Angel Carpio · June 4, 2025
🎧 FluentMinds Podcast – Episode 2C
✅ How to update your boss in natural English
✅ Polite ways to say “I’m busy” without sounding rude
✅ Smart phrases for requesting more time
✅ Downloadable script + worksheet
📌 What You’ll Learn in This Article:
- Key professional phrases used to talk to your boss naturally in English
- Pronunciation and intonation tips that show confidence, not hesitation
- Synonyms to expand your speaking range
- Mistakes to avoid when giving updates or asking for time
- Downloadable resources: PDF worksheet + full episode script
- Preview of Episode 2D: Talking to clients without sounding robotic
🎙️ Episode 2C: Why This Matters
Talking to your boss can feel intimidating — especially in a second language. Whether you’re asking for an extension, giving an update, or trying to sound proactive, it’s easy to fall into patterns that sound either too passive… or too aggressive.
That’s exactly why Episode 2C of the FluentMinds Podcast exists.
In this episode, Alex and Sam walk you through four real-world English phrases that are commonly used in professional settings — especially in emails, Zoom meetings, and one-on-one updates with your supervisor.
You’ll hear:
- ✅ Natural pronunciation of complex phrases
- ✅ Reduced speech (“Justa keep you…”)
- ✅ Emphasis and rhythm (“LIKE me to shift FOCUS”)
- ✅ Culturally appropriate phrasing that builds trust
These aren’t textbook expressions. They’re what native speakers actually say.
🔍 Featured Vocabulary (With Examples)
Here are the four key expressions from this episode:
1. “Just to keep you in the loop…”
🧠 Used to: Give updates without sounding like you’re bragging or demanding attention.
Example:
“Just to keep you in the loop, we finalized the report this morning.”
🎧 Linked pronunciation:
“Justa keep you in the loop…” (no pause after “just”)
🟢 Synonyms:
- “Here’s a quick status update…”
- “I wanted to quickly update you on…”
2. “Would it be possible to get an extension on…”
🧠 Used to: Request more time politely, without sounding like you’re falling behind.
Example:
“Would it be POSSible to get an exTENsion on the DEADline?”
🎧 Intonation:
- Emphasize “POSSible” and “exTENsion”
- Let your voice fall at “deadline” to sound confident
🟢 Synonyms:
- “Is there any flexibility on the timeline?”
- “Could we look at pushing the deadline slightly?”
3. “Here’s what I’m currently prioritizing…”
🧠 Used to: Sound focused and strategic — perfect when juggling tasks.
Example:
“Here’swha-dum currently prioritizing: final edits on the proposal.”
🎧 Reduced speech:
“Here’s wha-dum currently prioritizing…”
🟢 Synonyms:
- “My main priorities right now are…”
- “I’m currently focusing on…”
4. “Let me know if you’d like me to shift focus.”
🧠 Used to: Offer flexibility without sounding unsure.
Example:
“Letme know if you’d LIKE me to shift FOCUS.”
🎧 Emphasis:
- Stress “LIKE” → upward pitch
- Stress “FOCUS” → final drop (⬇️)
🟢 Synonyms:
- “Happy to re-prioritize if needed.”
- “Let me know if you’d prefer I direct my time elsewhere.”
💬 Real Dialogue from the Podcast
Here’s how it plays out between Alex and Sam:
Alex: “Would it be POSSible to get an exTENsion on the DEADline?”
Sam: (Repeats with rising stress)
Alex: “Perfect — sounds respectful, not desperate.”
Alex: “Try reducing ‘what I’m’ to ‘wha-dum’ — Here’swha-dum currently prioritizing.”
Sam: “Here’swha-dum currently prioritizing.”
Alex: “Great — now you sound proactive and confident.”
These real practice moments help you build muscle memory for fluent delivery.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Watch Out For
❌ 1. Saying too much
Over-explaining your situation can sound defensive. These phrases help you be direct and polite.
❌ 2. Skipping stress and intonation
Flat intonation sounds robotic. Use emphasis and pauses to sound engaged and competent.
❌ 3. Using filler phrases
Avoid too many “just,” “kind of,” “maybe.” It weakens your message.
✅ Fix these habits by practicing with real speech — like we do in this episode.
📝 Download Your Free Resources
👉 FluentMinds_Ep2C_Worksheet.pdf
👉 FluentMinds_Ep2C_Script_FULL.pdf
Your worksheet includes:
- 🎯 A colorful Vocabulary Cheat Sheet
- ✍️ 3 exercises (Fill-in-the-blank, Rewrite, Match the Phrase)
- 🎧 Listening practice from the podcast
- 📄 The full script for reading and shadowing
✍️ Worksheet Practice (Sneak Peek)
- Complete the Phrases:
- Just to keep you in the ______.
- Would it be possible to get an ______?
- Here’s what I’m currently ______.
- Let me know if you’d like me to shift ______.
- Rewrite These for Fluency:
- I didn’t finish the task. →
- Can I have more time? →
- I’m busy. →
- Match the Phrase to the Situation:
A. “Let me know if you’d like me to shift focus.”
B. “Just to keep you in the loop…”
C. “Would it be possible to get an extension on…”
D. “Here’s what I’m currently prioritizing…”
🟢 You need more time
🟢 You want to update your boss
🟢 You’re showing flexibility
🟢 You’re listing what you’re doing
🔊 Listen to the Full Episode
🎥 Watch Episode 2C on our YouTube channel: FluentMinds Podcast
💬 Drop a comment: Which phrase did you find most useful?
📌 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes like this!
🔮 Coming Next: Episode 2D
We’ll take everything one step further and show you how to:
- Talk to clients professionally
- Sound human, not robotic
- Avoid formal clichés and dead phrases
- Build authentic client relationships in English
🚀 You don’t want to miss it. Subscribe now and bring your real questions to the next episode.
👥 Want More Help with Business English?
Join our small-group English courses:
- 🧑💼 For professionals, freelancers, and managers
- 🎙️ Includes live speaking practice
- 🗣️ Learn to speak with impact and confidence
💡 Remember: Fluent doesn’t mean perfect. It means effective.
See you in Episode 2D!
