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Smart English Coach

Smart English Coach

Clare 141 Episodes Oct 21, 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

Economy, economic, economical: are you using the right word?
Economy, economic, economical: are you using the right word? Oct 21, 2026 895 How can you make your English more precise without learning more words?In this episode, I explore three useful word families: economy, culture and society, and the subtle differences between their various forms.As a writing examiner for an advanced English exam, I see how developing this kind of vocabulary control can help distinguish a good candidate from a strong one.You'll discover how pay
Vocabulary Upgrade: Wheel
Vocabulary Upgrade: Wheel Sep 30, 2026 687 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 MailSubscribe to the podcastNever mis
Why You Need Somewhere To Experiment With Your English
Why You Need Somewhere To Experiment With Your English Sep 17, 2026 389 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 willi
10 Words You Know But Don't Use
10 Words You Know But Don't Use Sep 2, 2026 965 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
Vocabulary Upgrade: Fresh
Vocabulary Upgrade: Fresh Aug 19, 2026 530 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
5 Lessons From 40 Years Teaching English
5 Lessons From 40 Years Teaching English Jul 29, 2026 612 My summer sale is now on. Get 50% off my five advanced English courses here:smartenglishcoachcom/offerAfter 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
Vocabulary Upgrade: Bolt
Vocabulary Upgrade: Bolt Jul 15, 2026 425 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 MailSubscribe t
A 30-minute English workout
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
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
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
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
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

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