Learn the three English phrases that protect your time — without sounding rude.

Full episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major apps.

What You’ll Learn (Common Questions + Quick Answers)

Q: How do I say “no” politely at work?
A: Use phrases like “I can help for a few minutes, but I can’t stay late” to stay helpful and clear.

Q: What phrases help me protect my time?
A: Try “Let’s schedule this for tomorrow morning” or “I’m not the right person — you should ask…”.

Q: How do I understand words like “a minute,” “a few minutes,” and “later”?
A: These describe time and expectations — and in real workplaces, they often mean much longer. You’ll hear examples in the episode.

Q: What should I say if I need someone to repeat something?
A: Use clear requests like “Could you repeat that?” or “Can you say that more slowly?”

Q: How can I stay calm when someone gives me last‑minute tasks?
A: Focus on one instruction at a time, repeat it out loud, and use tone and context — just like Lyla and Mel-Amir do.

Our workbooks include the full script, creative exercises, and pronunciation practice so you can listen, follow along, and learn confidently.

👉 https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-25d-easy-159332664

Synopsis

In this episode, Lyla gets stuck at the office after someone says, “It will just take a minute.” What begins as a simple favor becomes a lesson in polite boundaries, time management, and clear communication.

Meanwhile, Mel-Amir has the same experience at the food bank — a “few minutes” that turns into an hour. When Douglas hears both stories, he realizes it’s time to teach the group three practical phrases that help you say “yes” without losing your whole evening.

As they move through the office and Brenda’s warm kitchen, learners hear real examples of workplace vocabulary, including phrases like “I can help for a few minutes,” “Let’s schedule this,” and “I’m not the right person.”

By the end, Lyla and Mel-Amir discover that polite boundaries aren’t rude — they’re respectful, honest, and part of a healthy workday.

Character Spotlight

Lyla: A hardworking employee who struggles to say no. She models how many learners feel: wanting to help but needing tools to protect their time.

Douglas: Supportive, calm, and practical. He teaches the three “polite exits” and shows how boundaries can be clear and kind.

Kofi: Warm, polite, and always checking twice. His humor helps learners relax while hearing natural English.

Mel-Amir: Thoughtful and eager to learn. His story mirrors Lyla’s, helping listeners see the same problem in a different setting.

Adam (AI-phone): Dry, dramatic, and unexpectedly wise. His “battery announcements” add humor while reinforcing the theme of knowing your limits.

Tagline

Sometimes the kindest word is a gentle boundary — and the right phrase can save your whole evening.

We’d love to hear from you.

You can email us anytime at: podcastwordsatwork@gmail.com

ALL OUR EPISODES are ALWAYS FREE TO LISTEN.
Workbooks and scripts are available for every episode.
All voices are digitally created for clarity and accessibility.