Learning English Conversations
Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your English conversations easier.
Every week, we teach you a new phrase or word you can use in conversation with The English We Speak.
And we bring you special series to improve your English conversation.
Try Beating Speaking Anxiety to learn how to fight your fears of speaking English.
Find more at bbclearningenglish.com
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bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02pc9znEpisodes
The English We Speak: Wrap it up
Sometimes you just want people to stop. That's one way to use 'wrap it up'. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.
Find a free transcript and related programmes here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260615
Exams coming up? Practise your skills with BBC Learning English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/skills
Sign up to our newsletter to never miss our updates and learning tips: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
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The English We Speak: Throw ideas at the wall
Sometimes you want to come up with ideas without thinking too much. That's when you throw ideas at the wall to see if anything sticks. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.
As always, find a free transcript here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260608.
For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
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The English We Speak: Like a moth to a flame
Moths are winged insects which are attracted to light sources. Learn the metaphorical use of this expression in this programme with Feifei and Georgie.
As always, find a free transcript here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260601
Practise your listening in The Listening Room. Find it here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
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The English We Speak: Gatekeep
Gatekeep is a verb which means to withhold information. It can be used to talk about fandoms or products. Learn how with Feifei and Georgie.
For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260525
Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.
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The English We Speak: In over my head
Do you almost feel like you're drowning in your tasks? Maybe you're in over your head. Learn when and how to use this expression with Becca and Feifei.
For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260518
Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.
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The English We Speak: A hunch
Is it true or is it just a hunch? Learn when and how to use ?a hunch? in this programme
For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260511
Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.
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The English We Speak: Take it as a given
There are some things that you can just assume to be true. This expression is for those. Learn how to use it expression with Feifei and Phil.
For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260504
Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.
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The English We Speak: Think on your feet
Sometimes you need to think quickly, like for a job or to answer a question. Thinking on your feet means to do just this! Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.
For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260427
Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.
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The English We Speak: Can't see the wood for the trees
This idiom is about focusing on the small details too much and losing sight of the bigger picture. Learn when and how to use it, and learn other language to use in this situation, with Feifei and Georgie.
For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com As always, find a free transcript here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260420
Discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to find them all.
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The English We Speak: Yap
"Stop yapping!" Learn a word to use when someone talks a lot with Feifei and Georgie. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
As always, find a free transcript here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260413
And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to discover the range.
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The English We Speak: Flow State
When we enter a flow state, we feel fully focused. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com
As always, find a free transcript here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260406
And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to discover the range.
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The English We Speak: Got you
If you've got someone, you support them.Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Becca.
As always, find a free transcript here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260330
And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to discover the range.
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The English We Speak: A bit of a stretch
Sometimes we say things that aren't 100% true. They're not complete lies, but they are a bit of a stretch. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.
As always, find a free transcript here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260323
And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.
We send a newsletter with our weekly highlights - subscribe here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to discover the range.
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The English We Speak: Kick the can down the road
Sometimes at work we need to kick the can down the road. Learn how to use this expression with Phil and Feifei.
TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260316
OFFICE ENGLISH: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english
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The English We Speak: Cut corners
If you want to do a task perfectly, it's usually not a good idea to cut corners. Learn about this expression and how to use it in conversations with Feifei and Georgie.
TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260309
BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety
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FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
Follow us ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
LIKE PODCASTS?
Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ?? Learning English Grammar ?? Learning English from the News ?? 6 Minute English
They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)
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Beating Speaking Anxiety: 8. I?m scared I can?t be myself
It can be harder to express our personality in a foreign language because we have fewer language tools available and speaking anxiety can make it harder to let our personalities shine.
Learn from experts about this topic and get tips on how to show your true self in English in the last episode of this special series.
Don't forget, you can watch Georgie's explainer videos and see learners of English try different activities to improve their speaking confidence. Find them on our website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety
Office English is back for a third series! Search for 'Learning English for Work' in your favourite podcast app, or find the episodes with free transcripts here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english
Our newsletter with our weekly highlights and language learning tips comes out every Wednesday. Make sure you're signed up! https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
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The English We Speak: Short-change
If you give someone less than they deserve, you short-change them. Learn the literal and metaphorical use of this expression with Feifei and Georgie and hear more examples.
IND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260302
BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ?? Learning English Grammar ?? Learning English from the News ?? 6 Minute English
They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)
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Beating Speaking Anxiety: 7. I?m scared I?m not getting better
Sometimes it can feel like no matter how much you practise speaking, you don?t get any better.
In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about what to do when you feel stuck learning English.
With speaking coaches Rhiannon Carter and Barnaby Griffiths.
WATCH ? Find Georgie?s videos with tips to improve your speaking here https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/progress-video
TRANSCRIPT ? Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/progress-podcast
NEWSLETTER ? Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
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The English We Speak: Go through a rough patch
Life isn't always great, sometimes things can be difficult. Use 'go through a rough patch' when life gets difficult for a while. Learn this useful expression with Feifei and Phil.
As always, find a free transcript here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260223
And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app.
We send a newsletter with our weekly higlights - subscribe here: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to discover the range.
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Beating Speaking Anxiety: 6. I?m scared I won?t get the joke
Have you ever been in a group of friends and everyone laughs, but you didn?t understand the joke?
In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about understanding humour and making people laugh when speaking English.
With Peruvian performer Pepa Duarte.
WATCH ? Find Georgie?s videos with tips to improve your speaking here https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/humour-video
TRANSCRIPT ? Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/humour-podcast
NEWSLETTER ? Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
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The English We Speak: Learn the hard way
Sometimes we ignore advice. Sometimes things go wrong and this programme is about those times. Phil and Feifei teach you how to use the expression to learn something the hard way.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260216
BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ?? Learning English Grammar ?? Learning English from the News ?? 6 Minute English
They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)
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Beating Speaking Anxiety: 5. I?m scared people won?t understand me
Have you ever spoken in English, and the other person didn?t understand?
In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about accents and pronunciation.
With Jennifer Jenkins, Emeritus Professor of Global Englishes, University of Southampton.
WATCH ? Find Georgie?s video with tips to improve your speaking here https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/being_understood-video
TRANSCRIPT ? Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/being_understood-podcast
NEWSLETTER ? Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
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The English We Speak: A big ask
Sometimes people ask for too much. Listen to examples of this phrase being use and learn how to use it for those moments.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://downloads.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/tews/260209_tews_a_big_ask_transcript.pdf
BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ?? Learning English Grammar ?? Learning English from the News ?? 6 Minute English
They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)
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Beating Speaking Anxiety: 4. I'm scared of speaking in front of people
Do you get nervous speaking English in front of people, even a small group of friends?
In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about public speaking and speaking in bigger groups.
With Regina Kaplan Rakowski, Professor of Learning Technologies at the University of North Texas.
WATCH ? Find Georgie?s videos with tips to improve your speaking here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/not_understanding-video
TRANSCRIPT ? Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary: https://downloads.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/4_BSA_speaking_in_front_of_others_transcript__.pdf
NEWSLETTER ? Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
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The English We Speak: Facepalm moment
Something embarrassing or frustrating could lead to a facepalm moment. Learn how to use this expression here.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260202
BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ?? Learning English Grammar ?? Learning English from the News ?? 6 Minute English
They're all available by searching in your podcast app. (Photo: Getty)
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Beating Speaking Anxiety: 3. I?m scared I won?t understand people
Speaking is only one side of the conversation. You also have to listen to and understand the other person.
In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about how you can improve your listening in real life conversations.
With Erhan Aslan, Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Reading.
WATCH ? Find Georgie?s videos with tips to improve your speaking here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/not_understanding-video
TRANSCRIPT ? Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/not_understanding-podcast
NEWSLETTER ? Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
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The English We Speak: Shoot off
This expression means leave quickly because you're in a hurry or there's somewhere you need to be. Learn how to use it here.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260126
BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ?? Learning English Grammar ?? Learning English from the News ?? 6 Minute English
They're all available by searching in your podcast app.
(Photo: Getty)
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Beating Speaking Anxiety: 2. I?m scared of forgetting my words
Have you ever been speaking English, and suddenly you freeze and forget your words?
In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about why our brain can?t always remember words we know in a new language.
With Alissa Melinger, Professor of psycholinguistics at the University of Dundee.
WATCH ? Find Georgie?s videos with tips to improve your speaking here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety
TRANSCRIPT ? Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/forgetting_words-podcast
NEWSLETTER ? Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
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The English We Speak: Hot on the heels
This expression means something happens immediately after something else, often unexpectedly. Learn how to use it here.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260119
TRY BEATING SPEAKING ANXIETY ??https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ?? Learning English Grammar ?? Learning English from the News ?? 6 Minute English
They're all available by searching in your podcast app.
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Beating Speaking Anxiety: 1. I?m scared of making mistakes
Do you get anxious when speaking English? You?re not alone.
In this episode of our new series, Georgie and Hanan talk about how to increase your confidence speaking English, even when you make mistakes.
With professor of Chinese Han Luo and speaking coach Barnaby Griffiths.
WATCH ? Find Georgie?s videos with tips to improve your speaking here https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/making_mistakes-video
TRANSCRIPT ? Read along with this podcast and learn useful vocabulary https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/making_mistakes-podcast
NEWSLETTER ? Sign up to our email newsletter to hear about our latest lessons and programmes https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599
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The English We Speak: Aura farming
Learn this expression which means do something for attention or praise.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260112
TRY THE LISTENING ROOM ??https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ?? Learning English Grammar ?? Learning English from the News ?? 6 Minute English
They're all available by searching in your podcast app.
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The English We Speak: Lock in
This phrasal verb means to focus hard with no distractions. Learn how to use it here!
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260105
TRY THE LISTENING ROOM ??https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ?? Learning English Grammar ?? Learning English from the News ?? 6 Minute English
They're all available by searching in your podcast app.
(Photo: Getty)
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The English We Speak: A fresh start
A new year is the perfect time for a fresh start.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251229
TRY THE LISTENING ROOM ??https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ?? Learning English Grammar ?? Learning English from the News ?? 6 Minute English
They're all available by searching in your podcast app.
(Photo: Getty)
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The English We Speak: A little something
Learn a phrase about small gifts with Feifei and Phil.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251222
TRY THE LISTENING ROOM ??https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room
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The English We Speak: Moment of truth
Use this expression to add drama and suspense to what you're saying. Learn how in this programme.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251215
TRY THE LISTENING ROOM ??https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room
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The English We Speak: On their toes
This expression is about causing someone else to stay alert and ready for anything. Learn how to use it here.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251208
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The English We Speak: Duck out
This expression means to leave early and quickly. Learn how to use it here.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251201
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The English We Speak: Off base
This expression is a way to say someone's idea, guess or opinion is far from the reality. Learn it here with Beth and Feifei.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251124
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The English We Speak: Take someone under your wing
When you take someone under your wing, you help them with something or protect them. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251117
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The English We Speak: No two ways about it
If there are no ways about something, you want to emphasise that it's true. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251110
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The English We Speak: -coded
Eating beans and chips for dinner is very student-coded. Learn a different meaning of the word 'coded'.
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251103
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The English We Speak: Make a pig's ear of something
This expression is about doing something badly. Learn how to use it here.
TRY THE READING ROOM: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room
FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251027
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The English We Speak: -core
This expression describes the vibe of something.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251020 Subscribe to our newsletter ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
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The English We Speak: Cook
This expression is a way to say don't interrupt someone because they're doing well. Learn it here.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251013 Subscribe to our newsletter ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
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The English We Speak: Neck of the woods
This is an expression that talks about an area, especially the one where you live. Learn how to use it with Feifei and Phil.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251006
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The English We Speak: Teething problems
Teething problems are issues that you have when you?re getting used to something new. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250929
Subscribe to our newsletter ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
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The English We Speak: No leg to stand on
This phrase means that someone's argument is weak.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250922 Subscribe to our newsletter ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
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The English We Speak: Speak someone's language
This expression is a different way to say 'I love that idea' or 'I completely agree'.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250915 Subscribe to our newsletter ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
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The English We Speak: Ate
This expression is a way to say someone did something really well. Learn it here.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250908 Subscribe to our newsletter ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters
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The English We Speak: Muddle along
An expression meaning you're managing OK even if you don't have a plan. Learn it here.
TRANSCRIPT Find a full transcript for this episode ?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-250901
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