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

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

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

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

If I told you that there are an estimated 25,000 idioms in English, would you want to learn them? It seems an impossible task, but idioms are a fantastic and imaginative way to explain your feelings and thoughts in a concise - and often funny - way. They aren't just for speaking, either. You'll see them everywhere: in articles,  news stories - and on the sides of UK buses!  In this episode, I talk about the reasons why you should (and shouldn't) learn English idioms. I hope you agree with my conclusion! Link in this episode English Idioms Workshop Subscribe to the podcast Never m ..read more

Getting to an advanced English level can change your life. It's a really useful goal to have - but what does it mean? In this episode, find out: - how you can define 'advanced English' - three ways to improve your English when you already know a lot - why English development is personal development My students are achieving amazing career and life goals - and confident English plays a big part in this. Link in episode If you'd like a way to get to advanced English (without wasting time or energy), check out my Advanced English Membership. Subscribe to the podcast Never miss an episode! Get f ..read more

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

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

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

It isn't 'perfect English' that will get you the dream job in an international company. Being able to communicate in English is obviously important, but there are other things that an interviewer wants to see or hear.  In this podcast episode, I share three 'truths' about interviews which will help you to be more confident. I also share details about my new speaking program, Confident Interviews. It's perfect for you if you want a job in an English-speaking organisation, or in a company where you'll need to speak English. Subscribe to the podcast Never miss an episode! Get free weekly c ..read more