Small words like so, well, anyway and I mean don't carry much meaning on their own, but they steer the conversation. They start a topic, soften bad news, fix what you just said, or bring the talk back. Learners often skip them and sound abrupt, or translate a word from their own language, like "actually" for "currently," which changes the meaning. In this episode: • So and well • Anyway and by the way • I mean, you know, like • Actually, basically, honestly • Listening lab • Practice • Self-check questions with answers Key phrases from this episode: So, how was your day? — starts a topic (casual) So, I have some news — gets attention (neutral) It was raining, so we stayed home — result (neutral) So what? — why does it matter, can sound rude (casual) Well, I'm not sure — I need a second to think (neutral) Well, actually, I can't come — softening bad news (polite) Well, look who's up! — friendly surprise when someone wakes late (casual) Anyway, back to dinner plans — return to the topic (casual) Anyway, I should get going — I want to end the call (casual) By the way, your package came — a side topic (neutral) Oh, by the way, Grandma called — (neutral) It's cold — I mean, it's not freezing, but it's cold — explaining (casual) Let's meet at five — I mean six! — correcting yourself (casual) It's that store, you know, near the bank — helping the listener find it (casual) Like for about: It took like an hour — about an hour (casual) Like for an example: You could get, like, a salad — for example (casual) Like for a quote: She was like, "Hurry up!" — she said (casual) Season 2 · Real American English: the complete spoken course for learners worldwide — accent, everyday grammar, prepositions, articles, phrasal verbs, idioms, slang and real conversations at home. Listen, repeat out loud, then take the 52-question quiz. Audio voiced with AI from an original script by Dr. Rashmi R Nair.