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Smart English Coach

Smart English Coach

Clare 141 Episodes Jul 1, 2026

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

Episodes

A 30-minute English workout Jul 1, 2026 618 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
When English Words Come Too Late Jun 17, 2026 411 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 na
How It Feels To Be A Beginner Jun 3, 2026 595 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 la
3 Ways To Improve Your English May 6, 2026 438 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
Why Your English Doesn't Sound Like You Apr 15, 2026 435 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 ne
Is Your English Better Than You Think? Apr 1, 2026 330 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
How To Get A Precise English Vocabulary Mar 18, 2026 560 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 profession
What Really Changes At Advanced English Level Mar 4, 2026 803 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 leve
Why It Feels Harder To Get To Advanced English Level Feb 19, 2026 365 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 strate
4 Myths About Giving Presentations In English Feb 4, 2026 1070 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
How To Sound More Professional In English Jan 21, 2026 482 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 E
The English 'Wins' To Aim For In 2026 Jan 7, 2026 488 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,

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