Speak Like a Leader: Communication Phrases

Phrases to Speak Like a Leader

• "Feel free to ask me anything" is a polite, open-ended invitation using "feel free + infinitive".
• "I look forward to hearing your thoughts" expresses interest politely, using "look forward to + gerund".
• "Here's my take on it" is equivalent to "my opinion on it," offering a personal viewpoint.
• "From my perspective" is similar to "in my opinion," but with a different preposition.
• "Can you help me understand" is a polite way to ask for clarification or an explanation.
• "I'll get back to you with that information" is a professional response when you don't have an immediate answer.
• "Can you fill me in" is a casual way to request an update or summary.
• "Which one would you like me to prioritize" is used to clarify task order when multiple tasks exist.
• "I trust you have everything you need" expresses confidence in someone's abilities.
• "What can we learn from this" encourages reflection and analysis after a negative situation.
• "I'm happy to address that" shows willingness to do something, using "to be happy + infinitive".
• "How can I support you" offers assistance and encouragement.
• "I value your input" acknowledges the importance of someone's opinion or ideas.
• "I appreciate your hard work on this" shows gratitude for someone's efforts.

Things to Say in a Job Interview

• Begin the interview with "I would like to thank you for this opportunity" to express gratitude and build rapport.
• "I have researched your company and I'm impressed" shows specific interest in the company.
• "I'm excited to be considered for this role because it perfectly aligns with my passion for" highlights genuine interest and passion.
• "I have a proven track record" showcases past accomplishments and successes.
• "I'm committed to continuously learning and improving my expertise" demonstrates a dedication to growth.
• "I value feedback as it helps me grow and improve" indicates openness to criticism and learning.
• "Although I haven't had the opportunity to manage a team yet, I'm motivated and eager to develop my skills in this area" addresses weaknesses while expressing enthusiasm to learn.
• "I'm confident I can add value to your company" uses strong language to express certainty in one's capabilities.
• "I strongly believe I am the best candidate for this position" confidently asserts one's suitability for the role.
• Ask "What's the most important goal you would like me to achieve once I'm hired" to align your skills with the interviewer's expectations.
• "Before we end, I would love to add one thing if that's all right with you" allows you to add or clarify information.
• End with "Thank you again for taking the time to meet with me" to leave a positive final impression.

Business English Expressions for Everyday Use

• "Due diligence" means conducting thorough research before making a decision.
• You can "do" or "conduct" due diligence.
• A "win-win situation" is where all parties benefit.
• Ask "How can I make this a win-win?"
• "To break the ice" means initiating a conversation to ease awkwardness.
• "To close the deal" means finalizing and securing a business agreement.
• "Cutting Edge" describes something at the forefront of technology and innovation.
• "In the pipeline" means being developed or planned.
• "To hit the ground running" means starting a project with energy and enthusiasm.
• "To put all your eggs in one basket" means relying on only one strategy or idea.
• Commonly used in the negative.
• "To be a team player" describes someone who works well with others in a group.
• "To raise the bar" means to increase standards or expectations.
• "To get down to business" means to start focusing on the main topic or task.
• "To touch base" means briefly connecting or communicating with someone to share updates or schedule a longer conversation.
• Can be used as a verb or a noun ("a touch base").
• "To be on the same page as someone" means having a shared agreement or understanding.
• "To brainstorm" means to generate creative ideas through group discussion.
• Can be used as a verb or a noun ("a brainstorming session").
• "To think outside the box" means to think creatively and consider unconventional ideas.
• "The bottom line" is the most important result, outcome, or topic.
• Asking for "the bottom line" requests the main point.
• "To call it a day" means to decide to finish work for the day.
• "To keep someone in the loop" means keeping someone informed about something specific or including them in communication.
• "To bring someone up to speed" means informing someone about recent updates or developments.
• "To follow up" means continuing communication after an initial conversation.
• Also used as a noun - "a follow-up".
• "To see eye to eye" means to agree with someone.
• "To be on the same page" is when there is a shared understanding or agreement.
• "To hit the nail on the head" means describing exactly what is causing a problem or situation.
• "To have a lot on one's plate" means being very busy or having a lot of tasks to complete.
• "To get the hang of" means becoming skilled with or familiar with something.
• "To cut Corners" means doing something in the quickest or easiest way possible, sacrificing quality.
• "A ballpark figure" is an approximation or a rough estimate.
• "To be in the same boat" means being in the same difficult situation as someone else.
• "Back to the drawing board" means having to start a task or project again due to failure.
• "To pull strings" means using one's influence to manipulate or control a situation.
• "To cross one's fingers" is used to hope for good luck or a positive outcome.
• "To be on the ball" means being alert and quick to understand or respond.
• "To throw in the towel" means to give up or Surrender.
• "To have one's hands tied" means being unable to take action due to external circumstances.
• "To burn the Midnight Oil" means working late into the night.
• "To throw someone under the bus" means blaming someone else or sacrificing someone for personal gain.
• "To be on thin ice" means being in a risky or dangerous situation.
• "To hit a snag" means encountering unexpected problems challenges or difficulties.
• "To keep one's eyes peeled" means staying alert and watchful for something specific.
• "To cut a deal" means reaching an agreement. A positive thing.
• "To be up in the air" means that things are uncertain undecided or unresolved.
• "In the works" means in progress So currently being developed or finalized.

Advanced Vocabulary

• Instead of "fast," use "rapid," "speedy," or "brisk" to describe actions with energy.
• Replace "slow" with "sluggish," "leisurely" (positive), or "gradual" (positive sense of steady).
• Swap "quiet" for "silent," "Serene" (peaceful and calm), or "hushed" (deliberately muted).
• Exchange "loud" with "deafening," "booming," or "piercing" (for high-pitched sounds).
• Use "scorching," "Blazing," or "sweltering" (uncomfortably hot) instead of "hot".
• Substitute "chilly," "icy," or "frigid" for "cold," ranging from least to most extreme.
• Replace "angry" with "irritated," "Furious," or "enraged," from least to most extreme.
• Use "peckish" (slightly hungry), "famished," or "ravenous" (extremely hungry) instead of "hungry".
• Exchange "tired" for "weary," "drained," or "exhausted".
• Use "dumb" or "foolish" instead of "stupid". Use "silly" for lighthearted mistakes.
• Swap "wealthy," "loaded" (casual), "affluent," or "prosperous" for "rich".
• Use "disadvantaged," "impoverished," or "destitute" instead of "poor".
• Replace "clean" with "spotless," "pristine," or "Immaculate".
• Swap "filthy," "grimy," "unkempt," or "disheveled" for "dirty," particularly for personal appearance.
• Use "dull," "tedious," or "mundane" instead of "boring".
• Exchange "incredible," "astonishing," or "breathtaking" for "amazing".
• Use "pleasant," "lovely," "delightful," or "enjoyable" instead of "nice".
• Swap "a piece of cake," "easy peazy," "straightforward," or "clear" for "easy".
• Use "challenging," "difficult," "strenuous," or "arduous" instead of "hard".
• Exchange "Dreadful" or "appalling" for "bad" (appalling is a more severe "bad").
• Use "joyful," "cheerful," "elated," or "ecstatic" instead of "happy".
• Swap "clever," "brilliant," "astute," or "ingenious" for "smart".
• Use "fascinating," "intriguing," or "captivating" instead of "interesting".
• Exchange "gorgeous," "stunning," or "exquisite" for "beautiful".
• Use "crucial," "significant," "vital," or "essential" instead of "important".
• Swap "hilarious," "humorous," "comical," or "witty" for "funny".
• Use "substantial" or "enormous" instead of "big" or "massive".
• Exchange "tiny," "minor," "compact," or "modest" for "small".
• Use "terrified" or "frightened" instead of "scared". Use "petrified" for extremely scared.
• Swap "bold" or "courageous" for "brave".

Advanced Words and Phrases in a Business News Article

• "Key" means important, critical, or crucial and functions as an adjective.
• "Longevity" means lasting for a long time.
• "Takeaways" means points, lessons, or information.
• "Prioritize" is a verb meaning to treat something as more important than other things.
• "Equipped" means prepared, able, or ready.
• "Handle" means manage, deal with, or address.
• "Overe exertion" means too much physical or mental effort.
• "Burnout" is a state of extreme exhaustion where you can no longer function.
• "Negatively impact" affects in a bad way; "impact" can be positive or negative.
• "Adequate" means enough.
• "Modeling" (as a verb) means displaying, demonstrating, exhibiting, exemplifying, or showing.
• "Contribute" means to help to cause something.
• "Boosting" means increasing.
• "Staff retention" is the ability to keep employees.
• "Strengthen" means improve or boost.
• "Ethical Fitness" is the ability to act ethically or make ethical decisions.
• "In order to" is very commonly replaced with just "to".
• "Overe exhausted" means extremely tired.
• "Sleep deprived" means lacking adequate sleep over a prolonged period.
• "Negotiator" is a person who negotiates.
• "Expressing empathy" sharing an understanding of someone else's feelings.
• "Drive Innovation" means to cause it to happen.
• "Facilitate Innovation" is a professional/academic term for causing it to happen.
• "Company culture" represents the values, beliefs, and practices that shape how employees interact and work within an organization.
• "Health is wealth" means that you should prioritize Health because it is the most important thing.