English Talk — Speaking up in English at work for introverts with Louise Jefferies
This podcast helps introverted non-native English speakers who struggle to voice their ideas at work despite having good English. Host Louise Jefferies, an experienced English trainer and coach for scientists and professionals, shares insights into why fluent English doesn't always mean confident communication. Each episode explores how anxiety and internal chatter can block expression, and offers practical strategies for introverts to speak up calmly and authentically without having to fake confidence.
Episodes
Ep 61 Confidence Without the Act Finding Your Authentic Voice with Helen von Dadelszen
What if trying to sound confident is actually getting in the way of confidence?In this episode, I talk to communications and vocal coach Helen von Dadelszen about finding your authentic voice rather than trying to perform confidence. We explore voice, nerves, accents, identity and the small courageous actions that help us speak up before we feel ready.A conversation about sounding like yourself, t
Ep 60: Don't Be the World's Best-Kept Secret with Susan Heaton-Wright
How many talented people stay invisible simply because they've been taught not to "show off"?In this inspiring conversation, Louise and communication specialist Susan Heaton-Wright explore why so many capable professionals hold themselves back, especially women, introverts and multilingual leaders.Susan shares her remarkable journey from being told as a child to stay in the backgroun
Ep 59 What's Really Holding You Back? with Madeleine de Hauke
In this episode, I sit down with executive coach and former medical doctor Madeleine de Hauke for an honest conversation about fear, confidence and what really stops talented people from reaching their potential.Madeleine shares the deeply personal story behind leaving medicine after qualifying as a doctor, revealing how fear and self-doubt shaped one of the biggest decisions of her career. Togeth
Ep 58 The Hidden Cost of Overthinking at Work with Linda Terry
Why do so many capable professionals replay conversations long after they've ended?In this episode, I'm joined once again by coach Linda Terry to explore the overthinking, rumination and self-doubt that many scientists, leaders and high achievers experience, especially when working in a second language.Together we discuss why perfectionism can be both a strength and a burden, how cultural and lang
Ep. 57: The Habits Keeping You Small with Luke Mathers
Why do we keep repeating behaviours that no longer serve us?In this episode, I’m joined by author and speaker Luke Mathers to explore the hidden habits, labels, and beliefs that quietly shape how we show up in life and at work.We talk about:why many habits are really forms of self-protectionhow labels like “introvert” or “anxious” can become limiting identitiesthe difference between confidence and
Ep. 56: Stop Hinting. Start Asking. with Elizabeth Bachmann
Ep. 56: Stop Hinting. Start Asking. with Elizabeth BachmannYou’re doing great work.But are you actually being heard?In this episode, I’m joined by Elizabeth Bachmann, former opera director turned executive communication coach, to unpack a pattern that keeps many talented professionals invisible at work.We explore why hinting doesn’t work, why being “obvious” to you isn’t obvious to others, and how
Ep.55 Why You’re Not Speaking Up and What It’s Costing You with Dagmar Albers
In this episode, I’m joined by Dagmar Albers, who spent over 20 years in pharma and successfully reduced a company’s gender pay gap from 15.9% to 6.6%.But this conversation isn’t really about pay.It’s about what actually holds capable professionals back from stepping into more senior roles, especially when working in a second language.We explore the patterns that quietly limit visibility and progr
Ep54 Hard Power vs Soft Power Leadership with Beverly McCluskey
This episode communications coach Beverly McCluskey and I challenge common assumptions about leadership, communication, and confidence at work.We discuss the difference between “hard power” and “soft power” leadership, why resilience is often misunderstood, and how introverts and non-native English speakers can lead effectively without forcing themselves into a more extroverted style.If you’ve eve
Ep 53 The Quiet Advantage: Elevating Introvert Leaders with David Boroughs
What if everything you were told about needing to speak up, be more visible, and "put yourself out there" was actually the wrong advice?In this episode I speak with David Burroughs, retired corporate leader and author of The Extrovert's Guide to Elevating Introvert Leaders in the Workplace, about the hidden personality bias that quietly holds introverted talent back, not because intr
Ep 52 Why Science Needs Better Communicators with Arijana Filipic
In this episode, I’m joined by Arijana Filipic to explore why strong communication is no longer optional in science.We talk about what sits beneath presentation skills, why fear of speaking is often mistaken for a lack of ability, and how storytelling helps people follow scientific thinking. We also discuss the risks of asking scientists to be more visible without giving them the support to feel s
Ep 51 From Complex Science to Clear Messages with Sonya Snedecor
In this episode I talk with Sonya Snedecor about turning complex science into clear, influential messages. We explore why clarity builds trust, how focusing on the “why” helps research get recognised, and what holds scientists back from speaking up. If you're interested in working with Sonya you can find out more about her newsletter The Ambitious Scientist.here: https://science-clarity.com
Ep50: Speaking Up in Science with Tamas Sohajda
Why do so many brilliant scientists stay silent and what does it cost?In this episode, I speak with Tamas Shohajda about fear, introversion, misinformation, and why LinkedIn is the safest place for scientists to start sharing their work.A must listen for anyone who knows they should speak up, but hesitation keeps winning.
Ep.49 When Stage Fright Hits the C-Suite with Peter Novak
Even senior leaders and seasoned experts can feel their confidence vanish the moment they speak in English under pressure. In this episode, Louise Jefferies and executive speaking coach Peter Novak explore why stage fright is so common, especially for non-native speakers and what actually helps.They discuss why “calm down” is the wrong advice, how to reframe anxiety as excitement, and why authenti
Ep 48 The Strengths of a well socialised Introvert with Charlotte Boujassy
What does it take for an introvert to thrive in leadership? In this episode, Charlotte Boujassy, Director of Talent Development, shares how she learned to navigate networking, public speaking, and career growth as a “well socialised introvert.”We discuss the limits of “fake it until you make it,” why genuine connections matter more than technical skills, and how introverts can turn their natural s
Ep 47 Speaking with Empathy with Dr Amira Koraiem
In this episode of English Talk, I’m joined by Amira Koraiem to explore how empathy shapes the way we connect and communicate at work. We talk about the hidden barriers behind language perfectionism, inner mental chatter and fear of judgement... and why empathy, both for ourselves and others, is the real key to speaking with confidence.
Ep 46 From scared stiff… to TEDx with Douglas McCloskey.
Think confident speakers are born that way? Think again. In this episode, Douglas shares how anyone can train for confidence like athletes train for sport. Together we discuss how ditching scripts, harnessing fear, and learning to speak with authority is possible without pretending to be an extrovert.
Ep 45 Leading Without Loudness with Patrick Bartosch
Can introverts succeed and even lead in an extrovert-friendly workplace?In this episode, Patrick Bartosch shares how he learned to act extroverted when it matters, why it’s not about being fake, and how introverts can recharge, communicate effectively, and get heard without burning out. Practical insights, personal stories, and a reminder: you don’t need to be perfect ... just prepared.
Ep44 What If Selling Was Just Being Honest? with Max Gibert
It’s not that selling is bad. It’s the way we approach it that causes the anxiety. The overthinking. The self doubt. But what if selling didn’t mean pushing yourself? What if it meant creating a space for truth with no agenda? That’s something introverts are wired for... They just need to see it differently.
Ep Ep 43 Advancing Your Career as an Introvert with Patrick Bartosch
Introverts often feel overlooked in the fast-paced world of Pharma & Biotech. Patrick Bartosch and I discuss how to balance authenticity with visibility, use communication as a career lever, and build leadership presence... even if speaking up isn’t your natural style.
Ep 42 Chat GPT interviews me about my work
As an experiment I uploaded all my social media accounts and marketing material and asked Chat GPT to interview me as if it were a potential client wanting to know more about me and how I work. The episode isn't scripted, I had no idea what it was going to ask me but I think you might find some of its questions interesting!
Ep 41 Introversion acquired or inherited? with Kacie Bail
Kacie and I talk about the difficulty of measuring language level and progress, as well as how these skills often don't transfer from the classroom to the boardroom or team meeting, when you work in a second or third language in industries such as IT, Pharmaceuticals and Biotech where the working language is English.
Ep 40 Relatable, with Louise
Have you ever walked out of a meeting with your heart racing… not because you said too much, but because you didn’t fax anything at all? If so this episode is for you
Ep 39 Introverts vs Extroverts with Jen Mohindra
What introverts process internally extroverts process more externally, how is that event possible? Of course this is a simplification of what's going on but it does give some insight as to how extroverts get more recognition. Introverts have a greater tendency to worry bout the impression the are giving to others. We worry that we're giving the impression that we're not interested or t
Ep 38 The root of the problem with Louise Jefferies
I the main complaint I hear from clients whether they’re coaching clients or language students is not having enough vocab. Listen in as I talk about the 3 different causes for lack, one way to build you vocab and an alternative way to get better access to the vocab you already know without spending hours making vocab cards. You can download here: https://bit.ly/3NJ1iOi And apply to take Find out
Ep 37 The pressure to be more extrovert and loud with Adam Pead
There are a lot of people who feel they have to be more extroverted, be more loud and that can have a negative impact on how genuinely they come across. Listen in as we talk about authenticity and it importance in gaining trust in all areas of life.
Ep 36 People hire people not robots - preparing for interview
When you’re an introvert, the part of the interview you probably dread most is the section on behavioural questions. Why? Because you can’t predict exactly what the question is going to be and because you have to talk about yourself, your skills and abilities. If you're dreading interviewing in English as an introvert listen in on tips on how to prepare.
Ep 35 The consequences of not speaking up with Lisa Sheerin
Public speaking today is becoming more and more a non-negotiable skill. Find out why as I talk to Lisa Sheerin about the consequences of not speaking up at work.
Ep 34 Why introverts are surviving while extroverts are thriving
Why do I care about introverted non-native speakers, especially introverted scientists? That's the topic of this week's episode as I present to you my motivation to working in this field.
Ep32 Frameworks, principles & techniques for networking with Salvatore
Salvatore Manzi, a leadership communications coach with over 20 years of experience helping technical, analytical and introverted leaders amplify their influence and impact. Join us as we talking how to network and present with confidence as an introvert.
Ep 33 Fight, flight, freeze or fawn and the 4 introvert types
As an introvert which coping mechanism do you use when faced with a stressful situation? Could it be that the method you use relates to the type of introvert you are? Listen in as I explain.
Ep31 What you have is good enough with Kallol Biswas
Too many introverts worry about perfection, the truth is that what you have is good enough. Not speaking up and sharing your ideas is a bigger crime than sharing them with imperfections.
Ep30 Love and passion as a motivational force Lorena Sullivan
To speak up as an introvert you need to find your passion, your love and for Lorena it was music and singing. What is it that gives you a reason to be heard?` Join me as we discuss this and more.
Ep 29 The problem with introverted scientists with Florian Kast
Scientists tend to be both introverts & perfectionists. They're in their own heads a lot and very used to being wrong. Their whole lives can be spent proving themselves wrong in the hope that one day a hypothesis is right. But proving yourself wrong in your hypothesis is easy in comparison to making language mistakes; that shouldn't happen. Listen in as Florian and I discuss this and o
Ep 28 Questions to ask yourself going into 2025
Starting the new year I have some questions I usually ask myself to reflect on the passing year. Join me as I answer the questions and invite you to do the same.
1. What good things have happened this year?
2. What’s drained you of energy?
3. What’s excited you?
6. What are you avoiding?
7. What does success mean to you?
8. What do you want next success to be?
9. What’s
Ep 27 Dr. Chandni Natalia Kumar, how I discovered my extrovert side
Dr. Chandni Natalia Kumar founder of daily dose of honest science joint me this episode to talk about the importance of science communication and how it's been possible for her to discover her more extroverted side. Check out her YouTube channel here
Ep26 The research behind Core Transformation with Mark Andreas
This week I talk to Mark Andreas about Core Transformation as a techniques for reducing anxiety and facilitating change. You can find the research done my Mark on Core Transformation here: https://www.coretransformation.org/research/
Ep 25 Making friends with your inner critic with Linda Terry
This episode Linda Terry PhD is back with me to talk about how to not only listen to your inner critic, but to help it be a little less vocal!
Ep. 24 Tips for Introverts from big hearted extrovert Sarah Short
What are the differences between introverts and extroverts? What's going on the in the head of an extrovert? and How can introverts and extroverts work together and support each other? Listen in as we discuss these as well as other questions.
Ep 23 I invite one of my groups to join me to discuss communication
I continue to teach English predominantly within the Pharma, Biotech and Radiological industry. This week I invited/coerced one of my groups to join me on the episode to discuss the challenges of communicating at work with multinational teams in English.
Ep22: Introvert Confidence and Reflection - Paul Bridel
Paul helps exhausted IT managers rediscover their passion, so they can figure out what they ACTUALLY want. Join us as we discuss the similarities between introverts in IT and Pharma and Biotech and the challenges they all face speaking up at work.
Ep21 When Less English Means More Confidence - Hervé Jardon
Hervé works with overstretched leaders of Engineering SMEs to help them prepare their business so they can grow it successfully. He's also an introverted non-native speaker who's successfully navigated today's extrovert-centric working culture.
Ep20 Embracing Imperfection in Communication - Thierry Feraud
Thierry is a communications coach and teacher as well as a voice over artist and a non-native English speaker. Join us as we discuss the challenges that natives and non-native introverts face speaking up at work.
Ep19: Nurturing Introverts - Dr. Boris Adryan
This week I talk to Dr Boris Adryan about the differences between introverts and extroverts and the responsibilities of both to ensure good team communication.
Ep18 A cosy chat with your host Louise Jefferies
This week, it's just me and you. Join me as I answer some of the your most commonly asked questions about who I am and the work I do to helping non-native introverted HSPs start speaking up in English at work.
Ep 17 Understanding HSPs and Social Anxiety - Sailo
Sailo is a Psychological Counselor; she describes her calling as helping other adults understand and manage their emotions, so they can be in control of their thoughts and ultimately their behaviour. You can check out her website here: https://www.sailocounselling.com/welcome
Ep16 The Introvert Mistaken for an Extrovert - Lora McInturf
Lora supports high-performing lawyers and business professionals in law, IT, finance, accounting, and coaching... she's also an introvert and HSP.
Episode 15 with Carolin Moghimi
This week I talk to Carolin Moghimi about the importance, or not of accents when you speak.
Ep14 Humanizing Workplace Communication - Eszter Zsiray
Join Eszter my myself as we discuss how culture effects communication.
Episode 13 with Cecile Hemery
In this episode I talk with Cecile Hemery about what it takes to start public speaking as an introvert and the benefits of doing so.
Episode 12 with Alex Nunn
This week I talk with Ex senior leader Alex Nunn about the challenges and benefits of being an introvert in a leadership position.
Ep11: The Power of Introvert Reflection - Dr. Linda Terry
As a scientist and self proclaimed introvert Linda has lots of experiences and advice to share on speaking up at work.
Episode 10 with Adeyanju Olomola
What does it mean to be and extroverted introvert? Join me as I discuss this with my guest Adenyaiu Olomoa.
Episode 9 with Peggy Cheyo
Join me as I talk with Peggy Cheyo about the challenges of being an introvert in an extrovert world and how culture and neurodiversity complicate things further.
Episode 8 Introverted highly sensitive non natives in Pharma and biotech
In this episode I talk about why I work with introverted highly sensitive non natives in Pharma and Biotech.
Episode 7 Corina Ciubotaru
This week I talk to Corina Ciubotaru about the challenges of speaking up in a foreign language as an introvert.
Episode 6 Paula Sheridon
Today I‘m joined by Paula Sheridon who has a long background working in corporate Pharma in both European and Global teams.
Episode 5 Cameighl Powell
In this episode I talk to language trainer and coach Cameighl Powell about her experiences both as a language trainer and a non native abroad.
Episode 4 Caroline Tapken
My guest Caroline Tapken and I talk about the challenges speaking a foreign language living and working abroad.
Fancy vocabulary
In this rather short episode I talk about the temptation to use fancy vocabulary and the pitfalls of doing this.
Episode 2 managing our fears
In this episode I talk about our relationship with fear and how to start managing these fears effectively to have more confident and less stressful business conversations
Welcome to English Talk
Today I talk about the how and why of what I do. How I help people gain confidence speaking English with their teams. How what I do is different from the majority of language trainers. And why my methods works where others fail.
