the podcast Never miss an epi...

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8:50

Vocabulary Upgrade: Fresh

Smart English Coach ·

2026/08/19

What do fresh ideas, fresh air, a fresh pair of eyes, refresh your memory and freshen up have in common? In this Vocabulary Upgrade episode, I explore the different meanings and patterns behind the word fresh - from something new or recently arrived to something clean, renewed, or full of energy. You’ll discover why we talk about fresh talent, fresh out of university, a fresh perspective, refreshing a room and even telling someone not to get fresh with you. Understanding the connections ...

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10:12

5 Lessons From 40 Years Teaching English

Smart English Coach ·

2026/07/29

My summer sale is now on. Get 50% off my five advanced English courses here: smartenglishcoachcom/offer After nearly 40 years of teaching English, I've noticed something interesting... The biggest challenges English learners face are often not what they think they are. You might think you need more grammar, more vocabulary, or more time studying. But I've learned that becoming fluent is about something much more important: knowing how to use the English you already know. In this episode, I sh...

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7:05

Vocabulary Upgrade: Bolt

Smart English Coach ·

2026/07/15

What do sit bolt upright, a horse bolts, bolt-on and a bolt from the blue have in common? In this episode, I explore how understanding the patterns behind English vocabulary can help you remember new expressions more easily. You'll discover the many meanings of the word bolt and why recognising these connections is one of the keys to sounding more natural in English. Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the podcast Never miss an episode! Get free English coaching tips here. Get the transcript Follow...

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10:18

A 30-minute English workout

Smart English Coach ·

2026/07/01

You don’t need hours of study to improve your English. In this episode, I explore why learning more vocabulary isn’t enough - and how to turn the words you know into language you can use. You’ll discover: Why recognising a word is different from being able to use itThe vocabulary trap that keeps many learners stuckSimple ways to practise speaking when you don’t have much timeFluency doesn’t come from collecting more English. It comes from activating the English you already have. Send us Fan M...

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6:51

When English Words Come Too Late

Smart English Coach ·

2026/06/17

Have you ever finished an English conversation and thought: "I could have said much more than that." Why does this happen - and how can you get better at responding in the moment? In this episode, I explore why knowing English isn't always the same as being able to use it in real conversations. You'll learn how to practise speaking so you can organise your thoughts, respond more naturally, and hesitate less. Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the podcast Never miss an episode! Get free English coa...

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9:55

How It Feels To Be A Beginner

Smart English Coach ·

2026/06/03

After two weeks travelling around Japan, I was reminded what it feels like to operate in a language you don't understand - and how uncomfortable that can be. In this episode, I share a few stories from my trip, including getting lost on the Kyoto tram system, chatting with strangers in a traditional onsen, and using a tiny piece of Japanese that went a surprisingly long way. I talk about why language learning is about much more than grammar and vocabulary, and why confidence often comes from ...

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7:18

3 Ways To Improve Your English

Smart English Coach ·

2026/05/06

If your English is already good, but it still doesn’t feel as clear or as confident as you’d like, this episode is for you. At this stage, progress doesn’t come from learning more. It comes from using what you already know more effectively. In this episode, I share 3 simple ways to do that: – how to improve what you say in real time (without repeating yourself) – how to build a set of phrases you can use again and again – why slowing down can make you more fluent These are small c...

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7:15

Why Your English Doesn't Sound Like You

Smart English Coach ·

2026/04/15

You can communicate in English - but it doesn’t always come out the way you want. If you hesitate in English, or sometimes say things in a simpler way than you want, this episode is for you! In this episode, you’ll learn: why this happens at higher levels the gap between thinking and speaking 3 strategies to help you sound clearer and more confident If you want to know exactly what to focus on next for clear, precise English, come to the live session nex...

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5:30

Is Your English Better Than You Think?

Smart English Coach ·

2026/04/01

Many people underestimate their level in English - and this can slow down their progress more than they realise. In this episode, I talk about: why it’s so common to misjudge your level how this leads to focusing on the wrong things the signs you may already be beyond intermediate If your English feels “not quite good enough”, this episode will help you see your level more clearly - and show you what to do next. Link in this episode Come to a free live session...

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9:20

How To Get A Precise English Vocabulary

Smart English Coach ·

2026/03/18

Many English learners believe they need more vocabulary. But at advanced level, progress comes from something different: precision. In this episode, I explore how stronger English comes from choosing better words - and not just learning more of them. You’ll learn five ways to get a more precise and professional vocabulary without memorising vocabulary lists. If you’re aiming for advanced or professional English, this episode will help you move from “good vocabulary” to precise communication.&...

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13:23

What Really Changes At Advanced English Level

Smart English Coach ·

2026/03/04

In this episode, I explore what really changes between intermediate and advanced English - and how to move beyond the “intermediate plateau.” You’ll learn: • Why advanced English is about refining what you know - not learning more • How grammar helps you express ideas with precision and emphasis • Why advanced vocabulary and speaking is about accuracy and nuance • The mindset change at advanced level - and how to handle performance pressure If you’re preparing for CAE or aim...

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6:05

Why It Feels Harder To Get To Advanced English Level

Smart English Coach ·

2026/02/19

In this episode, find out why getting to advanced English feels so different from getting to intermediate level - and why so many people feel stuck at this stage. I talk about: Why advanced English isn’t just “more vocabulary and fewer mistakes”The shift from fluency to precision and reliabilityThe hidden psychological pressure of performing in professional situationsWhy intermediate learning strategies stop working at advanced levelIf you’ve ever felt frustrated about slower progress in Engl...

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17:50

4 Myths About Giving Presentations In English

Smart English Coach ·

2026/02/04

Why do presentations feel so scary, especially in English? Jill Cannon-Jones, who specialises in helping professionals deliver clearer, more confident presentations, talks about: Why presentation anxiety is so commonHow body language affects your confidenceHow your slides can weaken your messageFour common presentation mythsThis episode is full of practical advice for sounding confident, clear, and professional - without needing perfect English. Find out more about Jill! Her website: Say It L...

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8:02

How To Sound More Professional In English

Smart English Coach ·

2026/01/21

Your English can be correct and fluent - and still not sound fully professional. In this episode, I share the small language choices that change how professional your English sounds at work. You’ll hear: why vague language weakens otherwise good Englishhow choosing the right words (not more words) improves claritypractical examples you can use immediately in emails, meetings, and discussionsIf your English is already good, this episode will make it sound more professional. For more structured...

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8:08

The English 'Wins' To Aim For In 2026

Smart English Coach ·

2026/01/07

What does a real win in English actually look like? In this episode, I explain why success isn’t about more grammar or vocabulary. It's about English that works for you. You’ll learn - how to focus strategically, - how to choose the right areas to improve, and - how to connect your English to real professional situations. I also explain why advanced English is the key to clarity, confidence, and authority at work, and how the Advanced English Academy i...

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7:20

3 Areas Where You've Made Progress In English This Year

Smart English Coach ·

2025/12/23

In this final episode of the year, I explain why progress isn’t only about fluency or perfect English, and how you’ve probably improved more than you realise. You’ll discover: Three areas where people often make “invisible” progressWhy confidence can grow even without big milestonesHow small wins build fluency and motivation over timeA simple reflection exercise to help you feel more confident about your EnglishThis episode will help you recognise your progress and feel proud of how far you’...

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8:32

How to do 'uncomfortable' things in English

Smart English Coach ·

2025/12/10

In this episode, I share advice from a psychologist on how to deal with things that make us feel anxious - either because they're difficult or because they make us feel uncomfortable. I also share some practical strategies on how to make progress in your English without stress. Links in this episode Meditations for Mortals (Oliver Burkeman) Advanced English Academy Send us a text Subscribe to the podcast Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here. Get the transcript Follow m...

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