A Spark a day.
One idea. Every weekday. Under a minute.SPARKS OF ENGLISH
Notes from the real world of English at work. The mistakes, breakthroughs and surprising moments that happen when English leaves the textbook and enters the meeting room.
You already speak the language. But under pressure, it does not always feel that way. That’s when overthinking and second-guessing tend to appear.
The Sparks are short prompts for exactly those moments – and now and then, something you can try out straight away.
Designed specifically for German-speaking professionals who want to speak clearly without checking every sentence before they say it.
After a few weeks, many readers notice they:
- Keep talking, even when the perfect word is missing.
- Respond faster when a conversation shifts unexpectedly.
- Stop losing precision in the moments that count.
_________
✦ Your welcome gift: “50 Quick Fixes for Clearer English”. So small details don’t slow you down.
What readers say
❝Einer der ganz wenigen Newsletter, auf die ich mich an jedem (!) Werktag aufs Neue freue.❞
Barbara Gölz
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One Confident Sentence Beats 5 Perfect Ones You Never Say
I've just watched someone struggle for 5 minutes to find the perfect words in a meeting. And while they searched for perfection... the moment...
British Understatement: What We Say vs What We Mean
British English is full of phrases that sound gentle, but often hide something much bigger. Here are a few of my favourites: “Not bad.”→ Actually...
A Better Way to Say “ASAP”
“ASAP” sounds fast - but it’s also vague. In business emails, it can feel rushed or even a bit rude - especially in international teams. Instead of...
Stop Saying “Sorry for My English”
Yesterday, a brilliant writer emailed me: 'Sorry for my English, it's not my first language.' But here's the truth: You don't need to apologise for...
How Small Talk Builds Trust Faster Than Grammar
“I don’t know what to say.”“It feels fake.”“Isn’t it a waste of time?” These are what my clients tell me about chatting before meetings. But here’s...
What Your English Might Be Saying (Beyond Grammar)
Ever write an email and then feel unsure - even though the English is fine? Sometimes what we write isn’t just about words. It’s about confidence....
Let’s Not Beat Around the… Horse?
A client once said that to me—in a serious meeting. He meant “beat around the bush.”But the horse? It trotted right into the conversation. He turned...
What If the Real Problem Isn’t Your English?
I still remember the first time I had to speak German in a business meeting. It was years ago. I was in Hamburg, sitting in a room full of people in...
Homophones: The Sneaky Words That’ll Make You Sound Like You Don’t Know Your Stuff!
Homophones are words that sound the same, but have different meanings. And if you're not careful, they can make you sound a little... well,...
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