Speak Better at Work: Swap These 3 Overused Phrases

Someone needs to speak better at work who is reading this, us at Learn Laugh Speak included!

Saying "Great job" all the time makes it sound like you weren’t really paying attention.

A quick “Thanks” isn’t always enough.

And a flat-out “No” can come off way colder than you intended.

If you're an ESL speaker trying to speak better at work, these small, everyday phrases could be holding you back more than you think.

The good news? A few small upgrades can change how people see you instantly.

Speak Better at Work by Mastering Refusals

We've all been there, someone asks for help or hands you something last-minute and your first instinct is to say “No.”

But saying “no” the right way is a huge part of learning how to speak better at work.

Softer, more constructive ways to say it?

• “I’m tied up at the moment, but I can take a look later this afternoon.”
• “I’d love to help, but I’m focused on finishing another deadline right now.”
• “Let me check my schedule and see what’s realistic. I don’t want to commit unless I can follow through.”

It’s about protecting your time without sounding harsh. And yes, your English can absolutely do both.

Why "Great Job" Falls Short (and What to Say Instead)

You want to be encouraging. That’s a great instinct. But “Great job” is so common that it often feels... meaningless.

To speak better at work, try giving praise that shows you actually noticed the effort.

Try saying:

• “The way you explained the timeline helped the whole team get on board.”
• “Your summary was clear and to the point—I copied it for my notes.”
• “I saw how you stayed calm with that upset client. That’s not easy.”

See the difference? It tells the other person exactly why their work mattered.

Speak Better at Work Beyond “Thanks”

We’re all guilty of tossing out a quick “thanks” without thinking.

But if you’re trying to speak better at work, it pays to slow down and show real gratitude.

Instead of just saying "Thanks," try these:

• “Thanks for jumping in on short notice. That really helped us meet the deadline.”
• “I know that wasn’t your job, so I really appreciate the extra effort.”
• “You handled that call so smoothly. Thanks for making it look easy.”

These small tweaks? They build trust and show emotional intelligence—two things every professional needs.

Quick Confidence Boosters for ESL Speakers

Not sure how to start improving? Don’t overthink it. Here are a few realistic ways to level up how you speak at work:

• Mind your tone – Even perfect words sound harsh if rushed or too flat
• Be specific – Instead of “Your report was good,” try “Your summary saved me half an hour.”
• Practice aloud – Say tough sentences out loud during your commute or while doing dishes
• Keep a phrase cheat sheet – Save strong sentences you hear or read in your notes app

These aren’t big changes. But they will help you speak better at work—faster than you'd think.

You Already Have the Tools to Speak Better at Work

You don’t need to memorize fancy vocabulary to be professional. You just need to be clear, kind, and specific.

Pick one phrase this week. Maybe change how you say “Thanks.” Or try giving more useful feedback instead of “Great job.”

You’ll feel the difference—and so will your team.

Want more real English that works where you work? Follow Learn Laugh Speak for tips that actually help you speak better at work.