Small language shifts can create big changes in how we communicate. 

Here are 5 powerful ways to replace negative phrasing with a more positive approach:

1. Replace “can’t” with “can”
   Instead of “We can’t meet the deadline,” say, “We can deliver by next week.“
2. Replace “but” with “and”
   Instead of “That’s good, but…,” say ,”That’s good, and…“
3. Remove blame words.
   Instead of “You always forget…,” say, “Let’s find a way to remember...”
4. Replace problems with solutions Instead of “This is impossible,” say, “Let’s explore our options.“
5. Replace negatives with possibilities. Instead of “We don’t have resources,” say, “We can work with what we have.”

Changing our words can change our thoughts. When we speak in a positive way our messages become clearer and friendlier.

Try these tips in your next meeting or email.

P.S. Which one will you try first?

Most people think speaking better English means learning more words. They’re wrong.

The real secret? Asking better questions.

Rudyard Kipling once wrote:
“I KEEP six honest serving-men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.”

These six words help you lead conversations, show confidence and get clear answers—without needing perfect grammar.

Here’s how you can use them in business:

🔹 What are the next steps?
🔹 Why are we choosing this strategy?
🔹 When is the deadline?
🔹 How should we handle this?
🔹 Where can I find more details?
🔹 Who is responsible for this?

Confidence isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about knowing what to ask.

Try this in your next meeting. You’ll sound clearer, more professional and more in control.

👉 Which of these six questions do you use the most in your work? 

A quarter of a century ago, I stepped into my first Business English training session with a textbook in hand, ready to guide professionals through grammar exercises.

It didn’t take long to realise that my clients had had quite enough of “school” English. What they really wanted was to speak—not just study.

Fast forward to today, and the biggest shift for me has been moving from in-person company training to online sessions (even before Covid gave us all a push in that direction). No more rushing through traffic to offices, but plenty of “You’re on mute” moments instead!

What hasn’t changed? Business professionals still want to feel confident using English in real conversations—not just in textbooks. And I still love helping them get there.

Looking back, it’s been quite a journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Here’s to the next chapter.

Thank you so much for joining me on this journey. Here’s to more learning, more conversations and more growth—together.

Ever felt like words in a meeting are more confusing than helpful?

That’s what happens when corporate English (the kind you learnt in the past?) is used, thinking it makes someone sound more professional. But in reality, it only creates confusion and distance.

Phrases like:

• “Let’s circle back on this.”
• “Touch base offline.”
• “Let’s table this for now.”
• “Deep dive into the matter.”

You might think:

1. Normal words don’t seem good enough.
2. It feels more professional.
3. It’s what “real” business people do.
4. Everyone else is doing it.

The truth:

• Nobody understands what’s really meant.
• Teams feel disconnected.
• Messages get lost in translation.
• Authenticity disappears.

The solution: Speak real English.

• Clear beats corporate.
• Simple beats sophisticated.
• Real beats rehearsed.

Want to sound more professional? Just be yourself.

Speak as if you’re talking to a friend (who happens to be at work).

So, next time in a meeting, try using normal words.

Colleagues will thank you for it 👋

P.S. And please, let’s never “circle back” again.”

I believe Richard Wiseman’s memory hacks are absolute game-changers for everyday life.

In his entertaining video, “10 Amazing Memory Hacks,” this brilliant British psychologist shows us quick tricks to remember everything—from setting the table and spelling “necessary” and “desserts” correctly to recalling Pi to six decimal places and even knowing whether it’s “grey” or “gray.”

His tips turn everyday tasks into fun challenges and practical solutions for boosting your confidence and productivity.

Which of Richard’s memory hacks will you try first?