Business English Power artwork

Business English Power

257 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 36 ratings

How can I improve my Business English more quickly? Why am I lacking confidence when I need English in business situations? How can I learn vocabulary and idioms for Business English? If you are asking these questions, this Podcast is for you! ALsensei is an English Teaching Professional who has been helping businesspeople with English and Communication skills in Japan for over 18 years! He has worked with people from all backgrounds and levels including consulting at Global Fortune 500 companies and teaching at a prestigious university in Tokyo. On Business English Power you will not only learn from ALsensei, but from other top English teachers and coaches as well! Al makes it a point to interview and bring you the wisdom and knowledge of other great teachers such as Luke from Luke's English Podcast, Vanessa from Speak English with Vanessa, Coach Shane from Let's Master English, Lindsay from All Ears English Podcast and many more! Whether your goal is to succeed at a job interview, write impactful business e-mails, or give amazing presentations, ALsensei can help you. See what Business English Power is all about and subscribe now! Level up your learning. Level up your life.

Language Learning Education
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Speaking Skills 12 | Expressing Future Plans

October 16, 2020 21:56 - 12 minutes - 8.76 MB

On the 12th episode of Speaking Skills, we learn how to master this skill: Expressing Future Plans Has any of your English-speaking friends asked you, “What are you doing this weekend?” Or, “What are your plans for the holidays?” In this episode, we learn how to express your future plans for certain plans, probable plans […] The post Speaking Skills 12 | Expressing Future Plans first appeared on ALsensei.

Student Success Stories 1 | How Saki Became a Fluent English Speaker

October 09, 2020 21:53 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MB

On the 1st episode of Student Success Stories, we talk to Saki, a student from Japan! Like most students in Japan, Saki started learning English in junior high school but still couldn’t speak well after graduating. It wasn’t until she had a shocking experience during her homestay in Australia when she realized she needed to […] The post Student Success Stories 1 | How Saki Became a Fluent English Speaker first appeared on ALsensei.

Your Question 21 | How Can I Introduce Myself to a Group Formally?

October 02, 2020 23:26 - 7 minutes - 5.42 MB

On the 21st episode of Your Question, we handle the following question: Q: How can I introduce myself to a group formally? Here are my thoughts and suggestions: First, you need to consider the situation and the length your introduction needs to be. If it’s going to be a longer speech, I’d split it up […] The post Your Question 21 | How Can I Introduce Myself to a Group Formally? first appeared on ALsensei.

Pronunciation Point 34 | Shop vs. Chop

September 25, 2020 22:52 - 7 minutes - 5.25 MB

On the 34th episode of the Pronunciation Point, we look at the following topic: SHOP vs. CHOP The difference in these two sounds can be a challenge for some speakers. Al explains the differences and gives a few example sentences in Pronunciation Point 34! Download Video (65MB) ***Right Click->Save Link As Get ALsensei’s 25 HOT […] The post Pronunciation Point 34 | Shop vs. Chop first appeared on ALsensei.

AudioBLOG 14 | 3 Tips for Fluency (from a King!)

September 18, 2020 22:32 - 17 minutes - 12.4 MB

On the 14th episode of the AudioBLOG, we go over the following Blog post: 3 Things I Learned from “The King’s Speech” When I watch movies and documentaries, I try to find lessons that are helpful for daily life. “The King’s Speech” is an Academy Award winning movie from 2011 and has some very valuable […] The post AudioBLOG 14 | 3 Tips for Fluency (from a King!) first appeared on ALsensei.

Speaking Skills 11 | Inviting

September 11, 2020 22:41 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MB

On the 11th episode of Speaking Skills, we learn how to master this skill: Inviting Have you ever wanted to ask someone to join you for a cup of coffee? Or maybe go to a movie? Or come to your birthday party? In this episode, we learn how to invite others, both casually and politely. […] The post Speaking Skills 11 | Inviting first appeared on ALsensei.

Episode 36 | How to Speak English with Confidence

September 05, 2020 05:25 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MB

On the 36th episode of the English 2.0 Podcast, we talk about the following topic: How to Speak English with Confidence In this core episode, I outline my 3-step process to achieving communication success. Within this process, I give 2 very clear Action Steps that all students can start using today! Don’t let another day […] The post Episode 36 | How to Speak English with Confidence first appeared on ALsensei.

Teacher Interview 9 | Learn English from TV Series with Takao Kasumi

August 29, 2020 03:17 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MB

On the 9th episode of the Teacher Interview, we talk to Takao Kasumi, co-author of “Friends Season 5 Book: English and Culture Learning Guide.” Takao grew up in Australia and America and currently teaches in Japan. Recently, he wrote the Friends book with two other co-workers in order to help students have fun while learning […] The post Teacher Interview 9 | Learn English from TV Series with Takao Kasumi first appeared on ALsensei.

Your Question 20 | What are Good Books for Intermediate Students?

August 22, 2020 01:52 - 12 minutes - 8.56 MB

On the 20th episode of Your Question, we handle the following question: Q: What books do you recommend for intermediate students? Here are my thoughts and suggestions: Most importantly, choose topics that are interesting for you! This will help you learn faster and faster. Here are 3 fiction books and 3 non-fiction books that I […] The post Your Question 20 | What are Good Books for Intermediate Students? first appeared on ALsensei.

Pronunciation Point 33 | They are vs. There are

August 14, 2020 22:25 - 9 minutes - 6.91 MB

On the 33rd episode of the Pronunciation Point, we look at the following topic: THEY ARE vs. THERE ARE The pronunciation difference between these two phrases is very slight. However, their meanings are quite different. Al explains the differences and gives a few example sentences in Pronunciation Point 33! Download Video (85MB) ***Right Click->Save Link […] The post Pronunciation Point 33 | They are vs. There are first appeared on ALsensei.

Movie Review 1 | “The Social Network”

August 07, 2020 22:55 - 12 minutes - 8.73 MB

On the 1st episode of Movie Reviews, ALsensei gives his thoughts on the following movie: “The Social Network” During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of you have some extra time on your hands. Why not catch up on watching some movies? As you listen, keep these 3 points in mind: 1. Try to understand (comprehend) the […] The post Movie Review 1 | “The Social Network” first appeared on ALsensei.

Fluency Series Part 3 | Take Action

July 31, 2020 00:55 - 15 minutes - 11 MB

In Part 3 of the brand new Fluency Series of the English 2.0 Podcast, we talk about the following topic in English: How to Overcome the 3 Hurdles to Fluency and Take Action! I recently asked my students what their #1 challenge was in their English learning and overwhelmingly the response was that they were […] The post Fluency Series Part 3 | Take Action first appeared on ALsensei.

Fluency Series Part 2 | One Key Change

July 23, 2020 21:07 - 12 minutes - 8.6 MB

In Part 2 of the brand new Fluency Series of the English 2.0 Podcast, we talk about the following topic in English: One Key Change you can make to elevate your Fluency I recently asked my students what their #1 challenge was in their English learning and overwhelmingly the response was that they were having […] The post Fluency Series Part 2 | One Key Change first appeared on ALsensei.

Fluency Series Part 1 | Challenges

July 15, 2020 13:30 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MB

In Part 1 of the brand new Fluency Series of the English 2.0 Podcast, we talk about the following topic in English: Challenges with Fluency I recently asked my students what their #1 challenge was in their English learning and overwhelmingly the response was that they were having trouble with fluency. In the first part […] The post Fluency Series Part 1 | Challenges first appeared on ALsensei.

YQ19 | Is a Firm Handshake OK for a Job Interview?

August 23, 2017 08:31 - 7 minutes - 4.87 MB

On the 19th episode of Your Question, we handle the following question: Q: Is a FIRM handshake recommended for a job interview? It seems a bit intimidating. Here are my thoughts and suggestions: In short, the answer is YES! It is very important to always give a firm handshake when you meet someone for the […] The post YQ19 | Is a Firm Handshake OK for a Job Interview? first appeared on ALsensei.

SS10 | Clarifying

July 20, 2017 12:05 - 8 minutes - 5.79 MB

On the 10th episode of Speaking Skills, we learn how to develop this skill: Clarifying Sometimes in a conversation, it’s hard to understand the other person. Perhaps, they use a word you don’t know or their explanation is unclear. In this lesson, we learn how to ask the other person to clarify what they mean. […] The post SS10 | Clarifying first appeared on ALsensei.

E2P35 | “Is This Correct?”

May 30, 2017 03:09 - 12 minutes - 8.97 MB

On the 35th episode of the English 2.0 Podcast, we talk about the following question from students: Is this correct English? One of the most common question I am asked by students is, “Al, is this correct?” Of course, this is a very good question to ask but I have found it difficult to answer […] The post E2P35 | “Is This Correct?” first appeared on ALsensei.

AB13 | Active Listening

April 14, 2017 09:46 - 12 minutes - 8.43 MB

On the 13th episode of the AudioBLOG, we go over the following Blog post: Power Conversation: Active Listening Learning how to have a natural and meaningful conversation with someone has been one of the hottest topics among my students recently. On this episode of the English 2.0 Podcast, I review Part 4 of the “Power […] The post AB13 | Active Listening first appeared on ALsensei.

PP32 | Fast vs. First

March 21, 2017 10:36 - 7 minutes - 5.32 MB

On the 32nd episode of the Pronunciation Point, we look at the following topic: FAST vs. FIRST These two words are sometimes hard to distinguish when pronouncing them. This is especially true for Japanese students. Al explains the differences and gives a few examples in Pronunciation Point 32! Download Video (66MB) ***Right Click->Save Link As […] The post PP32 | Fast vs. First first appeared on ALsensei.

YQ18 | How Can I Prepare For My Study Abroad?

March 03, 2017 11:50 - 4 minutes - 3.2 MB

On the 18th episode of Your Question, we handle the following question: Q: How can I prepare for my study abroad? Here are my thoughts and suggestions: Instead of focusing on English, focus more on culture and daily life experiences. Learn about customs and the school or program you will be attending. Learn about your […] The post YQ18 | How Can I Prepare For My Study Abroad? first appeared on ALsensei.

Best of Periscope 2 | How to Pronounce “Congratulations”, Grammar Question – “Still”, Star Wars Ep. 7 Chat

February 13, 2017 09:28 - 23 minutes - 16 MB

On the 2nd episode of the Best of Periscope, we look at 3 different Periscope lessons and videos over the last few months: 1. Pronunciation: “Congratulations” 2. Grammar Question: “Still” 3. Star Wars Episode 7 Discussion Periscope is an app for your smartphone or tablet which allows you to broadcast or watch live video! I’ve […] The post Best of Periscope 2 | How to Pronounce “Congratulations”, Grammar Question – “Still”, Star Wars Ep. 7 Chat first appeared on ALsensei.

AB12 | 3 Keys to Maintain a Conversation

May 11, 2016 09:44 - 10 minutes - 7.34 MB

On the 12th episode of the AudioBLOG, we go over the following Blog post: Power Conversation: How to Maintain a Coversation Learning how to have a natural and meaningful conversation with someone has been one of the hottest topics among my students recently. On this episode of the English 2.0 Podcast, I review Part 3 […] The post AB12 | 3 Keys to Maintain a Conversation first appeared on ALsensei.

E2P34 | How to Network with Success

April 18, 2016 12:59 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MB

On the 34th episode of the English 2.0 Podcast, we talk about the following topic: How to Network with Success One of the most important topics I cover with my business students is how to network and socialize in order to build great relationships. This is not only limited to the business world. Networking and […] The post E2P34 | How to Network with Success first appeared on ALsensei.

PP31 | Word Stress: Countries and Nationalities

March 09, 2016 07:10 - 7 minutes - 5.23 MB

On the 31st episode of the Pronunciation Point, we look at the following topic: Word Stress in Countries and Nationalities In some cases, when we pronounce the name of a country, the word stress is not the same when we pronounce that country’s nationality. Al goes over a few examples of this in Pronunciation Point […] The post PP31 | Word Stress: Countries and Nationalities first appeared on ALsensei.

TI8 | Erik Peterson – ESL Lecturer from the University of Wisconsin-Stout

February 28, 2016 14:58 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MB

On the 8th episode of the Teacher Interview, we talk to Erik Peterson from the University of Wisconsin-Stout! Erik is a Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in the ESLI (English as a Second Language Institute) Department. He has a Masters Degree and several years of teaching experience in Japan as well as at the […] The post TI8 | Erik Peterson – ESL Lecturer from the University of Wisconsin-Stout first appeared on ALsensei.

YQ17 | Which is better to improve SPEAKING? LISTENING or READING?

February 21, 2016 07:00 - 4 minutes - 3.1 MB

On the 17th episode of Your Question, we handle the following question: Q: Which is better to improve speaking? Listening or reading? Here are my thoughts and suggestions: Of course both are important for developing knowledge and fluency in a foreign language. Both reading and listening have advantages and disadvantages. Since listening is related to […] The post YQ17 | Which is better to improve SPEAKING? LISTENING or READING? first appeared on ALsensei.

Best of Periscope 1 | “Th”-sound, Brain Freeze, Mt. Fuji

February 12, 2016 20:36 - 14 minutes - 10 MB

On the 1st episode of the Best of Periscope, we look at 3 different Periscope lessons and videos over the last few months: 1. Pronunciation: “Th”-sound 2. Brain Freeze: How to speak when your brain gets stuck 3. Sunset over Mt. Fuji Periscope is an app for your smartphone or tablet which allows you to […] The post Best of Periscope 1 | “Th”-sound, Brain Freeze, Mt. Fuji first appeared on ALsensei.

AB11 | Conversation Confidence in 3 Easy Steps

February 05, 2016 08:36 - 10 minutes - 7.45 MB

On the 11th episode of the AudioBLOG, we go over the following Blog post: Power Conversation: How to Start a Conversation with Confidence Learning how to have a natural and meaningful conversation with someone has been one of the hottest topics among my students recently. On this episode of the English 2.0 Podcast, I review […] The post AB11 | Conversation Confidence in 3 Easy Steps first appeared on ALsensei.

SS9 | Agreeing and Disagreeing

January 29, 2016 10:02 - 9 minutes - 6.36 MB

On the 9th episode of Speaking Skills, we learn how to develop this skill: Agreeing and Disagreeing As we saw in Speaking Skills 8, learning how to give an opinion is a very valuable skill. But, if you hear someone else’s opinion, how should you respond? In this lesson, we learn how to agree and […] The post SS9 | Agreeing and Disagreeing first appeared on ALsensei.

Special Message from ALsensei

January 26, 2016 13:50 - 1 minute - 1.19 MB

Hello everyone! In 2010, I posted my first video to help my students here in Japan. Over the past 5 years, that video has turned into the English 2.0 Podcast which has been downloaded over 480,000 times in 190 different countries! The power of the internet is mighty strong! But, there are costs. For the […] The post Special Message from ALsensei first appeared on ALsensei.

E2P33 | The Green Pigeon

January 12, 2016 13:55 - 9 minutes - 6.9 MB

On the 33rd episode of the English 2.0 Podcast, we talk about the following topic: Creating English Speaking Opportunities (The Story of the Green Pigeon) One of my business English students recently told me about one of his hobbies — bird-watching. Because he wanted to share his enthusiasm for this hobby with others around the […] The post E2P33 | The Green Pigeon first appeared on ALsensei.

YQ16 | Is it a Good Idea to Learn 2 Languages at the Same Time?

December 27, 2015 02:53 - 6 minutes - 4.39 MB

On the 16th episode of Your Question, we handle the following question: Q: What do you think about learning two languages at the same time? Here are my thoughts and suggestions: Learning two languages at the same time requires not only a lot of time and effort, but also natural talent and ability to learn […] The post YQ16 | Is it a Good Idea to Learn 2 Languages at the Same Time? first appeared on ALsensei.

AB10 | Learn These 2 Points to Make a Great First Impression

December 18, 2015 04:41 - 12 minutes - 8.78 MB

On the 10th episode of the AudioBLOG, we go over the following Blog post: Power Conversation: Making a Good First Impression Learning how to have a natural and meaningful conversation with someone has been one of the hottest topics among my students recently. On this episode of the English 2.0 Podcast, I review Part 1 […] The post AB10 | Learn These 2 Points to Make a Great First Impression first appeared on ALsensei.

PP30 | Eyes vs. Ice

November 24, 2015 11:36 - 6 minutes - 4.51 MB

On the 30th episode of the Pronunciation Point, we look at two words that are often confused: Eyes vs. Ice We know that these words have different meanings but how are they pronounced differently? Al answers this and much more in Pronunciation Point 30! Download Video (54MB) ***Right Click->Save Link As On the English 2.0 […] The post PP30 | Eyes vs. Ice first appeared on ALsensei.

Movie Study 3 | MAN OF STEEL

November 13, 2015 07:27 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MB

On the 3rd episode of Movie Study, we go over a scene from the following movie: Man Of Steel Today, let’s take a look at this very good action movie from 2013 starring Henry Cavill and Amy Adams. On this episode, I break down the process of studying English with movies into five easy steps: […] The post Movie Study 3 | MAN OF STEEL first appeared on ALsensei.

SS8 | Giving Opinions

October 27, 2015 11:53 - 7 minutes - 5.26 MB

On the 8th episode of Speaking Skills, we learn how to develop this skill: Giving Opinions Everyone has opinions but I feel that some people are sometimes afraid to share them or don’t know how to in English. In this lesson, I will show you how you can give an opinion and share your ideas […] The post SS8 | Giving Opinions first appeared on ALsensei.

E2P32 | Are You Wasting Time and Money?

September 11, 2015 07:18 - 13 minutes - 9.44 MB

On the 32nd episode of the English 2.0 Podcast, we talk about the following topic: Return on Investment (ROI) Are you using your time and money the most efficient way possible? Are you studying difficult grammar points for hours and hours to take a test and then never use them again? If you’re not asking […] The post E2P32 | Are You Wasting Time and Money? first appeared on ALsensei.

PP29 | Carrier vs. Career

August 11, 2015 20:57 - 60.4 MB Video

On the 29th episode of the Pronunciation Point, we look at two words that are often confused: Carrier vs. Career We know that these words have different meanings but how are they pronounced differently? Al answers this and much more in Pronunciation Point 29! Download Video (60MB) ***Right Click->Save Link As On the English 2.0 […] The post PP29 | Carrier vs. Career first appeared on ALsensei.

AB9 | What?! Politics are OK to Discuss?

July 22, 2015 07:43 - 5.29 MB

On the 9th episode of the AudioBLOG, we go over the following Blog post: Is it OK to Talk About Politics? Most of us have been taught NOT to discuss politics with others because it is too sensitive and personal. But is this really true? Probably, if it’s the first time we’re meeting someone, we […] The post AB9 | What?! Politics are OK to Discuss? first appeared on ALsensei.

YQ15 | Is it Important to Remember Grammar Rules when Speaking?

July 17, 2015 04:51 - 62.2 MB Video

On the 15th episode of Your Question, we handle the following question: Q: Is it important to remember grammar rules when it comes to speaking? Here are my thoughts and suggestions: First, we need to have a basic level of grammar in order to be understood. However, if we think too much about grammar while […] The post YQ15 | Is it Important to Remember Grammar Rules when Speaking? first appeared on ALsensei.

Movie Study 2 | SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK

July 08, 2015 12:03 - 17.9 MB

On the 2nd episode of Movie Study, we go over a scene from the following movie: Silver Linings Playbook Today, let’s take a look at this very good drama from 2012 starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. On this episode, I break down the process of studying English with movies into five easy steps: 1. […] The post Movie Study 2 | SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK first appeared on ALsensei.

SS7 | Interrupting

June 23, 2015 07:39 - 64.6 MB Video

On the 7th episode of Speaking Skills, we learn how to develop this skill: Interrupting In some cultures, it is considered rude to interrupt someone during a conversation. How about for Western culture? Is it OK to interrupt someone? What are some situations that we might need to interrupt someone? If we want to interrupt […] The post SS7 | Interrupting first appeared on ALsensei.

TI7 | Jason Smith from Tweet Speak English

June 15, 2015 07:29 - 31.2 MB

On the 7th episode of the Teacher Interview, we talk to Jason Smith from Tweet Speak English! Jason is an English teacher currently living in Kochi, Japan. He is originally from Seattle, Washington in the U.S. and has several years of English teaching experience. Listen and find out his greatest tips for learning English! In […] The post TI7 | Jason Smith from Tweet Speak English first appeared on ALsensei.

E2P31 | 3 Ways to Make a BAD Impression!

May 27, 2015 06:05 - 145 MB Video

On the 31st episode of the English 2.0 Podcast, we talk about the following topic: 3 Ways to Make a BAD Impression: When we meet someone for the first time, they will immediately form an impression of us in their mind. As you know, this first impression is VERY important! However, when I talk to […] The post E2P31 | 3 Ways to Make a BAD Impression! first appeared on ALsensei.

PP28 | Word Stress: How to Emphasize Parts of Words

May 14, 2015 05:56 - 92.6 MB Video

On the 28th episode of the Pronunciation Point, we discuss a very important topic in American English pronunciation: Word Stress How can we emphasize certain parts of words to sound more natural? Al answers this and much more in Pronunciation Point 28! Download Video (93MB) ***Right Click->Save Link As On the English 2.0 Podcast, I […] The post PP28 | Word Stress: How to Emphasize Parts of Words first appeared on ALsensei.

AB8 | The Secret to Speaking Natural English

May 06, 2015 08:46 - 8.77 MB

On the 8th episode of the AudioBLOG, we go over the following Blog post: Transform Your Textbook Knowledge into Natural English Would you like to know the secret to speaking English more naturally? In this edition of the AudioBLOG, I reveal how you can do that by taking your textbook knowledge and transforming it into […] The post AB8 | The Secret to Speaking Natural English first appeared on ALsensei.

YQ14 | How Can I Build Vocabulary and Learn Idioms with a Bad Memory?

April 20, 2015 11:07 - 111 MB Video

On the 14th episode of Your Question, we handle the following question: Q: I want to build my vocabulary and learn idioms but my memory is not good. How can I do it? Here are my suggestions: 1. Learn by using mnemonics 2. Practice again and again and try to use in a meaningful way […] The post YQ14 | How Can I Build Vocabulary and Learn Idioms with a Bad Memory? first appeared on ALsensei.

Movie Study 1 | FROZEN

April 06, 2015 05:11 - 12.3 MB

On the 1st episode of Movie Study, we go over a scene from the following movie: Disney’s Frozen Today, let’s take a look at one of the most popular movies of all time from around the world! On this episode, I break down the process of studying English with movies into five easy steps: 1. […] The post Movie Study 1 | FROZEN first appeared on ALsensei.

Speaking Skills 6 | Making Offers

March 25, 2015 12:17 - 87 MB Video

On the 6th episode of Speaking Skills, we learn how to develop this skill: Making Offers Basically, there are two types of offers. 1. Offering a thing Would you like…? Do you want…? 2. Offering with an action Would you like me to…? Do you want me to…? Mentioned on this episode: Speaking Skills 2: […] The post Speaking Skills 6 | Making Offers first appeared on ALsensei.

TI6 | Kayla Hutson from Donethewriteway.com

March 02, 2015 21:36 - 26.8 MB

On the 6th episode of the Teacher Interview, we talk to Kayla Hutson from Donethewriteway.com! Kayla is an English editor and tutor who has taught abroad in China and has done editing work for several clients all over the world. She has even written her own book! Kayla is also giving away a FREE editing […] The post TI6 | Kayla Hutson from Donethewriteway.com first appeared on ALsensei.

Twitter Mentions

@alsensei 7 Episodes
@signature103 1 Episode
@teachermelanie 1 Episode
@sakijapanesegal 1 Episode
@kadlerenglish 1 Episode
@tweetspeakeng 1 Episode
@edulang 1 Episode
@coachshane 1 Episode
@vegandoe 1 Episode
@donethewriteway 1 Episode
@phrasemix 1 Episode