English Speaking for Employees: An 8-Week Plan for Fluency at Work
If you understand English but hesitate when speaking it at work, you're not alone. This eight-week plan is designed for busy employees: 20 to 30 minutes a day, focused on situations you actually face.
Weeks 1 and 2: introducing yourself and your work
Prepare a one-minute description of your job and responsibilities and record it.
Practise common introduction questions in meetings and networking.
Listen to your recording and note the words you hesitate on.
Weeks 3 and 4: meetings
Learn phrases for giving opinions, agreeing and disagreeing politely.
Practise summarising a discussion in three sentences.
Contribute at least one sentence in every real meeting.
Weeks 5 and 6: phone calls and customer service
Practise opening and closing calls and politely asking someone to repeat.
Practise explaining a problem and its solution step by step.
Role-play difficult situations, such as an angry customer, with a colleague or teacher.
Weeks 7 and 8: pronunciation and fluency
Pick ten hard-to-pronounce words from your field and practise them daily.
Read a short paragraph aloud every day and record it.
Give a three-minute talk about a project you're working on.
Tips for sticking to the plan
Tie practice to a fixed time, such as your commute or lunch break.
Focus on clarity, not accent; the goal is to be understood easily.
Get feedback from a teacher at least once a week, as practice without correction can fix mistakes in place.
If you want to follow this plan with a teacher who tracks your progress, see our English courses for adults at London College UK, in person or online.
Frequently asked questions
Is 20 minutes a day enough?
Yes, if it's regular and focused on real situations, with weekly feedback.
How do I improve pronunciation without changing my accent?
Focus on clear sounds and stress on key words; an accent doesn't block understanding if pronunciation is clear.
Can I follow the plan online?
Yes, online lessons suit employees very well.
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