Asking for help at work doesn’t have to feel awkward or uncomfortable.
In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we focus on simple, polite, and professional English phrases you can use to convince someone to help you — without sounding pushy.

You’ll learn how to ask for help naturally, respect other people’s time, and explain your situation clearly in everyday workplace conversations.

We cover practical phrases like:
“Could you help me with this for a minute?”
“Would you mind taking a quick look at this?”
“I’m a bit stuck on this — could you share your thoughts?”
“Could I get your help on this when you have a moment?”
“I’m on a tight deadline — is there any chance you could help today?”
“You’ve worked on this before, so I thought you might have a better idea.”
“I’d really appreciate your help.”
“Let me know if now’s not a good time.”

You’ll also hear a natural workplace conversation example, repeat-after-me practice, and a short speaking challenge to help you build confidence using these phrases in real situations.

Perfect for professionals, office workers, and English learners who want to sound polite, confident, and natural at work.

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Do you ever feel guilty when you take a break?

In this episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we explore how to talk naturally about taking a break at work, while studying, or when spending time with friends — without feeling lazy or unproductive.

You’ll learn simple, natural phrases you can use in real-life situations.

At work:
“I’m going to take a quick break.”
“I’ll be back in 10 minutes.”
“Can we take a short break?”
“Do you mind if we take five?”

While studying:
“I need a break.”
“I can’t focus anymore.”
“My brain is tired.”
“Let’s take a quick break and then continue.”

When relaxing with friends:
“I needed this.”
“It feels good to disconnect.”
“I’m just recharging.”
“I’m clearing my head.”

You’ll also hear short example conversations, repeat-after-me speaking practice, and a small speaking challenge to help you build confidence.

This episode is perfect for English learners who want to speak naturally about everyday life situations — at work, at school, and socially.

New full episodes every Monday.
Shadow English Practice episodes every Wednesday on all audio platforms.

Take a break. Recharge. And keep improving your English.

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In this New Year episode of 5-Minute English Talk, we start the year by going back to the basics — how to greet someone in English and how to reply naturally.

You’ll learn simple, everyday greetings like:
• “Hi”
• “Hello”
• “Hey”

And common follow-up greetings such as:
• “How are you?”
• “How’s it going?”
• “How are you doing?”

Along with natural replies like:
• “I’m good, thanks.”
• “Doing well.”
• “Pretty good.”
• “All good.”

The episode also covers casual greetings used with friends and colleagues, including:
• “What’s up?”
• “How’s everything?”
• “How’s your day going?”

Plus, you’ll hear a real conversation example, repeat-after-me practice, and a simple speaking challenge to help you feel more confident using greetings in daily life.

We also share a Happy New Year message from the 5-Minute English Talk team and explain why starting with basic topics like greetings is especially helpful for new and intermediate learners.

✨ New full episodes every Monday
✨ Shadow English Practice episodes every Wednesday on all audio platforms

Start the year strong with simple, natural English — and keep talking naturally

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Welcome back to 5-Minute English Talk!
I’m Bruce, and this Wednesday we’re starting the year with a Happy New Year Shadow English Practice.

In this episode, you’ll practice positive, natural English that people commonly use at the beginning of a new year — at work, with friends, and in everyday conversations.

You’ll repeat and shadow sentences like:

“Happy New Year!”

“Wishing you a happy and successful new year.”

“This year feels like a fresh start.”

“I’m setting a few goals for this year.”

“I want to keep improving my English.”

“I’m excited about what this year will bring.”

“Let’s make this year a great one.”

Remember:
When you shadow, don’t rush. Match the rhythm, tone, and emotion — positive, confident, and hopeful.

🎯 Mini challenge:
Pick one sentence and repeat it ten times — slowly first, then naturally.

Save this episode and practice it anytime throughout the year.

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Welcome back to 5-Minute English Talk with Bruce and Stacy. In this New Year episode, we explore how to wish someone a Happy New Year and talk about goals and resolutions in natural, everyday English—the way native speakers really speak.

You’ll learn simple, friendly phrases like “Happy New Year,” “Here’s to a fresh start,” and “Wishing you health and happiness.” We also show you how to talk about resolutions without sounding formal or academic, using natural expressions such as “I’m working on…,” “I’m looking to…,” and “I’m trying to…”

This episode reminds you that consistency matters more than intensity, and that real progress comes from small, steady steps. You’ll hear a realistic conversation, practice speaking out loud, and take on a simple New Year speaking challenge to help you build confidence.

Whether you’re starting the year full of energy or taking things slowly, this episode will help you speak more naturally, feel more confident, and begin the year with the right mindset.

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Welcome back to 5-Minute English Talk!
I’m Bruce, and this Wednesday we’re back with another Shadow English Practice episode — designed to help you speak more naturally by listening, repeating, and copying intonation.

Since it’s Christmas season, today’s practice focuses on warm, friendly English you’ll hear at this time of year — with family, friends, colleagues, and everyday conversations.

In this episode, you’ll practice real Christmas sentences like:

“I love the Christmas atmosphere.”

“Christmas is my favorite time of the year.”

“We’re getting ready for Christmas celebrations.”

“I’m spending Christmas with my family.”

“Christmas always brings people together.”

“Wishing you a Merry Christmas.”

“Hope you have a joyful and peaceful Christmas.”

Remember:
When you shadow, don’t rush. Christmas English should sound warm, relaxed, and friendly.

🎯 Mini challenge:
Pick one sentence from today and repeat it ten times — slowly first, then naturally.

Save this episode and practice it anytime during the Christmas season.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special Christmas episode of 5-Minute English Talk, you’ll learn how people naturally talk during the holiday season using simple, warm, everyday English.

You’ll hear common Christmas greetings like “Merry Christmas,” friendly ways to check in on others, and relaxed responses about holiday plans such as “Keeping it simple this year” and “Nothing big — just relaxing.” The episode also includes a real conversation example, repeat-after-me practice, and a gentle speaking challenge to help you use these phrases with confidence.

Perfect for the holiday season, this episode reminds you that you don’t need perfect English to connect with people — kindness, sincerity, and simple words matter most.

✨ New full episodes every Monday
✨ Shadow English Practice episodes every Wednesday

Merry Christmas, and keep talking naturally.

Important sentences:
• “Merry Christmas!”
• “Merry Christmas to you too!”
• “Thanks — hope you have a great one.”
• “Same to you!”
• “How are you spending Christmas?”
• “Are you with family this year?”
• “Any plans for today?”
• “It really feels like Christmas now.”
• “This year went by so fast.”
• “It’s nice to slow down a bit.”
• “I know — I can’t believe it.”
• “Yeah, it flew by.”
• “I really needed this break.”
• “Hope you’re having a lovely day.”
• “I’m keeping it simple this year.”
• “It’s nice to slow down a bit.”

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In this episode, you’ll practice real holiday-time sentences like:

“I’m getting ready for the holidays.”

“Do you have any plans for the holidays?”

“It’s been a busy end of the year.”

“I’m looking forward to some time off.”

“The holiday season always goes by so fast.”

“Wishing you a happy and relaxing holiday.”

“Let’s catch up again in the new year.”

Remember:
When you shadow, don’t rush. Slow, clear practice builds natural speed later.
Try to match the emotion too — warm, relaxed, and friendly.

🎯 Today’s mini challenge:
Pick one sentence from this episode and repeat it ten times — slowly first, then naturally.

Save this episode and practice it anytime during the holiday season.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.