#222: English for Zoom, Skype, Teams, Meet

Platforms like Zoom, Skype of Google Meet are used more now than ever before. Some of our students have brought up some of the challenges that come with speaking in English while using these platforms. What do we say when the audio isn’t working? Or when the other person’s screen freezes? Or when we accidentally interrupt ourselves? Ethan, Andrea and Ollie share some strategies, tips, and vocabulary to use in video conferences, no matter if it’s a business meeting, a team meeting, meeting with your friends or even having an interview.

Words You’ll Learn:

  • Blunder
  • Hot stuff
  • Hearing (legal term)
  • Crack up
  • Filter
  • Crack a whip
  • Small talk
  • Solicit a status report
  • (do something) right off the bat
  • Waffle

Quick Definitions:

  • Wrestle: to fight with someone (especially as a sport) by holding them and trying to throw them to the ground.
  • “…use something flirtatiously”: in a way that suggests you are sexually attracted to someone, especially not in a serious way.
  • To be hooked (on something): addicted.
  • Keep one’s cool: remain calm.
  • Best practice: Best practices are a set of guidelines, ethics or ideas that represent the most efficient or prudent course of action, in a given business situation.
  • “…once you get to the bulk of the talk”: tha main or most important part.
  • Speak up: express one’s opinions frankly and openly.
  • Fumble: Express oneself or deal with something clumsily or nervously.
  • Fan: a machine with turning blades that is used to cool the air in a room by moving it around.

Funny Video

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  • Miriam says:

    Hallo there! I always listen to your podcast on Spotify, and I love it:)
    I’ve popped over here to look for the link to the lawyer’s video, but I actually cannot find It. Can you help me? Thanks and keep up the good work!

    • Max Ahumada says:

      Hey Miriam! Thank you for your comment. The video has been added now 🙂

  • Amaya says:

    Thank you for your useful and connecting podcasts that make me always learn new vocabulary for daily life and face real situations being able to become creative and proactive in an encouraging way to improve my English. I am very grateful for your job opening different ways to exchange experiences, challenges and helping others to be connected all around the world without borders

    • Agnieszka Tkacz says:

      Hello Amaya! We’re so happy to help! Thank you for listening!

  • Moumita Mandal says:

    Hey Ethan could you send me the link of your podcast app? I didn’t find that…as soon as possible 🥺🥺🥺🥺

  • William says:

    Hi Ethan, Andrea, Justin and the new teacher from Australia (sorry I’m not sure how to spell your name), I’m William from Taiwan. Thank you guys for your awesome podcast. Reallife English podcast is my first and the only podcast channel that I’ve ever listened to. You guys not only help me improve my listening comprehension, but also help me set up several goals that I’m yearned to achieve. Furthermore, you guys make me become an avid reader just like Ethan. Hope you guys keep making more wonderful podcast episodes and sharing more great books!

  • Jorge says:

    Hi guys. This podcast was really useful for me, thank you so much. Is there any possibility to get kind of PDF transcription?

    • Agnieszka Tkacz says:

      We don’t have transcripts for our podcast yet. But stay tuned! We’re working on something special for our listeners!