Speak English Now Podcast: Learn English | Speak English without grammar.

#239 Fluency and Correction when Speaking English Feb 02, 2023

Today, I'd like to take a closer look at a common issue faced by many learners of English: the proper usage of various verb tenses, as well as the potential mistakes they can make.

First, you should bear in mind that native speakers tend to use fewer verb tenses when speaking compared to when they are writing.

In other words, spoken language is more direct and simple. And that's good news!

So, why does this happen?

We can consider how to articulate our ideas best, select suitable grammar structures, and more when writing. However, when speaking, there is no time to think about how to construct a sentence.

Secondly, when learning a language, there is often a conflict between two components.

These two elements are fluency and self-correction.

By fluency, I mean the ability to produce the language with few pauses, and by self-correction, I mean the perception that what you are saying may be wrong, and consequently, you self-correct.

To illustrate this point, let's assume that Tom is an English learner with a low level of fluency.

Tom has to make a significant effort to find the right words, finish sentences, and so on. He is probably mentally translating from his native language to English and the other way around.

While Tom is in a conversation, struggling to finish sentences, the last thing Tom can think about is whether he is making any grammar errors. It's hard enough trying to keep the conversation going.

If Tom wants to reduce the number of errors, he will need to pause frequently for several seconds to ponder the best way to express himself. Even so, he will make mistakes.

This last scenario is quite common in traditional language schools. Teachers often require students to speak from the beginning without errors, even if they can barely articulate sentences. Consequently, this hinders fluency, preventing students from relaxing and enjoying basic conversations.

So, what is the solution? The key is to follow the natural process of language acquisition.

First, you need to listen many times to the same language patterns so that they become automatic in your mind. This way, you can gradually focus on making fewer mistakes. That’s why I often insist you should be listening to simple content repeatedly.

Read the transcript here:SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#238 English Idioms for the New Year - part2 Jan 26, 2023

Transcript:

Every January is the same. Everyone wants to improve their lifestyle.

So, let’s continue learning some new year expressions in English.

Let's start!

#1 Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

People often use this phrase to express that every day is an opportunity to start over and make the most of life. It encourages people to make the most of each day and appreciate the present moment.

Examples:

"Don’t look back; look forward! Today is the first day of the rest of your life. "

"Regardless of what happened yesterday, you can always start anew today. Remember, Today is the first day of the rest of your life!"

#2 To give it my best shot.

Giving your best means doing the best you can in a given situation. It implies that you will try your best and strive your best to achieve success.

Examples:

"I’ll give my best shot to get through this job interview and show them why I'm the perfect candidate."

"Next month, I will run my first marathon and give my best shot."

#3 To tighten [one’s] belt.

To forget previous debts or mistakes and be given a new chance to succeed.

Examples:

"You must tighten your belt this month if you want to stay on budget."

"I’m trying to save money, so I will have to tighten my belt and cut back on unnecessary spending."

#4 to bury the hatchet.

To bury the hatchet means to forgive and forget past differences, usually between two people, and end a disagreement.

Examples:

"After weeks of disagreement, the team decided to bury the hatchet and work together as one."

"After months of arguing, we finally decided to bury the hatchet and make amends."

#5 To shake things up a bit.

It means to do something different or unexpected to change the situation. It can be used when you want to try something new or exciting or to make a change.

Examples:

"We've been using the same methods for years; it’s time to shake things up a bit and try something new."

"Let's shake things up a bit and take a different approach to this project."

#6 To mend your ways.

We use this expression to encourage people to change their behavior or habits to become better. It is a way of prompting someone to take responsibility for their actions and strive to make positive changes in their life.

Examples:

"If you want to turn your life around, you must mend your ways."

"You must take steps to mend your ways if you want to improve."

#7 To go cold turkey.

To go cold turkey is to abruptly stop an addictive behavior or substance, such as smoking or drinking alcohol.

Examples:

"After years of smoking, Tom decided to go cold turkey and quit entirely."

"The best way to give up sugar is to go cold turkey and cut it out of your diet completely."

Get the transcript of this episode at: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#237 Talking about Pets in English Jan 19, 2023

Transcript:

Today we will talk about pets in the United States. And with a fun mini-story, you will practice your English speaking. I’m sure you’re going to enjoy answering many questions in English. It’s like having a conversation with another person.

Hi, I’m Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com, and I’m back again to help you speak English fluently.

So, how can you help me? It’s really simple. Please share the podcast with your friends on social media. That would make me very happy!

Before we start, subscribe to my free mini-course on my website: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

[With my free mini-course, you will learn:

How to accumulate vocabulary, how to learn grammar, how to learn deeply and not forget, how to speak automatically, and how to stay motivated.]

Okay! Let’s start!

Nowadays, more and more people are adopting animals, and pet ownership in the States is on the rise.

I had a dog some time ago, which was a beautiful experience. The connection between a dog and its owner is always special, especially when you take them for a walk. A dog needs to go for long walks to be able to connect with you. Some assume you must give them their favorite treat to win them over. But that link happens when you take them out for a walk.

There are few things like the unconditional love of a dog. It’s a unique feeling when you come home after a stressful day and know that your dog is waiting for you, always happy to welcome you.

In America, dogs are the favorite pet. Almost 40% of households have at least one dog as a pet.

However, before adopting one, you should keep in mind that it requires training, daily walks, etc.

In addition, owning a dog in the States is costly. Dog owners spend more than $1,000 yearly on vet check-ups, medications, and medical supplies.

But as I was saying, the relationship with a dog is rewarding. And if you haven’t had a positive experience with your dog, it’s probably due to a lack of understanding. The first time you adopt a dog, you learn on the fly how to handle it. In any case, I encourage you to try again. But if you are not yet ready for this, I totally understand. Because although I have been fortunate with my dog because he was really sweet and obedient, I am not yet considering adopting another one.

Now you may wonder which is better: buying or adopting a dog? Although there is nothing wrong with either option, adopted animals seem to be very grateful.

And since I’ve never had a cat, I can’t speak much from personal experience, but I have some friends who adopted a cat a few months ago, and they are delighted with the furry animal.

Besides, cats require much less maintenance because they are more independent. Even so, a cat is still a great companion.

In the States, cats are the second most preferred pet, and unlike dogs, cats don’t need daily walks and are happy to entertain themselves.

Okay, now we know a little more about pets. And you, do you have a pet at home? You can send me a picture of your pet if you want.

[END OF THE EXTRACT]

Get the transcript on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

#236 English Idioms for the New Year (part1) Jan 12, 2023

Hi! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher. Thank you for joining me for another episode.

If you want to help, please share the podcast on social media. That would mean a lot. Thanks!

I hope you are doing great! The New Year is the perfect time for new beginnings and the perfect time to learn some idioms in English for the new year.

You will also learn grammar with a point-of-view lesson without memorizing boring rules.

Before we start, visit my website: Speakenglishpodcast.com and subscribe to my mini-course - it's completely free!

Ok, let's start!

#1 To kick off the new year

To kick off the new year means to start a new year.

Examples:

"Let's kick off the new year with a positive attitude."

"The best way to kick off the year is to be surrounded by friends and family.

#2 To turn over a new leaf

It means to start acting or behaving better or more responsibly.

Examples:

"Since I moved to New York, my life has completely changed. I can say that I have turned over a new leaf."

"You always promise to turn over a new leaf if I give you another chance. But you've proven to me time and time again that you'll never change."

#3 To start with a clean sheet

When we start with a clean sheet, we forget previous debts or mistakes and are given a new chance to succeed at something.

Examples:

"I'm afraid we've started on the wrong foot. Why don't we start with a clean sheet?"

"Although you have put a lot of effort into this new project, it is a disaster. Therefore, we will have to hire someone else and start with a clean sheet.

#4 Out with the old and in with the new

Out with the old, in with the new means it is good to replace old things with new ones, to leave old things or ideas behind and bring in new ones.

Examples:

"I need to get a new jacket because this one is out of fashion. Out with the old, in with the new!"

"My cell phone is ancient. I can't even take pictures with it. I need to buy a new one, so out with the old, in with the new!"

#5 Ring in the New Year

To ring in the new year means celebrating the beginning of a new year, usually with a party or formal dinner.

Examples:

"My friends rang in the new year with a party at their parent's house."

"I am very happy because we will ring in the new year in New York."

#6 To kick the habit

One of our New Year's resolutions is to quit a bad habit. Many want to quit smoking; others want to stop eating too many sweets, etc.

Examples:

"My husband tried to kick the habit last year, but he loves to eat."

"This new year, I want to kick the habit of smoking."

#7 Stick to something

But if you want to kick the habit, you must stick to your New Year plan without deviating.

Examples:

"My friend started a diet for the new year, but I'm afraid she won't be able to stick to it."

"Your suggestion didn't work out, so we must stick to the initial plan."

Get the transcript at: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

#235 New Year’s Resolutions 2023 Jan 05, 2023

Hi, everybody! I’m Georgiana, founder of speakenglishpodcast.com. My mission is to help you to speak English fluently. Speaking English is way easier when you use the right material and techniques.

In this episode, let's take a look at the most common New Year's resolutions. Then you will practice your English fluency with a mini-story.

Alright! Let’s start!

By the way, if you are new here, visit my website to get the transcript of today's episode. Go to: speakenglishpodcast.com

If you're already familiar with this show, please share it with your friends and family. That would make me very happy!

Tell your friends that my podcast is available everywhere on the internet.

You can find it on my website and many podcast apps like Spotify, iTunes, Youtube, Facebook, Soundcloud, etc.

Just look for "Speak English Now with Georgiana," and start learning English with me!"

Well, first of all... Happy New Year!

How time flies! A new year has just begun. It’s curious how the passage of time is perceived according to age. Young people don't think much about it. Middle-aged people think about the things they still want to achieve and realize that they have less and less time. Older people, on the other hand, remember the old days.

Don't worry; I won't get too philosophical in this lesson. :) I’ll go ahead and talk about New Year's resolutions.

As you know, when a new year comes, we all feel like doing a lot of things. Also, we feel a bit guilty for having celebrated a little too much at Christmas.

Therefore, in this episode, we will take a look at the most popular New Year's resolutions and practice new vocabulary.

And what’s a resolution?

A resolution is a firm decision to do something.

My new’s year resolution is to use highly proven techniques, based on the natural learning of a second language, to help my students to speak English automatically.

Losing weight or going on a diet.

This resolution is a classic. After all the meals and alcoholic beverages, we decide to lose weight. Usually, this decision is made after a very generous meal. We are on a full stomach and solemnly decide that we are going to lose weight and that we are going on a diet.

Going to the gym

Another classic! It's funny how many people are paying their gym fee every month but never go. Sounds familiar? Then now it's the perfect excuse to start exercising. A friend of mine told me in October that he wasn't going to the gym, but that he would certainly start going in January. :)

If you ever go to the gym at the beginning of the year, you'll see a lot of people working out — everyone with a lot of determination. The problem is that in February there are half as many people exercising.

Sometimes the New Year's resolution for exercising includes an ambitious goal, such as running a marathon. The important thing is to finish the race so don’t obsess about timing.

For some time, I was aiming to run a marathon. About four years ago, I ran a half-marathon and noticed that running a marathon was a reasonable goal. Then I changed my mind because the training I needed was too intense for my knees. Now I'm taking it slower and alternating between different sports.

Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is a hard thing to do. Many people try to quit smoking and start a healthier life at the beginning of a new year. Luckily I’m not a smoker, but I always wish them all the best.

So, we have the health trio: dieting, going to the gym and quitting smoking. Many try, very few succeed.

Read more books

It’s always a great idea to read. You can learn many things. I know people who haven't read an entire book since high school. I also know others who read a lot. A good New Year's resolution is to read more. I suppose, to be successful, you need to start with a book you like.

Learn a new language

I particularly like this resolution. As you already know, it’s extremely important to have the right materials and use the right techniques. Just going to a language school isn’t enough.

I firmly believe that if you are an adult, you can learn by yourself from home. Since we are very busy and don't have much time, we need a system that fits our lifestyle, not the other way around. With a little consistency, you can get amazing results!

Saving money

During the Christmas holidays, it’s very common to spend more money than usual, perhaps too much.

With the festive spirit, it’s normal to spend and spend and shortly after, at the beginning of the new year, to want to save money.

Travel

Also, a classic. I remember two years ago that I traveled to five different countries. However, the following year I got tired and didn't travel anywhere. Maybe too much of something can become tiring.

Traveling is a good goal, but first, you have to meet the previous goal: to save some money.

I read once that a very high percentage of New Year's resolutions are not met in the first three weeks of January. Those same resolutions are reformulated a year later, after the Christmas holidays, in January. It's a kind of deja vu :)

My experience in these cases tells me that:

- It’s better to focus on objectives per quarter than per year. So, we can be much more realistic because we know we only have three months to accomplish them.

- Writing objectives is also important. There is a technique that consists of writing your goals on a piece of paper and putting them in the bathroom mirror or on the fridge. Like this, you can see them every day.

- It's also important to be precise about your goals or purposes.

This year I’d like to read more books, exercise more than last year and to travel more.

How about you? Let me know what your new year’s resolutions are.

Read the transcript on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

#234 Christmas Markets in New York 2022 Dec 22, 2022

Transcript:

Merry Christmas, everyone! I’m Georgiana, your English teacher, and my mission is to help you speak English fluently. And if you want to help me, share the podcast with your friends and family.

Ah! It’s almost Christmas!!!

And today, I will talk about Christmas Markets in New York. And with a fun mini-story, you will improve your speaking.

If you need to give something special for Christmas, consider buying my Premium courses. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/courses and get my English programs at an exceptional price.

Ok! Let’s talk about Christmas markets in New York.

What are you planning to do at Christmas? I recommend you fly to NYC because the best Christmas markets are here.

New York’s holiday markets often include ice skating, twinkling lights, great food vendors, and fun holiday activities. Plus, you can make your Christmas shopping a positive and relaxing experience.

Bryant Park’s Winter Village

You could start by visiting Bryant Park’s Winter Village. One of the highlights of this market is the 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink, which is free to use if you bring your skates.

FAD Market

And after ice skating, you could visit the FAD Market. Each season, the FAD market – which stands for Fashion, Art, and Design – takes over a different Brooklyn venue with a bunch of independent vendors and creators. Here you’ll find New York City’s emerging brands, designers, and small businesses offering a curated selection of handmade jewelry, clothing, skincare, tableware, and much more.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

And after all this activity, you should go to the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, which is one of the most iconic holiday markets.

The uptown counterpart to the Union Square Holiday Market offers shoppers a feast for the eyes and the stomach.

Are you having fun? Let’s practice speaking with a fun mini-story.

Mini-Story 📖(Practice your speaking)

Mini stories are excellent for improving fluency. The goal is to answer without mentally translating it into your native language. That’s why I recommend short and quick answers. You can pause if necessary.

Come on, let’s get started!

After listening to Georgiana’s podcast, Tom traveled to New York to explore the Christmas markets.

What did Tom do for Christmas? Stay at home?

No. No. Tom didn’t stay at home. He traveled for Christmas.

Where did Tom go? To Hawaii?

No. Tom went to New York. He didn’t travel to Hawaii.

Why did he travel to New York? For business purposes?

No. Not for business purposes. He traveled to New York to explore the Christmas markets.

Christmas shops or markets?

Christmas markets. Tom traveled to New York to explore the Christmas markets.

Did Tom travel to New York with his mom?

No. No. Not with his mom. Tom traveled to New York alone.

Tom went ice skating at Bryant Park’s Winter Village and ate some delicious local treats at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market.

Tom went roller skating. Right?

No. No. Tom went ice skating.

Where did he go ice skating? Finland?

No. No. He didn’t go ice skating in Finland. He went ice skating in New York at Bryant Park’s Winter Village.

Did Tom eat anything?

Yes. He ate something.

What exactly did he eat? Can you remember?

Yes. He ate some delicious local treats at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market.

After a few hours, he rested on a park bench. Next to him, there was a girl named Elsa, and they began to have a lively conversation.

What did Tom do after some hours? Rest or play tennis?

Tom didn’t play tennis. After a few hours, Tom rested on a park bench.

Was there someone next to him?

Yes. Next to Tom, there was a girl.

What was her name?

Elsa. Her name was Elsa.

Elsa? As in Elsa from Frozen?

Exactly. Her name was Elsa. Just like the princess from Frozen.

Was Elsa an actual princess?

Well, we don’t know that. We know she was sitting next to Tom in New York.

It turned out that Elsa also traveled to New York after listening to Georgiana’s podcast. What a coincidence!

Why did Elsa travel to New York?

Because Georgiana told her students to explore the Christmas Markets in New York.

When did Elsa travel to New York? Before or after listening to the podcast?

After Elsa listened to the Speak English Now podcast, she traveled to New York. Not before.

Was it coincidentally that Elsa and Tom traveled to New York after listening to the podcast?

Yes, it was an amazing coincidence. But the shocking part was that they met in New York.

As they rose from the bench, Elsa grabbed Tom's hand. He smiled shyly.

Did Elsa give Tom a rose?

No. No. Elsa didn't give Tom a rose. They rose from the bench.

Who grabbed Tom's hand? Santa?

Elsa. Elsa grabbed Tom's hand. Not Santa.

Did Tom get angry?

No. No. He didn't get angry. He smiled. He smiled shyly when Elsa grabbed his hand.

Was Tom shy or bold?

Shy. Tom was shy. He wasn't bold. Tom smiled shyly.

Tom and Elsa had one wish for Christmas: to encounter someone to love.

Who had a wish for Christmas?

Elsa and Tom. They had a wish for Christmas.

What kind of wish? Did they have the same wish?

Yes. They both wanted to encounter someone to love.

Ok! That’s the end of this Christmas story. I hope you enjoyed practicing your speaking.

And, if you need to give something special for Christmas, consider buying my Premium courses. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/courses and get my English programs at an exceptional price.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

#233 Money expressions in English part#2 Dec 15, 2022

Today we continue talking about money in English. You will learn new expressions, and I’ll give you some advice on how to save money.

And with a fun mini-story, you will improve your English fluency. It’s like having a conversation with another person in English.

Hi, I’m Georgiana, your English teacher, and my mission is you help you Speak English fluently.

And do you know how you can help me? You can share the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks:)

Before we get started, get the transcript at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Ok. Let’s start!

1. Money doesn't grow on trees

We use this phrase to warn someone that money is a limited resource and should not be wasted.

Example:

"When I told my five-year-old son that I couldn't buy him a toy because "money doesn't grow on trees," he told me to use my credit card instead."

2. A penny saved is a penny earned

Although many families today live on credit, it is always wise to put some money aside. We use this expression to say that saving money is a good idea.

Example:

"You should always put some money aside. My grandma used to say that a penny saved is a penny earned."

3. Flat broke

And if you never save and spend all your money, you become flat broke.

Example:

"It's been two years since I lost my job. Now I'm looking for one because I've spent all my money and I'm flat broke. "

4. Live from hand to mouth

This idiom means having only enough money to live on, not having money to spare or save any money.

Example:

"I have bad news. I'm afraid we will have to live from hand to mouth until the end of the year. "

5. Save for a rainy day

I said before that it is always a good idea to save some money. And this English expression means to save money for when you need it.

Example:

"Last winter, the boiler broke down. Thankfully, we saved for a rainy day. "

6. Daylight robbery

If you really want to save money, you should compare prices and avoid shopping where prices are too high.

This idiom means that something is costly. It can be an exorbitant fee for a product or service.

Example:

"I never buy anything from this store. The prices here are a daylight robbery."

Read the full transcript at: SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast

#232 Money idioms in English - Part 1 Dec 09, 2022

Hi! I’m Georgiana, your English teacher. Thank you for joining me for another episode.

Today you will learn new idioms in English with MONEY. I will teach you some English expressions related to money. And with a point-of-view story, you will learn grammar without memorizing any boring rules.

And if you want complete programs with hours of audio designed to develop your fluency, don't think twice. Visit Speakenglishpodcast.com/courses/ There are several levels.

Ok! Let's start!

Depending on the culture, people talk about money or get really uncomfortable when someone brings up this subject. However, everybody needs money nowadays, so today, we will learn expressions about money because "money makes the world go round."

When something "makes the world go round," it is extremely important. But not only money makes the world go round; love also makes the world go round. However, love without money can get really complicated sometimes.

Anyway, I'm digressing. Today, I'd like you to learn some English expressions about money.

Let’s start!

#1. Bring Home the Bacon

You may be thinking I'm hungry. But although this expression may seem unusual, we use it to talk about money.

It means earning money so that a family can get by.

Example:

"I have to work day and night to support my family. Someone's got to bring home the bacon."

#2. Time is Money

We use this expression to emphasize that you should use your time wisely because you could use it to earn money.

Example:

"I've been waiting for the delivery guy all day, but I can't sit around any longer. Time is money."

#3. Break the Bank

There is no need to break anything. We use this expression to say that something costs too much money.

Example:

“That coat is way too expensive. It will break the bank!”

#4. Quick Buck (Fast Buck)

These expressions refer to money earned easily or quickly and, on some occasions, may indicate that someone wants to earn money dishonestly.

Example:

“You can make a quick buck by selling your coin collection.”

#5. Bread and Butter

While bread and butter are delicious, we use this expression to indicate someone who depends on their job for a living.

Example:

“I'm sorry I can't go shopping with you tomorrow. I can't miss work again, or I'll get fired, remember, it's my bread and butter!”

#6. Money Talks

Obviously, this expression cannot be taken at face value. But it's pretty funny.

We use it to talk about wealthy people that can get whatever they want because they have money.

Example:

"I was convinced that I had a high chance of being elected. However, my opponent has much more money than I do, and, as they say, money talks."

#7. Born with a Silver Spoon in your Mouth

This expression means to be born to a wealthy family. Therefore, people born with a silver spoon in their mouths get everything they want.

Example:

“My friend's parents always gave her everything she ever wanted. She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. “

[END OF THE EXTRACT]

Get the full transcript on my website: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#231 Please avoid saying these things in English Nov 11, 2022

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

In this episode, let's look at some bad strategies and attitudes that don't quite work in conversation. I mean, like having awkward conversations.

Next, you'll practice your fluency with a mini-story lesson—the best way to learn to speak English without translating mentally.

All right, have you ever been with someone and not know what to talk about? It's happened to me sometimes. Every once in a while, we run into situations where it's difficult to continue the conversation.

One example is what happens in an elevator. Imagine that you meet a neighbor you hardly know, and a typical dialogue ends up going like this:

—Good morning.

—Going down?

—Yes.

— ...

— It's cold today, isn't it?

— Yes, yes. It's going to be like this all week, they say...

— ...

As you can see, this conversation is not very intellectual. It's more about avoiding silence, which can be uncomfortable.

This doesn't just happen in elevators but in all kinds of social interactions. I read recently that a silence of four seconds or more triggers anxiety.

It doesn't get any better when you have to speak in a language you are learning. You have even fewer resources to express yourself.

Today we are going to see which topics or strategies do not work well in conversations, especially with strangers. The goal, I think, is to have a somewhat interesting conversation.

Come on, let's move on to the first one:

Talking about the weather

Talking about the weather is not a bad thing, but if we only talk about it or any other obvious things, we are not going to make a good impression.

Now I can think of a couple of situations where talking about the weather is an awful strategy.

— A first date:

Talking for 45 minutes about whether it's raining or hot or cold or windy isn't going to make you more attractive.

— Job interview:

Let's see...you don't know what to say...better not start commenting that it's a cold and foggy morning.

However, there are also exceptions. If you have a date with someone who works in meteorology or your job interview is to work as a meteorologist... well, yes, of course, you have to talk about the weather, right?

Let's see the next one:

You don't listen.

Yeah, I know it seems obvious, but... many people don't know how to listen, and it shows. When you really listen, you can find many ways to continue the conversation engagingly.

Sometimes people just pretend to be listening. They repeat the last part of what you say in the form of a question.

For example:

— When I was on vacation in Rome, it rained all week.

— The whole week?

— Yes, and we had to buy umbrellas.

— Umbrellas?

— Yes, and Bill Gates gave us all his money.

— All his money?

— Yeah... and you don't listen.

— I don't listen?

Well, you see what I mean, right?

Let's continue.

How to say it.

It is not only important what to say, but how to say it.

The most common mistakes are:

— Talking too fast. Sometimes people need a slower pace to understand the message better. Not everyone is familiar with what you are saying.

— Speak too softly. Shy people sometimes speak too softly and are hard to understand.

— Speak without articulating well. Some people do not pronounce well, and it is difficult to follow what they say. It's better to speak clearly.

— Speak without pausing. It is better to pause from time to time and observe how the other person reacts.

Talk about something negative.

Another mistake that some people make is to talk about a negative topic to strangers. I really don't recommend that.

Talk about something boring.

I don't think it's a good idea to talk for half an hour about what color you want to paint the bedroom wall. You have to know how to choose your topics. Basically, for you, it can be relevant, but not for the other person.

Messing up

There are many ways to mess things up, but a common one is to assume something is true when it is not.

Let's look at some examples of messed-up conversations:

The first one:

— Congratulations!

— Why?

— Well, you're pregnant. How many months?

— No, I'm not pregnant.

Oops! The poor woman may have been a few pounds overweight. So, don't assume anything!

The second one:

— Ah, how beautiful your wife is and how young!

— No, she's not my wife. She's my daughter. And she's a minor.

Again... oops! It's better not to assume this kind of thing. In fact, the other way around is also wrong.

— Ah, it's good you're coming with your mother.

—She's not my mother. She's my wife.

We also have to be careful with criticism.

Especially when you do not know the type of relationship between the person you are talking to and the one you are criticizing.

For example, if you're at a wedding:

— Food is very scarce. Not much money has been spent.

— What a pity! I'll tell my brother, who paid for everything.

Get the transcript on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

#230  Irony, sarcasm, and cynicism. Differences. Nov 04, 2022

- Did you know that most English learners know more grammar than the native speaker but can barely speak?

- Is that so? Now that's pure irony.

Welcome to Speak English Now podcast, with your host, Georgiana. The podcast that will help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks.

Hi! I'm Georgiana. Thanks for joining me for a new Speak English Now podcast episode.

Today we have a very interesting topic:

I'm going to talk about three concepts that are often confused: irony, sarcasm, and cynicism.

- Next, you'll practice verb tenses with a short story about two kids who have a problem on a frozen lake.

Okay, let's get started.

Yes, many language learners indeed know more grammar than the average native speaker, yet they can barely speak fluently. That's why I recommend my mini-course, where you can understand how to develop your speech, among other things.

Go now to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and sign up now. It's free!

What is the difference between irony, sarcasm, and cynicism?

We are going to analyze these concepts one by one, and of course, I will give you some examples; you learn very well with examples! And it's not irony :)

Irony.

The irony is an "expression that implies something contrary or different from what is said, usually as a mockery."

Okay. To make it clear, a "mockery" is an action or words with the intention of laughing at something or someone. It can also be a simple joke.

The irony is sometimes directed at oneself or a situation.

Let's look at an example:

- How was the date with that girl you met?

- Ah, fantastic! It couldn't have gone better. She said she would call me... But she didn't ask for my phone number.

When in the dialogue, he says, "it couldn't have gone better," he is obviously saying the opposite of reality and uses it as a subtle mockery of himself.

Irony also occurs when there is an outcome that is not expected. For example:

- A fire in a firehouse.

- The financial advisor going bankrupt.

- A dietician with overweight problems.

All these situations have their dose of irony.

Now let's look at sarcasm.

Sarcasm is very similar to irony, but what differentiates it is the intention. Sarcasm is a cruel irony with which someone or something is offended or mistreated".

The person using sarcasm seeks to ridicule, humiliate or insult.

Example:

- The report won't be ready today. I think I'll finish it next week.

- Ah, Tom...! You are always such a hard worker!

In this example, sarcasm is used to attack Tom's work and make it clear that he works slowly.

Finally, cynicism.

I am not going to go into the philosophical doctrine of cynicism from Ancient Greece, but how it is commonly used.

There are two ways of understanding cynicism.

First, a cynical person is someone who has no shame. He or she lies unashamedly and defends dishonorable behavior and actions. In other words, someone who has no principles and acts without ethics or morals. For example, a politician is found to be corrupt, and he, instead of apologizing, says: "Well, this is commonplace. All politicians, in one way or another, do similar things."

Second, cynicism also refers to extreme skepticism. The cynic no longer believes in anything. He doesn't believe in politics, he doesn't believe in relationships, in friendship, etc. This leads to not trusting anything, having no principles, and being suspicious of everything. In a way, it can lead to behaving like the previous explanation about cynicism.

I have a friend who thinks this way. In some things, she is not wrong. Perhaps the opposite of this kind of cynicism is extreme positivism.

Okay, now we know these three concepts a little better. Information is power, and use power responsibly. :)

Get the transcript on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast

#229 Halloween: Origins, Meaning and Traditions Oct 29, 2022

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

In today's episode:

I'll be talking about one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States: Halloween.
After that, you'll practice your speaking with a new mini-story while enjoying my new Question & Answer story.

Very well. Let's get started!

Halloween is a holiday celebrated on the last day of October. I would say it's very popular because everybody's excited about it, especially children.

The word Halloween comes from an old English expression, "All Hallows' Eve," and it means the day before All Saints' Day.

Children of all ages really love Halloween because they can dress up in funny costumes and knock on their neighborhood doors, shouting, "Trick or Treat!". The neighbors usually give them candies.

The meaning of the phrase "Trick or Treat" is interesting. In this context, "treat" means getting the candies, and "trick" means the consequence of not getting the sweets. It's like an innocent threat children make. Of course, kids get really excited when they knock on strangers' doors in their neighborhood.

Since Halloween originated as a celebration connected with evil spirits, the most common symbols are witches flying on broomsticks, ghosts, skeletons, black cats, etc. The black color is one of the traditional Halloween colors.

Of course, pumpkins are also a Halloween symbol. I'm sure you've seen them in movies. People empty pumpkins and put a candle inside to make a lamp.

How do you make a Halloween pumpkin?

The first step is hollowing out the pumpkin.
After that, we use a keyhole we saw to cut the hole.
When using a candle for illumination, you can cut the hole in the pumpkin's top.
For electric lights, make a hole in the bottom or side so you can hide the cord.

The Halloween pumpkin is called Jack-O'-Lantern. It's common to see jack-o'-lanterns on doorstep decorations before and on Halloween.

The name comes from an Irish legend about a man named Jack. He was so ungenerous that when he died, he couldn't enter Heaven, but he couldn't go to Hell either because he had told jokes about the Devil. As a result, Jack had to walk and walk with a lantern until the Day of Judgment.

Here's what a typical family does at Halloween:

They decorate their home. Americans spend about 5 billion dollars every year.
They buy costumes. A costume is not cheap. It can cost $30 or more.
They buy plenty of candy, and of course, they eat it.
Kids go "trick or treating." In most towns, it's only allowed from 3 pm until5 pm because it gets dark quickly.

Very well, now you know a bit more about this beautiful holiday. Maybe next time, you'll carve your own Halloween pumpkin and celebrate Halloween just like an American!

Get the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#228 How to stop making mistakes when speaking English Oct 21, 2022

Transcript:

Hi! I’m Georgiana, and here to help you speak English fluently. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the Speak English Now podcast.

Today, I talk about how to stop making mistakes when speaking English. And how to improve writing.

– Next, we’ll practice fluency with a question-and-answer exercise.

If you want the complete courses with hours of audio designed to develop your fluency, don’t hesitate. Visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/courses

There are several levels.

Ok, let’s start!

Many students asked me over the years how to avoid making mistakes when speaking English.

And that’s an excellent question.

As you know, the best way to become fluent in English is by listening to plenty of content that’s easy for you to understand. You should comprehend 90% of the content. Otherwise, it is too difficult for you. And even if you like novelty, the truth is that repeated listening to the same content helps you to automate your speech.

For example, listening to a story allows you to intuitively understand how sentences are constructed without having to learn grammar rules. This way, you will be less insecure when speaking because you will not have to constantly think about whether you are making mistakes.

To speak fluently, you have to do it without worrying whether you speak perfectly.

So as I was saying, it is very important to listen to understandable content. That is, depending on your English level, it is necessary to select the content that is not difficult to understand.

A typical mistake is to listen to content that is too complex with the idea of trying to force progress. It is always better to lower the level until it is easy to understand most of the words. This way, the brain is in “comprehension” mode. If it is too difficult, your brain eventually switches off and stops paying attention.

Students have also asked me if it’s a bad idea to consult the grammar rules. And how can you improve your English writing?

The typical student using my courses has already studied some English with some formal grammar and is frustrated because he or she cannot speak. That is why I insist that to improve fluency, it is necessary to listen a lot and not rely on formal rules to produce the language. Having this clear, there is nothing wrong with consulting a grammar book.

Regarding writing well, it is very important to read a lot and, above all, to read text similar to what you want to write. For example, if you want to write a text that describes things that happen nowadays, reading many newspaper articles may be a good idea. That’s the basis: read a lot. Of course, practicing is also essential, but I would spend the time this way: 90% reading and 10% writing.

If you are really motivated, a good exercise is to read an article a couple of times and then try to write a summary without looking at the article, if possible, using expressions and vocabulary specific to the article. Then consult the article and analyze what you could have done better.

On the other hand, we have to keep in mind that the process of learning a language involves making many mistakes, both spoken and written. This is normal.

As you progress, you make fewer and fewer mistakes. Over time you start speaking intuitively, just like a native speaker. Most of them speak fluently without knowing the specific grammar rule; they just know when a sentence “sounds wrong.” This is the ability that we want to develop.

We can observe, for example, how children make quite a few mistakes, but after many hours of listening and reading, those diminish over time.

Many teachers try as much as possible to prevent the learner from making mistakes from the beginning. But this ends up damaging spontaneous speaking, which is strongly linked to the development of fluency. It also generates unnecessary anxiety.

If you have questions like this, you can send me a message through my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. I try to answer all messages. Maybe I will make an episode to answer your question 🙂

Get the transcript on my website: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#227 English Pronunciation practice with tongue twisters Oct 13, 2022

I thought I thought of thinking of thanking you. I thought I thought of thinking of thanking you.

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Speaking English is way easier than it seems! You just have to use the right material and techniques.

In this episode, you’ll learn some new tongue twisters in English to help you with your English pronunciation.

And with a mini-story, you will improve your fluency. A mini-story is very simple but very powerful. I ask easy questions on purpose so that you can simulate a conversation. It’s like talking with another person in English.

Before we get started, go to my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

to get the transcript. It’s free!

Ok. Let’s start!

So, do you remember what a tongue twister is?

It can be a difficult phrase that we say quickly, usually because of a sequence of almost similar sounds.

For example, “Peter Piper picked a pickle of pickled peppers.”

Many people use tongue twisters to speak clearly, including actors, politicians, etc.

These allow you to practice pronunciation and agility when it comes to producing sounds in English.

So today, we are going to practice English pronunciation with new tongue twisters.

Are you ready?

Let’s go!

I will start saying each tongue twister slowly, and then I’ll go faster.

At first, they may seem very difficult, so make sure you have the text in front of you to be able to follow it better.

Ok. So, I will say it very slowly:

1. I saw a kitten eating chicken in the kitchen.

Are you ready to speed it up? (Say it faster.)

I saw a kitten eating chicken in the kitchen.

Ok. Even faster!

I saw a kitten eating chicken in the kitchen.

I hope you’re having fun. Let’s continue!

2) I thought I thought of thinking of thanking you.

Ok. Now I’m gonna speed it up! (say it faster.)

I thought I thought of thinking of thanking you.

Ok. Even faster!

I thought I thought of thinking of thanking you.

3) A big black bug snoozed on a big black rug.

Ok. Say it faster!

A big black bug snoozed on a big black rug.

Even faster!

A big black bug snoozed on a big black rug.

4) Thin sticks, thick bricks.

Ok. Say it faster!

Thin sticks, thick bricks.

Even faster!

Thin sticks, thick bricks.

5) Fred fed Ted bread, and Ted fed Fred bread.

Say it faster!

Fred fed Ted bread, and Ted fed Fred bread.

Even faster!

Fred fed Ted bread, and Ted fed Fred bread.

Ok, that’s it for now; I really hope you’re having fun practicing your English pronunciation, but before we continue…

I want you to learn English 3 times faster, and that’s why I created a video course. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my video course for FREE!

#226 English Accent Reduction - Tongue Twisters - The S sound part2 Oct 09, 2022

Today we will continue the accent reduction exercise with some fun tongue twisters in English.

And with the help of a point-of-view story, you will learn grammar in context without memorizing any boring rules.

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Do you know how you can help me? You can share the podcast with your friends and family. Tell them to go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my free mini-course.

That would mean a lot to me. Thanks.

Oh, by the way, remember that you can check out the transcript on my website:

speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast

Ok, let’s start!

Last week we started this accent reduction exercise by focusing on the S sound with the help of some fun tongue twisters.

So, let’s remember the tongue twisters we used last week to help you improve your English pronunciation.

I will go fast, but if you want to practice them, you can do so by listening to the previous episode on my website.

Listen and repeat:

#1 I saw Esau kissing Kate. I saw Esau, he saw me, and she saw I saw Esau.

#2 Santa’s Short Suit Shrunk.

#3 You cuss, I cuss, we all cuss for asparagus.

#4 Thin sticks, thick bricks. #5 Systematically assisting Sisyphus’s stealthy cyst-susceptible sister.

I hope you’re having fun.

Let’s practice with new tongue twisters.

Are you ready? Let’s go!

I will start saying each tongue twister slowly, and then I will go faster.

At first, they may seem very difficult, so make sure you have the text in front of you to be able to follow it better.

Ok. So, I will say it very slowly:

1. She saw Sharif’s shoes on the sofa. But was she so sure those were Sharif’s shoes she saw?

Now I will say it faster.

She saw Sharif’s shoes on the sofa. But was she so sure those were Sharif’s shoes she saw?

Ok. Even faster!

She saw Sharif’s shoes on the sofa. But was she so sure those were Sharif’s shoes she saw?

Let’s continue!

2) The chic Sikh’s sixty-sixth sheep is sick.

Let’s say it faster!

The chic Sikh’s sixty-sixth sheep is sick.

Even faster!

The chic Sikh’s sixty-sixth sheep is sick.

3) There’s a pessimistic pest amidst us.

Ok. Say it faster!

There’s a pessimistic pest amidst us.

Even faster!

There’s a pessimistic pest amidst us.

4) Which witch switched the Swiss wristwatches?

Say it faster!

Which witch switched the Swiss wristwatches?

Can you say it faster?

Which witch switched the Swiss wristwatches?

5) She sells seashells by the seashore.

Let’s say it faster!

She sells seashells by the seashore.

Even faster!

She sells seashells by the seashore.

Well, that’s all for now; I hope you had fun practicing your English pronunciation, and you didn’t get tongue-tied like Smith. We’ll see what happened to him and why he was crowned king.

But before we continue… If you want to know how to speak English using the proper techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my video course for free. So you can learn how to speak English fluently once and for all!

Get the transcript on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

#225 Accent Reduction with Tongue Twisters - The S sound Oct 01, 2022

Today we are going to do an accent reduction exercise with some fun tongue twisters in English. To be specific, we will practice the S sound.

And with the help of a mini-story, you will improve your English fluency. A mini-story is very simple but very powerful.

Here's how it works: I ask easy questions deliberately so that you can simulate a conversation. It's almost like talking to another person in English.

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Do you know how you can help me? You can share the podcast with your friends and family. Tell them to go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my free mini-course.

That would mean a lot to me. Thanks.

Oh, by the way, remember that you can check out the transcript on my website:

speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast

Ok, let's start!

Do you remember what a tongue twister is?

It can be a difficult phrase that we say quickly, usually because of a sequence of almost similar sounds.

For example, "Peter Piper picked a pickle of pickled peppers."

Many people use tongue twisters to speak clearly, including actors, politicians, etc.

These allow you to practice pronunciation and agility when it comes to producing sounds in English.

And for language learners, tongue twisters are very useful to use as accent reduction exercises.

So today, we are going to practice English pronunciation with new tongue twisters.

Are you ready?

Let's go!

I will start saying each tongue twister slowly, and then I will go faster.

At first, they may seem very difficult, so make sure you have the text in front of you to be able to follow it better.

Ok. So, I will say it very slowly:

1. I saw Esau kissing Kate. I saw Esau, he saw me, and she saw I saw Esau.

Are you ready to speed it up? (Say it faster.)

I saw Esau kissing Kate. I saw Esau, he saw me, and she saw I saw Esau.

Ok. Even faster!

I saw Esau kissing Kate. I saw Esau, he saw me, and she saw I saw Esau.

I hope you're having fun. Let's continue!

2) Santa’s Short Suit Shrunk.

Ok. Now I'm gonna speed it up! (say it faster.)

Santa’s Short Suit Shrunk.

Ok. Even faster!

Santa’s Short Suit Shrunk.

3) You cuss, I cuss, we all cuss for asparagus.

Ok. Say it faster!

You cuss, I cuss, we all cuss for asparagus.

Even faster!

You cuss, I cuss, we all cuss for asparagus.

4) Thin sticks, thick bricks.

Ok. Say it faster!

Thin sticks, thick bricks.

Can you say it faster?

Thin sticks, thick bricks.

5) Systematically assisting Sisyphus’s stealthy cyst-susceptible sister.

Can you say it faster?

Systematically assisting Sisyphus’s stealthy cyst-susceptible sister.

Even faster!

Systematically assisting Sisyphus’s stealthy cyst-susceptible sister.

Ok, I know that was hard. But that's it for now; I really hope you're having fun practicing your English pronunciation, but before we continue…

If you want to know how to speak English using the proper techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my video course for free. So you can learn how to speak English fluently once and for all!

Get the transcript on my website: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

224 How to ask for clarification in English Sep 22, 2022

Are you having a hard time following conversations in English? Don't worry. Today, I'll show you some expressions you can use confidently in situations where it isn't easy to follow a conversation.

Welcome to Speak English Now podcast, with your host, Georgiana. The podcast that will help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks.

Hi, I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Do you know how you can help me? You can share the podcast with your friends and family. Tell them to go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my free mini-course.

That would mean a lot to me. Thanks.

Okay, let’s start!

When we learn a new language, we are eager to practice speaking with another person. But what happens when the conversation is difficult for some reason? Maybe it's hard to keep up or follow what they tell us.

Or if you are in a conversation with people who speak very fast, and you can't hear those words at all, or you don't recognize them, you feel uncomfortable.

Although you may be embarrassed to interrupt in these situations, you can politely say that you don't understand what they have said.

So today, I will show you some expressions you can use confidently in situations where it isn't easy to follow a conversation.

Let's get started!

#1. Asking for clarification:

Sorry, I'm afraid I don't follow (you.)

By using this expression, you are suggesting that you must have it re-explained or explained differently.

Examples:

"Sorry, I don't follow (you)—what exactly do you want me to do next?"

"Do you understand? No, I'm afraid I don't follow."

Here are some more phrases to ask for clarification:

"I'm not entirely sure what you mean; could you explain it again? Or…"

"Could you please say that a little slower?"

"Sorry! That went straight over my head. Could you explain it differently?"

#2. When someone asks for your opinion:

If someone asks for your opinion on a topic for which you feel unprepared, you can use the following phrases:

"It's hard to express my ideas about this topic in English, but I'll try my best.

"It's really fascinating listening to you talk, but to be honest, I don't know much about this topic."

#3. How to end the conversation:

This is a little beyond me.

By using this expression, you are ending the conversation. You are not asking for clarification; you are saying that the conversation is too difficult for you.

Examples:

"I'm sure it's fascinating what you're saying, but I have to admit that it's beyond me."

I hope you are enjoying yourself.

These expressions can be very useful when we find ourselves in difficult situations and have to ask for clarification.

If you want to know how to speak English using the proper techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my 5-day video course, so you can learn how to speak English fluently once and for all! And it's completely free.

Read the transcript on my website: https://SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

223 How to avoid frustration while learning English Sep 16, 2022

Today:

I'm going to reflect on the frustration that some English learners may experience.
In part 2, you'll practice with a point of view story: you'll meet James and Jane and their adventures!

Welcome to Speak English Now podcast, with your host, Georgiana. The podcast that will help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks.

Hi, I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Do you know how you can help me? You can share the podcast with your friends and family. Tell them to go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my free mini-course.

That would mean a lot to me. Thanks.

Oh, by the way, remember that you can check out the transcript, on my website:

speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast

Okay, let's get started!

Learning to speak English is not as simple as studying for a couple of days. Can you imagine? In one month, we could learn 15 new languages, or 14 if we are lazy :)

If your goal is to become fluent, it takes some time. For example, my Fluency course has 20 units. And you have to dedicate a minimum of one week per unit. However, I assure you that if you follow the instructions, your fluency will improve dramatically by the end of the course.

During the learning process, some students lose patience and become frustrated. They all have an initial phase of high motivation due to the novelty and transition to a plateau phase that leads to frustration when they do not see steady improvement.

It is common for frustrated learners to blame themselves, saying things like:

"I am not good at learning languages",

"As an adult it is almost impossible to learn",

"I don't have the memory to remember all this vocabulary",

"I make a fool of myself when I speak.”

This kind of mindset is dangerous because it affects motivation, and the chances of giving up are very high.

Other students blame the method. For example, they say to themselves, "This method is useless", or “I am wasting my time", "This is pointless", etc.

They buy many courses in the hope that the latest one will be the definitive one, the one that works.

And I am not against discontinuing an English course if the method is not effective. I don't want to give away names, but large companies are more concerned about perceived value than real value, and some of these systems are very superficial. In other words, they do not allow you to learn in an effective and lasting way.

You may already know this, but my system is specifically focused on speech development.

My premium courses are based on repeated listening to audios. To give the brain time to assimilate and consolidate the lessons, you must repeat the audios on different days.

In addition, the courses feature question-and-answer exercises that help the student to speak from day one.

So I believe the key to avoiding frustration is not to focus on results, but on learning time.

Imagine you are in Unit 8 of the Fluency Course. Instead of evaluating your progress because you haven't finished yet, which is also very subjective, simply keep track of the number of hours you spend. You can, for example, use a spreadsheet and write down the time you are listening on a weekly basis.

This way, you take the pressure off yourself and focus on what really matters and what you can control: the time spent.

And if you are not convinced of your progress, you can listen to an earlier lesson, for example, unit 2 or 3. You'll find that they seem easier than before. This means you are making progress, but as I said, the most important thing is to accumulate hours of listening.

Also, keep in mind that our brain needs quite a few days to assimilate new patterns, sounds, words and expressions.

Think about how you learned your native language. Studies indicate that when we are young, we spend about two years listening to our parents before we can articulate sentences. This is called the "silent period" because the brain is learning and assimilating. Imagine a young child thinking, "Wow, I can't articulate words, so I will cover my ears so I won't listen."

And finally, don't forget to enjoy yourself! Take listening to the lessons more as a game than an obligation. I try to make the content fun, entertaining, and a bit absurd in the course lessons. I do this so that it won't be boring, and you can remember better.

In short, focus more on what you can control: the time you spend listening to the lessons, and try to enjoy the stories with slightly crazy characters.

I hope this helps you on your way to fluency in English.

You can check out the transcript, on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast

If you want to know how to speak English using the proper techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my 5-day video course, so you can learn how to speak English fluently once and for all! And it's completely free.

#222 Going to the gym in the summer Sep 10, 2022

Today’s episode is going to be a little different than usual. In the first part, you will improve your grammar with a point-of-view story based on actual events. And in the second part, you'll practice your English speaking with a mini-story.

Welcome to Speak English Now podcast, with your host, Georgiana. The podcast that will help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks.

Hi, I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Ok, let's get started!

How was your summer vacation? Mine was quite uneventful, and since it was hot, I didn't travel anywhere. I just wanted to stay at home, chilling by the AC (air conditioner).

As I was saying, this episode will be a bit different. I'll start with a point of view based on actual facts. I'll talk about Jim, who wants to join the gym in the summer.

Ok. Let’s start!

POV-Story

(Learn grammar in context)

I'll tell you a short story more than one time. Every time, I'll change a grammar point. I can change the tense or the person. This way, you'll notice the changes in context.

First, I will tell the story from my point of view:

After a long time of making excuses not to go to the gym, Jim finally dragged his feet and walked into the gym building to sign up.

The clerk handed him the sign-up form.

With tears in his eyes, Jim filled out the registration form and paid the first installment.

"Now I have no excuses!" said Jim. So, the next day, he packed the gym bag, which included workout clothes, a towel, shower gel... And a pack of donuts to refuel.

By the way, Jim always eats diet donuts, the ones with a hole in the center, like that you eat less quantity.

On the first day at the gym, he took it very easy.

But even so, he felt stiff for the next two days; he could barely move.

After a few sessions and several boxes of doughnuts, Jim began feeling better about exercising.

However, one day, after finishing his workout at the gym, he felt a little under the weather.

It turns out that Jim came down with a cold, so he had to rest for the next few days.

Jim also developed back pain during those days of rest. So, he took it easy for a couple of weeks and didn't go to the gym.

Finally, after recovering, Jim tried going back to the gym; although, with the terrible heat waves, he ended up going to the beach.

Now, I will tell the same story from Jim's point of view:

After a long time of making excuses not to go to the gym, I finally dragged my feet and walked into the gym building to sign up.

The clerk handed me the sign-up form.

With tears in my eyes, I filled out the registration form and paid the first installment.

"Now I have no excuses!" I said to myself. So, the next day, I packed the gym bag, which included workout clothes, a towel, shower gel... And a pack of donuts to refuel.

By the way, I always eat diet donuts, the ones with a hole in the center, like that I eat less quantity.

On the first day at the gym, I took it very easy.

But even so, I felt stiff for the next two days; I could barely move.

After a few sessions and several boxes of doughnuts, I began feeling better about exercising.

However, one day, after finishing my workout at the gym, I felt a little under the weather.

It turns out that I came down with a cold, so I had to rest for the next few days.

Strangely enough, I also developed back pain during those days of rest. So I took it easy for a couple of weeks and didn't go to the gym.

Finally, after recovering, I tried going back to the gym; although, with the terrible heat waves, I ended up going to the beach.

Ok! That's the end of this short exercise. Notice that the changes between grammar points are subtle but important.

My suggestion is that you avoid memorizing grammar rules. It's better to see the changes in the proper context. And with a story, it is much easier to remember all this.

If you want to know how to speak English using the proper techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my 5-day video course, so you can learn how to speak English fluently once and for all! And it's completely free.

#221 Understanding someone with  a strong English accent Sep 01, 2022

In today's episode, I will discuss how to understand people with strong English accents.

And with a point-of-view lesson, you'll practice vocabulary and improve your grammar without memorizing boring rules.

Hi, everyone! I'm Georgiana, founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com.

My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Do you know how you can help me? You can share the podcast with your friends and family. Tell them to go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my free mini-course.

That would mean a lot to me. Thanks.

Oh, by the way, remember that you can check out the transcript on my website:

speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast

Awesome! Let's get started!

Very often, I hear people speaking English with a strong accent. That's because their native language sometimes has a strong influence on the way they speak English.

Have you ever traveled to another country and tried to speak their language?

Then you're probably aware that some locals experienced difficulties understanding you and that not everybody was patient. Some people got very impatient and sometimes even rude.

That's why you should be patient and encouraging whenever you talk to people with a strong accent because they are usually aware that you may have difficulty understanding them.

Therefore, be honest with your conversation partner. Don't pretend you understand the person if you can't comprehend what they are saying.

And don't be afraid to hurt the other person's feelings. Being honest doesn't necessarily make you rude.

Instead, use a polite phrase to say that you have some difficulty understanding.

Ask the other person to speak more slowly. Say something like this:

"I'm sorry, but I'm having some difficulties understanding you." or "Can you please speak a bit more slowly?"

Don't try to understand every single word. Instead, make an effort to grasp the overall meaning. This way, you will be able to participate in the conversation.

You'll need to relax, listen to meaningful words, and observe as a listener. Use as many contextual clues as possible.

Listen very carefully to give all the feedback you can to the speaker.

Use your facial expressions to give feedback.

Nod when you get the meaning.
Smile when the topic is engaging.
Frown when the content is about some problem.

Learn how to listen without interrupting:

If you can understand the main point but are unsure about some words that don't seem relevant, ignore them and don't interrupt.

However, when you don't seem to understand keywords or relevant ideas, you'll need to interrupt by using a phrase like this one:

"Excuse me; I don't quite understand." "Could you please say that again?"

Ask questions:

Help the speaker by asking questions like: "Do you mean that…?" or "Are you trying to say that…."

Like this, the speaker will feel that you're genuinely interested in the conversation.

And keep smiling, show respect, and have fun communicating with people from all around the world.

By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my 5-day video course so you can learn how to speak English fluently. And it’s completely free.

Read the transcript on my website:

http://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast

#220 Urban Gardens in English Aug 13, 2022

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

In today's episode

- I'm going to tell you how you can get vegetables without going to the supermarket. And I’m not talking about magic :)

- In the second part, you will learn grammar without memorizing any boring rules.

Are you a new listener? I recommend that you get my free video course at speakenglishpodcast.com. You will learn how to acquire more vocabulary, how to learn grammar but without memorizing anything, how to learn deeply, how to speak automatically and how to maintain yourself motivated in the long run.

Very well. Let’s start!

Some things only happen in cities. Interesting things. One of them is urban gardens,

If you have an urban garden, you can grow your own veggies if you live in a city.

I'm talking about tomatoes, celery, broccoli, etc. It is an exciting option if you do not want to buy them directly from the supermarket or if you want to make sure that the vegetables are pesticides free.

Urban gardens appeared as a fad, but the truth is that they are consolidating in many cities. A good phrase to use in this case is: "they are here to stay". That is, it is not just a fad.

Where can we find these gardens? Locations vary. For example, there are large gardens in the suburbs of many cities. These are family gardens that produce all kinds of veggies.

We can also find urban garden projects in schools, where they have an educational function. I find it very helpful for children to understand that tomatoes are not "manufactured" in the supermarket but rather grown in the soil.

On the other hand, many apartments have a terrace, and people have some vegetables in small earthen containers. Some take advantage of the rooftop. There is usually quite a lot of space available.

I guess in general you can save money, but it's easy to overspend. You need tools, fertilizers, seeds, substrates... and a lot of patience. In any case, it's an outdoor hobby that is usually rewarding.

However, there are some disadvantages. The most important is that the contamination affects the plants. All contaminating particles fall on the surfaces. Many of them are metals such as lead, mercury, or cadmium. And I don't believe anyone likes the idea of eating a tomato with these kinds of metals in it.

Then there is the expense of the water, which can be significant. Nowadays, the water bill can go up quite a bit because there are more and more taxes.

So... Would you like to have an urban garden? If you already have one, you can tell me about it in the comments section.

Before I move on to the next section, go and get the transcript of this episode at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Do you know how you can help me? You can share the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot to me. Thanks.

#219 Cooking in English Jul 30, 2022

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

In this episode, I'd like to include some food and cooking vocabulary.

And with a mini-story, you will improve your English fluency.

You’ll see, it’s like having a conversation with another person.

You know, when I enter the kitchen, the first thought that I have is… Why am I here? Yeah. I'm hungry. That's why. Now I remember. :)

I open the refrigerator and start scanning for some delicious food.

Since I don't buy ready-made food, I usually stare at the fridge for some minutes until it starts beeping. Then I close it and open it again to continue scanning.

And I'm not saying my refrigerator isn't well organized; it's just that I'm looking for something that I can prepare in 1 minute, or preferably even less.

Many times, I end up making a green smoothie. That's a fast and easy way of getting all the needed nutrients. And plus, smoothies are delicious.

By the way, a smoothie is a thick drink that you can make using fruits, vegetables, greens, seeds, milk, ice, etc.

Like I said earlier, I usually end up making a green smoothie. Don't panic. It's green but really yummy.

I add some water or milk, one avocado, 1/2 cup of pineapple, 1/2 frozen banana, 2 cups of spinach, and 1/2 cup of ice cubes. I put it at speed 10 for 45 seconds, and the smoothie is ready. Delicious!

By the way, in case you were wondering, I use a Vitamix blender to prepare my smoothies.

And I don't use it only for that. I also make frozen desserts with it, soups, I can make flours with it, almond milk, batters, dough, nut butter, juices, dips, etc. It's very versatile.

Whenever I'm not in the mood for a smoothie, and I want to eat healthy and fast, I use a pressure cooker or a frying pan.

A frying pan is simply a metal pan with a handle that we use for frying foods.

A pressure cooker is an airtight pot where the food is cooked quickly under steam pressure.

I love using a pressure cooker because whatever I throw into the pot comes out delicious. I'm not here to promote any brands, but I'm really happy with my Instant pot cooker.

The Instant Pot is not only a pressure cooker. It's multi-functional, and I use it all the time. I even bought one for my mom, and she loves it!

And you know what I like using it for? For making yogurt. Yes! I started making yogurt, and it was super simple and just delightful.

I also use this machine for cooking rice, pasta, potatoes; you can steam with it, and keep food warm after cooking.

I usually steam vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, etc.

So, how do I steam with the Instant Pot? I place some water in the pot, and then I add a basket where I put the veggies. Make sure you don’t add any salt into the water while you are steaming because it delays the evaporation. I just add the salt once it's cooked.

Get the transcript here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

#218 The word Bear in English Jul 15, 2022

Today, I'm going to talk about the word bear.

And with a mini-story, you will practice your English conversation skills.

Hi! I’m Georgiana, founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Before we start, get the transcript at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Very well. Let's get started!

The word BEAR is normally used as a noun when we're referring to a large furry animal that likes eating honey. In the second part of this podcast, you'll meet two funny bears, Yogi and Boo-Boo.

The word BEAR can also be a verb. In that case, it has several meanings:

A few of them are: to hold, to support, to exhibit, to stand, or to give birth to.

For example, if I say that "I can't BEAR" something, I mean that I can't tolerate it or stand it. It's just too much, or it makes me very unhappy.

Here are some more examples:

Usually, we use the verb to BEAR when we need to accept or tolerate something, especially something unpleasant:

Examples:

"The pain was almost more than Jason could bear." "How can you bear to eat that food?"

There are some other similar expressions. Instead of saying, "I can't bear it," you could say I can't stand it, or I can't put up with it.

Example:

"I love going to the beach, but my sister can't stand it."

"I just can't put up with my friend's dog."

We can use the word BEAR in many different ways.

For example, when you need to deal with something painful, we say that you BEAR the pain:

Example:

"Sometimes it's hard to bear the pain of being lonely."

Other times, you need to take responsibility for the negative effects of your actions. It's when we say that you BEAR the consequences:

Example:

"She's quitting her job anyway, so; she won't be here next month to bear the consequences."

That’s it for now. I hope you enjoyed learning new expressions with the word BEAR.

Ok! If you want to know how to speak English using the proper techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my video course for free. So, you can learn how to speak English fluently once and for all!

#217 Maintaining a Positive Attitude Jun 26, 2022

Hi! I’m Georgiana, founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

In today's episode:

I'll reveal some tricks to maintain a positive attitude while learning English.
And you'll practice your speaking with my new mini-story.

Before we start, get the transcript of this episode at: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Very well. Let's start!

Is it possible to maintain a positive mental attitude? We know it's important, but how can you be more positive, and most importantly, how can you maintain that attitude?

What you need is a change of mindset. And you can achieve that, by changing your strategy.

For instance, get off social media and exercise more. I'm not saying you should run a marathon. But make sure you walk every day, even if it's just a little bit.

Read self-help books in English.

There are many self-help books out there, so do your research. However, I can recommend Unlimited Power, by Tony Robbins.

Anyway. We all know that being positive helps us achieve amazing things.

That’s why I wanted to share with you some of the tools which worked for me.

Finally, without making too much effort and without trying hard, you'll think in a more positive way. All these tools will create a healthier approach towards life and, of course, towards your English learning routine.

Do you know how you can help me? You can share the podcast with your friends and family. Tell them to go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my free mini-course.

That would mean a lot to me. Thanks.

Ok! If you want to know how to speak English using the proper techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my video course for free. So, you can learn how to speak English fluently once and for all!

Get the transcript of this episode on my website:

https://SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#216 What to bring  to the Beach part #2 Jun 17, 2022

Today, you will learn what else you can take to the beach.

And with a mini-story, you will practice your English speaking. I will ask you many questions that you need to answer right away. It’s like having a conversation with another person in English.

Welcome to Speak English Now podcast, with your host, Georgiana. The podcast that will help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks.

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Before we start, visit my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast to get the transcript for free.

Ok, let's start!

Well, in the previous episode, we learned what things are useful when going to the beach:

Swimsuit
Towel
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hat or cap
Air mattress

Let's learn some more today.

#1 Parasol

A parasol is a kind of big umbrella that is used a lot at the beach. It's not meant to protect you from the rain, but from the sun. Parasols have a pointed end that sticks into the sand. Sometimes, in windy weather, parasols blow away. So, it's important to stick the parasol in well.

#2 Floater

No, a floater is not a person that floats. It's like a donut with air in it that helps you float. Although the floater is usually used only by children, if you don't know how to swim much, it is better to have a floater at your disposal. It's better to be a little embarrassed than to drown.

#3 Beach ball

You inflate a beach ball by blowing and blowing. Of course, as it weighs very little, it will go many miles away if it's windy. Parasols and beach balls are not very compatible with the wind.

#4 Folding beach chair

Although I've never used it, it sounds like a great idea. As the name suggests, a folding beach chair is one you can fold. When you put it away, you can change the shape to make it more compact. In addition, the short legs allow you to be closer to the sand when you sit on it. All that's missing is a cool drink.

#5 Cooler

And speaking of cold drinks. The beach would not be the same without drinks and food. Therefore, you need a cooler. There are small coolers designed to be easy to carry with you.

That's all for now. I hope you had a good time learning new English vocabulary. And if you go to the beach, don’t forget to take with you some of the things that I have suggested in the last couple of episodes.

Get the transcript on my website: https://SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#215 What to bring to the beach? part#1 Jun 11, 2022

Today I want to talk about what to take to the beach. This way you will practice the specific vocabulary on the subject and, of course, you will be the most prepared on the beach.

Hi, I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you to speak English fluently.

Today, I’m talking about what items you need to take to the beach.

– And with a unique point-of-view story, you will practice grammar without memorizing any boring rules.

Oh, by the way, remember that you can check out the transcript, on my website speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast

Ok. Let’s start!

It’s already June. And with June comes summer and good weather. One of my favorite activities during the summer is going to the beach.

I go to the beach usually in the mornings when there are not many people. I find that midday is too hot, and the sun’s rays really burn the skin, but some people love that.

Today I want to talk about what to take to the beach. This way you will practice the specific vocabulary on the subject and, of course, you will be the most prepared on the beach.

#1 Swimsuit

The most important thing is wearing a swimsuit. A swimsuit is a piece of clothing people wear for swimming, especially women and girls.

Men on the other hand wear swimming trunks. They are often made from light, fast-drying materials like nylon or polyester.

#2 Towel

You may want to dry yourself when you get out of the water. Therefore, you need a towel. But the beach towel is not only for drying yourself. You can spread it out on the sand and lie down. So, you can sunbathe and get a tan. That’s why beach towels are usually extra-large.

#3 Sunscreen

In summer, the sun hits hard. Its intensity is high, especially in the central hours of the day. To enjoy the sun without being harmed, wear good sunscreen. Sometimes it is also called a sunblock. It is usually a cream applied to the skin and absorbed little by little.

#4 Sunglasses

Not only do you have to protect your skin, but also your eyes. You know that in summer, the sun is very intense. So, it is essential to wear a good pair of sunglasses.

#5 Hat or cap

Although I don’t usually wear a hat or cap, I think it’s a good idea to wear it to protect your head in the middle hours of the sun. If I had to choose, I would prefer a cap, as you can store it better anywhere.

#6 Beach Air mattress.

Imagine you want to have something that floats and also be able to lie down in the water. This is the perfect solution: a beach air mattress.

There are plenty of things to take to the beach, and in the next episode, we will continue talking about this topic.

By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my 5-day video course so you can learn how speak English fluently. And it’s completely free.

#214 Difficult Words to Pronounce in English part2 Jun 05, 2022

Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively.

Transcript:

Today, we will look at some English words that are very difficult to pronounce.

And with a mini-story, you will practice your English fluency by answering many questions!

Welcome to Speak English Now podcast, with your host, Georgiana. The podcast that will help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks.

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Before getting started, visit my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast to get the transcript for free.

Ok, let's start!

1# Rural

Rural can be challenging to pronounce even for some native speakers, especially when repeated or placed next to a word with similar "r" sounds.

Let's pronounce it several times.

Listen and repeat!

[ roor-uhl ]

Rural Rural Rural

Examples:

"I would prefer to leave the city for a rural home."

"She has a romantic view of rural society."

2# Phenomenon

This singular form of "phenomena" means an amazing event, pronounced as "fi-NOM-uh-non."

So, let's practice the word phenomenon a little bit.

Listen and repeat:

[ fi-nom-uh-non ]

Phenomenon Phenomenon Phenomenon

Examples:

"Gravity is a natural phenomenon."

"This phenomenon is unique in nature."

3. Sixth

Adding a "th" after "x" can be tricky for many English students.

Let's pronounce it several times:

[ siksth ]

Sixth Sixth Sixth

Examples:

"The dictionary is now in its sixth edition."

"She lives on the sixth floor."

4. Specific

This word is quite easy to pronounce, but it may be difficult for those who do not understand that "s" and "c" can have the same sound, although different, within the same word.

Let's practice it!

[ spi-sif-ik ]

Specific Specific Specific

Examples:

"My boss gave me very specific instructions on dealing with the client."

"If you want to be successful, you need to be more specific about what you want to do."

5. Temperature

For some students, "tem-per-uh-chur" is difficult to say quickly, as the "t" takes on a "ch" sound.

Let's pronounce this word several times before using it in a sentence.

Listen and repeat after me:

Temperature Temperature Temperature

[ tem-per-uh-cher ]

Examples:

"Let me check your temperature."

"The temperature ranges from zero to twenty degrees."

That's all for today; I hope you had a good time practicing these complex words.

If you want to know how to speak English using the proper techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my 5-day video course, so you can learn how to speak English fluently once and for all! And it's completely free.

#213 How to manage your time to learn English part#3 May 26, 2022

Hi, I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you to speak English fluently.

Time flies, and it is vital to know how to manage it. So, today, I will give you three more points to consider regarding the use of time when learning English. I hope you like it.

And with a point of view story, you will learn grammar in context without memorizing any boring rules.

Before we get started, go to my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

to get the transcript for free.

Ok. Let’s start!

1# Look for situations with few distractions.

If there's one thing I'm guilty of, it's spending too much time on the internet. I have the lousy excuse that I do it to get inspired to make new episodes of the podcast. As I say, it’s a lousy excuse :)

Ideally, you want to be in a situation with few distractions, but sometimes, that's difficult because we always carry our cell phones with us.

In my case, I have found a good solution: walking. When you move, it becomes uncomfortable to look at your cell phone. So it's a good option to be able to listen to something without getting distracted. You just let yourself go while listening to your English lessons.

Also, when you move, more blood gets to your brain, and it stays more active.

So, I recommend that you find an activity or situation where the level of distraction is low to spend more time listening. Maybe you can take long walks while listening to your lessons.

#2 Try the 1-minute challenge.

I'll tell you a secret. Often, I don't do things because I think it's going to take me too long. It's something I need to get better at.

For example, lately, I've been reading on and off.

Recently, I was waiting for a friend in a coffee shop. I knew she could arrive at any moment.

Psychologically, I figured, "it's not worth starting to read. She'll be here any minute." So, even though I had my Kindle with me, I didn't read anything and spent my time browsing social media. My friend was about 10 minutes late. If I had started reading, I could have read a few pages.

So, here's what I suggest. Try listening to some English content for just one minute. You only have to listen for 60 seconds. Then you can stop if you want. The best thing is that many times you will continue listening.

#3 Change the mindset from sprint to marathon.

Finally, it is vital to understand that learning English takes time, even with the best techniques and materials. Therefore, we must change from sprint, which suggests a lot of effort and intensity, to something calmer and more sustained: a marathon.

It's about finding the right pace that will allow us to continue for many weeks. It's not about running a lot initially only to be exhausted soon after, but the other way around. Start calmly and find the right rhythm and routines.

The results will come, but your brain needs some time to assimilate what you learn.

Well, I hope I’ve helped you with these reflections, and of course, also with English.

Get the transcript on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

#212 How to manage your time to learn English? Part #2 May 19, 2022

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today, I am going to continue talking about how to manage your time to learn English.

Next, you are going to practice fluency with a mini-story. Mia is determined to learn English, and she starts to motivate herself by taking something.

But before we start, please visit my website, SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast to get the transcript of this episode. It's completely free.

Ok. Let’s start!

#1 Treat yourself!

What better way to motivate yourself than to treat yourself! Yes, you deserve it. Well, only when you achieve the goal, of course. Maybe after getting to 5 hours of listening in a week, you can afford something special like watching a movie, going out to eat at your favorite restaurant, etc.

The treat doesn't have to be something fancy or expensive. It can be of minor importance, but it helps to stay motivated.

By the way, I recommend that you don't do it the other way around. First, the treat to motivate yourself, and then the study. I've tried it the other way around:) So no donuts before you start!

#2 Create a routine.

As human beings, we like routines. That is, we like to do the same things repeatedly because what the brain does is automate many of our behaviors.

Suppose you make yourself a cup of coffee every day. You can take the opportunity to put on your headphones and listen to a few minutes of an English lesson. Soon, you will associate making coffee with listening to English. It sounds silly, but it works.

They say that to establish a routine; you need about 21 days. That is about three weeks. Although the exact number of days is not important, we can draw the following conclusion: to create a routine; you need little time. So, you can consider creating a specific routine to listen to at certain times of the day.

#3 Keeping track of the time you are listening.

Although everyone is different, many people like to keep track of the number of hours they listen when learning English.

This gives you a sense of progress in your learning and informs you when you are not doing well.

So, you could write down the time you spend listening. And add it up by weeks and also months. This way, you can project how much time you will spend listening in a year, make averages, etc.

And you don't have to be precise. It doesn't matter if you listen for 55 minutes or a little over an hour. Just write down an hour, and that's it.

Oh, and... Why don't you share this with someone else who is learning English? Imagine going for coffee and talking about how your week went. How many hours you listened, if it was difficult, etc. This way, you can motivate each other and set common goals.

Well, I hope I have helped you with these new reflections.

By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my 5-day video course, so you can learn how to speak English fluently. And it’s completely free.

#211 Time Prepositions in English May 15, 2022

Hi, I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you to speak English fluently.

Today, I am going to talk about time prepositions in English.

And with a point of view story, you will learn grammar in context without memorizing any boring rules.

Before we get started, go to my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com to get the transcript. It's free!

Ok. Let's start!

Prepositions are short words (on, in, to, of) that usually stand in front of nouns, pronouns, or a group of nouns.

They show direction, time, place, location, or introduce an object.

We commonly use prepositions to show a relationship in space or time or a logical relationship between two or more people, places, or things.

But today, we will focus on time prepositions.

I don't recommend memorizing the examples since that method doesn't work. It's always best to learn in context by listening repeatedly.

Ok. Let’s start learning some time prepositions in English.

We use ON before the days of the week:

Examples:

"I went to the doctor on Monday."

"Don’t call me on Sundays because I’m resting."

"I’d like to buy you lunch on Friday."

We use IN before months, sessions, time of the day, year, seasons, or after a certain time period.

Examples:

"I was born in September."

"Many people go on vacation in August."

"I like running in the morning."

"My mom came back from the trip in the evening."

"Her family goes to Hawaii in winter."

"I love going to the beach in summer."

"We visited Mexico in 2010."

"My sister was born in 1998."

"I’ll see you in an hour."

"I’ll be back in 20 minutes."

We use AT for night, for the weekend, and at a certain time.

Examples:

"We sometimes finish work at night."

"Kids go to bed at 9 pm."

"I visit my family at Christmas."

We use SINCE with days or dates.

Examples:

"I haven't seen Tom since yesterday."

"She hasn’t eaten since breakfast.

"Since the party, he has not spoken to me at all."

We use the preposition FOR to indicate the length of time.

Examples:

"I haven't seen him for two years."

"She had been taking care of her mother for a year."

"I’ve waited for the bus for two hours."

We use "AGO" to determine a specific time in the past.

Examples:

"She renewed her membership about two months ago."

"Winter seems a very long time ago."

"He should have gone a long while ago."

"BEFORE and AFTER"

We use "before" and "after" to say that something happens before or after a specific time. You can use "before" and "after" with specific times, days, years, or months.

Examples:

"They never visit us before the summer arrives."

"They will visit us after the summer arrives."

"I’m hoping we can finish work before 5 pm."

"I’m hoping we can finish work after 4 pm."

Ok, that’s it for now, but before we continue…

I have something important to tell you. I want you to learn English 3 times faster, and that's why I created a video course. Go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my video course for FREE!

#210 Managing your English learning time May 08, 2022

– I first eat a donut and then listen to some English to motivate myself.

– I see. That’s why you’re so fat. So, how’s your English?

– Good, good. A donut?

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today, I’m going to talk about managing your English learning time.

Next, you will practice your speaking with a mini-story.

But before we start, please visit my website, SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast to get the transcript of this episode. It’s completely free.

Very good. Have you ever wondered how to find more time to do something? I ask myself that all the time. In fact, I think time runs away from me, and I don’t have time to chase it.

The truth is time flies. And it flies for everyone. We always have something to do in today’s society, and there is never time for anything. But don’t despair. Even in these circumstances, you can find a good strategy to learn English.

As you know, my system is based on listening. Therefore, it is a significant advantage since you can take the lessons wherever you want on your mobile, tablet, or laptop. There is no need to sit in front of the computer and start studying.

In fact, I think very few people can do that consistently.

So, today, I’m going to give you some ideas about managing your English learning time.

#1 Free time during the day

We waste many minutes that we could be putting to good use throughout the day. The list is endless: driving the car; waiting in line at the bank; cleaning the house; walking the dog; ironing, etc.

If you add up all those minutes, you might be surprised how much time is wasted.

So, it’s a good idea to try to make the most of all this free time.

One objection I sometimes get is the following:

You can’t be 100% focused if you’re doing something else, like driving a car.

Yes, it’s true that you may not be fully focused, but let me tell you a secret. Your brain is always learning, even if you don’t always pay close attention. For example, if you listen to a song without paying attention, you may later hum the melody without realizing it.

Let’s say you listen for 1,000 hours during a year. 200 hours at full concentration. 500 hours at medium concentration and another 300 hours at low concentration.

You will have listened for 700 hours at high or medium concentration, which is not bad at all. And even if you’re not paying much attention during those 300 hours, they’re still useful.

Think of it this way: When you learned your native language, you weren’t 100% focused every time you heard something—many times, you weren’t paying attention.

When I learned Spanish, I spent a lot of time listening. And I wasn’t always focused, but I accumulated hours and hours of listening, and I got much better over time.

#2 Small daily actions have a massive impact over time.

One day, I heard this idea. A person was complaining that he didn’t have time to read. He hadn’t opened a book in years. So, someone made this reasoning to him:

“Let’s say you only spend 10 minutes a day reading. Maybe 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes in the evening. I think that’s a very modest goal. Let’s do the math. If you take 1 minute to read one page, that’s 10 pages a day. A month has 30 days, so you would read 300 pages. This is roughly equivalent to an average-sized book.

Reading one book per month equals 12 books per year. Over five years, that would be 60 books. So, imagine now that you go to a library and pick out 60 books. This would be what you would have learned, just by reading 10 minutes a day in 5 years.”

I find the idea fascinating, as it shows in a very simple way how much time you can accumulate by devoting it to one thing consistently. I usually recommend at least an hour a day of listening, but if you can’t, you can listen less. Over time, you will realize how much you are learning.

#3 It’s a matter of priority

A friend of mine once told me: “You always find time for things that are a priority for you, and you never find time for things that are not.”

Interesting reflection. If it is a priority, you will always find the time. Saying that we don’t have time is something very recurrent. And it allows us to feel better when we are not doing something we are supposed to be doing.

So, one way to find the time is to reevaluate your priorities.

Ok. Now it’s time for you to practice your speech with a mini-story.

By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my 5-day video course, so you can learn how to speak English fluently. And it’s completely free.

Get the transcript on my website: https://SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#209 Benefits of learning English Apr 30, 2022

Hi, I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. Speaking English is way easier than you think. You just need to use the right materials and techniques.

Today I am going to talk about the benefits of learning English as an adult. And the truth is that there are many, and some of them are surprising.

And with a mini-story, you will practice your spoken English. I'll ask you lots of questions that you'll have to answer right away. It's like having a conversation with another person in English.

Before we get started, go to my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

to get the transcript. It's free!

Ok. Let's start!

#1 It is an excellent exercise for our brain.

Many times we go to the gym to tone our muscles. We also try to lose weight to be ready for the beach in summer. We don't always succeed, but that's another story. :)

In the same way, learning a new language is like sending our brain to the gym. We stimulate it with all sorts of new sounds, words we didn't know, grammar, expressions, and other elements.

This mental exercise is very healthy, as we help our brain to stay active. Many experts recommend learning a language when we are older to maintain our cognitive ability.

It helps us to improve our memory and concentration.

Imagine the number of words you end up learning—all of them new. And then, you have to learn how to use them according to context, sentence order, etc. All this new information accumulates in an orderly fashion in our brain and is ready to be used. This process improves our ability to remember all kinds of things.

Moreover, we learn to concentrate better. For example, when you listen to this episode, your concentration level is higher than when you listen to an episode in your mother tongue. So, it's a great thing!

#2 You learn a new culture and a new way of thinking.

Every language is necessarily linked to culture. This implies customs, ways of understanding life, traditions, habits, values, and history.

I find discovering a new culture fascinating. It serves to learn something new and contrast and reevaluate the culture in your own country.

In addition, you learn to look at things from a new perspective. This can help you to be more original and creative in your daily life.

#3 Improve your self-esteem.

Yes, learning a new language as an adult and conversing with native speakers is an excellent boost to your self-esteem. You feel better because you have achieved something that many people think is impossible.

I remember my first conversations in Spanish. I made mistakes, and my vocabulary was limited, but what a joy to talk to people from other countries! That's always a good feeling.

Get the transcript here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

#208 Happy Easter 2022 Apr 14, 2022

Hi, everyone! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today I'll talk about something more festive.

I'll talk about Easter and how Americans celebrate this holiday.

And with a fun mini-story, you'll improve your English fluency by answering many questions in English.

Before we get started, I just wanted to say hi if you are new here.

And if you are a long-time listener, I want to thank you for supporting this show by sharing it with your friends and family.

Ok, let’s start!

Whenever Easter comes, everywhere I go, I see chocolate eggs and Easter bunny cakes.

But what do we celebrate on Easter?

Easter is a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The New Testament describes the resurrection occurring on the third day after his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans on Calvary around 30 AD.

Americans spend this holiday with friends and family, and some attend special services held in churches on Easter.

And while not all Americans observe the holiday from a spiritual point of view, Easter is certainly one of the most celebrated holidays in the States.

And if there's one thing people love doing during the holidays, it's eating. Let's take a look at the 3 most popular dishes at Easter.

Hot Cross Buns

These are a typical Easter food. It is a sweet bread seasoned with nutmeg, flavored with currants and apricots, and covered with a lemon glaze.

Stuffed Leg of Lamb

Americans also enjoy a stuffed leg of lamb. A delicious recipe, yet very easy to make. With parsley, garlic, bacon, and red wine.

Honey Butter Ham

Another very representative dish for this holiday is the honey butter ham. This recipe is simple and is prepared in the oven or a slow cooker.

And how about the colored eggs and the Easter Bunny tradition?

Typically, people start dying hard-boiled eggs in a variety of colors the night before Easter Sunday. These eggs are left for the Easter Bunny on Saturday night. The Bunny comes and hides them all over the house. So when the children wake up on Easter Sunday, they get excited looking for the eggs and the Easter baskets filled with goodies.

The idea of the Easter Bunny giving candy and eggs is said to have originated in Germany during the Middle Ages. Pennsylvania Dutch settlers brought the rabbit to the United States in the 18th century.

Another fun fact about the Easter holiday is that Easter and Halloween often compete for the highest candy sales every year. Some years, Americans buy more candy the week before Easter than the week before Halloween.

How interesting. Right?

If you want to tell us how you celebrated Easter this year, you can leave a comment on my website, SpeakEnglishPodcast.com.

#207 English Punctuation Marks Apr 10, 2022

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today I am talking about punctuation. :)

In the second part, you will improve your English fluency with a fun mini-story. It's like having a conversation with another person in English!

Before we start, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast to get the transcript of this episode.

Ok! Today I am talking about punctuation. By this word, I mean the different spelling marks used when writing. These are the main ones.

Period or full stop . - is a punctuation mark that we use to show the end of a sentence.

Commas , are the ideal punctuation mark to divide sentences or indicate when to pause.

Apostrophes - we use them to identify something that belongs to someone, or to show a letter or multiple letters are missing from a word.

Colons : are used to precede a list of items, a quotation, or an expansion or explanation.

Semicolons ; indicate a pause, usually between two main sentences, longer than that indicated by a comma.

Ellipsis … We use them to show that one or more words have been removed from a quote and create suspense by adding a pause before the end of the sentence. And we can also use it to show the end of a thought.

Quotation marks " " Inform the reader that you have used written material from other sources or direct speech.

Question marks ? Indicate that the speaker is asking a question. They're used at the end of the question (or interrogative) sentences.

Exclamation marks ! Can change a sentence's meaning and tone. They still end a sentence, but they can add emotion, whether excitement, anger, or nervousness!

Round brackets ( ) are used similarly to commas when we want to add an explanation, an afterthought, or a comment related to our primary line of thought but different from it.

Square brackets or brackets [ ] We use them for special purposes, such as technical manuals.

Hyphen - we use it to join words and separate syllables of a single word.

Punctuations can be very confusing, especially if you don't know where to place them, and can change the entire meaning of what you want to say.

Let's look at some examples of situations when we do not use punctuation marks properly:

#1 Woman Without Man

A teacher wrote the following sentence on the board and asked his class to punctuate it:

Woman without her man is nothing.

Half of the class punctuated the sentence in the following way:

Woman: without her, man is nothing.

The other half of the class responded with the following:

Woman, without her man, is nothing.

Fascinating how punctuation can change the meaning of a sentence entirely.

Another example:

#2 Your granny's life depends upon it!

Here, commas matter.

Let's eat granny!

Or

Let's eat, granny!

See the difference?

#3 Eat your dinner.

You say to a child: Eat your dinner!

You say to a cow: Eat! You're dinner!

Here, apostrophes matter.

#4 I'm sorry I love you.

When you are in a terrible fight, you might say a horrible thing like this one:

I'm sorry I love you.

And when you want to make up again, you can say:

I'm sorry; I love you.

Semicolons matter! :)

#5 I find inspiration in cooking my family and my dog.

That sounds crazy! Right?

We need some commas here!

Let’s hear it again:

I find inspiration in cooking, my family, and my dog.

That’s much better!

By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my 5-day video course, so you can learn how to speak English fluently. And it’s completely free.

206 Best Online English Dicionaries Apr 03, 2022

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today, we will talk about a topic that I’m sure you will find very useful.

I will talk about the best online English dictionaries.

And with a mini-story, you will practice your English fluency.

Okay. Let’s get started.

We have all used an English dictionary at one time or another. And I think it was easier before the Internet. Everyone had a single dictionary at home and consulted it in paper format.

And then, for a short time, people used dictionaries on their computers.

But then came the Internet. And everything became faster, more convenient, but also more confusing. Because right now, we have more dictionaries at our disposal than ever. However, especially when we want to look up how to pronounce a word in English.

So let’s see what are the most used English dictionaries on the Internet:

Of course, many people use the Google dictionary, which is actually a translator. And although it is not a bad one, I do not recommend it, especially if you want to look up the pronunciation of an English word. Although the Google dictionary also has some good things. It is compatible with several languages, it has the credibility and reliability of Google as a brand, and it also provides the meaning of almost all the words in English. However, the translations of the words are not always correct.

On the other hand, The Free Dictionary is one of the most famous dictionaries for pronunciation. It offers all the basics you need as a pronunciation resource. You can search by words, characters, or text with this dictionary to find definitions and voice pronunciations. In addition, you can compare the pronunciation differences between American and British English. And in case you want to use your mobile or tablet, they also have an app for iPhone and Android.

There is also the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, one of the most respected dictionaries of the English language. It offers phonetic translations, Spanish to English translations, and a medical dictionary. It also provides information on the history and etymology of words.

Cambridge Dictionary online.

Many people use the Cambridge Dictionary online. It has three outstanding features: dictionary, grammar, and translator. If you want to look up the pronunciation of a British English word, especially, or if you are looking for a very detailed historical resource, this is for you. I find that American English pronunciation is not always correct, so I recommend this dictionary for those who like British pronunciation better.

Collins Dictionary is one of the best platforms for students, translators, and teachers. It has over 4.5 billion words and comes with unique options that can help you improve your grammar and fluency. Its search engine has an auto-suggest feature that allows you to select the word you are looking for by just typing a few letters.

The Oxford Dictionary is one of the oldest and most trusted online dictionaries. This online dictionary is a robust tool that helps you define words in both British and American English.

It is the ideal dictionary to use when writing a thesis or research paper.

However, I should also note that this dictionary has complex word definitions and unclear explanations.

Even though it is the last on the list, Dictionary.com is the dictionary I use regularly. This dictionary has earned the trust of millions of users worldwide for the last two decades. One of my favorite features is the audio pronunciation. It is the dictionary I recommend if you want to consult and practice the pronunciation of American English words.

In a faraway country, there were many thousands of different kinds of dictionaries.

Where were there thousands of different kinds of dictionaries?

In a faraway country. In a faraway country, there were thousands of different kinds of dictionaries.

How many kinds of dictionaries were there?

Thousands. There were thousands of dictionaries.

What kind of book was there?

Dictionaries. There were thousands of different kinds of dictionaries.

So, it wasn’t obvious to find a suitable dictionary for each situation.

Was it a little or very confusing to find a suitable dictionary?

Very confusing. It wasn’t obvious to try to find a suitable dictionary.

What was confusing?

Finding the right dictionary for each situation.

Was it confusing to find any dictionary or the right dictionary?

The right dictionary. It was confusing to find the suitable dictionary.

Consequently, Lisa had the fantastic idea of writing a dictionary portfolio.

Did Lisa have a horrible idea?

No. No. Lisa did not have a horrible idea. She had a fantastic idea.

Did she have the idea of writing a romance novel with her boyfriend in mind?

No. No. She had the idea of writing a dictionary portfolio.

What kind of portfolio?

A dictionary portfolio.

The portfolio consisted of thousands of listings with the names of the available dictionaries.

Did the portfolio consist of a list of dishes?

No. No. It didn’t consist of a list of dishes.

What did the portfolio consist of?

It consisted of thousands of listings with the names of the available dictionaries.

Lisa’s portfolio was such a success that others started writing thousands of dictionary portfolios just like her.

Did other people start writing self-help books?

No. No. Not self-help books. They started writing portfolios just like Lisa.

Who was the first person to write dictionary portfolios?

Lisa. Lisa was the first.

How many portfolios did they start writing? Hundreds? Thousands?

Thousands. They started writing thousands and thousands of dictionary portfolios.

Well, I hope you liked finding out more about the online English dictionaries.

By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my five golden rules to speak English fluently. And it’s completely free.

Get the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#205 Fuel, Electricity, Gas, and rising prices Mar 26, 2022

- You know, I couldn't buy gasoline because it's too expensive,

I sold my car, and now I have enough money to buy it without any problem.

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

In this episode:

- I'm going to talk about a current topic: the widespread price increase we are suffering because of the economic situation.

- In the second part, you will practice grammar with a point of view lesson. Don't miss it!

Remember, you can get the text and much more at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

If there's one thing we can say lately when we go shopping for groceries, it is that prices are going up a lot.

And this wouldn't be a big problem for people if wages were rising in the same way.

Obviously, people are not happy. They see that, with the same salary, they can buy fewer and fewer products.

This is partly due to the increase in the price of three goods in the energy sector: fuel, electricity, and gas.

When I say fuel, I mean gasoline and diesel. Usually, trucks use diesel. Fuel prices are about to double. This affects the economy a lot because, as you know, goods have to be transported from one place to another. The transport sector takes care of this.

A large truck can easily have a tank of 1000 liters. That's a little more than 250 gallons. Imagine the cost of all that diesel.

This affects the entire distribution chain and makes products more expensive.

The second key element that is affecting prices is the cost of electricity. I have seen some bills that double and even triple previous years' totals at the consumer level.

All businesses in all sectors use electricity. If you increase the cost, all economic sectors are affected, from industry to food. For example, imagine you go shopping at the supermarket. You want to buy meat, yogurt, fish;... All these products are refrigerated. To refrigerate, you need electricity, so prices increase.

Finally, the price of gas has gone up a lot. At the domestic level, gas is used for cooking and air conditioning. In winter, it is very important because you need to heat the house. But it is also used in industry, and it affects costs in a very significant way.

I have read that some companies, in order to avoid raising prices, they offer less quantity of product for the same price. So, for example, for the same price of 500 grams of meat, now they only give you 400 grams. It is a psychological trick.

Okay, to finish this section, let's look at some expressions you may hear regarding this topic:

- Inflation is the generalized rise within a certain period of products and services. Please do not confuse it with inflammation. If you have inflammation, better go to the nearest hospital. :)

- CPI: This is the consumer price index. Many people confuse it with inflation, but it is not the same. It is a representative selection of products and services and calculates the average increase to measure inflation. The inflation figure can be altered if you change this selection of products.

- Purchasing power: This is the ability to buy things. If prices go up (inflation) with the same amount of money, you have less purchasing power.

- Tightening the belt: It is a phrase that means that you have to make an effort to reduce expenses.

- Not making ends meet. With the money you earn, you don't have enough for your expenses. So, what you have to do is tighten your belt.

Well, I hope you liked this current topic and the associated vocabulary.

By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my five golden rules to speak English fluently. And it's completely free.

Get the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#204 Flaws in English #2 Mar 11, 2022

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

In this episode:

- We continue with the flaws in English. We're going to learn four more words.

- In part two, you'll practice grammar with a point of view lesson.

Remember, you can get the transcript and much more at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

Last week I talked about flaws. Unlike virtues, flaws are undesirable characteristics of someone's personality.

I talked about this:

Stinginess: when you don't ever want to spend money.

Indifference: When you have no interest or empathy for something or someone.

Intransigence: When you are rigid in your positions and never make concessions.

Gossip: When you are indiscreet in talking about others.

Today we are going to look at four more flaws.

Let's start!

#1 Greed

In a previous episode, I talked about stinginess. If you remember, it means trying not to spend money. Well, we have another word that may have some relation. I'm talking about the word greed. A greedy person desires to possess and acquire wealth to keep it. For sure, a stingy person can also be greedy, although not necessarily.

The idea is to accumulate wealth. Let's look at an example:

"Although their offer isn't very appealing, I have to be careful not to be greedy and spoil everything."

#2 Envy

Ah, envy. It is the feeling of longing or resentment caused by another person's possessions, qualities, or good fortune. That is, an envious person feels bad when someone else has or gets something beneficial or desirable.

Example:

- Look at Tom and his new car. How did he afford it? I wish I had a car like that.

- Maybe you're a little envious.

- Me? Envious? No. It’s just that I am a better driver than he is.

Sometimes envy can stimulate greed.

Let's continue!

#3 Unpunctuality

Who hasn't been unpunctual at some time? Being unpunctual -or being late- regularly can be quite annoying to others, as it is a waste of their time.

I love being punctual and appreciate it when others are more or less punctual. However, I have a friend who is always twenty minutes late. I guess she has no understanding of time management.

Okay, let's look at the following example:

“Alice, this is the fourth day in a row that you have been unpunctual for work.”

#4 Narcissism

I once read that the most common type of photo is a selfie. And no wonder. It seems that many have an inflated sense of self. And this leads them to have a deep need for excessive attention and admiration.

Especially young people tend to get depressed if they don't get enough "likes" on their videos or photos.

Example:

A narcissist meets a girl in a bar, and after talking for two hours about himself, he says to her, "Well, but let's not talk about me anymore, let's talk about you. What do you think of me?"

Okay. Today you've learned some more vocabulary regarding flaws. The list is huge, but we don't want to overdo it.

By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my five golden rules to speak English fluently. And it's completely free.

Read the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#203 Flaws in English Stinginess, Indifference, Intransigence, Gossip Mar 06, 2022

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

In this episode:

You're going to learn vocabulary about flaws. That is the negative characteristic of people.
In the second part, we will practice speaking with a fun mini-story of questions and answers.

Remember to get the transcript of this episode at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Let's start!

In a couple of previous episodes, you learned vocabulary related to virtues. You know, those good characteristics of people. As you know, you and I are full of virtues, but today we're going to talk about negative characteristics that others have, not us, of course.

Although there are many flaws, I will focus on just a few. I have made a selection to discuss them below.

Let's go for the first one:

1. Stinginess

A person who never wants to spend money is stingy, especially if they can afford it. I think it is convenient to distinguish between a saver and a stingy person. A saver person tries to manage his money well. On the other hand, a stingy person always tries to save every last cent. An example. Imagine a dialogue between a stingy person and a cab driver:

- How much is a ride to the airport?

- Thirty dollars.

- How much do you charge for the suitcase?

- There is no charge for the suitcase.

- Well, then take my suitcase to the airport. I’m walking.

2. Indifference

It is very common in the world we live in. An indifferent person has the attitude of not showing empathy or interest in something or someone. Sometimes it is a defense mechanism to avoid being emotionally involved in some circumstances.

One can be indifferent about many things: politics, social problems, friendships, family, etc.

Example:

- Hey, what's the difference between ignorance and indifference?

- I don't know, and I don't care.

Wow, that's really showing indifference... And ignorance.

Let's look at the next one:

3. Intransigence

We can say that someone who is intransigent is rigid in their positions and who is not willing to make concessions or give in to compromises under any circumstances.

An example:

- Paul is a good teacher, but he is very intransigent. A student asked for more time to turn in his work because he had a health problem. However, Paul told the student that he would not make any exceptions.

4. Gossip

It means to speak indiscreetly or maliciously about someone.

Example:

-Did you know that Alice just got divorced and already has a boyfriend?

- Lucy, stop gossiping and get back to work.

Ok. Now it’s time for you to practice your speech with a mini-story.

Get the transcript at: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#202 Virtues in English: Gratitude Perseverance Courage Prudence Feb 26, 2022

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

In this episode:

We're going to continue to learn virtues in English. Maybe we'll discover that we possess those virtues by the end of the episode, with a bit of luck.

In the second part of the show, you'll practice your English with a new mini-story with questions and answers related to virtues.

Remember that at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com, you can find the transcript of this episode.

Ok. In a previous episode, I talked about these four virtues:

- Loyalty

- Sensitivity

- Serenity

- Resilience

Today, we will look at four more virtues that I will further discuss and give examples. We will all end up very virtuous :)

Let’s start!

1. Gratitude

Okay, this is a virtue that is lacking in our society. It involves giving thanks, either in word or with an action. That is, you can reciprocate with gratitude to someone by helping them with something, or by showing kindness, etc. From the word gratitude, we get the word grateful.

Example:

"Pam has no gratitude towards her parents.

Her parents saved all their lives so she could go to college.

But she dropped out of college to travel the world with a backpack. "

And while Pam surely has a great time, she has been very ungrateful towards her parents.

Let's look at the next one:

2. Perseverance

Well, this word I think is easy to remember. It means to be persistent in some projects, which typically may take quite some time. It is an essential virtue since it takes a lot of perseverance to achieve most things in life. We can take the example of athletes, who need to train every day at a very high level. This is very hard, and it requires perseverance.

An example. Imagine yourself in a job interview:

- What is your greatest virtue?

- I am perseveran…presea…pers…perseverant person!

:) Now that's a persevering person :)

Let's see the next one:

3. Courage

We can also use the word bravery instead of courage. A person with courage confronts danger without being afraid and even transforms it into determination. Many times courage is exhibited with passion. It can be found in soldiers, police officers, firefighters, ... But we can also find courage in any person and situation.

An example:

- Tom had the courage to ask for a raise.

- And did he get it?

- No. Now he is looking for a job.

And last but not least:

4. Prudence

Although courage and prudence seem like opposites, they are not. A prudent person is not a fearful or frightened person. They simply do not act impulsively. They avoid unnecessary risks. They act with caution. It is quite similar to wisdom. The difference I think, is subtle. A prudent person tends to have good judgment. That is, to make good decisions. A prudent person simply tries to avoid potentially dangerous situations by not acting impulsively.

For example:

A ship was sailing at sea when a fire broke out. The captain asks everyone to leave the ship immediately. A passenger is about to jump into the sea, but his very prudent wife tells him: "Tony, wait 1 hour, we just ate, and we haven't even digested yet."

Well, this example has a certain humor. Sometimes an excess of prudence is not very wise :)

What do you think? Do you have all the virtues, only some of them, or are you lacking in virtuosity?

Ok. Today we have talked about these four virtues:

Gratitude

Perseverance

Courage

Prudence

Get the transcript on my website: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#201 Virtues in English Loyalty, Wisdom, Serenity, Resilience Feb 20, 2022

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

In this episode, you will learn vocabulary related to virtues with examples. In the second part, you will practice grammar with a point of view lesson without memorizing any boring rules.

Before getting started, visit my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get the transcript for free.

Okay. First of all, what is a virtue? Thanks for asking. A virtue is a positive characteristic of a person. Usually, someone's virtues have a positive impact on others. Yes, I know that sometimes it's hard to find virtues in some people, but if you look carefully, you will find them.

Sometimes the word "quality" is also used to say the same thing. The opposite of virtue would defect, which logically is negative. It's the undesirable aspect of a person.

Sometimes people confuse virtue with ability. They are not precisely the same. A virtue is part of someone's personality, and that helps differentiate them from other people. For example, one person may be wise, and another may not.

On the other hand, someone may have the ability to play an instrument, be organized, etc.

Okay, let's look at some of these virtues. There are so many, and I had to make a selection. I think it's quite useful vocabulary. Let's look at the first one:

#1 Loyalty

Loyalty implies being faithful to something or someone. You can be loyal to a cause, an idea, etc. You can also be loyal to a friend, for example. It conveys the idea of support.

Let's look at an example:

"Philip is a very loyal person. Even though the company was going through hard times, he did not leave and stayed until the end."

Loyalty is easy when things are going well but more difficult when there are problems. For example, many people are disloyal when they can no longer benefit from a situation.

#2 Wisdom

Wisdom is known as being prudent and having good judgment. The latter, good judgment, means that after analysis and reflection, good decisions are made. In other words, a wise person does not make strange or crazy decisions. It has a lot to do with maturity.

Example:

"My friend is not wise (unwise) because he never fastens his seat belt when he drives."

#3 Serenity

What a lovely word, right? A serene person is someone who remains calm when facing problems. It is a calm attitude towards life. Please do not confuse it with an unaware person, someone who ignores problems. A serene person usually faces problems, but their attitude is relatively relaxed. I like to talk to people who have this virtue because they give you quite a lot of peace.

Here's an example:

"Daniel is a serene person. He hardly gets upset about anything."

Let's look at the next one:

#4 Resilience

This word became very fashionable in the environment of psychology and even business. In essence, resilience is the ability to face adversity and recover quickly. It involves adaptation, flexibility, and certain confidence to move forward.

Example:

"I admire Monica because of her resilience. It turns out that she lost her job two weeks ago, but she is already training to adapt to the needs of today's job market."

That’s all for today. :)

By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my five golden rules to speak English fluently. And it's completely free.

Ok! Now it's time for you to learn grammar in context with a point of view story.

Get the transcript at: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

#200 Difficult words to Pronounce in English Feb 10, 2022

Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively.

Transcript:

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today, we will look at some English words that are very difficult to pronounce.

And with a point of view lesson, you will improve your English grammar without memorizing any boring rules.

Before getting started, visit my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get the transcript for free.

Also, let me say that I’m really happy because this is episode number 200!!

It’s been five years since I launched the first episode of the Speak English Now Podcast!!

Thank you so much for your support and sharing the podcast with your friends and families.

Ok, let’s start.

1. Cavalry and calvary

People often confuse cavalry (armed forces on horseback) with calvary, an experience of extreme suffering, especially mental suffering.

We call a metathesis the change of one or more sounds within a word. And yes. Metathesis is also a hard word to pronounce.

Anyway, let’s practice the two words a little bit.

Listen and repeat after me:

[ kav-uhl-ree ]

Cavalry. Cavalry. Cavalry.

[ kal-vuh-ree ]

Calvary. Calvary. Calvary.

2. Comfortable and Vegetable

These two words are the most difficult for my students to pronounce. Most Spanish speakers pronounce comfortable, and vegetable as “comfortaibal” or “vegetaibal” and I guess it’s because both words end in “table.”

So, let’s practice the two words a little bit.

Listen and repeat:

[ kuhm-fer-tuh-buhl, ]

Comfortable. Comfortable. Comfortable.

[ kuhmf-ter-buhl ]

Comfortable. Comfortable. Comfortable.

[ vej-tuh-buhl ] Vegetable. Vegetable. Vegetable.

[ vej-i-tuh-buhl ]

Vegetable. Vegetable. Vegetable.

3. Deteriorate

Another word that my students find difficult to pronounce is deteriorate.

Let’s practice it for a bit.

Listen and repeat after me:

[ dih-teer-ee-uh-reyt ]

Deteriorate. Deteriorate. Deteriorate.

4. Explicit

Don’t worry. Almost everyone sounds a little funny when they pronounce the word “explicit.”

Let’s practice it!

[ ik-splis-it ]

Explicit. Explicit. Explicit.

5. Exponentially

Yes, I understand you perfectly. Sometimes exponentially gets exponentially harder to say the more you try to say it. 🙂

Let’s practice this word.

Listen and repeat after me:

[ ek-spoh-nen-shuh-lee ]

Exponentially. Exponentially. Exponentially.

[ ek-spuh-nen-shuh-lee ]

Exponentially. Exponentially. Exponentially.

That’s all for today; I hope you had a good time practicing these complex words. Next week we will practice more of these difficult words in English.

By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my five golden rules to speak English fluently. And it’s completely free.

Ok! Now it’s time for you to learn grammar in context with a point of view story.

Get the transcript on my website for free: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#199 Learning English and Music Feb 04, 2022

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Do you play a musical instrument? Well, today we will learn some benefits of playing a musical instrument and whether it will also help you with learning English.

And with a mini-story, you will improve your fluency. I will tell you a story while asking many questions that you will need to answer as quickly as possible. It's like having a conversation with another person in English.

Before we get started, visit my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get the transcript for free.

Ok, let's start.

#1 You'll be smarter

One of the great reasons to learn to play music is to increase your cognitive ability. In other words, to be smarter. Playing music is a way to activate your brain in a way that helps you with memory retention, and you can learn new things quickly.

#2 Improves your memory

Like I just said, playing an instrument improves your memory. So learning to play an instrument can be very beneficial for those not so young, those with memory problems.

If you never know where you leave your keys, it may be a good idea to stimulate your brain by learning to play a musical instrument.

Because learning to play music involves learning a lot of new things, your brain will become more accustomed to learning, which will make a big difference to your memory in the future.

#3 You'll have better concentration

Improving your musical skills forces you to use all the parts of your brain involved in concentration, making you more capable of focusing on other life situations.

#4 It builds your confidence

Do you want to feel more confident? If you can play an instrument well, it will make you feel more self-confident. Feeling comfortable playing music in front of others is essential and will extend to other aspects of your life. For example, if you get nervous about public speaking, playing an instrument in front of a crowd can be a big help.

#5 You'll feel proud

And not only will you feel more confident, but you will also feel proud of yourself. Because mastering a musical instrument can make you feel an enormous sense of accomplishment, this will have a substantial positive impact on your life, and you will feel happier.

#6 Improves our mood

Playing an instrument can help with stress, and depression because it acts as an outlet for difficult emotions.

It can be a way to calm down in difficult situations and a healthy distraction on a stressful day.

In short, playing an instrument has all kinds of positive benefits on our mood.

#7 It makes you creative

And one of the most obvious benefits of learning a musical instrument is creativity. Being creative is essential for many aspects of life, and you can extend this idea to other areas, such as art, writing, or cooking.

And finally, learning to play a musical instrument can also help you…

#8 Learn a foreign language.

When we learn to play an instrument, we also develop our listening skills. And it has been proven that students with musical training pronounce the sounds of a second language better and pick up the relevant contrasts between the sounds of that new language.

On the other hand, although I'm fluent in several languages, I must confess that I haven’t yet had the opportunity to play any musical instrument. However, I intend to learn to play the piano because it's my favorite musical instrument.

How about you? Do you know how to play an instrument? Leave me a comment on my website or social media. I would like to know if it has helped you in your English learning.

By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my 5 golden rules to speak English fluently. And it’s completely free.

Get the transcript here:

SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#198 Types of Humor in English Jan 29, 2022

vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively.

Transcript:

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today we will talk about humor in English. There are many different ways that a person can be funny, and I will give you some examples of different types of humor in English.

And with a mini-story, you will improve your fluency. I will tell you a story while asking many questions that you will need to answer as quickly as possible. It’s like having a conversation with another person in English.

Before we get started, visit my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get the transcript for free.

Ok, let’s start.

First, let’s talk about what we call a funny person, or at least someone who tries to be funny.

1) A goofy person

For example, we have the typical goofy person or goofball who does silly things, including funny dances and dressing up in ridiculous costumes. Sometimes they make funny mistakes, although those are usually on purpose. Clowns are usually considered goofy.

2) A prankster

A prankster is someone who plays practical jokes on people. Practical jokes are tricks that confuse or frighten others for a short period. I, personally, don’t enjoy pulling pranks, let alone being pranked. However, many people have a great time watching videos on the internet containing these practical jokes.

3) A self-deprecating person

If you watch stand-up comedy, you will often find this type of self-deprecating person who makes jokes that make them look bad. They joke about their shortcomings and problems, although sometimes I find that they can even go too far with their storytelling, and I find their performance humiliating.

4) A witty person

A witty person says funny and brilliant things. Witty people are also quick with their jokes. An example of witty humor would be: “Too many people run out of ideas long before they run out of words.”

Now let’s look at the different types of humor in English.

Quirky sense of humor

Someone with a quirky sense of humor tells strange, unpredictable jokes, and they frequently use improvisation.

Dry or Deadpan sense of humor

Someone with a dry or deadpan sense of humor usually says funny things with a serious, calm expression. They don’t smile, laugh, or make silly faces.

This type of humor is my favorite, and the people who tell these types of jokes are usually very intelligent.

Warped sense of humor

Having a warped or twisted sense of humor means making fun of things that many people find scary or offensive. We’re talking about jokes about illness and tragic events.

And, of course, this kind of humor can go wrong in so many ways.

The truth is that there are types of humor that rarely make you laugh, such as, for example, corny humor.

Corny or cheesy jokes

Cheesy or corny jokes are supposed to be funny, but they’re not. They’re too silly or too predictable. For example, jokes involving two words that sound alike are too corny.

Another type of jokes that don’t make me laugh are lame jokes.

Lame jokes

Lazy jokes just aren’t funny. A “lame” joke is actually worse than a “corny” joke. For instance, you might laugh at a corny joke even if you think it’s awful, but trust me, a lame joke just isn’t funny.

Get the transcript at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#197 Popular idioms in English Jan 22, 2022

Hi, everyone! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks.

Today, let's learn some popular idioms in English.

And with a point of view lesson, you will learn grammar in context without memorizing any boring rules. I'll tell you the same story from different grammar points. I can change the tense or the person. And like that, you will learn grammar in context.

Please visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast to get the transcript. It’s free.

Ok. Let’s get started!

1. NO-BRAINER: this is basically an easy decision. It's something that requires little or no mental effort.

Example:

"Do you think I should propose to my girlfriend?

That's a no-brainer. She is such a fantastic woman!"

2. SIT ON THE FENCE: staying neutral and not taking sides.

For example, if you have two friends and they have a fight, you will try not to take sides. You'll sit on the fence.

Example:

"Don't you think I'm right? He hasn't been nice to me lately, has he?

I'm sitting on the fence with this one; you're both my good friends."

3. FREAK OUT: to become very angry, scared, or excited.

Example:

"Mum, don't freak out! But I have to tell you something that I did last weekend. Tom and I got married!

"Last week, my sister won the lottery, and she freaked out about it."

4. BE A CATCH: Telling someone that others would be lucky to have them around, or even marry them.

Example:

"Dad, I'm taking Jessica out tonight. She is such a catch!"

5. COSTS AN ARM AND A LEG: when something is very expensive. Examples:

"My son wants a new computer for his birthday, but it'll cost an arm and a leg!"

"This new smartphone cost me an arm and a leg."

6. YOU ROCK: it means that you are great.

Example:

"I can't believe you got the tickets for today's game. You rock!"

That's all for now; let's practice these expressions in the next section.

By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my 5 golden rules to speak English fluently. And it’s completely free!

Get the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#196 House Vocabulary in English Jan 15, 2022

Today we will talk about finding the perfect home and what you should consider before you rent or buy a house.

In the second part of this show, you will improve your fluency with a mini-story. I will ask you many questions that you need to answer as quickly as possible. It's like having a conversation with another person in English.

Ok, let's start!

Looking for a new home is an important decision, and many people are unprepared for the occasion. But today, I will help you find your perfect home in English.

When you want to buy or rent a house, make sure you try everything. Open and shut the cupboards, flush the toilets, and use a measuring tape.

Here are a few key things to look for on each home tour:

First of all, you will need to consider the location, and the number of floors of the property—also, the size of bedrooms, bathrooms, closets, and storage space.

If the house is furnished and includes all electrical appliances, make sure you check out the age and condition of the appliances.

Pay attention to the light switches and the number of sockets in each room, and check the plumbing and water pressure in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Another thing that many people don't take into account is the house's orientation. This will determine the amount of natural light your house gets. For example, facing East, a house is heated in the morning and cooled during the rest of the day. So, make sure you pay attention to this important factor.

Although there are so many things you need to take into account, don't overlook any other vital aspects like the noise levels inside or outside the home. Living in a noisy neighborhood can drastically deteriorate your lifestyle.

Another suggestion would be that you walk around the entire home and property and pay attention to the age and condition of the roof and siding. Siding is the protective material placed on the exterior side of a house or other building wall.

Take a few minutes after the home visit to look around the neighborhood.

Pay attention to details. Are there any stores, or restaurants nearby?

If the property has a garage or parking capacity, make sure you scrutinize it as well.

And during the home tour, make sure to take notes and photos.

Why do I say this? It is mainly because we can get overexcited during the home visit, and it's hard to think clearly. That’s why it is essential to review the notes and photos taken.

Ok, so you have already visited the place and collected a great deal of housing information. Now it's time to give the agent a call.

Here are some basic questions you can ask the real estate agent:

Is the price right?

How old is the home?

Why is it for sale?

Are any repairs needed?

When were the floors last refinished?

What types of heating and cooling systems are available?

How old is the electrical and plumbing?

After you have collected as much information as possible, take some time to relax before making the decision, especially if you're buying.

The bottom line is that buying a home requires a great deal of commitment and patience.

My advice is to avoid falling in love with a house at first sight and do your research.

Ok, so you have learned plenty of new vocabulary today.

By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my 5 golden rules to speak English fluently.

Read the transcript here: speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast

#195 Santa Claus - Fun Facts - ESL Dec 26, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Today I would like to share with you five fun facts about Santa Claus. And with a fun mini-story, I will help you improve your English fluency. You just have to answer some simple questions, as if we had an informal English conversation.

There are so many things I love about Christmas. I love baking Christmas cookies, watching Christmas movies, buying presents, and decorating the tree. And let's not forget about Father Christmas, Santa Claus.

I hope you're having a great Christmas this year.

1. Is Santa Claus real?

Yes, of course. Santa Claus is real. The real name of Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas, but he was also known as Kris Kringle. Saint Nicholas was born in modern-day Turkey. After donating all his inherited wealth, he became famous for helping the poor and sick. Over the years, he became popular for his deeds and became known as the protector of children. In many countries, on December 6, people still celebrate Saint Nicholas Day. And this day was considered a lucky day to make large purchases or for marriage purposes.

2. Why is Father Christmas known as Santa Claus?

St. Nicholas became known as Santa Claus after his Dutch nickname, Sintar Klaas. In the 18th century, a New York Historical Society member distributed woodcuts of St. Nicholas at the society's annual meeting. On the other hand, Washington Irving, the author of the book The History of New York, further popularized the tales of Sintar Klaas by referring to St. Nicholas as the patron saint of New York in his book.

3. How old is Santa?

Santa Claus' origins go back to a monk named St. Nicholas, born between 260 and 280 AD in a village called Patara, part of modern-day Turkey. So in 2021, Santa Claus is about 1750 years old. That’s amazing! :)

4. Who created the image of Santa Claus?

One of the first artists to define the modern image of Santa Claus was Thomas Nast. This 19th century American cartoonist immortalized Santa Claus with an illustration for the January 3, 1863 issue of Harper's Weekly. Santa was dressed in an American flag and riding in a sleigh pulled by reindeer in this drawing.

5. Is it true that Santa traditionally wears red because of Coca‑Cola?

Many believe that Santa Claus wears red because of Coca-Cola. Although there is no doubt that the soft drink company has influenced the representation of Santa Claus, the fact is that Saint Nicholas appeared in many illustrations and written descriptions wearing a scarlet coat.

Well, I hope you enjoyed learning these 5 fun facts about Santa Claus. Now let’s continue with a mini-story.

GET the TRANSCRIPT here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#194 The History of Coca-Cola ESL Dec 17, 2021

Today, I will talk about Coca-Cola. And with a mini-story, you will improve your English fluency while learning some fun facts about Coca-Cola.

Do you like Coca-Cola? I used to drink plenty of Coke when I was younger, but I try to drink more water nowadays. However, I admit that Coca-Cola is the perfect drink to complement my popcorn at the cinema. And the good news is that if you want a healthier version, you can choose the sugar-free and even caffeine-free Coke.

But when and how was Coca-Cola invented?

In 1886, John Pemberton, a pharmacist from Georgia, invented a new kind of syrup. The drink was first sold as a nerve tonic that "relieves exhaustion," but it wasn't very successful.

Therefore, he sold his secret formula to another pharmacist, Asa Griggs Candler.

Candler was actually the one who invented Coca-Cola, as he mixed Pemberton's syrup with soda.

He started selling Coca-Cola in several drugstores and advertised his new drink, and soon people were going to the drugstores just to get a drink of Coca-Cola.

Before long, the drink became very popular, and a couple of entrepreneurs wanted to sell it in bottles. So, Candler sold them a license to bottle the drink, and soon the men were millionaires.

Did you know that the Coca-Cola bottle is the most recognizable object in the world? The famous Coca-Cola bottle is more than 100 years old.

Although the drink doesn't contain any cocoa, the famous bottle was originally shaped like a cocoa bean. Its unusual shape initially helped Coca-Cola stand out from its competitors. Nowadays, hundreds of millions of people can recognize a Coca-Cola bottle by its shape.

Also, the well-known Coca-Cola logo is the most famous in the world, perhaps because it has not changed in more than 100 years. The company still uses the script logo that Frank Robinson crafted in 1891.

Coca-Cola became popular in Europe during the First World War. American soldiers in Europe started asking for Coca-Cola, so the company started exporting it, and soon the drink was also being bottled in Europe.

Today, Coca-Cola is produced in countries worldwide and is undoubtedly the most popular drink in the world.

When it comes to the famous formula, it is probably the most valuable secret in the world. The exact ingredients used to make Coca-Cola are known to only a handful of people.

And since Christmas is coming up, I wanted to answer a very common question about Santa and Coca-Cola.

Did you know that many people think that the Coca-Cola Company invented Santa Claus?

Actually, I will talk in more detail about Father Christmas in a future episode, but I can assure you that Coca-Cola did not invent Father Christmas.

The company began using Santa Claus in its advertising in the 1920s; however, Santa's story dates back to the third century.

That's all about Coca-Cola and Santa for today. Let's continue with a mini-story.

Read the transcript here: speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

#193 How to express Probability in English? Dec 09, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

- Do you know how to express probability in English?

Probably, but just in case, let's practice with some basic expressions.

In the second part, we will practice fluency with a short mini-story of questions and answers.

You can get the transcript of this episode and more at Speakenglishpodcast.com.

Very good. When we talk, we usually say things that are true, or at least we believe them to be true. For example, "it's cold today," but we can also say things that we don't know one hundred percent if they are true.

In today's episode, we will learn some phrases and words used to express probability. I'm sure you already know some of these expressions, and seeing them with some examples will help you consolidate them. The key is to hear them in context and over time, repeating them several times. Don't try to learn them all in one day.

Since these expressions are used a lot, it will be easy to remember and use them.

Imagine the following situation: Someone doesn't know where the keys are.

Example:

- Where are the keys? I have to go out, and I can't find them.

They might be in the room.
They may be in the room.
They could be in the room.

See? "They might/may/could be in the room" indicates an assumption, a certain probability. You think they are, with some probability, in the room when you say, "they might/may/could be in the room."

Get the transcript at: SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast

#192 How to avoid uncomfortable conversations in English Nov 13, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today, in this episode:

We’re going to continue to see some bad strategies that I don’t recommend in conversations.

Next, you will practice some grammar in an intuitive way with a point of view lesson.

Okay, let’s start!

If you remember, last week, we saw some unwise ways to interact in a conversation.

Today we are going to continue with more things that we should not say or do when you have a conversation in English.

This is what we saw in the previous episode:

– Talking about the weather.

– Not listening to the other person.

– Talking too fast, too softly, not articulating well, or not pausing.

Talking about negative things.
Talking about boring things.
And my favorite: messing up. Remember, I told you how easy it is to mess up? That’s why we always have to be careful.

If you didn’t listen to the previous episode, I suggest you do it along with this one.

Cool! Let’s look at some more bad strategies. This way, you can avoid having uncomfortable conversations in the future.

Interrupt others.

Interrupting someone always has its risks, especially in more formal settings or with people we don’t know.

I don’t like being interrupted at all, especially since I can lose track of what I was saying. This means that sometimes I don’t remember exactly what I was going to say.

Of course, the worst thing is when they interrupt you to change the subject. Sometimes you just want to finish what you want to say, but they won’t let you. Imagine you’re telling a joke, and someone interrupts you. That completely ruins the moment.

Okay, let’s move on to the next one:

Always wanting to be right.

It’s a classic. We always want to be right, even with strangers. We always know best. However, it’s better to be diplomatic and not try to impose on others.

Sometimes someone says something we know is not true. We have to evaluate whether it is worth correcting that person or simply expressing our disagreement. It all depends on the type of relationship we have with that person and whether different opinions are accepted.

Of course, if it is a brainstorming session, different points of view must be expressed. After all, this is the goal of the exercise.

Okay, let’s see the next one:

Stay away from sensitive or controversial topics.

If you don’t know the other person, it’s better not to have a conversation about potentially polemical topics such as politics, diverse ideologies or even sports (in some countries soccer is almost a religion). So be careful with that topic. Today we live in an era where any minimal controversy can trigger major conflict. So, it is better to stay away from anything that is potentially controversial.

Something you should never do is…

Showing off

Showing off your car, your country, your economic status, how much weight you can lift at the gym, etc. is not usually a good subject to discuss with someone you hardly know. You are, in a way, making a comparison. I guess it’s better to be humble and avoid taking too many risks.

Read the transcript here:

https://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

#191 Super Short Scary Stories in English part#2 Nov 05, 2021

- Well, well... So, you're going to make a cucumber salad.

- Not exactly. You'll see in a while what I need them for.

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today, in this episode...

- We're going to continue to discover some more super short scary stories.

- Next, I'm going to do a little mini-story for you to practice fluency. Simple and effective.

Remember, you can check out the transcript for today's episode at www.speakenglishpodcast.com

Alright. Last week we looked at some super short scary stories... Well, very short. So short that most of them can be written in a single line.

For example, we saw this one:

"We know who you are and where you live."

Today we are going to learn some more. As I know you are very brave, you will be able to bear it. I am also going to comment on them one by one.

Let's look at the first one:

"Your bank called you."

Phew. Every time the bank calls me, they try to offer me something I don't need: a mortgage, credit, insurance. But I suppose that, if there is a problem, they also call you.

Still, they have never called me to give me any good news.

Let's listen to another super short scary story:

"Your mother-in-law invites you to Christmas dinner."

Well, ... I have to say that poor mothers-in-law are not so bad. Rather, they are good... At least, I think they have good intentions. However, the myth is that mothers-in-law are always meddling in your life and are very annoying. One thing is true. Mothers-in-law are usually excellent cooks.

"I saw a mouse in the office."

A mouse! It's not a very good sign to see mice anywhere, let alone in the office. Best not to think about it. However, it could be a computer mouse. Then it wouldn't be so scary.

Another scary story:

“There is a problem."

Well... Yes, most of the time, this phrase indicates an unpleasant situation that we have to face. The worst thing is that you don't know the problem until you are given more details.

Another one would be: "Did you hear that?"

Well, this phrase, depending on the context, can be terrifying.

The last super short scary story:

"I don't speak English."

Yes, that's a problem, especially when you urgently need to say something important in English. Imagine you are eating French fries, and you need salt, but the waiter doesn't understand you.

Okay, we'll leave it here for now.

Let's continue with a mini-story.

Read the transcript here:

https://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

#190 Halloween in America 2021 Oct 29, 2021

Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively.

Transcript:

Hi, everyone!

I’m Georgiana, founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help YOU to speak English fluently.

In today’s episode:

I’ll be talking about one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States: Halloween. After that, you’ll practice your speaking with a new mini-story, while enjoying my new Question & Answer story.

Very well. Let’s get started!

Halloween is a holiday celebrated on the last day of October. I would say it’s very popular because everybody’s excited about it, especially children.

The word Halloween comes from an old English expression, “All Hallows’ Eve,” and it means the day before All Saints’ Day.

Children of all ages really love Halloween because they can dress up in funny costumes and knock on their neighborhood doors shouting “Trick or Treat!”. The neighbors usually give them candies.

The meaning of the phrase “Trick or Treat” is interesting. In this context, “treat” means getting the candies, and “trick” implies the consequence of not getting the sweets. It’s like an innocent threat children make. Of course, kids get really excited when they knock on stranger’s doors in their neighborhood.

Since Halloween originated as a celebration connected with evil spirits, the most common symbols are witches flying on broomsticks, ghosts, skeletons, black cats, etc. The black color is one of the traditional Halloween colors.

Of course, pumpkins are also a Halloween symbol. I’m sure you’ve seen them in movies. People empty a pumpkin and put a candle inside to make a lamp.

How do you make a Halloween pumpkin?

· The first step is hollowing out the pumpkin.

· After we use a keyhole saw to cut the hole.

· When using a candle for illumination, you can cut the hole in the pumpkin’s top.

· For electric lights, make a hole in the bottom or side, so you can hide the cord.

The Halloween pumpkin is called Jack-O’-Lantern. It’s common to see jack-o’-lanterns on doorsteps decorations before and on Halloween.

The name comes from an Irish legend about a man named Jack. He was so ungenerous that when he died, he couldn’t enter heaven, but he couldn’t go to hell either because he had told jokes about the devil. As a result, Jack had to walk and walk with a lantern until the Day of Judgment.

#189 Super Short Scary Stories in English Oct 22, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

- We're going to be a bit scared. Well, not really. We're going to listen to some super short scary stories. Each story is one sentence, more or less.

- In the second part, we're going to listen to a point of view story to learn grammar in context without memorising any boring rules.

You can get the transcript for this episode on my website: SpeakEnglishpodcast.com

How was your day? A lot is going on today: some good, some okay, and some bad.

Today I'd like to talk about fear. Well, I'm not going to get serious about it because we already have plenty of real scary stories in the news.

I will actually talk about some scary stories that can be told in a few words. Here’s an example: "We have to talk."

Indeed, the expression "we have to talk" can trigger all kinds of emotions, including fear, especially if your couple says it. But that's another story.

Let's look at the first one:

"There's a party tonight, and the whole family is going to be here."

Well, here's a typical case of family-induced panic! While it's usually a good thing to get together with family, it can be terrifying for some. And if you don't believe me, we've all heard stories about families at Christmas.

Ok! Let’s continue with another super short scary story:

"We know who you are and where you live."

Hmmm... Well... Yes, it can be scary. Imagine you get a phone call from a hidden number; they tell you this and hang up. Or maybe you receive a note with just that phrase. How would you react if you received this kind of message?

Well, let's look at another super short scary story.

"Know where we came from and where we're going."

Well, this one can be terrifying. Especially if you're on the wrong bus, and you're going to the wrong place :) Although I understand that this phrase has a more transcendent dimension, the truth is that it gives food for thought. To give somebody food for thought means to make them think seriously about something.

Ok! Let’s see the next one:

"I'm going to make you an offer you can't refuse."

I must confess that I’ve heard this phrase before.And whenever I listen to someone say this, it makes me panic! Because usually this so-called offer hides a lot of things they don't want you to know. It is the typical phrase you can hear when someone wants to sell you something over the phone. And many times they are too pushy. They insist too much.

Ok! Another super short scary story!

"Open your mouth, please!",

Well... I don't know what to say. I guess the context is when you're at the dentist.

Certainly, for many people going to the dentist is something they don't look forward to at all. Almost terrifying.

Come on, another one:

"It's Sunday and someone is calling you from the office,"

Yes, this one is scary too. Imagine you're resting on a Sunday after a hard week at the office, and your cell phone rings. You look to see who's calling, and it's from the office - weird, right? I wouldn't want to pick up the phone. Would you?

Well, we've heard some of these super short scary stories, which actually, are even funny. I hope you liked them.

By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my 5 golden rules to speak English fluently.

Do you know how you can help me?

You can share the podcast with your friends and family.

Tell them to go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my free mini-course.

Let's move on to the next section.

Get the transcript at: SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast

#188 Abandoned Towns in English Oct 15, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today I’m going to talk about abandoned towns, where no one lives anymore for one reason or another.

With a mini-story, we will meet John, a man who, tired of his lifestyle, makes a radical decision.

Very good. Thank you for listening once again. We have reached 22 million downloads of this podcast; thank you very much for following me! If you want to help me, please share and recommend my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com by mentioning my podcast. Thank you very much in advance.

Okay, let’s get to today’s topic.

In every country in the world, there are villages where no one lives.

I find this phenomenon fascinating.

There are several words you can use to describe such a town. They all mean the same thing:

Abandoned: This means that those who lived in that area have left. Therefore, people abandoned the place at some point in the past.

Uninhabited: This word implies that it was previously inhabited. The inhabitants inhabit a place. If those people leave and don’t live there anymore, it becomes uninhabited.

Ghost. A ghost town is simply a town without inhabitants, without anyone living there. This word sometimes gives a sinister air to the place. All kinds of legends can arise in certain abandoned places. Some people’s imaginations can be very vivid.

Deserted merely means that there is no one there. For example: “The village was deserted, there was absolutely no one.”

Now, let’s use a little imagination. Imagine that you decide to move to a deserted town. Moving means going to live permanently in a new place. So, you would be the only inhabitant. You could put a sign with the name of the village and the number of inhabitants: one.

There are many advantages. For example, if you have a car, you can park almost anywhere. No more going around and around the streets to find a parking space. You don’t have to respect speed limits or traffic lights, which don’t work, or don’t exist because there is no police.

As for the neighbours…no more hassles, no more noises, no more arguments. You can just relax because no one is going to bother you.

Since you are alone in town, you can run for mayor. The result would be obvious. Only you would vote, and you would win with 100% of the votes. Unbelievable!

Now you could say, But what about the supplies? The food? Well, you can order on Amazon, right? I’m sure they won’t get the wrong house.

There’s just one small problem. A place like this can be terrifying. Being all alone in a town and hearing a strange noise. I don’t know; maybe it’s not such a good idea.

But in reality, multiple causes explain why certain towns are abandoned. Here are a few:

– Epidemics. Certain towns suffered devastating epidemics such as smallpox, typhus, or cholera that reduced the population.

– Decline of mining. The mines’ work attracted many people, and many houses were built, forming towns near the mine. When the mine was no longer profitable, people left the village.

– Industrial revolution. Many peasants engaged in agriculture left their hard work to go to the factories to get hard but perhaps safer work.

Many villages are not abandoned, but every year they lose inhabitants. There are several initiatives to stop this depopulation. Some towns even offer free housing and work. There are also subsidies for companies and entrepreneurs to set up their business there. The truth is that with the Internet, perhaps some of these towns can be saved because it is feasible to run a business with a computer.

Get the transcript at: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#187 Beautiful Words in English Oct 09, 2021

Did you know that there are more than 1 million words in English? I know it’s hard to believe, so keep counting, I mean keep listening. 🙂

Hi, everyone! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today I will share with you 9 of the most beautiful words in English. And with the point of view story, you will learn grammar only by listening.

Ok. Let’s start!

In 2010, during a project to search for words in digitized books, researchers estimated a total of 1,000,000 words.

Yeah, I was a bit surprized by this, too, but there’s an explanation for all this.

First of all, you need to take into account that they have included different forms of the same word. Also, many words are archaic since they are not used in modern English.

Speaking of archaic words, in the second edition of the Oxford English Dictionary, there are approximately 600,000 defined word forms. But that’s because it includes many old-fashioned words. And also, the dictionary expands every year to keep up with new words being invented.

However, according to the BBC, the good news is that we only use about 170.000 words in English.

Yeah. I know. It’s still a considerable number of words, but you don’t need to know all these words to be able to have a conversation in English.

I actually believe it’s a mistake to keep track of the number of words you know. If you want to learn English effectively, remember how you learned your mother tongue.

And let’s face it, you don’t know all the words that are included in the dictionary of your mother tongue. But that doesn’t stop you from speaking fluently and eloquently.

Let’s not forget that words are a powerful form of communication. I have selected the ones that I consider to be the most beautiful out of all the words in English.

1. CherishThe word cherish means having a deep appreciation for something or someone.

Example:“We all cherish our family, our home, our possessions, and I’m sure someone in your life cherishes you and the relationship they have with you.”

2. Demure

We use the word demure when we refer to a person who is shy and polite. A demure outfit is a modest one.

Examples:“The girl was dressed very demurely for the occasion.”“Her clothes were too demure for the occasion.”“The girl was demure.”

3. EbullienceHave you ever seen some puppies playing? The word that comes to mind is ebullience. Ebullience means excitement and enthusiasm.Just think of someone who is too noisy, almost euphoric.

Example:“I remember that when you were a kid, you would always burst into the room with your usual ebullience, and talk to everyone.”4. EleganceI’m sure you’re smiling right now because this is a word you knew. However, it is still one of the most beautiful words in the English language.

Examples:“When she entered the room, everyone was amazed at her elegance.”“We’ll deal with this matter with the utmost diplomacy and elegance.”

Get the transcript at: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#186 The mystery of the Monoliths Oct 01, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Speaking English is way easier than you think! You just have to use the right material and techniques.

– Do you like mysteries? I do, but only when they explain what’s really going on. Today I’ll talk about mysterious metallic monoliths.

-And with a mini-story, you will improve your English fluency.

Before we get started, go to my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

to get the transcript. It’s free!

By the way, thank you for your messages and feedback. It’s my pleasure to help you speak English in a fun and entertaining way.

Okay. Let’s start!

Today’s topic is about mystery. I don’t know if you’ve seen this on social media or TV. In several places around the world, some very remote metal monoliths have appeared.

Many have speculated on the subject.

Some say it is simply a viral campaign on a global scale. Perhaps from some well-

known brand. Others say that it is simply an artistic expression and that they do it this way, without saying anything, to draw attention. There are always people who claim that it is part of an alien invasion.

What do you think?

I don’t know if you remember the movie 2001. A Space Odyssey. This movie was released in 1968, and well, at the time, it was a landmark because of director Stanley Kubrick’s innovative style. In the movie, several monoliths are shown, leaving the viewer to guess their meaning. I guess whoever created these monoliths that have recently appeared was inspired by this movie.

The first monolith, was found in the Utah desert in the United States. That was last November 2020. Environmental activists removed it.

I guess they also recycled it, but it is not clear.

Since then, structures of this type have been located in different parts of the world.

One wonders what it could be. Well, now I will explain the mystery: they are not aliens. I myself have placed all these monoliths with the message: “I am Georgiana and I want to help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks.”

Well, it was not me, but it would be a great idea! 🙂

Actually, the people responsible are an artist collective called The Most Famous Artist, or so it seems. It turns out that they sell these metal monoliths for the affordable amount of $45,000.

I think that’s a lot of money, though. You know, if you want a monolith in your yard, you might want to start saving up.

Okay! I want you to learn English 3 times faster, and that’s why I created a video course. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my video course for FREE!

#185 What is dubbing in movies, music and video games? Sep 24, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today I'll talk about dubbing. And we will practice grammar in context with a point of view story. Don’t worry. You won’t have to memorise any boring rules.

Remember that you can get the 5 Secrets to Learn English totally free on my website:

speakenglishpodcast.com

Have you ever wondered why movies are dubbed in some countries and not in others? Dubbing a movie means to substitute the original voice for another one in the language of the country.

This way you don't need to know the original language of the movie. You can simply watch the entire movie in your language without any problems.

An alternative is to simply add translated subtitles. This is done in most countries.

This way you can listen to the original sound and at the same time read in your native language to understand the meaning. It is a cheap alternative and much easier than dubbing the movies.

Interestingly, performers are called voice actors. The truth is that I find this job very difficult. You have to record exactly at the moment when the character is speaking. Also, you need to use the right intonation. If the character is angry, or happy, or says something with irony, ... All this has to be taken into account.

There are some people who criticize dubbing. They give two reasons.

The first is that it doesn't help people learn foreign languages, such as English.

The second is that, in a way, it can distort the interpretation of the actors, since, if a dubbing actor is not good, he can totally change the character.

But dubbing is not limited to movies or series. Music and video games are also dubbed.

Dubbing music

Similar to movies, dubbing has a totally different meaning in music. Here, this process occurs when you transfer or duplicate a song.

Dubbing video games

Many games now require dubbing - when dubbing, the original audio is replaced with new recordings of the translated script. This allows players to listen while playing in their own language.

In my opinion, dubbing does not help people learn new languages. Regarding whether or not the interpretation of the actors is changed, I think it can happen, but I have to say that there are very good dubbing actors who do it very well.

Do you know how you can help me? You can share the podcast with your friends and family. Tell them to go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my free mini-course.

That would mean a lot to me. Thanks.

Read the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#184 Things not to say in English Sep 09, 2021

Today, in this episode

Let’s look at some bad strategies and attitudes that don’t quite work in conversation. I mean, like having awkward conversations.

Next, you’ll practice your fluency with a mini-story lesson—the best way to learn to speak English without translating mentally.

Okay, let’s start with an important question:

Do you think that you are too old to learn English?

I have always thought that it is never too late to learn a language, and I have always had students of all ages using my method successfully.

But a few days ago, I received an email from a student in Greece, saying something like this:

Dear Georgiana, hello,

I’m delighted to see your programs.

I think you give your soul to every lesson.

My mother tongue is Greek, and I am proud because our language has a positive contribution to the English vocabulary.

I’m also proud that I try to improve my English even though I’m 94 years old.

Georgiana, I encourage you to continue with your English lessons.

I admire you!

Erotokritos

Thank you, dear Erotokritos, for your kind words. You are an inspiration for all of us.

So, you see, I think I’ve made my point. It’s never too late to learn English.

All right, have you ever been with someone and not know what to talk about? It’s happened to me sometimes. Every once in a while, we run into situations where it’s difficult to continue the conversation.

One example is what happens in an elevator. Imagine that you meet a neighbor you hardly know, and a typical dialogue ends up going like this:

—Good morning.

—Going down?

—Yes.

— …

— It’s cold today, isn’t it?

— Yes, yes. It’s going to be like this all week, they say…

— …

As you can see, this conversation is not very intellectual. It’s more about avoiding silence, which can be uncomfortable.

This doesn’t just happen in elevators but in all kinds of social interactions. I read recently that a silence of four seconds or more triggers anxiety.

It doesn’t get any better when you have to speak in a language you are learning. You have even fewer resources to express yourself.

Read the transcript at:

SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast

#183 English Expressions with the color Blue  Sep 03, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

In this episode:

• I'll be talking about what happens just after we end our vacations.

• Later, a cool mini-story to practice your English speaking.

Let me start by telling you that I'm super excited to be back again and connecting with you! How are you doing? Are you feeling happy and relaxed? Or are you feeling blue?

We’re in September, so I can officially say that the summer holidays are over.

During summer, I've been resting, sunbathing, and enjoying my free time. I've recharged my batteries.

I like to be near the beach, enjoy the sun, the sea breeze, and eat delicious food. I must say that I've managed to disconnect from my routine completely.

How about you? How did you disconnect from your everyday worries?

Talking about disconnecting and taking a break. In September, a fascinating phenomenon occurs:

I’m referring myself to the post-holiday blues, also known as the post-travel depression.

By the way, did you know that the color blue is actually the most popular color in the world? The color blue is also used to express feelings of sadness, nostalgia, or depression.

Here are two expressions where we use the color blue to describe sadness: "feeling blue" or "getting the blues."

Read the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#182 Mistakes when speaking in English Aug 19, 2021

Welcome to the Speak English Podcast, your resource for practicing your English speaking and listening. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to learn English more effectively.

Transcript:

I’m Georgiana, founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help YOU to speak English fluently.

Today I will talk about fluency and how it is related to the possible mistakes that occur when we speak. Yes. Sometimes we can make mistakes!

Next, we will practice grammar with a funny point of view story. You just have to listen and observe how the different grammar points change.

Excellent! I have decided to talk about a topic that, I think, is very significant for the language student.

First, let’s see what fluency means.

When a person can speak fluently, they can speak more or less without hesitation, without pausing and thinking about how to say something. Occasionally, we can take a short pause to think, but this is not usual.

We experience near-perfect fluency when we speak our mother tongue. If you pay attention to when you speak, you will see that you do not think about which words to use. You just have an idea of what you are going to say, and you say it.

When you are learning a language, fluency develops gradually. A good symptom is when you find yourself without almost translating mentally. At first, it is normal to do so, but little by little, part of your speech becomes automatic, and the words are simply there. That’s when you start enjoying more and more conversations with Native speakers. It is amazing to see yourself in a conversation with a Native speaker in the language you are learning.

Somehow, it all becomes real.

Traditional or more academic methods insist on mastering more formal aspects such as grammar rules, word position, or conjugations. According to their theories, learning all this will help you express yourself better and avoid making so many mistakes when speaking.

Ask yourself this question: How often do you think about grammar rules when you speak in your native language?

I believe that the most important thing for a language student is to develop fluency first. This has to be your main goal. When we are in the middle of a conversation, things go very fast. You can’t pause for 30 seconds to think about how to structure a sentence. You need to speak at that moment. You need to be fluent.

And how does this relate to mistakes? It’s common sense. If you can express yourself more or less effortlessly, mentally, you don’t have to look up or translate words. They just come to your mind. This way, you can spend more time focusing on other aspects, such as making fewer mistakes or improving your pronunciation.

As I always say, the way to improve your fluency is mostly by listening. The more you listen, the more you acquire the patterns of the language. When I talk about patterns, I mean word patterns that are very commonly used. So, you no longer think word by word, but by groups of words. A very positive effect of listening to content made by a native speaker is that you hear the language without mistakes, so little by little, you will end up using the same structures that are error-free.

Read the transcript at: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#181 Listening to podcasts in English while exercising Jul 30, 2021

Hi everyone!

I’m Georgiana; founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help YOU speak English fluently.

In this episode:

I’ll talk about the importance of moving and studying English.
After that, we’ll practice grammar with a point of view story.

Ok, let’s get started!

Let me ask you a question. Imagine a person learning English. He or she’s preparing to study a new lesson. How do you picture the scene? Perhaps this person’s sitting at home or in a quiet library with an open textbook, a dictionary, and a notebook. Maybe this person has been sitting for hours, almost motionless, trying to learn and memorize the content.

At least that’s the typical image that pops into my mind whenever I imagine an English student following the traditional method.

Now let’s visualize a different scene. Imagine someone walking around. Their whole body’s moving. The feet transmit movement to the legs and to the entire body. The arms are swinging slightly, and the brain receives more oxygen. You can’t be too lethargic when you walk, can you?

For me, this second state is the perfect one for learning. The brain’s more awake, and it can acquire new knowledge faster.

And there’s no need to carry around any textbooks, notebooks, dictionaries, pencils, etc. That wouldn’t be practical at all while you’re walking. And people might start pointing you on the street as if you were some lunatic.

I’m sure that if you’ve been following me for some time now, you already know that there’s a much more efficient way to learn English. You can now improve your English considerably by listening to interesting audios!

There’s no need to sit in a chair and listen to my podcast or my audio lessons. The only thing you need is your cell phone and your favorite earphones. Start taking a nice walk every day and improve your English skills at the same time.

In fact, the question and answer (Q&A) lessons are designed in such a manner so that you can simulate a conversation in English wherever you can and whenever you get some spare time.

Read the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#180 Listening In The Background Jul 23, 2021

Welcome to the Speak English Now Podcast, your resource for practicing your English speaking and listening. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to learn English more effectively.

Transcript:

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

In this episode:

I’ll be talking about passive listening, or in other words, listening in the background.
Later on, we’ll practice conversation skills with the powerful Question & Answer technique.

Ok, let’s get started!

In the language industry, there’s an approach called passive listening. This means playing some English in the background while performing other tasks. In theory, you’re learning because the brain is always learning, no matter how.

Interesting, huh? You just need to play some English while you’re cleaning, jogging, surfing the Internet, etc.

Well, although this approach may be appealing to many of you, here’s the bad news: It doesn’t work as a whole system for developing a complete fluency in English.

The main drawback is that when we need to learn new content, our brain needs to pay attention, to be active.

So, in an ideal world, we would be 100% focused all the time while listening: We’d pay attention to every tiny detail: vocabulary, pronunciation, intonation, etc.

However, as you may already know, idyllic things are sometimes hard to achieve. If you need perfect conditions every time you listen: for example, feeling rested, motivated, in a quiet place, then you will never start listening.

What you need is a compromise. It’s ok to lose concentration from time to time.

Here’s my suggestion: For new content, try to maintain your concentration as much as possible.

However, when you’re repeating the same content, you don’t need to focus 100% of your attention anymore because, in this case, you’re just remembering and consolidating.

Another aspect to keep in mind: in this case, quantity is more important than quality. It means that when you listen for two hours, and you only focus on 70% of your attention, it’s still more efficient than when you’re listening for only 20 minutes, and you succeed to focus 100%.

The accumulation of hours and hours of listening, it’s what truly helps you to become fluent.

Just think about children. They’re not always focused when they listen, but they always learn.

My takeaway for today is: Try to listen as much as you can. Being focused is essential when you’re learning new content, but when you’re already familiar with the material, what matters the most, it’s the amount of time you spend listening.

Get the full text here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#179 Asking for Directions in English Jul 15, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

I'm going to talk about how to ask and give directions in English. For example, when you want to go to a restaurant, and you have to ask for directions.

Next, an exclusive mini-story to improve your fluency in English.

Remember that you can get the text of the episode at SpeakEnglishpodcast.com.

So, let's get started. As you know, it's very useful to know how to ask for directions when you go to a place for the first time, and you're a bit lost.

Okay, yes, I know that nowadays with smartphones, you can check the GPS and you don't need to ask for help anymore, but think about this: Asking for directions is an excellent opportunity to practice English.

In this episode, we will see the most common expressions with some examples:

All right, the best way to ask for directions is by using this expression:

"Excuse me, how do I get to _?"

"Could you tell me the best way to get to _?"

For example, if you want to ask how to get to Times Square, you say:

Excuse me, how do I get to Times Square?

You could also say…

"What is the quickest way to get to the movies?"

"Excuse me. Where's the nearest (post office) please?"

"Excuse me. I'm looking for _."

And if you are very close to your destination, you could simply ask:

"Where is the hotel?"

If you get lost, just ask this simple question:

"Where exactly am I?"

Okay, great. Now let's see how to give directions.

Here are some useful phrases for giving directions on the street:

TURN LEFT

TURN RIGHT

GO STRAIGHT AHEAD

An example:

"Sorry, what is the quickest way to get to the city center?

"It is easy. Go straight ahead and then turn right.

They can also tell you to TAKE the first, second, or third, street, for example.

Let's look at the same example:

"Excuse me, could you tell me the best way to get to the city center?"

"It is easy. Go straight ahead and take the second street on the right."

(END OF THE EXTRACT).

Get the transcript here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/asking-for-directions-in-english/

#178 English Pronunciation Practice with Tongue Twisters Jul 08, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Speaking English is way easier than it seems! You just have to use the right material and techniques.

In this episode, I'll learn some new tongue twisters in English to help you with your English pronunciation.

And with a mini-story, you will improve your fluency. A mini-story is very simple but very powerful. I ask easy questions on purpose so that you can simulate a conversation. It's like talking with another person in English.

Before we get started, go to my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

to get the transcript. It's free!

Ok. Let's start!

So, do you remember what a tongue twister is?

It can be a difficult phrase that we say quickly, usually because of a sequence of almost similar sounds.

For example, "Peter Piper picked a pickle of pickled peppers."

Many people use tongue twisters to speak clearly, including actors, politicians, etc.

These allow you to practice pronunciation and agility when it comes to producing sounds in English.

So today, we are going to practice English pronunciation with new tongue twisters.

Are you ready?

Let's go!

I will start saying each tongue twister slowly, and then I'll go faster.

At first, they may seem very difficult, so make sure you have the text in front of you to be able to follow it better.

Ok. So, I will say it very slowly:

1. I saw a kitten eating chicken in the kitchen.

Are you ready to speed it up? (Say it faster.)

I saw a kitten eating chicken in the kitchen.

Ok. Even faster!

I saw a kitten eating chicken in the kitchen.

I hope you're having fun. Let's continue!

2) I thought I thought of thinking of thanking you.

Ok. Now I'm gonna speed it up! (say it faster.)

I thought I thought of thinking of thanking you.

Ok. Even faster!

I thought I thought of thinking of thanking you.

3) A big black bug snoozed on a big black rug.

Ok. Say it faster!

A big black bug snoozed on a big black rug.

Even faster!

A big black bug snoozed on a big black rug.

Read the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

#177 Learning English during the summer vacation (rep) Jul 01, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today, I’m going to show you how you can improve your English-speaking skills during the summer.

Later, we’re going to practice listening and speaking with a funny mini-story.

Let’s get started!

Summer is here, and it seems like everyone has planned their holidays already.

But how about you?

Have you thought about improving your English during the summer holidays?

If you still don’t have a plan. Don’t worry. I have some ideas.

In fact, it’s really simple. All you need this summer is your cell phone to listen to my Speak English Now Podcast or my English premium courses. Now I’d like to suggest some places you could spend your summer holiday, especially if you’re on a tiny budget.

Find an air-conditioned coffee shop in your neighborhood. Enjoy your drink while you listen to your favorite English show.

Go to the mall or fast food restaurants

It’s the perfect environment where you can listen to some English lessons. Perhaps you won’t be 100% focused on what you’re listening to, though, you’ll still be learning a lot.

I’m telling you this because I enjoy going to the local mall, especially in summer and winter. It’s usually quiet; there’s free AC. (air conditioning) and I often carry around my laptop. Spending time away from my desk helps me to concentrate better.

But it’s not all about drinking coffee and shopping. Just like me, you might consider going to the gym more often! Where I live, it’s almost impossible to enjoy any outdoor activities in summer. Also, when you’re at the gym, try listening to your favorite English lessons. You’ll love it!

Ok, last but not least: You need to relax. Go to the beach. Not only to get a nice tan but also to take your English to the next level.

#176 The Benefits of learning English as an adult Jun 25, 2021

Are there any benefits to learning English as an adult? There are many. Let's take a look at some in this episode.

Hi, I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. Speaking English is way easier than you think. You just need to use the right materials and techniques.

Today I am going to talk about the benefits of learning English as an adult. And the truth is that there are many, and some of them are surprising.

And with a mini-story, you will practice your spoken English. I'll ask you lots of questions that you'll have to answer right away. It's like having a conversation with another person in English.

Before we get started, go to my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

to get the transcript. It's free!

Ok. Let's start!

#1 It is an excellent exercise for our brain.

Many times we go to the gym to tone our muscles. We also try to lose weight to be ready for the beach in summer. We don't always succeed, but that's another story. :)

In the same way, learning a new language is like sending our brain to the gym. We stimulate it with all sorts of new sounds, words we didn't know, grammar, expressions, and other elements.

This mental exercise is very healthy, as we help our brain to stay active. Many experts recommend learning a language when we are older to maintain our cognitive ability.

It helps us to improve our memory and concentration.

Imagine the number of words you end up learning—all of them new. And then, you have to learn how to use them according to context, sentence order, etc. All this new information accumulates in an orderly fashion in our brain and is ready to be used. This process improves our ability to remember all kinds of things.

Moreover, we learn to concentrate better. For example, when you listen to this episode, your concentration level is higher than when you listen to an episode in your mother tongue. So, it's a great thing!

#2You learn a new culture and a new way of thinking.

Every language is necessarily linked to culture. This implies customs, ways of understanding life, traditions, habits, values, and history.

I find discovering a new culture fascinating. It serves to learn something new and contrast and reevaluate the culture in your own country.

In addition, you learn to look at things from a new perspective. This can help you to be more original and creative in your daily life.

#3 Improve your self-esteem.

Yes, learning a new language as an adult and conversing with native speakers is an excellent boost to your self-esteem. You feel better because you have achieved something that many people think is impossible.

I remember my first conversations in Spanish. I made mistakes, and my vocabulary was limited, but what a joy to talk to people from other countries! That's always a good feeling.

#4 Make more friends.

Can you imagine making friends from other countries and cultures while speaking their own language? This is a compelling reason to study a language. Human relationships are vital, and they help you consolidate what you have learned. So, I suggest you practice your English with people from English-speaking countries. Remember that now, with the internet, you can use any video call app to communicate with anyone in the world.

#5 Get a better job.

Finally, learning a second language allows you to improve your resume and your chances of finding a good job. In an increasingly globalized world, knowing at least a second language is crucial.

Knowing a new language is positive, as you come across as someone dynamic and capable of learning as an adult.

Ok, that’s it for now, but before we continue…

I have something important to tell you. I want you to learn English 3 times faster, and that's why I created a video course. Go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my video course for FREE!

#175 Are you too old to learn English? Jun 17, 2021

Hi, I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. And I am here to help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks.

In this episode, let’s find out if you are too old to learn English?

Is it too late to learn a language? Is it possible to learn English as an adult? I'm going to answer these questions.

- In the second part, we are going to meet Tom and his adventures to learn English.

Before we get started, go to my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com to get the transcript. It's free!

Ok. Let's start!

Some time ago, a 95-year-old student from Greece sent me an email. He wanted to tell me how my method helped him learn English.

He is learning English and listens to this podcast. The truth is that I admire people who don't make excuses. And that's what inspired me to do this episode.

There is a widespread belief that if you don't start learning a language when you are very young - ideally as a child - it is practically impossible to learn it.

Some even bash those who are studying a language, saying things like:

"You're wasting your time and your money!"

"Unless you go to the country, you'll never learn the language!"

Well, I'm here to tell you that's a myth. You can learn English as an adult and become fluent in English. Many of my students have learned English at an advanced age and are perfectly able to speak it fluently.

Children indeed seem to learn their mother tongue effortlessly.

The younger you are, the easier it is to create new brain connections and consequently learn anything quickly.

However, studies show that the brain never loses the ability to learn.

For me, the determining factor is the attitude, not aptitude.

Attitude refers to how we feel about something. Aptitude, relates to the ability to do something.

A bad attitude - that is, being negative, complaining, or making excuses - will not help you learn anything. It is crucial to have a good predisposition to learn. In other words, be more positive and less negative. Sometimes this bad attitude leads to limiting oneself. For example, some people think:

"I am not good at learning languages."

"I am too old for this."

Certainly, this attitude does not help at all. On the other hand, children usually have a good attitude.

For example, they never say things like:

"But there are so many words I don't know yet!"

"I make a lot of mistakes! People are going to laugh at me!"

“I will never speak English! I'd better not even try!"

In reality, kids don't care how long it takes, how many mistakes they make, or whether they mispronounce a word. In fact, kids hardly get frustrated when they don't get something right the first time.

They just keep trying. They don't set mental limits for themselves as we adults do.

So, I recommend you to be inspired by the attitude of the 95-year-old student I mentioned before.

And because I want you to learn English 3 times faster, I have created a video course. Go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my video course for FREE.

#174 English Common Phrasal  Verbs with TAKE Jun 11, 2021

Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively.

Transcript:

Hi, I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. And I am here to help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks.

Today we are going to continue learning new phrasal verbs. This time with the verb TAKE.

And with a point of view lesson, you will learn grammar in context without memorizing any boring rules. I’ll tell you a story several times from different grammar points. I can change the tense or the person. And like that, you will learn grammar in context.

Ok. Let’s start!

Most English learners tend to become overly concerned with how to learn phrasal verbs. A phrasal verb is just a verb and a particle. For example, “take after.”

There are thousands of phrasal verbs. Sometimes they may be confusing.

Also, each phrasal verb can have multiple meanings.

Ok, this scenario doesn’t seem very encouraging, and the million-dollar question is:

How can you learn all those phrasal verbs?

Here’s the good news: You need to learn the most common ones. In other words, what people use most of the time.

So, let’s learn some common phrasal verbs with the verb TAKE:

1. Take After somebody

To resemble a parent (looks or behavior)

“I take after my mother so much that people think we are sisters.”

2. Take something Apart

It means to disassemble or to separate the parts of something so that they are not together.

“I’m going to have to take apart the remote control to clean it well.”

3. Take something Back

This phrasal verb means to say that you don’t really mean what you’ve said or written.

“I take it back. You’re not the worst person I’ve ever met. But you are the second-worst person I know.”

4. Take Down

It means to separate the pieces of a structure or write something down.

Examples:

“We’ll have to take down the cupboard if we want to paint the walls.”

“I’ve been trying to get back to you, but I took your number down incorrectly.”

5. Take On

It means to accept a job, responsibility, or to hire somebody.

Examples:

“I can’t take on any more responsibilities; I’m too overstressed.”

“By the end of the year, we plan to take on 100 more people in our company.”

6. Take over

It means to gain control.

Examples:

“My boss told me to take over the project because my colleague was inefficient.”

“When my father retired, my brother took over the business.”

7. Take somebody Up on something

This phrasal verb means to accept an offer.

Example:

“-You’re always welcome to visit us.”

“-Thank you, I’ll take you up on that the next time I come to Vienna.”

Ok, so today, we have learned some phrasal verbs with the verb take.

My advice is to learn phrasal verbs in context and never memorize them, especially because many of them have several meanings.

[END OF THE EXTRACT]

Get the FULL-TEXT in PDF here.

#173 English Phrasal Verbs with GIVE Jun 04, 2021

Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively.

Transcript:

Hi, I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. And I am here to help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks.

Today we are going to talk about phrasal verbs with the verb give. Many of you have asked for a new phrasal verbs episode, so I am sure that you are excited about it. Apparently, everyone wants to learn new phrasal verbs.

And with mini-story, you will improve your fluency. I will ask you many questions that you will need to answer right away. It’s like speaking English with another person.

But before I get started, I wanted to thank you for listening to my podcast. It’s been over four years since I released the first episode, and since then, I’ve received a lot of support.

And because I want you to learn English 3 times faster, I have created a video course. Visit my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my video course for FREE.

Ok, let’s get started!

#1 To give something away

It means to give something for free as a gift or donation.

Examples:

“They give away a free chocolate bar for every $100 you spend in the supermarket.”

“Tina gave her old clothes away when she lost weight.”

#2 To give oneself or somebody else away

It means to show where somebody is or what they are doing when they are trying to keep this a secret. Or to unintentionally reveal something about yourself that you don’t want anyone to know. In short, to give somebody away means to betray them.

Examples:

“Mia smiled, but her voice gave her away.”

“Tom gave away classified information to the competition.”

#3 To give in

It means to accept that you are defeated, to surrender. Or, in some cases, to give in means to finally agree to what someone wants after refusing for some time.

Examples:

“After being surrounded, the enemy gave in.”

“My son insisted so much that I buy a cell phone, I finally gave in.”

#4 To give out

We use this phrasal verb to say that something stops working correctly or becomes weak.

Examples:

“After running for 30 minutes, my legs finally gave out.”

“The students wouldn’t listen, so his patience finally gave out.”

#5 To give something over to somebody

It means to give responsibility for something to somebody.

Examples:

“Our boss gave most of his work over to his assistant.”

“The assistant gave herself over completely to her work.”

#6 To give up

This phrasal verb means to stop trying to do something, to surrender.

Examples:

“Because of health problems, he was forced to give up his job.”

“Everybody knows my mom never gives up.”

#7 To give somebody up

It means to allow someone to be captured by the police.

Or surrender oneself to the police.

Examples:

“When he was surrounded, the criminal gave himself up.”

“The private detective gave the criminal up to the police.”

“She remorsefully gave herself up to the police.”

Let’s listen to the phrasal verbs we learned today:

Give something away

Give someone away

Give in

Give out

Give up

Give somebody up

Give something over to somebody

Get the FULL TEXT here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

#172 Getting Back to Normal after the Pandemic May 28, 2021

Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively.

Transcript:

Hi, everyone! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks.

Today let’s talk about how the lockdown has affected the way we interact with other people.

Are we ready to get back to normal after the pandemic?

And with a point of view lesson, you will learn grammar in context without memorizing any boring rules. I’ll tell you a story

twice from different grammar points. I can change the tense or the person. And like that, you will learn grammar in context.

Please, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com to get the transcript. It’s free.

After a year of living practically on the couch

eating takeout while watching series on Netflix, maybe you should consider whether you’re turning into a hermit.

Takeout is prepared food packaged to be consumed away from its place of sale.

So, what’s a hermit?

A hermit retires from society and lives in solitude, usually for religious reasons.

And after a year without leaving the house, many people are in danger of becoming hermits.

Although when someone lives alone and deliberately avoids other people, we call that person a recluse.

I’ve always been an extrovert. But being stuck at home for so long, with no contact other than my family, is becoming a bit of an issue.

And you know, I was certain that extroverted people would have a tough time during the lockdown. But it turns out that even people who were never at home are finding any excuse not to leave the house.

It seems that we have adjusted to this new lifestyle, and it’s going to be hard to get back to normal.

And how about getting back to work?

In my opinion, the pandemic killed the traditional workplace, and I am curious how companies will deal with this situation.

And I have a feeling that remote work can be mutually beneficial. Because according to one study, telecommuters work 1.4 days more per month, and that’s more than three additional workweeks per year.

And let’s face it, while working in the office has some advantages, like meeting new people, very few employees want to go back to the office.

What about you?

How do you feel about all this? Do you want to get back to the office, or do you prefer to stay at home and work remotely?

Before I move on to the next section, go and get the transcript of this episode at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#171 Different Ways to  Greet Someone  in English May 21, 2021

Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively.

Transcript:

When was the last time you saw people shaking hands? I can’t remember either, maybe in a movie.

Hi, I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. And I am here to help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks.

Today, I will talk about different ways to greet someone while avoiding physical contact as much as possible.

And with mini-story, you will improve your fluency. I will ask you many questions that you will need to answer right away. It’s like speaking English with another person.

The situation has changed quite a bit since last year. It has impacted the way we interact with other people drastically.

Nowadays, instead of shaking hands, we tend to wave from a distance.

Today we will look at some ways of saying hello that have become popular over the last year.

Let’s start!

1. Elbow bump.

The idea is to use your elbow to touch the other person’s elbow. The elbow is the joint we have in the middle of each arm.

I consider this kind of greeting a bit absurd since you end up making physical contact in another way, but you avoid contact with your hands.

However, it is easy to touch your elbows with your hands. For example, you might touch your elbows when crossing your arms. So, it’s better not to have any contact at all.

2. Saying hello with your feet.

Yes. I’ve seen some people use their feet to say hello. And it looks strange, but the first time I saw it, I thought it was hilarious. The idea is to make each other’s feet collide.

I guess it’s safer than the elbow bump, but it requires some skill to stay balanced.

For a couple of seconds, you need to stand on one foot. So perhaps for older people, it’s not the best idea.

3. High five from a distance.

See, this seems more logical to me. You raise your right hand and pretend you are high-fiving. There is no contact whatsoever.

However, imagine you will greet someone, and you high-five in the air, but the other person doesn’t and stares at what you’re doing. It’s a bit embarrassing.

4. Military-style salute.

As you can imagine, it is the typical salute that militaries give. Although we do it in a more relaxed and less abrupt way.

When I greet someone on the street, I raise my hand and say, “hello.” I do it quickly, and it’s more natural that way. I don’t like the elbow or foot greeting.

Before I move on to the next section, go and get the transcript of this episode at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Do you know how you can help me? You can share the podcast with your friends and family. And tell them to go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com to get my free mini-course. That would mean a lot to me. Thanks.

#170 Video Conference Vocabulary in English May 14, 2021

Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively.

Transcript:

Hi, everyone! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks.

In this episode:

I will talk about video conferencing apps and the most common vocabulary and expressions used in English.

Then, with a short point of view lesson, you will practice grammar in context. There’s no need to memorize anything, don’t worry.

Before we start, make sure you get the transcript of this episode at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

As you know, the Internet allows us to communicate very easily.

With the current situation, working from home has become customary. Teleworking is when you work from an off-site location using the Internet.

And of course, to be able to communicate, we have to do it through dedicated apps like Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet, Skype, etc.

Let’s see some vocabulary related to apps for video conferences. I will use the expressions from the Zoom app, but they are more or less similar to any platform:

Well, to use the Zoom app, you need an account. Usually, you visit the website and create a new account. Then you download the app to your computer or smartphone. You install it and run it. All you have to do is follow the instructions. Usually, you enter your username and password and follow the instructions. Sometimes it is necessary to select the audio and camera, but only the first time.

The environment where people meet is usually called a videoconference room, or simply a room. Sometimes it’s also called a meeting.

Okay, now you have everything set up. You need to join a meeting, but before that, you need an invitation. The invitation is only a link, and when you click on it, you can join the meeting. Other times the host will give you a number and password instead of a link.

By the way, we call the people who attend Zoom meetings attendees or participants.

You also have the option to host a meeting. This implies that you create the meeting and that you invite people to access the room. As a host, you have special permissions to control the other attendees. We can say that the host controls everything. The host usually sends an invitation to the others by email.

Okay, so imagine you are in a meeting. You have to take into account two very important options. First, you have to learn how to turn audio and video on or off. It is very common to start talking and have the audio turned off. An even worse situation is to leave the audio on and make noises or say something inappropriate.

You also have the option of typing text in the chat. If you are shy, this is the best option.

Well, finally, when we want to leave, don’t forget to exit the meeting!

So, we’ve learned quite a bit of specific vocabulary. You are now an expert in group videoconferencing 🙂

Remember that on my website speakenglishpodcast.com you can subscribe to my FREE mini-course and find out how you can learn English 3 times faster.

Do you know how you can help me?

You can support this podcast by sharing it with your friends and rating it with five stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

Get the full transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#169 Movie expressions and vocabulary  in English part2 May 07, 2021

Hi, everyone! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today we are going to continue to talk about idioms and specific vocabulary related to movies in English.

And with a point of view lesson, you will learn grammar in context without memorizing any boring rules. I’ll tell you a story

twice from different grammar points. I can change the tense or the person. And like that, you will learn grammar in context.

Please, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com to get the transcript of today’s episode.

Before we start, let’s remember the 5 expressions you learned in the last episode.

Get the show on the road

Means to begin an activity or journey.

To kick off a show, or kickoff

To kick off a show means to start a performance or the first performance among many others.

Popcorn movie It’s a movie to watch just for entertainment.

Live up to the hype

If a movie lives up to the hype, it is as good as the public anticipates.

Sell outIf tickets are sold out, it means that all available tickets for a movie, concert, etc., have been sold.

Now let’s learn some new vocabulary and expressions:

1. To make a clown of yourself

Clowns are usually funny and entertaining people who do all sorts of things to make people laugh.

I’m scared of clowns, and I’m sure many other people are too. So, if you make a fool of yourself, you’re doing something that makes people laugh without meaning to.

It means you make a mistake that makes people laugh, maybe you stutter or even forget what you were going to say.

So, we use this expression when someone appears foolish or someone who knows very little.

Examples:

1. Jack was so worried about making a clown of himself, he got so nervous that he ended up calling off his performance.

To call off means to cancel an event or agreement.

“He should not have tried to call his ex, he made a clown of himself.“

2. To be in the limelight

The expression to be in the limelight

comes from an old practice from the theater scene. Limelight was a bright white light made by heating oxygen and hydrogen and placing a piece of lime into it. It was used for stage lighting.

But what does it mean?

If you are in the limelight, you are in the public eye. Therefore, people will be interested in your personal life.

They will want to know who you hang out with and what you do in your free time. As a result, the paparazzi and reporters are likely to surround you often.

Examples:

“Tom tried avoiding the press as much as possible, but he was in the limelight all the time because of his new blockbuster movie.”

“Many people love being in the limelight, but I get nervous on stage.”

3. To crave the limelight

Well, we have already seen what it means to be in the limelight, but let’s find out what it means to crave the limelight.

To crave something means to feel a strong desire for something or someone.

Therefore, if you crave the limelight, it means that you really like to be the center of attention.

Celebrities, politicians, but also regular people sometimes crave the limelight.

Example:

“My friend wasn’t a person who craved the limelight until her book became a bestseller. That’s when she got used to the attention.”

4. Break a leg

This expression comes from the world of theater. Actors were superstitious because they believed that saying “good luck” would actually bring them bad luck, so people started using the expression “break a leg” instead.

Examples:

“Break a leg!” I shouted to my sister before the beginning of the play.

“You’re so talented you don’t need luck but make sure you break a leg!”

Ok, that’s it for today, but let’s first go over the expression we have learned today.

To make a clown of yourself
To be in the limelight

3. To crave the limelight

4. Break a leg

Before I move on to the next section, go and get the transcript of this episode at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Do you know how you can help me? You can support this podcast by sharing it with your friends and rating it with five stars.

Click here to learn how to rate the podcast with 5 stars on the Podcasts app.

#168 Movie idioms and expressions in English Apr 30, 2021

Hi, everyone! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today we are going to talk about idioms and specific vocabulary related to movies in English.

And with a mini-story, you are going to improve your fluency. I'll tell you a story while asking you many questions that you have to answer right away. It's like talking to another person in English.

Please, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com to get the transcript of today's episode. And follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Let's get started!

As I said today, we will look at some specific words and idioms related to movies in English.

Let's start!

1. Get the show on the road

When someone tells you to get the show on the road, they urge you to start doing something. They want you to start, even if there are some mistakes and things that hinder your progress.

Examples:

"Let's get the show on the road, or we'll be late."

"We're finally ready to get the show on the road."

"It's about time we got the show on the road!"

"Come on, the fans are waiting outside, and we must get the show on the road!"

2. To kick off a show, or kickoff

In show business, to kick off a show means to start a performance. We also use this expression to refer to the first performance among many.

A kickoff celebration is a party that celebrates the beginning of something. You can simply call this party a kickoff.

Examples:

"The advertising campaign is ready to kick off the show."

"Kickoff will be at 10 o'clock prompt."

"Tom is coming to the kickoff tonight."

3. Popcorn movie

Do you enjoy eating popcorn?

But what's a popcorn movie?

When you want to watch a movie just for entertainment, you will usually watch a popcorn movie. Although they are called popcorn movies, you don't necessarily need to eat popcorn while watching them.

Let's say that this kind of movie will not give you a new perspective on life. Many of the summer blockbusters are popcorn movies, and the great thing is that you can watch them with friends or family.

A blockbuster is a very successful product like a movie or a book that makes a lot of money.

For instance, a Hollywood studio releases many movies in search of a blockbuster.

Here are some popular popcorn movies you have already watched:

Transformers (2007), Spider-Man (2002), Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), Mission: Impossible (1996), Forrest Gump (1994), Batman Begins (2005), The Fast and the Furious (2001), etc.

4. Live up to the hype

If a movie or a show is up to the hype, it means there is enough interest in it. Movie critics and bloggers become excited about something by generating a lot of buzz or hype.

Generally speaking, it's hard to live up to the hype, but the best movies can generate many expectations before they are released.

Examples:

"I watched that movie you recommended last week, and it definitely lived up to the hype. I loved it!

"I am happy to say that your performance lived up to the hype."

5. Sell out

We can use the expression to sell out in several ways.

But if tickets are sold out, it means that all available tickets for a movie, concert, etc., have been sold.

And also when we want to buy something in a store or on the Internet. If they are sold out, they are no longer available.

Examples:

"We sold out all the movie tickets in the first couple of hours."

"My favorite T-shirt sold out everywhere."

Before we continue, I want to give you a useful tip on how to understand movies in English.

First of all, you should keep in mind that movies are meant for native speakers and are full of expressions and phrasal verbs. And yes, actors usually talk fast. And the reason they speak so fast is that they have memorized their lines.

I believe that the biggest problem English students have is that they don't listen enough. First you have to build a good foundation by listening to many hours of content with clear audio and good pronunciation. Over time, understanding movies will become easier.

Before I move on to the next section, go and get the transcript of this episode at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

#167 New English Words added to the dictionary - part2 Apr 22, 2021

Hi, everyone! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Last week we started to learn some words like YouTuber, to Facebook, to Skype, etc. Today, we will learn some new English words added to the dictionary in the last decade.

You'll also improve your English grammar in context with a point of view lesson, like that you won't have to memorize any boring rules.

Before I get started, remember to get the transcript at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

It's free!

This way, you listen and read at the same time if you find it necessary.

Let's get started!

As I said today, we will continue learning some more of the English words added to the dictionary in the last decade.

Let's start with the first word:

1. Crowdfunding

Introduced in June 2015.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, crowdfunding is the practice of financing a project or venture by raising money from many people who contribute a relatively small amount, usually through the Internet.

For example, a music band can use crowdfunding to produce their next album. They can ask fans to contribute $10 to the project. And in return, they will receive a copy of the album when it's ready. 2. E-bike

Introduced in June 2019.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, an e-bike is an electric bicycle.

E-bikes are a great idea because it allows people to commute without getting to work sweaty, and you can take longer rides.

3. Router

Introduced in March 2011.

What's a router?

A router is a device that allows communication between the local home network - like the computers, smartphones, tablets, printers, etc.- and the Internet.

Every time we have internet problems, we reboot the router. It is also advisable to place the router as high up as possible and make sure no objects are too close to the device.

4. Kombucha (kuhm-boo-chuh)

Introduced in June 2013.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, kombucha is a beverage produced by fermenting sweet tea with a culture of yeast and bacteria.

I must confess that I haven't tried this beverage yet. But I've been told it's great for digestion so, maybe I'll give it a try in the near future.

5. Cyber-

Introduced in December 2010.

"Cyber" is a word we use to describe a person, thing or idea that is part of the computer and information age. Here are some examples: cyberculture, cyberpunk, cyberspace, cyber sales, cyber economy, cyberattack.

6. CD

Introduced in March 2012.

CD means several things, but one of the international use is a Compact Disc.

I realized that CDs were no longer relevant ten years ago when I bought a MAC computer. At that time, Apple stopped making computers with a CD player.

So, I had to buy a separate CD player from Amazon. I'm curious if you still have CDs at home.

That's it for now. Let's continue with a fun point of view lesson.

But before we do that, remember to get the transcript at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com.

It's completely free!

Do you know how you can help me? You can share the podcast with your friends and family. Tell them to go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my free mini-course.

That would mean a lot to me. Thanks.

Let's move on to the next section.

I'll tell you a short story more than one time. Every time, I'll change a grammar point. I can change the tense or the person. This way, you'll notice the changes in context.

Let's start!

First, we'll listen to the story in the third person in the past tense:

Tom started an online business on a low budget. He had an old laptop and was experiencing constant Internet cuts. His router was practically obsolete, so he needed a new one, yet he couldn't afford it.

Additionally, Tom was afraid of losing some of his most important documents, so he stored them on a CD.

Certainly, the cyber world was becoming frustrating, so Tom had to disconnect for a few hours.

So, he took his e-bike and rode around the city. After a while, he spotted a mysterious café.

He went inside and ordered a new drink called kombucha. After drinking this beverage, Tom wanted to move to a tropical island and drink kombucha all day and every day.

Since he had no money, he initiated a crowdfunding campaign explaining how he wanted to move to an island.

Surprisingly, he raised $1 million in one day.

So, Tom now lives on a tropical island, and all he does is drink kombucha.

Let's listen to the story one more time in the first person in the future tense.

I'm Tom, and I'm thinking of starting an online business on a low budget. I imagine that I will have an old laptop and will experience constant Internet cuts. My router will be practically obsolete, so I'll need a new one, but I won't be able to afford it.

I will be afraid of losing some of my most important documents so that I will save them on a CD.

Surely, the cyber world will become frustrating, and I will have to disconnect for a few hours.

I'll take my e-bike and go for a ride around the city. After a while, I'll spot a mysterious coffee shop.

I will walk in and order a new drink called kombucha. After drinking this beverage, I will want to move to a tropical island and drink kombucha all day and every day.

But first, I will need some money. So, I will start a crowdfunding campaign explaining how I want to move to an island.

Surprisingly, I will raise a million dollars in one day.

So, I will live on a tropical island, and all I will do is drink kombucha.

Ok, it’s the end of this short lesson. As you can see, just by changing a point of view of the story, you can learn grammar intuitively.

It is one of the techniques that I use in my premium courses. I recommend you to take a look at: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/courses

#166 Popular words in English added to the dictionary Apr 15, 2021

Hi, everyone! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today we are going to look at some trendy words. These words have been added to the dictionary in the last decade.

And with a mini-story, you are going to improve your fluency. I'll tell you a story while asking you many questions that you have to answer right away. It's like talking to another person in English.

Please, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com to get the transcript of today's episode. And follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.

Let's get started!

As I said today, we will look at some words added to the dictionary in the last decade. These are trendy words, and I'm sure most of them sound familiar to you.

Let's start with the first word:

1. Jeggings

The word was introduced into the dictionary in 2015.

Jeggings are a blend of jeans and leggings.

When they first came out, I was fascinated by these pants. They are the most comfortable thing ever in my opinion, and yet they look so much like jeans.

2. YouTuber

The term was introduced into the dictionary in 2016.

YouTube appeared in 2005 and since then, millions of people have been uploading videos on the platform on a regular basis.

I started creating weekly videos in 2012, but it wasn't until 2016 that the word was added to the dictionary.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, a YouTuber is a person who uploads, produces, or appears in videos on YouTube.

3. LOL

The word was introduced into the dictionary in 2011.

Though this word is still popular, we have actually been using it for many years.

So what's LOL? It's an abbreviation of laughing out loud or laugh out loud.

The word abbreviation means a shortened form of a word or phrase.

4. Facebook

The term was introduced into the dictionary in 2018.

Did you know that we have used Facebook so many times that the verb to facebook has emerged?

So “to facebook” means to spend time using the social media website or app Facebook.

5. Skype

The word was introduced into the dictionary in 2014.

Before other apps like Zoom or FaceTime existed, Skype was the most popular app on the Internet for video calls.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, to skype means to have a spoken conversation with (someone) over the Internet using Skype, typically also viewing by webcam.

Get the transcript here: SpeakEnglishpodcast.com

#165 Easter in the USA -ESL Apr 05, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today I'll talk about something more festive.

I'll talk about Easter and how Americans celebrate this holiday.

And with a fun mini-story, you'll improve your English fluency by answering many questions in English.

Before we get started, I just wanted to say hi if you are new here.

And if you are a long-time listener, I want to thank you for supporting this show by sharing it with your friends and family.

Ok, let’s start!

Whenever Easter comes, everywhere I go, I see chocolate eggs and Easter bunny cakes.

But what do we celebrate on Easter?

Easter is a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The New Testament describes the resurrection occurring on the third day after his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans on Calvary around 30 AD.

Americans spend this holiday with friends and family, and some attend special services held in churches on Easter.

And while not all Americans observe the holiday from a spiritual point of view, Easter is certainly one of the most celebrated holidays in the States.

And if there's one thing people love doing during the holidays, it's eating. Let's take a look at the 3 most popular dishes at Easter.

Hot Cross Buns

These are typical Easter food. It is a sweet bread seasoned with nutmeg, flavored with currants and apricots, and covered with a lemon glaze.

Stuffed Leg of Lamb

Americans also enjoy a stuffed leg of lamb. A delicious recipe, yet very easy to make. With parsley, garlic, bacon, and red wine.

Honey Butter Ham

Another very representative dish for this holiday is the honey butter ham. This recipe is simple and is prepared in the oven or a slow cooker.

And how about the colored eggs and the Easter Bunny tradition?

Typically, people start dying hard-boiled eggs in a variety of colors the night before Easter Sunday. These eggs are left for the Easter Bunny on Saturday night. The Bunny comes and hides them all over the house. So when the children wake up on Easter Sunday, they get excited looking for the eggs and the Easter baskets filled with goodies.

The idea of the Easter Bunny giving candy and eggs is said to have originated in Germany during the Middle Ages. Pennsylvania Dutch settlers brought the rabbit to the United States in the 18th century.

Another fun fact about the Easter holiday is that Easter and Halloween often compete for the highest candy sales every year. In some years, Americans buy more candy the week before Easter than the week before Halloween.

How interesting. Right?

Read the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

#164 Different Types of Doctors in English - part2 Mar 31, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

This week we are going to continue talking about the different types of doctors in English. And with a fun mini-story, you will effectively improve your English fluency.

Before we get started, make sure you get the transcript on my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Ok, let's start!

Last week we started talking about the different types of doctors in English. We saw that a general practitioner or family doctor treats common health problems.

We also learned that an optometrist is an eye doctor and that a dentist treats teeth and gums' problems.

Now let's continue learning the different types of doctors in English.

1) When we have skin, hair, or nail-related problems, we visit a dermatologist. If you have nasty red rashes on your body, quickly make an appointment with a dermatologist. So a dermatologist is a doctor who treats problems related to skin, nails, and hair.

Nowadays, more and more people choose to see a dermatologist whenever they have a skin condition such as acne, sensitive skin, a rash, etc.

It is always better to trust a specialist and not to experiment on our skin.

2) If you have children, you should take them to a pediatrician. A pediatrician's office is always very colorful and a very child-friendly environment. Therefore, pediatricians are physicians who take care of infants, toddlers, children, and teenagers.

3) What if you have a broken heart? Do you make an appointment to see a cardiologist? Unfortunately, a cardiologist can't fix your broken heart. But they will cure any cardiovascular disease. A cardiologist is a heart doctor.

4) And if you have an accident, you must see an orthopedic surgeon. An orthopedic surgeon deals with the skeletal system. Any broken leg or broken bone or anything that's wrong with your skeletal system, an orthopedic surgeon is going to fix it for you.

As people get older, they have many problems in their knees or their hands or even arthritis. So all of these things are taken care of by an orthopedic surgeon.

5) If you are a woman, you need to see a doctor who focuses on the female reproductive organs from time to time. We call this type of doctor a gynecologist.

There is also the obstetrician who works in a particular area of gynecology that focuses on childbirth.

6) What if you are a man? Do you also go to see a gynecologist?

No. No. Only women go to a gynecologist.

Men should see a urologist. A urologist is a doctor who deals with urinary tract infections or urinary problems. A urologist deals with the male reproductive system or male reproductive organs.

So if you have any problems with the urinary tract or the male reproductive system, you see a urologist.

7) There is another type of doctor called a neurologist. A neurologist is

a doctor who studies and treats diseases of the nerves.

While the doctor who performs surgery on the human brain is called a neurosurgeon.

So a neurologist is a doctor who deals with any nerve-related problem. But if you have brain surgery, you go to a neurosurgeon.

Well, these are the types of doctors or physicians we have here. There are a large number of doctors, so I've picked the most common ones.

Read the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

#163 Different Types of Doctors in English Mar 25, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

This episode is going to be interesting because we will talk about doctors in English. And I'll tell you about a surgery I had last week.

You'll also improve your English grammar without memorizing any boring rules.

Before I get started, remember to get the transcript at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

This way, you listen and read at the same time if you find it necessary.

Let's start.

Today I would like to tell you a bit about my experience of having to undergo surgery for the first time.

Although you probably didn’t notice my absence last week, I was in the hospital for a few days after having gallbladder surgery.

I always had difficulty eating some foods, and I didn't know why. Finally, after many tests, the doctor told me he had good news and bad news. I wanted to know good news first. The good news was that he had found the cause of my digestive problems. I had gallstones in my gallbladder. And the bad news was that I had to have my gallbladder removed altogether.

But I was looking forward to the surgery. And since I wanted to avoid getting overly nervous before the procedure, I decided to concentrate on work. I doubled my workload before the surgery so that you wouldn't miss any of my weekly episodes.

And on the day of the surgical procedure, I packed a suitcase with all the things I thought I needed while in the hospital. It is always wise to be prepared. But in the end, I didn't need much of it because I spent most of the time sleeping.

Now I’m happy to be back home.

The intervention was a success, and I feel great, I was even able to start working on a new episode.

But enough about me, let's talk about the different types of doctors in English.

Let's start with the general practitioner. What’s a general practitioner?

If you have a health problem, you usually go to a general practitioner. For example, if you have a cold or a stomach ache, you see a general practitioner.

We also call this type of physician a family doctor.

What if you have a terrible toothache? Do you go to your family doctor? Of course not. In that case, you should make an appointment with a reputable dentist as soon as possible.

I know many of you don’t like going to the dentist, but I have a visit every six months, and that helps to prevent major complications.

So a dentist is a doctor who treats problems related to teeth and gums.

Well, what if you have a problem with your vision? What do you do? If you have a problem with your eyesight, an eye infection, or anything related to your eyes, you should see an optometrist. An optometrist is an eye doctor.

Get the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

#162 Learning English with Riddles part #2 ESL Mar 16, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today we are going to learn English in a fun way.

You will learn new English vocabulary through fun riddles.

I will introduce you to some popular riddles and ask you to guess the correct answer. If you don't know what a riddle is, don't worry because I'll explain it to you.

And with a point of view lesson, you will learn grammar without memorizing any boring rules.

Many of you send me messages telling me that you listen to my podcast in the car, walking, or doing other things. That's great because you are incorporating learning into your lifestyle, not the other way around. That way, you spend more time listening and learning. The idea is always to accumulate many hours of listening for you to internalize the language.

By the way, it would make me very happy if you shared my website with your friends. Tell them to go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my free mini-course.

All right. In today's episode, you will improve your English in a fun way with some fun riddles. You'll have to guess the answer to each riddle. Are you up for it? Don't worry; they're not complicated.

Come on, it's gonna be fun :)

But first, what's a riddle?

A riddle is a type of poem that works like a puzzle.

They describe something and sometimes use words with double meanings.

First, I'll tell you a riddle, and then I'll wait 10 seconds to give you time to answer. But don't worry. If you need more time, you can pause the audio.

Get the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

#161 English Vocabulary - Vegetables in Urban Gardens ESL Mar 11, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

In today’s episode

– I’m going to tell you how you can get vegetables without going to the supermarket. And I’m not talking about magic 🙂

– In the second part, you will learn grammar without memorizing any boring rules.

Are you a new listener? I recommend that you get my free video course at speakenglishpodcast.com. You will learn how to acquire more vocabulary, how to learn grammar but without memorizing anything, how to learn deeply, how to speak automatically and how to maintain yourself motivated in the long run.

Very well. Let’s start!

Some things only happen in cities. Interesting things. One of them is urban gardens,

If you have an urban garden, you can grow your own veggies if you live in a city.

I’m talking about tomatoes, celery, broccoli, etc. It is an exciting option if you do not want to buy them directly from the supermarket or if you want to make sure that the vegetables are pesticides free.

Urban gardens appeared as a fad, but the truth is that they are consolidating in many cities. A good phrase to use in this case is: “they are here to stay”. That is, it is not just a fad.

Where can we find these gardens? Locations vary. For example, there are large gardens in the suburbs of many cities. These are family gardens that produce all kinds of veggies.

We can also find urban garden projects in schools, where they have an educational function. I find it very helpful for children to understand that tomatoes are not “manufactured” in the supermarket but rather grown in the soil.

On the other hand, many apartments have a terrace, and people have some vegetables in small earthen containers. Some take advantage of the rooftop. There is usually quite a lot of space available.

I guess in general you can save money, but it’s easy to overspend. You need tools, fertilizers, seeds, substrates… and a lot of patience. In any case, it’s an outdoor hobby that is usually rewarding.

However, there are some disadvantages. The most important is that the contamination affects the plants. All contaminating particles fall on the surfaces. Many of them are metals such as lead, mercury, or cadmium. And I don’t believe anyone likes the idea of eating a tomato with these kinds of metals in it.

Then there is the expense of the water, which can be significant. Nowadays, the water bill can go up quite a bit because there are more and more taxes.

So… Would you like to have an urban garden? If you already have one, you can tell me about it in the comments section.

Read the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

#160 Learning English with Riddles ESL Mar 04, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today you are going to learn English in a fun way.

You will learn new English vocabulary through fun riddles.

And with a mini-story, you will improve your fluency by answering lots of questions.

Let’s start!

One thing is clear. You want to become fluent in English. That's why it's a great idea to get to know the typical expressions and riddles.

Riddles often make us laugh out loud. Everyone knows that laughter is healthy because it relaxes the brain and body, helps us release stress, and promotes positive mental health. This way you will learn English more easily.

So I'm going to start telling you some riddles.

First, I'll tell you the riddle, and then I'll wait 10 seconds to give you time to answer. But don't worry. If you need more time, you can pause the audio.

Remember that on my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com you will find the transcript of this episode.

Let's start!

Think about it,

1) What has to be broken before you can use it?

I'll give you a hint. It's something to eat.

Answer: An egg.

Yes, of course, it's an egg, I don't know about you, but I always remove the eggshell before eating it.

Let's continue.

2. I'm tall when I'm young, and I'm short when I'm old. What am I?

I'll give you a hint. It's something you can see in the dark.

Answer: A candle.

Yes, of course, it is a candle; as the candle burns, it gets shorter. Although this also happens with people. We also as lose height as we get older.

3. What month of the year has 28 days?

Answer: All of them

That's right; all months have at least 28 days. Although in a leap year, the extra day is added to the end of February, making it 29 days instead of 28.

4. What is full of holes but still holds water?

Answer: A sponge

If there is a hole in a glass or bucket, the water comes out, but the sponge will absorb the water even though it has holes in it.

5. What can you break, even if you never pick it up or touch it?

Answer: A promise.

In English, we keep or break a promise. If you don't keep your promise, you break it.

Read the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

#159 English pronunciation practice - Difficult words Feb 25, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today we will practice some of the most difficult words to pronounce in English.

Words that start with "th" as in this or that and words that end in "ly" as in constantly or definitely." And with a mini-story, you will improve your fluency.

English pronunciation can be a big problem for some English students. And their native language determines, for the most part, what types of difficulties students will have.

However, most English students worldwide find it difficult to pronounce words that start with "th."

"th" is one of the hardest sounds to pronounce.

And we pronounce it in three different ways:

as /ð/ as in this, that, these, those, they or them.

As the voiceless /θ/ as in three, thing, thought.

Some students often say "dat" instead of that.

- but we also pronounce it as a /t/ as in Thai.

I've asked my students what words they found difficult and many of them were words beginning with "th."

Thought, through, three, threaten, throughout, theft.

I will give an example for each word but first, let's pronounce them one by one.

Listen and repeat.

Thought, through, three, threaten, throughout, theft.

Examples:

"I never thought my wish could one day come true."
"Through repetition, you will improve your English fluency."
"I had three exams last week and passed all of them."
"They tried to threaten to take away my scholarship, but in the end, they had a change of heart."
You have always been by my side, especially throughout the difficult times.
"They were put in prison for theft."

Read the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

#158 How to LISTEN more in English? ESL Feb 17, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today I will tell you how to train your brain to listen more in English.

And with a fun mini-story, you will improve your English fluency.

Nowadays, we are very used to watching content on the Internet. There is a wide variety of materials.

And when it comes to learning English, it is no exception, so I understand that you can feel overwhelmed by so many possibilities.

That's why I'm here, to give you clarity and to help you speak English in a very short time and with a very efficient method.

While most teachers switch from audio to video, I have done the opposite.

There are several reasons why I have stopped making videos regularly. I've started making videos a decade ago. Meanwhile, I was teaching English one on one to students from all over the world and of all ages.

That's how I came up with the best method to learn English.

I noticed that when my students were listening to simple audio repeatedly, they were learning faster, and their listening and speech improved.

I've realized that many students learn with their eyes and not with their ears. Listening was a greater challenge than reading for many.

If you want to understand a language better, you need to train your brain to listen more.

Another aspect that has helped me understand what my students really need was the fact that I'm a polyglot.

I've started learning several languages when I was a kid, by using different techniques. For me, the most effective way to learn a language was to learn by listening.

With my podcast, you will improve your listening and comprehension, especially if you listen repeatedly.

Most students think that the more variety, the better.

So what they usually do is listen to an audio once or twice and then change to something else.

Well, variety is useful, but what you want is to consolidate what you listen to; if you want to train your brain to listen, the most effective way to achieve this is through repetition.

For example, you can use one of my podcast episodes. I recommend that you listen to every episode several times to consolidate the content.

I provide a transcript for each episode, so after listening to an episode a few times, get the transcript and read it at the same time.

Another excellent way to improve your English is by using my premium courses.

Get the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

#157 Valentine’s Day in the United States (rep) Feb 10, 2021

Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively.

Transcript:

Happy Valentine's Day, everybody! I am Georgiana, founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

In today’s episode, I will talk about Valentine’s Day in the United States. And with a mini-story, you will improve your English speaking.

Remember! You can get the transcript at speakenglishpodcast.com.

Ok. Let’s get started!

Although it is a very commercial holiday, Valentine's Day has a fascinating history that goes back to ancient Rome! In the United States and other parts of the world, people celebrate February 14 by giving away candy hearts and red roses.

Historians believe that Valentine's Day originated in ancient Rome as a pagan fertility festival.

But despite its origins, in 1300, it officially became a holiday associated with love and romance.

The Roman Pope officially declared February 14, "Valentine's Day." It was then associated with love because many believed that birds began their mating season on February 14.

There was more than one St. Valentine.

There have been multiple St. Valentines throughout history, like a bishop and a pope.

But the most common one was the one who challenged Emperor Claudius II.

Back then, Claudius had forbidden marriage because he thought it would distract young soldiers.

However, Valentine disapproved, so he illegally married couples until he was captured.

After he was convicted, young couples would visit his cell and give him flowers and cards. It’s said that he died on February 14.

Let’s see how Americans celebrate Valentine’s Day nowadays.

Since 1840 sending cards became a tradition and Americans send out 145 million Valentine's Day cards every year.

Americans spend a lot of money on Valentine’s Day

About 50% of Americans celebrate Valentine's Day and spend about $19 billion a year, and over $2 billion on candy alone. That’s a lot of money, right?

But do you know where most of the money goes?

Americans spend almost 5 billion dollars on jewelry on Valentine's Day!

They also spend more than $3.7 billion on going out at night, followed by flowers, clothes, and candy.

Ok. Now let’s get a bit romantic.

Nearly 6 million couples get engaged on Valentine's Day.

[END of EXTRACT]

Get the transcript at: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

#156 How to pronounce vowels in American English? ESL Feb 04, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today we will talk about how to pronounce vowels in English. And with a fun point of view story you will improve your grammar.

The truth is that vowels in English always represent a particular difficulty for many students.

But don't worry because there is a self-evident reason why this happens.

It turns out that in English, we have six vowel letters represented by the letters a, e, i, o, and u and fifteen vowel sounds.

Fifteen vowel sounds?

Yes. You see that's the real problem.

In English, we don't read vowels as they are written, simply because the same vowel letter can be pronounced in different ways.

For example, we can pronounce vowel A in seven different ways.

Amazing, right?

We divide vowel sounds into three different categories:

Long vowels (we pronounce the long vowels the same as the letter.)

These are the long vowel sounds in American English:

A /eɪ/, E /i/, I /ɑɪ/, O /oʊ/, U /yu/.

Examples:

Steak / steɪk /

Sleep / slip /

Bike / baɪk /

Home / hoʊm /

Cute / kyut /

Short vowels (have the most common sound for a single vowel spelling.)

Examples:

cat /kæt/

bed /bɛd/

sit /sɪt/ top /tɑp/

sun /sʌn/

Other vowels (the remaining vowel sounds)

other u /ʊ/ Put /pʊt/

oo sound /u/ soon /sun/

aw sound /ɔ/ dog /dɔg/

oi sound /ɔɪ/ join /ʤɔɪn/

ow sound /aʊ/. down /daʊn/

Ok, let’s continue.

I want to talk about the schwa (ə) sound.

What is Schwa?

The Schwa sound - is the most common vowel in English.

We find this sound in almost all words with more than a syllable.

Examples:

Doctor, about, the, center.

Schwa (ə) replaces any vowel in English if the vowel is unstressed.

It also appears in words consisting of only one syllable: a, the, of.

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#155 Job Interview Stories - English Course - ESL Jan 29, 2021

You're hired. You will start with $1000, and in two years it will be $3000.
Awesome! Then I'll start working two years from now.

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Today I want to talk about some stories that occurred in a job interview. I think it will be fun.

Later, you'll practice grammar with a Point of View Story.

Let’s say you’re looking for a job.

You have a degree, a master or an impressive background, and you are a real professional.

One day,

A call. It's a company that wants to interview you.

You're excited! On the day of the interview, you prepare yourself: you get a nice haircut, dress properly, you are a bit nervous but focused, and the interview begins in English.

You didn't see that coming. All your preparation, degrees, masters, background don't seem relevant anymore.

Here's the harsh truth: Not having interview skills in English will prevent you from getting the job of your life.

However, there's good news.

If you already know some English, preparing for a job interview's easy, and you don't need too much time.

At the end of the lesson, I'll tell you how you can prepare for a job interview in only two weeks or less.

Okay, let's listen to some stories that happened in job interviews.

1) Let's start with the first one:

"In the interview, they asked me, "where do you see yourself in five years", and I answered, 'not here.' They never called me back."

In this case he was right. In five years, he wouldn't work there because they never called him back.

2) The next one:

"After undergoing three interviews for the position, I was introduced to my new boss, who happened to be the father of my ex. Despite being very worried, we ended up becoming good friends even more so than when I was dating his daughter."

What a small world! In this case, the interview could have ended very badly, but we can safely say that this guy was very lucky.

3) Let's continue with the next one, which is very interesting.

"The interviewer started looking at me with a puzzled face, and the first thing he asked me was if I could prove all the experience described in my CV. I told him that I had no experience at all since I had just finished my studies. He showed me the CV, and to my amazement, it was my dad's!"

What a coincidence! For some reason, the interviewer had his father's CV. Maybe the father sent a CV to the same company.

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#154 How to write a  business email in English  part #2  Jan 22, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Last week we started learning how to write a formal business email in English. Today we will learn how to close an email with a final comment and greeting.

I'll also give you an example of a formal email that you can use in different situations.

With a point of view story, you will improve your grammar.

Sending a formal or professional email in English can always be challenging, so I

decided to dedicate two episodes to this topic. If you haven't yet listened to last week's episode, I invite you to do so before listening to today's lesson.

Ok, let's get started!

After giving or asking for information, it's time to close with a remark.

Here are some examples:

5. Closing remarks:

This is how you could respond when you are answering a customer query.

"If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me."

Use this phrase to let the other person know that you are eager to hear from them soon:

"I am looking forward to hearing from you soon."

This way, you encourage the other person to contact you if they need to do so.

More closing phrases:

"Thank you in advance for your reply / your help."

"Please let me know if you have other questions or concerns."

"Please don't forget to _______________."

"Please get back to me: by Monday/ before Monday / soon. "

"I appreciate your prompt reply."

"I hope to speak with you / hear from / see you soon."

6. Complimentary Close (followed by your name)

We will end our email with a complimentary close.

Best Regards,

Best wishes,

Kind Regards,

Regards,

Sincerely,

Thank you,

Enjoy the weekend,

Have a good weekend, day, Friday,

Have a safe flight,

Enjoy your trip,

Best wishes, regards,

All these can be used interchangeably as a way to pay your respects to the person who is going to read the email.

I typically sign my emails with "Best Regards"; however, sometimes I use "Regards" or "Enjoy the weekend."

After "Best regards," I add my name.

7. Email Samples

Here's an email sample that you can use in different situations:

Dear Mr. John,

Thank you for your interest in our services.

With reference to your request regarding a new SIM card for your cell phone, I would like to inform you that it should be made available to you within the next 24 hours.

I would like to inform you that we have already delivered the card to the carrier, and you will receive it during the day.

Also, I would really appreciate it if you could respond to this email today confirming your billing information.

I am sorry to ask you this on such short notice, but it is in your best interest to do this as soon as possible to avoid any delays.

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best Regards,

Tom.

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#153 How to write a  business email in English?part #1 -  ESL Jan 15, 2021

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.

In today's episode, I'll show you how to write a business email in English. I'll teach you how to structure an email by providing some examples. Then with a fun mini-story, you will improve your English fluency.

Nowadays, we need to communicate online both on a personal and professional level. And though sending an email to a friend doesn't seem to be too challenging, many of you feel intimidated when writing a professional email in English.

Whether it's sending it to a supplier, to your boss, a professor, sign up for a job, etc., this episode will be very useful.

1) Always start with a greeting.

For example:

If you know the first and last name of the person, say hello like this:

"Hello, Mike Adams."

Use only their last name by saying:

"Dear Mr./Ms. Adams"

If it's a person you know on a more personal level, you can address them by their name:

"Dear Mike"

Another way to say hello is to mention the person's position.

"Dear manager, (recruiter, project manager, hiring manager, etc.)"

When you are not writing to a specific person use this expression:

"To whom it may concern."

2) Use an opening line.

Once you say hello, use an opening line.

Examples:

"Thank you for your reply."

"I hope this message finds you well."

"Thank you for your message."

"Regarding___, I would like to inform you that___"

"Concerning the email, I received___"

"I hope you're enjoying (the great weather, your time in the city, etc.")

"Thank you so much for the quick reply; I really appreciate it."

If you haven't heard from that person in a while, you can say:

"It's been a while since I heard from you."

If you have not been able to reply to an email for a while, say:

"Sorry for the late reply,"

3)Giving Information

After a short introduction, you can start providing information.

Start with one of these phrases:

"I'd like to inform you that…

"I am writing to inform you that…"

"I am writing to let you know that.."

"Regarding (our last conversation)

"I'd like to update you on …"

"I'd like to confirm our meeting, your order, the business plan, etc.

To deliver good news, say:

"Fortunately, (we will be able to deliver your goods on time.")

"I am pleased to inform you that (we will be able to deliver your goods on time.")

If you need to give bad news, say:

"Unfortunately, (we won't be able to deliver the goods on time.")

"I regret to inform you that..(we won't be able to deliver the goods on time.")

(END OF THE EXTRACT).

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#152  Asking and giving Directions  in English ESL Jan 08, 2021