Blog

Communication, Communication coach, Communication skills, English coach, English communication, Meeting Communication

|

|

|

From the first time I learnt about it, I was fascinated by the MiND profiling tool from MyBrain International, as it is the first of its kind to be based on neuroscience, and helps us understand our professional and personal thinking preferences. This...

How do your emails sound? What does your reader hear when they open your emails? How do they interpret it through their ears? Here is something interesting: your emails always have a tone of voice, whether you are intentional about it or not,...

22 Nov

How to pitch your tone of voice in emails

Business English, Communication skills, Email communication, Email English, English communication, Professional Emails

|

|

|

How do your emails sound? What does your reader hear when they open your emails? How do they interpret it through their ears? Here is something interesting: your emails always have a tone of voice, whether you are intentional about it or not,...

Do you consider small talk important in virtual meetings? Do you make time to build conversations, or is it just straight down to business? How do you connect to people in small talk and get beyond the obvious topics? I believe small talk...

15 Nov

Top Small Talk tips for virtual meetings

Communication, Communication coach, English communication, English confidence, Meeting Communication, Small Talk

|

|

|

Do you consider small talk important in virtual meetings? Do you make time to build conversations, or is it just straight down to business? How do you connect to people in small talk and get beyond the obvious topics? I believe small talk...

When you give presentations, the way you signpost and transition from one section of the presentation to the next will help your English communication sound professional, structured and confident. The signposting and transitions are like the wardrobe for your content, giving a framework...

08 Nov

Signposting your Presentations: transitioning smoothly

Business English, English communication, English confidence, Hybrid working, International teams, Meeting Communication, Online Meetings, Presentation English

|

|

|

When you give presentations, the way you signpost and transition from one section of the presentation to the next will help your English communication sound professional, structured and confident. The signposting and transitions are like the wardrobe for your content, giving a framework...

Do you experience communication stress? Today is National Stress Awareness Day, raising everybody’s awareness of the effects of work stress and strategies to address it. There are many different expressions of stress, and I know that my clients sometimes experience communication stress. What...

01 Nov

Key strategies for communication stress in international teams

Business English, Communication stress, English communication, Hybrid working, International teams, Meeting Communication, Online Meetings

|

|

|

Do you experience communication stress? Today is National Stress Awareness Day, raising everybody’s awareness of the effects of work stress and strategies to address it. There are many different expressions of stress, and I know that my clients sometimes experience communication stress. What...

One of the areas that my clients find challenging is communicating effectively in English when there is no visual element, for example, when on audio-only calls and when the video is switched off. Specifically, the lack of cues to help interpretation, such as...

25 Oct

Coping with online meeting issues

Business English, Communication skills, English coach, English communication, English confidence, English language, Meeting Communication, Online Meetings, Speak better English

|

|

|

One of the areas that my clients find challenging is communicating effectively in English when there is no visual element, for example, when on audio-only calls and when the video is switched off. Specifically, the lack of cues to help interpretation, such as...

Before I start my programmes with my clients, I focus on clarity. Clarity includes understanding exactly what a client wants, needs and why (wants and needs may be very different!). The ‘why’ explores their vision of success for their English communication and what...

18 Oct

8 key questions to self-evaluate your English communication skills

British English, Business English, Communication skills, English, English coach, English communication, English confidence, English course, Perfect Cuppa English

|

|

|

Before I start my programmes with my clients, I focus on clarity. Clarity includes understanding exactly what a client wants, needs and why (wants and needs may be very different!). The ‘why’ explores their vision of success for their English communication and what...

Is ‘sorry’ a word used just as an apology for when you have done something wrong? One of the fascinating things about the word ‘sorry’ is that it has many shades of meaning in British English. It is not just a way to apologise,...

11 Oct

What does sorry mean in British English

British Culture, British English, Business English, Communication skills, English confidence, Language course, Meeting Communication

|

|

|

Is ‘sorry’ a word used just as an apology for when you have done something wrong? One of the fascinating things about the word ‘sorry’ is that it has many shades of meaning in British English. It is not just a way to apologise,...

Do you know how your habits can work for and against you? Earlier this year I learned quite a bit about habits, when I was qualifying as a practitioner of applied Neuroscience for personal development with MyBrain International. I found it a fascinating...

04 Oct

5 habits to boost your English

Business English, Communication skills, English, English communication, English confidence, English course, English online, Professional English

|

|

|

Do you know how your habits can work for and against you? Earlier this year I learned quite a bit about habits, when I was qualifying as a practitioner of applied Neuroscience for personal development with MyBrain International. I found it a fascinating...

You open the email, see the first few words, and you immediately stop reading. Why? The greeting sounds cheesy and is probably spam. So, how do you write an opening to your English emails, so they sound appropriate and connect with the reader from...

27 Sep

Top ways to open your English emails

Business English, Business English courses, coaching English, Email communication, Email English, English coach, English trainer

|

|

|

You open the email, see the first few words, and you immediately stop reading. Why? The greeting sounds cheesy and is probably spam. So, how do you write an opening to your English emails, so they sound appropriate and connect with the reader from...

How do you describe your culture at work? If you are working in the UK or regularly working with British teams, how would you describe British business culture? Even in our international, virtually connected world, the culture we have grown up in, or spent...

20 Sep

British Business Culture: working effectively with British teams

British business culture, British Culture, Communication skills, Cultural coaching, Cultural Training, Perfect Cuppa English

|

|

|

How do you describe your culture at work? If you are working in the UK or regularly working with British teams, how would you describe British business culture? Even in our international, virtually connected world, the culture we have grown up in, or spent...

How do you feel when you are asked to present or do public speaking in English? Excited? Stressed? Confident? Nervous? Uncomfortable? Blocked? Being able to present well is a key skill for business people, and yet some experts estimate that as much as 77%...

06 Sep

Opening English presentations impactfully

Business English, Communication skills, English coach, English communication, English confidence, English language, Meeting Communication, Professional English, Speak better English

|

|

|

How do you feel when you are asked to present or do public speaking in English? Excited? Stressed? Confident? Nervous? Uncomfortable? Blocked? Being able to present well is a key skill for business people, and yet some experts estimate that as much as 77%...

When I work with international clients in English communication coaching, I am often asked about how to build learning into everyday life, and what my key recommendations are of what to follow in English. Reading and listening to content in English is a great...

30 Aug

My English listening and reading recommendations

Communication skills, English, English coach, English communication, English confidence, English course, English culture, English language, Professional English, Speak better English

|

|

|

When I work with international clients in English communication coaching, I am often asked about how to build learning into everyday life, and what my key recommendations are of what to follow in English. Reading and listening to content in English is a great...

When participating in meetings, I know that my clients, who are speakers of English as a 2nd+ language, want to sound clear, natural and professional in the way they express their views. This helps with sounding confident in English, even when speaking spontaneously,...

23 Aug

Structuring your opinions clearly in meetings

Business English, Communication skills, English coach, English communication, English confidence, Meeting Communication, Meeting English, Professional English

|

|

|

When participating in meetings, I know that my clients, who are speakers of English as a 2nd+ language, want to sound clear, natural and professional in the way they express their views. This helps with sounding confident in English, even when speaking spontaneously,...

I discovered 18th August is Never Give Up Day, and I love the idea behind this day. It is encouraging us all to focus on our mindset, to be determined, to give our best to achieve our dreams, and remember that if we keep...

16 Aug

Top English Confidence Hacks

Business English, English, English coach, English communication, English confidence, Professional English, Speak better English

|

|

|

I discovered 18th August is Never Give Up Day, and I love the idea behind this day. It is encouraging us all to focus on our mindset, to be determined, to give our best to achieve our dreams, and remember that if we keep...

It is holiday season for many parts of the world and one of the questions I am asked about is how to write a professional and effective out of office message. Some people reject the idea and prefer to just keep on top of...

02 Aug

Writing a professional out of office message in English

Business English, Communication skills, Email communication, English coach, English communication, Holidays, Professional Emails, Professional English

|

|

|

It is holiday season for many parts of the world and one of the questions I am asked about is how to write a professional and effective out of office message. Some people reject the idea and prefer to just keep on top of...

So we are in the peak holiday period and whether you are off traveling, or have decided to stay more local this year, I hope you have a great time! You might think this is the perfect time to take a break from not...

26 Jul

How to maintain your English communication progress when travelling

Business English, Communication skills, English coach, English communication, Learning Strategies, Perfect Cuppa English, Professional English

|

|

|

So we are in the peak holiday period and whether you are off traveling, or have decided to stay more local this year, I hope you have a great time! You might think this is the perfect time to take a break from not...

As the holiday season is fast approaching, I thought I would share my 10 must-know English holiday & travel phrases for this time of year. Whether you are travelling to see family and friends, experience a new place or are going on holiday locally,...

19 Jul

10 must-know holiday phrases in English

British Culture, British English, Communication skills, English coach, English communication, English Expressions, Perfect Cuppa English, Professional English

|

|

|

As the holiday season is fast approaching, I thought I would share my 10 must-know English holiday & travel phrases for this time of year. Whether you are travelling to see family and friends, experience a new place or are going on holiday locally,...

You sit there and hold your breath. The time ticks on. They have just said something important, but you did not quite understand. It might have been the English phrase they used, the way they said it, you are not used to their accent,...

12 Jul

The top 12 professional ways to say you don’t understand in English

British Culture, British English, Business English, Communication skills, English coach, English communication, English confidence, Professional English

|

|

|

You sit there and hold your breath. The time ticks on. They have just said something important, but you did not quite understand. It might have been the English phrase they used, the way they said it, you are not used to their accent,...

I remember endlessly learning. I studied languages at university, German and Russian, and I used to spend hours learning the structures, vocabulary and grammar. Trying to understand the logic of the language and I had a perfectionist streak, which meant that I always...

05 Jul

Agility, not perfectionism

|

Business English, Communication, Communication skills, English coach, English language, Language, Language course, Professional English

|

|

I remember endlessly learning. I studied languages at university, German and Russian, and I used to spend hours learning the structures, vocabulary and grammar. Trying to understand the logic of the language and I had a perfectionist streak, which meant that I always...

by Victoria Rennoldson and Gill McKay When working in international teams it’s important to be able to communicate confidently & effectively in English, whatever the situation or the audience. What if you could understand the neuroscience & how your brain works to fast track...

28 Jun

Using neuroscience to upgrade your English communication

Business English, Communication skills, English, English communication, English course, English language, Perfect Cuppa English

|

|

|

by Victoria Rennoldson and Gill McKay When working in international teams it’s important to be able to communicate confidently & effectively in English, whatever the situation or the audience. What if you could understand the neuroscience & how your brain works to fast track...

Do you have your head in the clouds? Is this a positive or a negative expression for you? I was having a really interesting conversation with a group recently about the meaning of this English idiom & its connotations. For some in the group,...

01 Jun

Head in the clouds & thinking idioms

Business English, Communication skills, English coach, English communication, English Idioms, English language

|

|

|

Do you have your head in the clouds? Is this a positive or a negative expression for you? I was having a really interesting conversation with a group recently about the meaning of this English idiom & its connotations. For some in the group,...

I will let you into a little secret. Wednesday 26th May is my birthday so I am going to take a day off & enjoy catching up with some friends & family, now lockdown has started to ease & we can see people again....

24 May

All about Victoria Q&A

being British, British Culture, British English, British Traditions, Business English, Communication skills, English coach, English communication, Perfect Cuppa English

|

|

|

I will let you into a little secret. Wednesday 26th May is my birthday so I am going to take a day off & enjoy catching up with some friends & family, now lockdown has started to ease & we can see people again....

Imagine you are in an important meeting & you are asked to comment or answer a question, but you are not sure what to say, or how to express yourself well in the moment. You want to sound professional, confident & share your point...

17 May

English Meeting Communication: what to say when you don’t know what to say next

Business English, Communication skills, English communication, English confidence, Meeting English, Professional English

|

|

|

Imagine you are in an important meeting & you are asked to comment or answer a question, but you are not sure what to say, or how to express yourself well in the moment. You want to sound professional, confident & share your point...

Whenever I speak to a new international client about their situation & needs, there is usually one word that consistently comes up. It is a word that is critical in their mind to reach their ultimate goal of being an effective & professional communicator...

10 May

The 8 Keys to Confident English Communication

Communication skills, English, English communication, English confidence, English language, Professional English, Speak better English

|

|

|

Whenever I speak to a new international client about their situation & needs, there is usually one word that consistently comes up. It is a word that is critical in their mind to reach their ultimate goal of being an effective & professional communicator...

Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Stephen Covey Small talk is a critical business skill, and if English is your second or third language, then you may experience challenges sometimes in feeling relaxed & confident when talking with people for...

04 May

English Small Talk Success

Business English, Communication, Communication skills, English communication, English confidence, Small Talk

|

|

|

Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Stephen Covey Small talk is a critical business skill, and if English is your second or third language, then you may experience challenges sometimes in feeling relaxed & confident when talking with people for...

I had a client a few years ago who came to me because he felt he needed to improve his English writing skills. On the surface, he appeared to be a confident English speaker, able to express himself clearly & appropriately, with a good...

26 Apr

Are you making these common email mistakes?

Business English, Communication skills, Email communication, Email English, Professional Emails, Professional English

|

|

|

I had a client a few years ago who came to me because he felt he needed to improve his English writing skills. On the surface, he appeared to be a confident English speaker, able to express himself clearly & appropriately, with a good...

What are the newest English words to know? The English dictionaries in the UK are constantly in evolution. In fact, thousands of words are added every year to the main dictionaries, including the OED (Oxford English Dictionary), which has just published its quarterly...

19 Apr

The latest English words to know

|

Business English, English, English communication, Language, New English words, Professional English

|

|

What are the newest English words to know? The English dictionaries in the UK are constantly in evolution. In fact, thousands of words are added every year to the main dictionaries, including the OED (Oxford English Dictionary), which has just published its quarterly...

Why is it that British people have such a reputation for being indirect & avoiding saying ‘no’? It is like a national joke, with those tables circulated every so often showing what the British person said & what they actually mean. Clearly everybody is...

12 Apr

How British people disagree

Business English, English communication, English confidence, Meeting Communication, Meeting English, Online Meetings, Professional English

|

|

|

Why is it that British people have such a reputation for being indirect & avoiding saying ‘no’? It is like a national joke, with those tables circulated every so often showing what the British person said & what they actually mean. Clearly everybody is...

Imagine your personality is normally like a bright yellow colour, but in your English communication you feel like you show up like the colour of British mid-winter sunshine. How does that feel? Communicating in English can be like you are not able to...

06 Apr

How to express your full personality in your English communication

British English, Business English, Communication skills, English communication, English confidence, English course, English practice, Language course, Professional English

|

|

|

Imagine your personality is normally like a bright yellow colour, but in your English communication you feel like you show up like the colour of British mid-winter sunshine. How does that feel? Communicating in English can be like you are not able to...

The world is a challenging place at the moment, as I am writing exactly one year after the first Coronavirus lockdown started here in the UK. Depending on where you are currently living, you may be experiencing greater or lesser movement restrictions, ability to...

29 Mar

How to experience the best of British culture right now

British Culture, British Culture Training, British English, English coach, English communication

|

|

|

The world is a challenging place at the moment, as I am writing exactly one year after the first Coronavirus lockdown started here in the UK. Depending on where you are currently living, you may be experiencing greater or lesser movement restrictions, ability to...

I thought I would do something a little bit different today, which is to share a video, because I wanted to talk to you about pronunciation. I know that many of you tell me that there are certain sounds in English which can be...

23 Mar

What words do you find hard to pronounce in English?

British English, Business English, Communication skills, English, English coach, English communication, Perfect Cuppa English, Pronunciation

|

|

|

I thought I would do something a little bit different today, which is to share a video, because I wanted to talk to you about pronunciation. I know that many of you tell me that there are certain sounds in English which can be...

I was speaking to an international client recently and he was telling me that although he has been operating in English for his work for a long time, he noticed sometimes he wrote down the wrong English word for the context, because it was confusingly...

15 Mar

Business English words not to confuse

|

Business English, English, English coach, English communication, English language, English online, Homophones, Perfect Cuppa English

|

|

3

I was speaking to an international client recently and he was telling me that although he has been operating in English for his work for a long time, he noticed sometimes he wrote down the wrong English word for the context, because it was confusingly...

Online working means that we often have to speak confidently for any presentation format, whether it’s webinars, videos, lives on social medias and hopefully back in real-life presentations eventually. Effective communication is a core skill for any professional working in international teams, no matter...

08 Mar

10 keys to confident English Communication in videos

Business English, Communication skills, English communication, English confidence, English language, Perfect Cuppa English, Presentation English

|

|

|

Online working means that we often have to speak confidently for any presentation format, whether it’s webinars, videos, lives on social medias and hopefully back in real-life presentations eventually. Effective communication is a core skill for any professional working in international teams, no matter...

I used to work with a client, Sara, who had been working in the UK for 3 years when I met her. She already was clearly an advanced speaker of English & could operate fine day to day in her role, but she came...

01 Mar

15 phrases with ‘get’ to improve your English communication

British Culture, British English, Communication skills, English communication, English Expressions, English Idioms, English language, Perfect Cuppa English, Professional English

|

|

|

I used to work with a client, Sara, who had been working in the UK for 3 years when I met her. She already was clearly an advanced speaker of English & could operate fine day to day in her role, but she came...

If you are somebody who regularly presents for work, there may be times when no matter how well prepared you are, you receive a question that you do not want to, or do not know how to answer. In more challenging situations, you may...

22 Feb

How to speak better Business English

British English, Business English, Communication skills, English communication, Perfect Cuppa English, Speak better English

|

|

|

Many of us come to improving English as an adult with a hangover from school learning. We have a lot of pre-conceptions about what it means to learn a language. This is usually based on our memories of sitting in the classroom, not saying...

I want you to imagine that you pick up a pen & you are writing with your opposite hand to how you usually write. How does that feel to you? What does your writing look like? Does it look like yours? Presenting in...

08 Feb

English phrases for creating impact in your presentations

British English, Business English, Communication skills, English communication, Perfect Cuppa English, Presentation English

|

|

|

I want you to imagine that you pick up a pen & you are writing with your opposite hand to how you usually write. How does that feel to you? What does your writing look like? Does it look like yours? Presenting in...

I was thinking about acronyms the other day, when I was asked about them during a webinar I was leading about connecting successfully with British teams. The question was about whether acronyms should be used or avoided, which got me thinking this was a...

01 Feb

Top Acronyms for work life

British acronyms, British Culture, Business English, English communication, Meeting Communication, Online Meetings, Perfect Cuppa English

|

|

|

I was thinking about acronyms the other day, when I was asked about them during a webinar I was leading about connecting successfully with British teams. The question was about whether acronyms should be used or avoided, which got me thinking this was a...

When I work with people to uplevel their English communication, they often tell me that idioms are a challenging area. Not only to understand when English-speaking people use them in conversation, but also how to use them yourself to help your English sound more...

25 Jan

Top English idioms for staying positive

Business English, English coach, English communication, English Idioms, Perfect Cuppa English

|

|

|

3

When I work with people to uplevel their English communication, they often tell me that idioms are a challenging area. Not only to understand when English-speaking people use them in conversation, but also how to use them yourself to help your English sound more...

I was pleased to be recently published in the Focus UK magazine, sharing my article on British humour for their international network in their latest Spring 2021 edition. Read the full article here below or via the link: https://bit.ly/focusJan21 Sorry, we’re British “The problem...

14 Jan

An Insight into British Humour

British Comedy, British Culture, British Humour, English communication, Perfect Cuppa English

|

|

|

I was pleased to be recently published in the Focus UK magazine, sharing my article on British humour for their international network in their latest Spring 2021 edition. Read the full article here below or via the link: https://bit.ly/focusJan21 Sorry, we’re British “The problem...

This Sunday 17th January is officially ‘Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day’. Apparently, it’s the day when most people run out of energy to focus on their new diet/ exercise regime/ daily habit focus & just give up. So how are you getting on with...

11 Jan

Turn your English motivation into reality

Business English, English appraisal, English communication, English Evaluation, Professional English

|

|

|

This Sunday 17th January is officially ‘Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day’. Apparently, it’s the day when most people run out of energy to focus on their new diet/ exercise regime/ daily habit focus & just give up. So how are you getting on with...

Many international people I work with based in the UK would normally be planning to travel at this time of year back to family, friends or taking the opportunity to explore while living in the UK. Covid means that many people are staying in...

07 Dec

British Christmas Traditions with a 2020 twist

British Christmas, British Culture, Christmas Jumper Day, Christmas Traditions, Work Christmas Party

|

|

|

Many international people I work with based in the UK would normally be planning to travel at this time of year back to family, friends or taking the opportunity to explore while living in the UK. Covid means that many people are staying in...

The average office worker: receives 121 emails every day, spends 2 hours a day browsing their inbox the equivalent of 30 days a year on email. Yes, that’s right, the equivalent of a whole month! Plus the main cause of confusion or resentment in the...

30 Nov

Unlocking the keys to email communication success

Business English, Email communication, Email English, Perfect Cuppa English, Professional Emails

|

|

|

4

The average office worker: receives 121 emails every day, spends 2 hours a day browsing their inbox the equivalent of 30 days a year on email. Yes, that’s right, the equivalent of a whole month! Plus the main cause of confusion or resentment in the...

It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognise, accept & celebrate those differences. Audre Lorde The national culture we grow up in makes a great impression on us & how we view the world....

24 Nov

Why culture matters in business

British Culture, Cultural Awareness, Cultural Intelligence, Cultural Training, Perfect Cuppa English

|

|

|

It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognise, accept & celebrate those differences. Audre Lorde The national culture we grow up in makes a great impression on us & how we view the world....

‘How are you? Hope you’re having a good week.’ How do you feel about small talk? Is it something fun to engage in & a way to get to know the other person? A necessary, but empty part of the conversation? A waste of...

16 Nov

How to be a pro at Small Talk

British Culture, Meeting Communication, Online Meetings, Perfect Cuppa English, Small Talk

|

|

|

5

‘How are you? Hope you’re having a good week.’ How do you feel about small talk? Is it something fun to engage in & a way to get to know the other person? A necessary, but empty part of the conversation? A waste of...

Communication is a hot topic right now, especially in many countries including the UK, where we are in lockdown 2.0 & need to work effectively virtually. How do we communicate? What is the best way to connect? How do we make our messages clear...

09 Nov

Mind the gap: exploring British cultural approaches

British Culture, British Culture Training, Cultural Training, English communication, Perfect Cuppa English

|

|

|

Communication is a hot topic right now, especially in many countries including the UK, where we are in lockdown 2.0 & need to work effectively virtually. How do we communicate? What is the best way to connect? How do we make our messages clear...

I sometimes have clients come to me & they are already advanced speakers of English. They may be currently living in the UK or have lived in an English-speaking country previously. Usually they are already operating in a managerial role in an international team...

02 Nov

Why I don’t believe in fluency

Business English, English communication, Fluency, Perfect Cuppa English, Professional English

|

|

|

I sometimes have clients come to me & they are already advanced speakers of English. They may be currently living in the UK or have lived in an English-speaking country previously. Usually they are already operating in a managerial role in an international team...

Great to be published in the Focus UK magazine, sharing my article in this latest edition on language & communication in online meetings for their international community. Always love receiving my copy as some fascinating topics to read about! Read the full article...

08 Oct

Language & Communication in Online Meetings

Business English, English communication, Online Meetings, Perfect Cuppa English, Professional English

|

|

|

Great to be published in the Focus UK magazine, sharing my article in this latest edition on language & communication in online meetings for their international community. Always love receiving my copy as some fascinating topics to read about! Read the full article...

“I don’t have time to work on improving my English” I hear this a lot & I get it. Time is short & it’s difficult to motivate yourself. You might already be at an advanced level, but don’t know how to refine your skills....

21 Sep

Vocabulary Strategies to maximise learning

English online, Learning Strategies, Perfect Cuppa English, Victoria Rennoldson, Vocabulary

|

|

|

“I don’t have time to work on improving my English” I hear this a lot & I get it. Time is short & it’s difficult to motivate yourself. You might already be at an advanced level, but don’t know how to refine your skills....

Many of my clients tell me that understanding different accents in the UK can be really hard for them, even if they are an advanced speaker of English or have lived in the UK for many years. Accents can be different from what you...

11 Jun

Strategies to Understand English accents

English accents, English online, Online Meetings, Perfect Cuppa English, Victoria Rennoldson

|

|

|

Many of my clients tell me that understanding different accents in the UK can be really hard for them, even if they are an advanced speaker of English or have lived in the UK for many years. Accents can be different from what you...

This article on Decoding British English was written by Victoria Rennoldson, founder of Perfect Cuppa English, & was first featured by Welcome Home London, a tailor-made London relocation service with an exclusive video previewing service & dedicated app. The nuances of British English are not obvious and...

04 Jun

Decoding British English: British communication styles

British Culture, English language, London Relocation, Perfect Cuppa English, Welcome Home London

|

|

|

This article on Decoding British English was written by Victoria Rennoldson, founder of Perfect Cuppa English, & was first featured by Welcome Home London, a tailor-made London relocation service with an exclusive video previewing service & dedicated app. The nuances of British English are not obvious and...

I often get asked about why taxi drivers say certain things & to explain their phrases. So I decided to ask David ‘The Captial Cabbie’, who leads tours of London in his black taxi cab, for his insight into ‘Taxi speak’, i.e. how cabbies...

23 Apr

A guide to London taxi language

|

British Culture, cabbie language, English language, London, Perfect Cuppa English, Taxi speak, The Capital Cabbie

|

|

I often get asked about why taxi drivers say certain things & to explain their phrases. So I decided to ask David ‘The Captial Cabbie’, who leads tours of London in his black taxi cab, for his insight into ‘Taxi speak’, i.e. how cabbies...

Victoria Rennoldson, Founder & Director of Perfect Cuppa English, was interviewed recently by the Language Professionals’ Networking group about her path to launching Perfect Cuppa English,...

06 Apr

Interview: Victoria Rennoldson, Founder

British Culture, English language, Language Professionals Networking, Online course, Perfect Cuppa English, Victoria Rennoldson

|

|

|

Victoria Rennoldson, Founder & Director of Perfect Cuppa English, was interviewed recently by the Language Professionals’ Networking group about her path to launching Perfect Cuppa English,...

British Mother’s Day: how to celebrate & traditions

The world is a difficult place right now and yet Mother’s Day is still coming this Sunday 22nd March in the UK, and now more than ever we need to celebrate our mums. What’s the significance of the date, and why is it not...

16 Mar

British Mother’s Day: how to celebrate & traditions

British Culture, London Relocation, Mother's Day, Perfect Cuppa English, Victoria Rennoldson

|

|

|

The world is a difficult place right now and yet Mother’s Day is still coming this Sunday 22nd March in the UK, and now more than ever we need to celebrate our mums. What’s the significance of the date, and why is it not...

Victoria Rennoldson, founder of Perfect Cuppa English, recently wrote an article for property company, French Touch Properties, as an expert writer with her top tips on building effective connections with British contacts, whether they are team, clients or suppliers. Read all about Victoria’s effective connection...

19 Feb

Article: Top tips for effective connections with the British

British Culture, English language, French Touch Properties, London Relocation, Perfect Cuppa English

|

|

|

4

Victoria Rennoldson, founder of Perfect Cuppa English, recently wrote an article for property company, French Touch Properties, as an expert writer with her top tips on building effective connections with British contacts, whether they are team, clients or suppliers. Read all about Victoria’s effective connection...

Perfect Cuppa English has a team of high-calibre, highly qualified & professional trainers, and we love it when you can see your progress & gain confidence in communicating in English. This month I am introducing Alex to you, one of our English trainers in...

10 Feb

Meet the Team: Alex

British Culture, English language, London Relocation, Perfect Cuppa English, Perfect Cuppa English team

|

|

|

Perfect Cuppa English has a team of high-calibre, highly qualified & professional trainers, and we love it when you can see your progress & gain confidence in communicating in English. This month I am introducing Alex to you, one of our English trainers in...

It’s in the name of my business & the drink that powers me through my days, so it’s not surprising that I finally got round to writing about a perfect cuppa, which was published as an article for FOCUS in their recent refreshed-look magazine. Best enjoyed...

10 Feb

Article: English Afternoon Tea traditions

British Culture, English Afternoon Tea, FOCUS Community, London Relocation, Perfect Cuppa English, Victoria Rennoldson

|

|

|

It’s in the name of my business & the drink that powers me through my days, so it’s not surprising that I finally got round to writing about a perfect cuppa, which was published as an article for FOCUS in their recent refreshed-look magazine. Best enjoyed...

British fashion designers have always been known for their unique style & approach. I asked Adele Pearce, founder & designer of luxury scarves at Stole and Boa, to share her insights into key British designers, where to find the best of British style in London &...

19 Nov

British Style, Design & Shopping

|

Adele Pearce, British design, British style, London Shopping, Perfect Cuppa English, Stole & Boa

|

|

British fashion designers have always been known for their unique style & approach. I asked Adele Pearce, founder & designer of luxury scarves at Stole and Boa, to share her insights into key British designers, where to find the best of British style in London &...

Samar Shams, immigration legal expert & Partner at Spencer West, shares with us the latest insights on Brexit & implications for international people in the UK around this time: The government’s new policy paper on immigration after a no-deal Brexit seems to have been...

16 Sep

A no-deal Brexit guide for EEA families

|

Brexit, Expat London, immigration, Samar Shams, Spencer West

|

|

Samar Shams, immigration legal expert & Partner at Spencer West, shares with us the latest insights on Brexit & implications for international people in the UK around this time: The government’s new policy paper on immigration after a no-deal Brexit seems to have been...

Very pleased to share my latest article – a Q&A column which was published as the lead article in the FOCUS magazine, autumn edition. Read all the answers to common questions I get asked by my clients who’ve relocated to London, for example about the weather,...

09 Sep

Article: Answering common questions for relocating families

|

British Culture, Expat London, FOCUS Community, Life in the UK, Perfect Cuppa English, UK Q&A

|

|

Very pleased to share my latest article – a Q&A column which was published as the lead article in the FOCUS magazine, autumn edition. Read all the answers to common questions I get asked by my clients who’ve relocated to London, for example about the weather,...

Summer is a key time for relocating families, and I’m sure you may know people who are moving to London at this time. So I asked Harriet Rowlands, an independent property search consultant, of No Place Like Home property finders to share her top...

04 Jun

Top Tips for Families Relocating to London

Expat London, Expat Relocation London, Families Relocating London, Harriet Rowlands, No Place Like Home, Perfect Cuppa English

|

|

|

Summer is a key time for relocating families, and I’m sure you may know people who are moving to London at this time. So I asked Harriet Rowlands, an independent property search consultant, of No Place Like Home property finders to share her top...

We all know it doesn’t get more English than an afternoon tea & a lot is written about this very English tradition with countless guides about where to go in London to experience the best. So, in celebration of National Tea Day 2019 &...

17 Apr

Recommendations for English Afternoon tea in London

British Culture, English Afternoon Tea, Expat London, National Tea Day, Perfect Cuppa English, The English Cream Tea Company

|

|

|

We all know it doesn’t get more English than an afternoon tea & a lot is written about this very English tradition with countless guides about where to go in London to experience the best. So, in celebration of National Tea Day 2019 &...

If you are already learning with Perfect Cuppa, you’ll know the difference our trainers make. Our select team work with me to deliver your English & Culture courses across London & even across the world, via Skype. The team is high-calibre, highly qualified &...

13 Mar

Meet the Perfect Cuppa team: Simon

British Culture, English language, Expat London, Perfect Cuppa English, Speak better English

|

|

|

If you are already learning with Perfect Cuppa, you’ll know the difference our trainers make. Our select team work with me to deliver your English & Culture courses across London & even across the world, via Skype. The team is high-calibre, highly qualified &...

Raining cats & dogs? Mad as a hatter? In a pickle? What do all these English idioms & expressions mean & where do they come from? Even advanced & native speakers of English find idioms a challenge, and they can differ across the English-speaking...

13 Mar

Article: English Idioms & Expressions

English Idioms, English language, Expat London, FOCUS Community, Perfect Cuppa English, Victoria Rennoldson

|

|

|

Raining cats & dogs? Mad as a hatter? In a pickle? What do all these English idioms & expressions mean & where do they come from? Even advanced & native speakers of English find idioms a challenge, and they can differ across the English-speaking...

I was recently published as the lead article in the Christmas special magazine for FOCUS expat community, sharing my insights & ideas for modern British Christmas traditions. Read my top tips here & hope you enjoy trying them out! Wishing everybody a very happy festive season!...

23 Nov

British Christmas Traditions: Traditional & Modern

British Christmas, Christmas Traditions, Expat London, FOCUS Community, Perfect Cuppa English, Victoria Rennoldson

|

|

|

I was recently published as the lead article in the Christmas special magazine for FOCUS expat community, sharing my insights & ideas for modern British Christmas traditions. Read my top tips here & hope you enjoy trying them out! Wishing everybody a very happy festive season!...

Continuing the theme for World Teachers Day on 5th October 2018, I am introducing Marion to you, one of the English trainers in our small, select team working with me to deliver your English & Culture courses. This team is high-calibre, highly qualified &...

04 Oct

Meet the Perfect Cuppa team: Introducing Marion

British Culture, English language, Perfect Cuppa English, Speak better English

|

|

|

Continuing the theme for World Teachers Day on 5th October 2018, I am introducing Marion to you, one of the English trainers in our small, select team working with me to deliver your English & Culture courses. This team is high-calibre, highly qualified &...

The British are crazy about their dogs & there are quite a few British dog idioms, so here’s Perfect Cuppa’s guide to some you might hear: Puppy love You might remember this as the famous hit written by Paul Anka in 1960. According...

04 Oct

Guide to English dog idioms

British Culture, Expat London, Perfect Cuppa English

|

|

|

The British are crazy about their dogs & there are quite a few British dog idioms, so here’s Perfect Cuppa’s guide to some you might hear: Puppy love You might remember this as the famous hit written by Paul Anka in 1960. According...

College is not just for kids. If you’re ready to go back to school, this city is a great place to learn, being full of museums, libraries and galleries to help with your research. From sociology and politics to mathematics and media, there are...

04 Oct

Invest in your learning: taking a course in London

English language, Expat London, Perfect Cuppa English, Speak better English

|

|

|

College is not just for kids. If you’re ready to go back to school, this city is a great place to learn, being full of museums, libraries and galleries to help with your research. From sociology and politics to mathematics and media, there are...

The Perfect Cuppa English team have been expanding! This month for World Teachers Day on 5th October 2018, I am introducing Kate to you, one of the English trainers in our small, select team working with me to deliver your English & Culture courses....

04 Oct

Meet the Perfect Cuppa team: Introducing Kate

British Culture, English language, Perfect Cuppa English, Speak better English

|

|

|

The Perfect Cuppa English team have been expanding! This month for World Teachers Day on 5th October 2018, I am introducing Kate to you, one of the English trainers in our small, select team working with me to deliver your English & Culture courses....

British social etiquette common questions and answers Diana Voxerbrant is a straight talking Swede with a passionate Polish heart, and a proud multinational Londoner. She’s a writer at The Story Desk and runs Sultan Decorators in Muswell Hill. Follow her on Twitter or Insta....

24 Jul

British social etiquette questions

British Culture, Diana Voxerbrant, Expat London, Perfect Cuppa English, The Story Desk, Victoria Rennoldson

|

|

|

British social etiquette common questions and answers Diana Voxerbrant is a straight talking Swede with a passionate Polish heart, and a proud multinational Londoner. She’s a writer at The Story Desk and runs Sultan Decorators in Muswell Hill. Follow her on Twitter or Insta....

British, English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish? I’m often asked what the difference is between English & British identity, and why such a small country has so many individual identities, languages, dialects & accents. So, what are these identities and why does it matter? Find out in...

28 Jun

Nationality & Identity in the UK

|

British Culture, English, Expat London, FOCUS Community, Perfect Cuppa English, Victoria Rennoldson

|

|

British, English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish? I’m often asked what the difference is between English & British identity, and why such a small country has so many individual identities, languages, dialects & accents. So, what are these identities and why does it matter? Find out in...

I was very pleased to be featured in an interview with Runneth London, where you can find out why & how I set up Perfect Cuppa English, and how I live my day with family & life commitments. Hope you enjoy learning more about me...

26 Jun

Interview with Founder, Victoria Rennoldson

Entrepreneur, Interview, Perfect Cuppa English, Runneth London, Victoria Rennoldson

|

|

|

I was very pleased to be featured in an interview with Runneth London, where you can find out why & how I set up Perfect Cuppa English, and how I live my day with family & life commitments. Hope you enjoy learning more about me...

Last month I had an article published with my insights into British English as a language and how I feel it differs from other types of international English, whether in everyday or business situations. Specifically, I wrote about the way British people can sometimes...

30 Apr

Decoding British English

British Culture, English language, Expat London, FOCUS Community, Perfect Cuppa English, Victoria Rennoldson

|

|

|

Last month I had an article published with my insights into British English as a language and how I feel it differs from other types of international English, whether in everyday or business situations. Specifically, I wrote about the way British people can sometimes...

Continuing our series, we hear from Pascale from Paris, France about her surprises when she moved to the UK. If you’re living in the UK, or have lived here previously, what was your image of the UK before you came? Did you experience any surprises...

25 Apr

Interview: British Cultural Surprises for the French

British Culture, Expat London, Expat Relocation London, Perfect Cuppa English, Spring

|

|

|

Continuing our series, we hear from Pascale from Paris, France about her surprises when she moved to the UK. If you’re living in the UK, or have lived here previously, what was your image of the UK before you came? Did you experience any surprises...

If you’re living in the UK, or have lived here previously, what was your image of the UK before you came? Did you experience any surprises about the reality of British life, people or culture? Momoko from Japan, one of my clients, shares here her...

22 Mar

Interview: British Cultural Surprises for the Japanese

British Culture, Expat London, Expat Relocation London, Perfect Cuppa English

|

|

|

If you’re living in the UK, or have lived here previously, what was your image of the UK before you came? Did you experience any surprises about the reality of British life, people or culture? Momoko from Japan, one of my clients, shares here her...

Following on in the series, this month I am introducing Huw to you, one of the English trainers in our small, select team working with me to deliver your English & Culture courses. This team is high-calibre, highly qualified & professional and we love...

14 Feb

Meet the Perfect Cuppa English® team: Introducing Huw

British Culture, English language, Expat London, Huw Pritchard, Perfect Cuppa English

|

|

|

Following on in the series, this month I am introducing Huw to you, one of the English trainers in our small, select team working with me to deliver your English & Culture courses. This team is high-calibre, highly qualified & professional and we love...

Very excited to be featured recently on Mums in the wood with my article about British communication styles in business. Hope you find it interesting & useful! My business, Perfect Cuppa English, is founded on the idea of supporting expats to understand how...

14 Feb

British Business Communication Styles

British Culture, English language, Expat London, Mums in the Wood, Perfect Cuppa English, Victoria Rennoldson

|

|

|

Very excited to be featured recently on Mums in the wood with my article about British communication styles in business. Hope you find it interesting & useful! My business, Perfect Cuppa English, is founded on the idea of supporting expats to understand how...

Thank you for all your support for Perfect Cuppa English®! I am very excited to announce that our courses have become so popular in the last year, that we have now have a small, select team working with me to deliver your English &...

29 Jan

Meet the Perfect Cuppa English® team: Introducing Michael

British Culture, English language, Expat London, Michael Brooman, Perfect Cuppa English

|

|

|

Thank you for all your support for Perfect Cuppa English®! I am very excited to announce that our courses have become so popular in the last year, that we have now have a small, select team working with me to deliver your English &...

KBE? OBE? CBE? What do these honours mean & how do you receive one? Very pleased for my article to be featured in the “Best of Britain” section in the latest edition of FOCUS, the magazine for expats, writing all about the New Year’s...

17 Jan

The Queen’s Honours List & how to receive a title in the UK

|

British Culture, Expat London, FOCUS, Perfect Cuppa English, Royal Family, Victoria Rennoldson

|

|

KBE? OBE? CBE? What do these honours mean & how do you receive one? Very pleased for my article to be featured in the “Best of Britain” section in the latest edition of FOCUS, the magazine for expats, writing all about the New Year’s...

In September, I was very pleased to have my article featured about the British Royal Family in the magazine for FOCUS, a community run by expats who support expats moving to the UK. I wrote about how succession works and who can be called...

15 Jan

The British Royal Family: top questions & answers

|

British Culture, British English, Expat London, FOCUS Community, Perfect Cuppa English, The Queen, Victoria Rennoldson

|

|

In September, I was very pleased to have my article featured about the British Royal Family in the magazine for FOCUS, a community run by expats who support expats moving to the UK. I wrote about how succession works and who can be called...

We have a General Election here in the UK on 8th June & I am being asked many questions at the moment about our electoral system, the parties & what might happen, especially in relation to Brexit. So I am very pleased to share...

17 May

Interview with Liberal Democrat candidate, Elaine Bagshaw

|

British Politics, Elaine Bagshaw, Expat London, General Election 2017, Lib Dems, Liberal Democrats

|

|

We have a General Election here in the UK on 8th June & I am being asked many questions at the moment about our electoral system, the parties & what might happen, especially in relation to Brexit. So I am very pleased to share...

Charlotte Ellis, co-founder of Vela Flowers, is our guest blogger this month. She runs an online British Florist, where you can order the best seasonal flowers via post very quickly & simply. Here she shares her tips on British flowers inspired by the English countryside, and...

19 Apr

Guest Blog: Blooming Wonderful Spring Time

|

British Flowers, Charlotte Ellis, English countryside, Spring, UK day trips, Vela Flowers

|

|

Charlotte Ellis, co-founder of Vela Flowers, is our guest blogger this month. She runs an online British Florist, where you can order the best seasonal flowers via post very quickly & simply. Here she shares her tips on British flowers inspired by the English countryside, and...

So “Article 50 Day” is today, Wednesday 29th March 2017. After everything seemed to go so quiet at the end of 2016, it now seems we are finally facing the reality of leaving the EU. The mood is quite dark, and I have seen...

29 Mar

Article 50 Day: I am British, a Londoner AND European

|

Article 50 Day, Brexit, Expat London, London is Open, Perfect Cuppa English, Victoria Rennoldson

|

|

So “Article 50 Day” is today, Wednesday 29th March 2017. After everything seemed to go so quiet at the end of 2016, it now seems we are finally facing the reality of leaving the EU. The mood is quite dark, and I have seen...

Kath Sloggett, founder of Runneth London , is our guest blogger this month. Kath is a career coach and she regularly helps people return to work after a career break. In this article, Kath shares her expert tips on how to stay up-to-date during...

16 Mar

Guest Blog: How to Stay Up-To-Date During a Career Break

|

Career Break, Career Re-entry, Expat partner, Kath Sloggett, Relocation, Runneth London

|

|

Kath Sloggett, founder of Runneth London , is our guest blogger this month. Kath is a career coach and she regularly helps people return to work after a career break. In this article, Kath shares her expert tips on how to stay up-to-date during...

I was recently interviewed by Entreprenursery for their Founder series of interviews with working parents and entrepreneurs. We chatted about why and how I launched Perfect Cuppa English, my top tips for fellow entrepreneurs and what motivates me. Entreprenursery is a new concept in...

13 Feb

Interview: Why I launched Perfect Cuppa English, Victoria

|

British Culture, English language, Entreprenursery, Perfect Cuppa, UK

|

|

I was recently interviewed by Entreprenursery for their Founder series of interviews with working parents and entrepreneurs. We chatted about why and how I launched Perfect Cuppa English, my top tips for fellow entrepreneurs and what motivates me. Entreprenursery is a new concept in...

Noémie Jean, founder of Eclectic Minds, is our guest blogger this month and writes in this article about how to feel at home and settled as an international person in the UK. After living in the UK for 14 years and having taught many...

01 Dec

Guest Blog: Curiouser & curiouser, French living in London- Noémie Jean

|

British Culture, Eclectic Minds, Expat London, expats, French in the UK, Noemie Jean

|

|

Noémie Jean, founder of Eclectic Minds, is our guest blogger this month and writes in this article about how to feel at home and settled as an international person in the UK. After living in the UK for 14 years and having taught many...

Last month was National Tea Day, and I celebrated by finding out more about my favourite drink at the oldest British tea house, Twinings. This fascinating shop, museum and tasting school is really worth a visit at 216 Strand. Find out my top 5...

05 May

Tea tips from the professionals, Twinings

|

216 Strand, 90th Birthday, British tea, Earl Grey, The Queen, Twinings

|

|

Last month was National Tea Day, and I celebrated by finding out more about my favourite drink at the oldest British tea house, Twinings. This fascinating shop, museum and tasting school is really worth a visit at 216 Strand. Find out my top 5...

A modern British etiquette: Unspoken British rules & customs

Very excited and pleased to be featured on Mums in the Wood with my blog about Modern British Etiquette! Why do the British say and behave in certain ways? Read on to find out more… http://mumsinthewood.com/guest-articles/modern-british-etiquette-real-life-victoria-rennoldson-founder-perfect-cuppa-english/ Confused by how the British say one...

03 May

A modern British etiquette: Unspoken British rules & customs

|

being British, British weather, English culture, Pavement Etiquette, Queueing, Transport etiquette, Weather talk

|

|

Very excited and pleased to be featured on Mums in the Wood with my blog about Modern British Etiquette! Why do the British say and behave in certain ways? Read on to find out more… http://mumsinthewood.com/guest-articles/modern-british-etiquette-real-life-victoria-rennoldson-founder-perfect-cuppa-english/ Confused by how the British say one...

A perfect cup of tea, prepared the English way: it’s actually quite a hard thing to find, especially if you’re new to living in the area! Here are my real Londoner’s tips about where to enjoy a very English tradition in St John’s Wood,...

27 Jan

St John’s Wood Perfect Cuppas

|

|

A perfect cup of tea, prepared the English way: it’s actually quite a hard thing to find, especially if you’re new to living in the area! Here are my real Londoner’s tips about where to enjoy a very English tradition in St John’s Wood,...

Looking for something to do locally with the children? Avoiding cold and wet playgrounds? Here’s some inspiration with my ideas about what to do and where to go! http://www.hampsteadmums.com/blog/indoorfamilyfun

27 Nov

Indoor fun with children

|

|

Looking for something to do locally with the children? Avoiding cold and wet playgrounds? Here’s some inspiration with my ideas about what to do and where to go! http://www.hampsteadmums.com/blog/indoorfamilyfun

A local insider’s guide to the perfect cup of tea in Hampstead with the family: discover the best places to go: http://www.hampsteadmums.com/blog/perfect-cuppa-with-kids

18 Nov

Perfect Cuppas in Hampstead

|

|

A local insider’s guide to the perfect cup of tea in Hampstead with the family: discover the best places to go: http://www.hampsteadmums.com/blog/perfect-cuppa-with-kids

I was very excited to be featured recently in an interview on local website and facebook site, Hampstead Mums. Find out more about me and my business here http://www.hampsteadmums.com/blog/perfectcuppaenglish How long have you lived in the Hampstead area? I’ve lived in and around the...

18 Nov

Interview with Victoria Rennoldson, Perfect Cuppa English

|

|