Words at Work: ESL for Every Day

About Words at Work: ESL for Every Day

Welcome to Words at Work — an ESL podcast designed for everyday English, real conversations, and a little encouragement along the way. You can listen to every episode for free right here in the feed. If you’d like the full learning experience — the workbook PDFs, the pronunciation practice audio, and the monthly collection of four episodes — you can get all of that on the Words at Work home page for $9 USD a month (less than the cost of a deluxe latte). Learn more or join the community here: https://www.patreon.com/WordsatWork Thanks for listening — I’m glad you’re here, like friends and family.

Publisher

Mr. Lawrence

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 Dec 2025

Latest episode

3 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

53 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Nov 2026

   ✨ Episode 48 — English Listening Practice: When the Answer Gets Lost in the Explanation

   English listening practice about asking clear questions, finding missing information, recognizing indirect answers, and understanding when explanations arrive before the actual answer. Level: A2–B1 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major apps. Streaming worldwide across 50+ countries. Have you ever asked a simple question and received a five-minute explanation? In this episode, English learners practice an important listening skill: identifying when the answer is hidden inside a longer explanation. Through three humorous conversations, you'll hear natural English used to discuss travel plans, interpret a confusing email, and compare advertising claims with real information. Perfect for A2–B1 learners who want stronger listening comprehension, clearer communication skills, and greater confidence asking follow-up questions. You'll hear clear examples for: ·       asking direct questions ·       recognizing when a question has not been answered ·       clarifying information politely ·       separating facts from opinions ·       understanding indirect responses ·       identifying missing information ·       listening for the actual answer instead of the explanation Our Companion Study Guide includes the full script, vocabulary support, grammar notes, comprehension exercises, discussion questions, and writing activities. Download the English/Spanish Bilingual Study Guide with MP3 pronunciation audio right here on Patreon. When you buy this post, links are at the bottom of the page. https://www.patreon.com/WordsAtWork/posts/episode-48d-when-174221119 (https://www.patreon.com/WordsAtWork/posts/episode-48d-when-174221119) Description Many English learners understand every word they hear but still miss the important information. Why? Because people often explain their thinking before providing the answer. This episode helps learners recognize a common communication challenge in everyday English: when explanations arrive first and answers arrive later. Through realistic conversations, learners hear natural English used to discuss plans, interpret messages, compare different viewpoints, and look for specific information hidden beneath unnecessary details. Learners hear natural English for: ·       asking for clarification ·       returning a conversation to the original question ·       identifying the main point of a discussion ·       evaluating information in emails ·       understanding implied meaning ·       comparing advertising claims with factual information ·       recognizing when communication lacks a clear purpose Perfect for learners who want stronger listening skills, better workplace communication, and more confidence participating in English conversations. ⭐ What You'll Learn (Common Questions + Quick Answers) Q: What can I do when someone talks a lot but doesn't answer my question? A: Listen for the actual decision or conclusion and politely ask again if needed. Q: How can I ask for clarification in English? A: Try phrases like "Could you clarify that?" or "So what's the answer?" Q: Why do native speakers sometimes give explanations before answers? A: Many people think out loud while solving problems or making decisions. Q: How can I identify the most important information in a conversation? A: Listen for conclusions, decisions, numbers, dates, and direct responses. Q: What should I do if an email seems unclear? A: Ask specific questions about the sender's purpose and expectations. 📘 Synopsis Adam and Mel-Amir are planning a trip to a concert when a simple question creates unexpected confusion. Adam discusses traffic, parking, and travel conditions before finally answering the question everyone was waiting for: what time should they leave? Next, Eric, Adam, and Lyla examine a mysterious email that leaves each of them with a completely different interpretation. As they compare notes, they discover that understanding every word does not always mean understanding the message. Finally, Lyla and Zander visit the supermarket in search of a cereal with less sugar. Unfortunately, the cereal boxes seem much more interested in advertising slogans than answering simple questions. Throughout the episode, learners discover an important communication lesson: sometimes the information is there, but you have to know where to look for it. 🌟 Character Spotlight Mel-Amir — Thoughtful Planner Practical, patient, and determined to get a clear answer. Adam — Thinking Out Loud Expert Works through problems verbally, sometimes giving explanations before conclusions. Lyla — Sharp Observer Excellent at spotting what's missing in conversations and messages. Eric — Curious Questioner Always trying to identify what people really mean. Zander — Comic Investigator Finds everything except the information people are actually looking for. We enjoy hearing from our listeners around the world. Feel free to send us an email; your ideas can help us create new episodes. PodcastWordsatWork@Gmail.com (mailto:PodcastWordsatWork@Gmail.com)

2. 

   27 Oct 2026

   ✨ Episode 47 — English Listening Practice: Clear Communication at Work

   English listening practice with workplace communication, clarity phrases, giving simple instructions, avoiding misunderstandings, and handling confusion with confidence. Level: A2–B1 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major apps. Streaming worldwide across 50+ countries. ⭐ Short Description This episode helps English learners improve workplace communication by focusing on clarity, simple instructions, and avoiding misunderstandings. Through three connected scenes, learners hear natural English used to explain forms, clarify messages, and make sure everyone understands important information. Perfect for A2–B1 learners who want practical English for work, customer service, teamwork, and everyday communication. You'll hear clear examples for: ·       explaining instructions step by step ·       simplifying complicated information ·       understanding urgent versus relaxed language ·       checking for understanding politely ·       summarizing information clearly ·       working together to reduce confusion ·       using common workplace communication phrases Our Study Guide includes the full script, vocabulary list, grammar help, seven exercises, pronunciation practice, and tiered writing prompts. Download the English/Spanish Bilingual Study Guide with MP3 pronunciation audio right here on Patreon. When you buy the post for $3, the links are in that page's description. 👉🏼 https://www.patreon.com/WordsAtWork/posts/episode-47d-at-173600729 (https://www.patreon.com/WordsAtWork/posts/episode-47d-at-173600729) ⭐ Description Many English learners understand individual words but still experience confusion when instructions are unclear or messages are misunderstood. This episode demonstrates how native speakers simplify information, clarify meaning, and confirm understanding in real workplace situations. Learners hear natural English for: ·       helping customers understand forms and instructions ·       giving simple explanations that reduce confusion ·       recognizing urgent and non-urgent language ·       discussing misunderstandings professionally ·       summarizing information clearly ·       checking that everyone is on the same page ·       communicating effectively in meetings Perfect for A2–B1 learners who want stronger workplace English, better listening comprehension, and more confidence communicating with coworkers, customers, and supervisors. ⭐ What You'll Learn (Common Questions + Quick Answers) Q: How can I explain something more clearly in English? A: Break it into steps and give one instruction at a time. Q: What's the difference between urgent and relaxed workplace language? A: Phrases like "ASAP" sound urgent, while "whenever you have a moment" and "no rush" sound relaxed. Q: How do I check that someone understands me? A: Ask, "Are we on the same page?" or summarize the information again. Q: What can I say before explaining a process? A: Try phrases like "Here are the steps" or "Let me summarize." Q: How can I reduce misunderstandings at work? A: Use simple language, clear instructions, and confirm understanding. 📘 Synopsis When receptionist Maya goes on maternity leave, Nana volunteers to help at the front desk. Her enthusiastic explanations quickly turn a simple form into a confusing adventure, forcing Douglas and Eric to simplify the instructions for customers. Meanwhile, Kofi rushes coffee to the office after hearing that a request is supposedly "ASAP," only to discover the original message was much more relaxed than he thought. Through the confusion, the team learns an important lesson about choosing the right words and confirming understanding. At the end of the day, Douglas leads a team clarity meeting where everyone shares communication strategies that help reduce misunderstandings. Of course, Nana contributes her own unforgettable version of workplace clarity. 🌟 Character Spotlight Nana — Confident Communicator Helpful, energetic, and always ready with advice, whether people ask for it or not. Douglas — Team Leader Focused on keeping communication clear and helping everyone stay aligned. Kofi — Eager Learner Hard-working and enthusiastic, learning how English workplace phrases can change meaning. Lyla — Communication Coach Excellent at explaining difficult ideas with clear and simple language. Eric — Practical Problem Solver Calm, direct, and skilled at turning confusion into easy-to-follow steps. We enjoy hearing from our listeners around the world. Feel free to send us an email; your ideas can help us create new episodes. PodcastWordsatWork@Gmail.com (mailto:PodcastWordsatWork@Gmail.com)

3. 

   20 Oct 2026

   ✨ Episode 46 — English Listening Practice: Solving Problems at Work — Supportive Speech with Practical Directions

   English listening practice with supportive workplace language, step‑by‑step directions, delivery vocabulary, and everyday problem‑solving at work. Level: A2–B1 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major apps. Streaming worldwide across 50+ countries. ⭐ Short Description This episode gives learners real English for solving everyday problems at work — especially when information is confusing, delivery details don’t match, or someone feels stressed. Adult learners hear natural conversations with supportive speech, practical directions, and calm workplace communication. Perfect for A2–B1 learners who want practical English for real‑life office situations, emotional support, and confident problem‑solving. You’ll hear clear examples for: ·       giving supportive, calming phrases ·       checking delivery schedules ·       tracking shipments online ·       confirming mixed information ·       using practical, step‑by‑step directions ·       staying confident during workplace stress ·       everyday English for remote work (including one very opinionated cat) Our Companion Study Guide includes the full script, vocabulary list, grammar help, seven exercises, pronunciation practice, and tiered writing prompts. Download the English/Spanish Bilingual Study Guide with MP3 pronunciation audio. Right here on Patreon, 👉🏼 https://www.patreon.com/WordsAtWork/posts/episode-46d-at-172943024 (https://www.patreon.com/WordsAtWork/posts/episode-46d-at-172943024) ⭐ Description Adult learners often struggle with English when workplace information is confusing — especially when delivery schedules change, tracking numbers look complicated, or two messages say different things. This episode gives you natural conversations that model the exact phrases people use when calming a coworker, confirming details, and solving problems step by step. Learners hear natural English for: ·       supportive workplace communication ·       practical, step‑by‑step directions ·       checking delivery information ·       tracking shipments online ·       confirming mixed or confusing details ·       staying calm when solving problems ·       remote work distractions (including pets) Perfect for A2–B1 learners who want practical English for real‑life office communication, supportive speech, and confident problem‑solving. ⭐ What You’ll Learn (Common Questions + Quick Answers) Q: What can I say when a coworker feels stressed or confused? A: Supportive phrases like “Let’s slow down,” “Tell me the part you’re unsure about,” and “We’ll figure it out.” Q: How do I give practical directions at work? A: Use short steps: “Check the schedule,” “Track the shipment,” “Call the delivery department.” Q: What phrases help me confirm mixed information? A: Try “The final numbers are correct,” “Use the updated set,” and “I can confirm that.” Q: How do I ask for important details quickly? A: Use direct questions like “What do you need to do first?” and “Which detail is correct?” Q: How can I stay calm while solving problems at work? A: Use warm language: “It’s okay,” “We can handle this,” “Let’s start again from the beginning.” 📘 Synopsis This episode follows Lyla as she helps Eric understand a confusing shipping slip and guides him through practical steps to confirm the delivery. Learners hear supportive workplace English, calm problem‑solving, and step‑by‑step directions. Meanwhile, Douglas is working from his aunt’s house — and her cat becomes his new “supervisor,” adding humor and relatable English for remote work. Learners get real listening practice with supportive speech, practical directions, and the kind of English people use when solving problems at work. 🌟 Character Spotlight Lyla — Supportive Problem‑Solver Warm, steady, and practical. She models calm workplace English. Eric — Stressed Coworker Authentic listening practice with real workplace confusion. Douglas — Remote Worker with a Cat Manager Humorous, relatable English for everyday distractions.

Contact Words at Work: ESL for Every Day

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.