How to Choose the Right Examples for Your Job Interview. Job Interview Stories (Part 2)

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 In Part 1 of this series, we focused on clarity before confidence - why being clear about your role and value matters more than sounding impressive. If you prefer to listen rather than read, this topic is also discussed in the Business English Talks podcast, where we break down real interview answers and explain why some of them work better than others. In this article, we move to the next step: choosing the right examples. Even professionals with strong experience often struggle in interviews because they talk about the wrong situations - or they choose examples that are too complex, too vague, or not clearly connected to the question. This article will help you choose examples that are: easy to explain, relevant to the role, and effective in real interview situations. Along the way, you’ll find ready-to-use Business English phrases you can apply immediately. Why examples matter more than job titles Interviewers don’t hire job titles. They hire people who can solve problems and ...
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51: Business English Phrases to Handle Difficult Clients – Speak Calmly and Professionally

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In the world of business, dealing with difficult clients is inevitable. Whether you're managing complaints, clarifying expectations, or handling conflict, the ability to communicate clearly and professionally can make all the difference. In this post, we’ll explore essential Business English phrases to help you stay calm, sound professional, and handle tough conversations with confidence.



Why It Matters


Clear communication builds trust — especially when emotions run high. If you’re a non-native English speaker working in customer service, sales, or account management, mastering these phrases will help you manage challenging situations gracefully.


1. Showing Empathy and Understanding


Empathy can calm frustration and create space for solutions. Try these:


“I understand how frustrating this must be.”


“I see where you’re coming from.”


“Thank you for bringing this to our attention.”



Use these phrases at the beginning of a conversation to show you're listening and that you care.


2. Staying Calm Under Pressure


When things get tense, your tone matters. These phrases can help you keep your cool:


“Let’s take a moment to go over the details together.”


“I’m here to help, so let’s find the best solution.”


“Could you please walk me through what happened?”



These keep the conversation open and non-confrontational.


3. Saying “No” Politely


Sometimes you can’t say yes — but you can still sound supportive:


“Unfortunately, that’s not possible at the moment.”


“While we can’t do exactly that, here’s what we can offer…”


“Let me suggest an alternative that might work.”



Using a buffer like “unfortunately” softens the message and makes it easier to accept.


4. Dealing with Angry Clients


Remain respectful, and avoid escalating the situation. Say:


“Let’s try to find a solution together.”


“I hear your concerns and want to make this right.”


“Let’s focus on the next steps we can take.”



Redirecting the focus toward resolution helps move the conversation forward.


5. Wrapping Up Professionally


End the conversation on a constructive note:


“Thank you for your patience.”


“I’ll follow up with you by [date].”


“Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have further concerns.”



This builds long-term trust and leaves the client with a good impression.


Final Thoughts


Handling difficult clients in English doesn’t have to be stressful. By using the phrases above, you can sound more confident, stay calm, and maintain professionalism in any situation.


Want more help with Business English? Listen to our latest po

dcast episode: Business English Phrases to Handle Difficult Clients – available now on Spotify.

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