Is English more difficult to understand than other languages? This was one of the questions I asked Tree Blackmore. We talked about: - the reasons why listening is difficult - particularly in English - why English vocabulary makes listening difficult - some activities and ideas for improving listening and understanding (including one related to pronunciation) This podcast was recorded on Zoom, so the audio quality isn't as high as usual. But if you find listening difficult, the ideas in...

In this episode, listen to Luke Thompson (host of Luke's English Podcast) talk about how to really learn vocabulary - and not just stare at word lists. We talk about the importance of learning vocabulary for advanced level, the mistakes to avoid when you try to learn vocabulary, and the tools and resources you can use to make it easier. We're both great fans of dictionaries, and Luke also suggests some really useful ones which will increase your synonyms and phrases. Luke is going to speak...

If you use English for your work, "disfluencies" in English are something you should avoid. In this episode, I interview Craig Wealand, an English teacher and podcaster,  who specialises in fluency, disfluency and advanced communication skills. Craig explains how disfluencies stop you from sounding professional, and gives several examples of what they are. If you want to find out how to avoid making them, come along to Craig's session at the Advanced English Summit. The link to join (it's...

A simple, but very powerful thing when you learn English is finding happiness from it - because this will help you get quicker results. It isn't just because feeling happy gives you more motivation. There are other benefits that you get when you enjoy speaking or using English. In this episode, discover: - the three extra benefits of feeling happy when you learn English - three practical ways you can find this happiness I also share my story of feeling happy when I speak Italian - the...

To choose the right English learning activities, there's one question you need to ask yourself first. Your answer will help you to avoid spending hours on the wrong activities, and not making the progress you want. Your answer will also help you to create the best learning plan for you, and to develop the right habits which will get you to your goals more quickly. So, what is this question? Listen to the podcast to find out! (And to get some example strategies that you can follow.) Link...

If I told you that there are an estimated 25,000 idioms in English, would you want to learn them? It seems an impossible task, but idioms are a fantastic and imaginative way to explain your feelings and thoughts in a concise - and often funny - way. They aren't just for speaking, either. You'll see them everywhere: in articles,  news stories - and on the sides of UK buses! In this episode, I talk about the reasons why you should (and shouldn't) learn English idioms. I hope you agree with...

Getting to an advanced English level can change your life. It's a really useful goal to have - but what does it mean? In this episode, find out: - how you can define 'advanced English' - three ways to improve your English when you already know a lot - why English development is personal development My students are achieving amazing career and life goals - and confident English plays a big part in this. Link in episode If you'd like a way to get to advanced English (without wasting time or...

How can you sound professional and confident when you speak English? What makes your sentences beautiful, powerful and impressive? In this episode (inspired by one of my students), I share three tips for making beautiful English sentences! I've also got some more advanced tips for you to try. Say 'bye-bye' to boring, 'adios' to uninspiring, and 'au revoir' to unimaginative! Check out the episode to find out how to make a great impact with your English. Subscribe to the podcast Never miss an...

There are obvious advantages for learning languages - particularly for your brain. And of course, learning English has lots of other benefits too.  A better-paying job, greater study opportunities, international networking are all examples. But then there are the life-changing advantages of learning English. These are things that I'm seeing more and more with my students. In this episode,  I share five of these advantages. They're all linked to personal development, and they have the...

In this conversation with Michael Lavers, from the Level Up English Podcast, discover some of the secrets for successful English learning: - how to be more confident (even if you think you're too 'old' to learn English well) - the importance of your body and posture for successful learning - if the 'fake it til you make it' approach is useful - the 1% sports coaching method for English learning We also talk about how living in different countries has shaped the way we teach English. Michael...

Learning English can be very "up and down".  When it goes well, you feel confident and motivated, but sometimes it's hard to see your progress. Other times, something doesn't go well, and you lose confidence. At times like this, it really helps to have an 'achievement diary'. In this episode, I share why an achievement diary helps you see progress in your English, and how it can help you go even further with your English. I also show you how to create a simple achievement diary so that you...

It isn't 'perfect English' that will get you the dream job in an international company. Being able to communicate in English is obviously important, but there are other things that an interviewer wants to see or hear.  In this podcast episode, I share three 'truths' about interviews which will help you to be more confident. I also share details about my new speaking program, Confident Interviews. It's perfect for you if you want a job in an English-speaking organisation, or in a company...

If working in an international company is your ambition, this episode is for you! An essential part of getting a high-paid role (with the career development opportunities you want) is the job interview. The good news is that you don't have to memorise "perfect answers" to hundreds of possible interview questions. In fact, there are only a few types of interview questions that you'll need to answer - and when you have a 'structure' for answering them, it becomes much, much easier! You can...

This episode is for you if you're worried about sounding too simple when you use English. For example, if you always use basic grammar or vocabulary, or if your everyday phrases seem too elementary. In this episode, I have a few ideas about basic English! You'll discover: - a problem with making basic mistakes in English (it's all about other people's perceptions) - why being clear is the best 'test' of your English - what's best for everyday English Enjoy the episode! Subscribe to the...

Estefania, who's from Spain, now trains Spanish people to work in the UK aviation industry. In this episode, she gives her advice for passing an English interview for aviation roles, and also shares some of the ways she immersed herself in English while living in a non-English speaking country. If you also aspire to work in aviation, you can follow Estefania here: @auxiliardelenguas (Instagram) Get Estefania's course and ebook here: Flight Mode (course) Smash Your Cabin Crew Interview...

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to learn English with other people? What could you expect from the experience? How would it help you with your English goals? In this episode, I take you 'behind the scenes' of the English Fluency Club - the club that I've been running for the last four years. It's been the most satisfying and rewarding thing I've done as a teacher, and I share with you the six things that I've learnt! If you're interested in the English Fluency Club, the page...

This episode is for you if you don't feel confident about your English. We talk about 'Imposter Syndrome' especially with work - that feeling that you aren't good enough, or that you don't deserve a high position. But if you've had a bad experience with English in the past, you might also not be very self-confident - and this can lead to slower progress in English. In this episode, I talk about the '3 P's' - and how they effect your English. I also share 5 ways to overcome them so that you...

Is it possible to be a really advanced speaker of English - but still not feel very confident about your English? The answer, unfortunately, is yes. In this podcast, I look at both the visible and the invisible parts of learning a language, and how a lack of confidence can make you feel blocked and anxious. If this is something that you have experienced, come along to my new workshop on October 11th. We'll identify the situations which are difficult in English, and explore practical...

Don't feel guilty if you've stopped studying English for a while.  In fact, the research shows us that taking breaks can benefit learning. In this podcast, find out  - the three main reasons why taking breaks is so useful, and  - how different lengths of breaks can be helpful. Subscribe to the podcast Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.

This episode is for you if you want to work for an American company! Kristine Knutter shares her tips for successful job interviews. In the conversation we talk about: - Erin Meyer's 'Culture Maps' and how they help you prepare for interviews - how to answer typical 'behaviour' interview questions - 3 crucial speaking tips for American interviews -  typical management styles and how to develop positive working relationships in American and British companies Links in this episode Express to...

Get five activities that will help you improve your English this summer. They're perfect for you whether you're lazing on the beach, or waiting for the rain to stop! Some of these activities are quick, while others are more of a longer project - but they are all fun! Links in this episode Wordle from the NY Times Crosswords The Mirror Non-fiction book club Guide to understand movies Subscribe to the podcast Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.

This episode is for you if you’ve ever experienced (or if you’re experiencing) the intermediate plateau: that you've got to a point in your English when progress feels much slower than before. It's really common at the B2 or upper-intermediate level, but there are lots of things you can do to get past it! In this episode: - six reasons why we get to a plateau (adapted from "The Plateau Effect" written by Bob Sullivan and Hugh Thompson) - the 3 C's approach to getting past the intermediate...

It's my birthday this week, and to celebrate I'm offering a 50% discount on all my advanced English courses. The promotion is for you if you're at an intermediate level and want to progress to advanced level - without spending lots of time or money! You can get all these courses at just 50% of their normal price: Advanced English Pronunciation In 30 Days Advanced English Speaking In 100 Steps Advanced English Vocabulary In 30 Days 10 Steps For Advanced English (Grammar) English For Your...

You've got an English interview soon. How can you prepare for it so that you can be confident? Careers and interview expert Kristine Knutter shares her best tips! - How to be less nervous in an English interview - The biggest interview mistake to avoid - How to prepare for a group interview and a Zoom interview - Mindset tips for enjoying the interview more Follow her tips to stand out at your next English interview! Links in this episode Express to Impress (Kristine's website where you...