Episodes

  • 58: One Hour of English fluency tips you MUST know to get fluent

    58: One Hour of English fluency tips you MUST know to get fluent
    Jan 1 2025
    Welcome to this special English lesson where we dive into the four essential skills you need to master: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Pronunciation. This comprehensive lesson is packed with strategies, tips, and examples to help you improve step by step. Each skill is crucial for fluency, and by mastering them, you’ll boost your confidence in speaking, understanding, reading, and writing in English.

    RESOURCES FOR LEARNING ENGLISH

    Affiliate Disclosure Some links in this description may be affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!

    Fantastic courses from a teacher friend: https://www.tofluency.com/espr...

    Find a language teacher online here: https://go.italki.com/tofluenc...

    Learn English through TV: https://www.tofluency.com/flue...

    Learn English with AI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

    Speaking method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

    Writing method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

    Here’s what we’ll cover:


    - Listening Skills Learn how to improve your listening comprehension and why comprehensible input is essential for language acquisition. ✅ Find resources slightly above your level for steady improvement. ✅ Listen to podcasts, news, and interviews you can mostly understand. ✅ Challenge yourself gradually with more advanced materials. ✅ Acquiring grammar comes from hearing it repeatedly in context.
    - Reading Skills Discover the difference between intensive and extensive reading and how to combine them for maximum benefit. ✅ Intensive reading: Focus on new words, phrases, and grammar structures. ✅ Extensive reading: Read for pleasure and overall understanding without stopping. ✅ Find books that interest you, are comprehensible, and relevant to your goals. ✅ Use graded readers and audiobooks to enhance your learning. ✅ Highlight unfamiliar vocabulary, then review and internalize it using digital tools.
    - Writing Skills Practical tips to improve your writing and integrate it into your learning routine. ✅ Keep a daily diary to practice conversational English. ✅ Copy text from articles or books to internalize sentence structures. ✅ Read widely to absorb natural writing styles. ✅ Get feedback on your writing through apps or teachers. ✅ Use tools like grammar apps to refine your grammar and sentence construction. ✅ Search for phrases online to ensure your writing is accurate and idiomatic.
    - Pronunciation Skills Master English sounds, stress, intonation, and linking for fluency and confidence. ✅ Learn how to produce specific sounds, such as the V and F sounds. ✅ Practice, record yourself, and get feedback to refine your pronunciation. ✅ Focus on stress and intonation to sound natural in conversations. ✅ Work on retractions and linking, such as “I could’ve done it.” ✅ Repeat sounds and phrases regularly to build muscle memory.
    By the end of this lesson, you’ll have practical tools to improve your English fluency. Take notes, check the description for a summary and resources, and most importantly, take action. Which skill do you want to work on first? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this lesson with a friend who’s learning English. Let’s continue your journey to fluency together.
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • 57: Learn English through Story: The Garage Sale (Amazing Listening Practice)

    57: Learn English through Story: The Garage Sale (Amazing Listening Practice)
    Dec 27 2024
    Welcome to this English lesson, where you'll improve your listening skills with the story "The Community Garage Sale." This touching tale follows Anna and her son Max as they participate in their neighborhood garage sale. What starts as a mundane task turns into a heartfelt moment when an elderly man finds an old record player that brings back precious memories of his late wife. Through this interaction, Max learns the value of memories and human connection, realizing that the things we discard can mean the world to someone else.

    00:00 intro to the story
    01:08 the story
    07:31 language analysis In this lesson

    You'll also learn key English phrases used in the story to convey emotion and vivid imagery. Here’s the language analysis:

    “One person's junk is another person's treasure” Meaning: Something you no longer value might be meaningful or useful to someone else. Example: I was about to throw out my old chair, but the neighbor took it. One person's junk is another person's treasure.

    “Gathering dust” Meaning: Something has been sitting unused for a long time. Example: My guitar has been gathering dust in the corner for years.

    “Brought him back to a time” Meaning: Something makes someone remember a specific moment from the past. Example: Hearing that song brought me back to a time when I was a child.

    “Long lost” Meaning: Something not seen for a very long time but once greatly valued. Example: She found a long-lost letter from her childhood tucked into that book.

    “Lump in her throat” Meaning: A physical feeling of being emotional, often when trying to hold back tears. Example: When I watched that video, I felt a lump in my throat.

    “Clearing space in her heart” Meaning: Letting go of physical or emotional clutter to feel lighter and happier. Example: Sometimes clearing space in your home helps clear your mind as well.

    “Unspoken understanding” Meaning: When people understand each other without needing to say anything. Example: When she smiled at him across the room, there was an unspoken understanding between them.

    Listen to the story again to reinforce your learning, and check the description for the full text of the phrases, additional learning resources, and more episodes to help you improve your English. Don’t forget to share this lesson with a friend and subscribe if you’re new here. Thank you for being here, and I’ll see you next time!
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    12 mins
  • 56: Learn Essential English Words and Phrases so You Can Talk about Technology in Fluently (Podcast)

    56: Learn Essential English Words and Phrases so You Can Talk about Technology in Fluently (Podcast)
    Dec 19 2024
    In this English lesson, you'll learn how to confidently talk about your devices, apps, tech problems, social media habits, and even the future of technology. We'll explore useful phrases, common idioms, and fun conversational topics to help you sound natural when discussing technology in English.

    Whether you're excited about a new phone or trying to explain a tech issue, this lesson has you covered.

    RESOURCES FOR LEARNING ENGLISH

    Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this description may be affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!

    Fantastic courses from a teacher friend: https://www.tofluency.com/espresso/

    Find a language teacher online here: https://go.italki.com/tofluency

    Learn English through TV: https://www.tofluency.com/fluentu/

    Learn English with AI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cIvJsDPmXw
    Speaking method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7PGRbvJBkQ
    Writing method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDkiY1lcfgw

    Your Devices: 💬 I just got it, and it’s amazing. 💬 The camera is incredible. It takes such clear photos. 💬 The screen is huge, and the battery lasts all day. 💬 My laptop is outdated. I need to upgrade. 💬 My phone keeps freezing. It’s so annoying. 💬 The battery on my tablet doesn’t last anymore.

    Phrases to Fix Tech Problems: 💬 Do you know how to fix this? 💬 Have you tried restarting it? 💬 Can you take a look at my phone?

    Talking About Apps and Websites: 💬 I downloaded a new app to help me learn English. 💬 I have a new fitness app, and it’s great for tracking my exercise. 💬 Is it free, or do you need to pay for it? 💬 Could you send me the link? 💬 What’s the name of that app again? 💬 I looked it up on Google and found everything I needed. 💬 I spend way too much time online shopping. 💬 My phone updated automatically last night.

    Social Media Phrases: 💬 I spend way too much time scrolling through Instagram. 💬 I posted a photo yesterday, and it got lots of likes. 💬 Have you seen that viral video of the cat dancing? 💬 I deleted my Facebook app because I needed a break. 💬 I’m trying to limit my time on social media.

    Technology Habits: 💬 I’m trying to cut down on my screen time. 💬 I check my phone first thing in the morning. 💬 I’m addicted to my phone. I can’t put it down. 💬 I check social media every five minutes. I’m totally addicted.

    The Future of Technology: 💬 I think AI is going to change everything. 💬 Virtual reality is going to change how we work and play. 💬 Have you heard about self-driving cars? 💬 I think self-driving cars will be everywhere in 10 years.

    Useful Tech Idioms: 💬 AI tools like ChatGPT have been a game-changer. 💬 I went camping and was completely off the grid.

    By the end of this lesson, you’ll be ready to talk about all things tech with confidence. What are your top three apps right now? Leave a comment below! And don’t forget to share this video or podcast with a friend who’s learning English.
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    16 mins
  • 55: English Short Story: Unexpected Guest - Practice Your English Listening

    55: English Short Story: Unexpected Guest - Practice Your English Listening
    Dec 16 2024
    In this English lesson, you're going to practice your listening skills with the story The Uninvited Guest. After the story, we'll explore seven key phrases that will help you understand how to convey suspense, tension, and emotional depth in English. Whether you're here to improve your vocabulary, comprehension, or overall fluency, this lesson will give you practical tools to use in everyday conversations.

    Chapters: 00:00 intro to the story
    01:00 the story
    07:24 learn phrases from the story

    RESOURCES FOR LEARNING ENGLISH

    Affiliate Disclosure Some links in this description may be affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!

    Fantastic courses from a teacher friend: https://www.tofluency.com/espresso/
    Find a language teacher online here: https://go.italki.com/tofluency
    Learn English through TV: https://www.tofluency.com/fluentu/

    Learn English with AI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cIvJsDPmXw
    Speaking method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7PGRbvJBkQ

    Writing method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDkiY1lcfgw

    The first phrase: A knot form in her stomach 💬 Laura felt a knot form in her stomach when she saw David at the door. 💬 I felt a knot in my stomach before the exam. 💬 She had a knot in her stomach when she realized she'd made a mistake.

    The second phrase: Good to see you again 💬 David said, "Good to see you again," to James in a neutral way. 💬 It's good to see you again after all these years. 💬 Good to see you again! How have you been?

    The third phrase: Never one to miss an opportunity 💬 David was described as never one to miss an opportunity, meaning he always took advantage of chances. 💬 She's never one to miss an opportunity to help others. 💬 He's never one to miss an opportunity to show off his knowledge.

    The fourth phrase: Stick with you 💬 David said some memories stick with you, meaning they remain in your mind for a long time. 💬 The kindness of strangers during my trip really stuck with me. 💬 That lesson stuck with him and shaped how he handled challenges.

    The fifth phrase: Walking on a tightrope 💬 Laura felt like she was walking on a tightrope during the evening, navigating a delicate situation. 💬 Managing the team while avoiding conflicts felt like walking on a tightrope. 💬 She was walking on a tightrope trying not to upset anyone.

    The sixth phrase: Lingering gaze 💬 David's lingering gaze added to the tension, suggesting deeper feelings or intentions. 💬 His lingering gaze told her everything he didn’t say. 💬 The lingering gaze between them hinted at something unspoken.

    The seventh phrase: Let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding 💬 Laura let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding after David left, feeling relieved. 💬 When the test was over, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. 💬 She finally let out a breath as the situation resolved.

    By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a deeper understanding of these phrases and how to use them effectively in your own conversations. Listen to the story again and focus on how these expressions are used in context. Don’t forget to share this video with friends who are learning English—it helps the podcast grow and reach more learners. Thank you for watching, and I’ll see you in the next lesson!
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    12 mins
  • 54: Learn English You NEED to Know: Key Phrases & Easy Listening Practice (Money)

    54: Learn English You NEED to Know: Key Phrases & Easy Listening Practice (Money)
    Dec 9 2024
    Money makes the world go round, but how well do you understand the phrases we use to talk about it? In this lesson, we explore key English phrases about money, from saving and spending to investing and everyday idioms. Whether you're discussing finances, planning a budget, or chatting about inflation, these phrases will help you sound more natural in English.

    RESOURCES FOR LEARNING ENGLISH

    Affiliate Disclosure Some links in this description may be affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!

    Fantastic courses from a teacher friend: https://www.tofluency.com/espresso/

    Find a language teacher online here: https://go.italki.com/tofluency

    Learn English through TV: https://www.tofluency.com/fluentu/

    Learn English with AI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cIvJsDPmXw

    Speaking method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7PGRbvJBkQ

    Writing method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDkiY1lcfgw

    Here’s what we’ll cover in this lesson:

    The evolution of money: Learn about barter systems, intrinsic value, fiat money, and the debt-based system.
    💬 Barter systems were one of the earliest forms of trade.
    💬 These metals had intrinsic value, meaning their worth came from the material itself.
    💬 Fiat money has value because the government says it does.
    💬 Modern money is largely created through lending, a debt-based system.

    Spending money: Improve your vocabulary for talking about how you manage your finances.
    💬 My friend blew all of his money on a new car. (blow money)
    💬 I need to tighten up after our vacation. (tighten up)
    💬 I feel like splurging on a new sound system. (splurge on something)

    Saving money: Learn how to talk about saving for the future and emergencies.
    💬 I'm putting money aside for a new car. (put money aside)
    💬 They've built a nice nest egg over the years. (nest egg)
    💬 It's always wise to save for a rainy day. (save for a rainy day)

    Investing money: Understand the key terms for discussing investments.
    💬 I invested in tech stocks last year. (stocks)
    💬 It's important to have a balanced portfolio. (portfolio)
    💬 Don't put all your eggs in one basket. (spread your investments)
    💬 I'm going to play it safe and choose low-risk investments. (play it safe)
    💬 I'm going to take a gamble on this investment. (take a gamble)

    Debt and loans: Talk about borrowing money and managing repayments.
    💬 I'm going to pay off my car loan today. (pay off)
    💬 We're drowning in debt since Paul lost his job. (drowning in debt)

    Inflation and rising costs: Understand the impact of inflation and how to discuss it in English.
    💬 Inflation has caused prices to go up significantly this year. (inflation)
    💬 The cost of living is rising in many cities. (cost of living)
    💬 Gas prices are going through the roof. (prices are going through the roof)
    💬 I can't afford to eat out anymore. (can't afford)

    Everyday money idioms: Add some fun expressions to your conversations.
    💬 Money doesn't grow on trees. (money is limited)
    💬 He made a killing in real estate last year. (make a killing)
    💬 Buying that car was like throwing money down the drain. (waste money)

    By the end of this video, you’ll not only understand these phrases but also feel confident using them in real conversations. Don’t forget to practice creating your own sentences with these expressions and share this video with friends who want to learn too!
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    22 mins
  • 53: One Simple Trick to Become More Confident and Fluent in English (Most Don't Do This)

    53: One Simple Trick to Become More Confident and Fluent in English (Most Don't Do This)
    Dec 2 2024
    In this episode, you’re going to learn one of the most effective ways to build confidence in English conversations. This simple and practical method is often overlooked by English learners but can transform how you approach speaking English. By the end of this lesson, you’ll know how to create personalized sentences that will prepare you for most conversations and make you feel more fluent and confident.

    Listen to episode 52 to learn how to use AI.

    Listen to episode 19 for the fluency method.

    💡 WHY PERSONAL SENTENCES ARE SO POWERFUL

    1. MOST CONVERSATIONS ARE ABOUT YOU
    Conversations often begin with questions about your life, such as your job, hobbies, or recent experiences. If you prepare answers in advance, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and speak more naturally.


    2. TALKING ABOUT YOURSELF DOESN’T CHANGE
    Since you often discuss the same topics—like your job, family, or interests—you can prepare answers that are nearly perfect and use them repeatedly.

    3. SPECIFIC SENTENCES ARE MORE INTERESTING
    Generic sentences are fine, but specific details make your answers more engaging and easier to remember. For example, instead of saying "I like tennis," you can say, "I love playing tennis, but I only play in the summer."

    💡 HOW TO CREATE YOUR PERSONAL SENTENCES

    1. LIST COMMON TOPICS
    Start with basic topics like your name, age, and where you’re from, then move to more detailed ones like your job, hobbies, family, and recent experiences.

    2. WRITE SIMPLE, NATURAL SENTENCES
    Create sentences that are clear and easy to say. Focus on natural phrasing instead of trying to sound complex. For example, "I’m a graphic designer. I create logos for small businesses."

    3. PRACTICE REGULARLY
    Repetition is key. Use methods like flashcards or the listen-record-repeat-compare technique to internalize your sentences and ensure they sound natural.

    ADDITIONAL TIPS

    ✨ PRACTICE WITH AI OR TEACHERSUse tools like ChatGPT or practice with a language teacher to refine your sentences further. AI can help you generate examples or correct your sentences.

    ✨ PREPARE COMMON QUESTIONS
    Don’t forget to practice asking questions too. For example, “What do you do?” or “Are you into sports?” These will make your conversations more dynamic and engaging.

    🌟 THE BENEFITS OF THIS METHOD
    This approach builds confidence, improves fluency, and helps you internalize vocabulary and grammar naturally. As your life changes, you can update your sentences while maintaining the same method.Start today by writing 10 sentences about yourself. Practice them regularly, build on them over time, and use them in real conversations. This simple method will help you feel more prepared and confident when speaking English. Try it, and see the difference it makes!
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    13 mins
  • 52: The NEW WAY to Get Fluent in English – AI Changes Everything!

    52: The NEW WAY to Get Fluent in English – AI Changes Everything!
    Nov 28 2024
    In this episode, you’re going to learn how AI tools like ChatGPT can revolutionize the way you learn English.

    With four key methods, two bonus tips, and exciting predictions for the future of AI in language learning, this podcast provides a roadmap to faster, more effective English fluency. RESOURCES

    FOR LEARNING ENGLISH

    Affiliate Disclosure Some links in this description may be affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!

    Fantastic courses from a teacher friend: https://www.tofluency.com/espresso/

    Find a language teacher online here: https://go.italki.com/tofluency

    Learn English through TV: https://www.tofluency.com/fluentu/

    Speaking method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7PGRbvJBkQ

    Writing method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDkiY1lcfgw

    💡 FOUR POWERFUL WAYS TO USE AI FOR ENGLISH LEARNING

    1. ASKING LANGUAGE QUESTIONS AI provides instant, accurate explanations for grammar, word usage, and more. You can also ask follow-up questions to clarify concepts, making learning faster and clearer.

    2. GENERATING EXAMPLES Get tailored examples of grammar, vocabulary, or phrases to understand their usage in different contexts. This builds confidence and deepens your understanding of English.

    3. GETTING WRITING FEEDBACK Use AI to correct your writing, identify errors, and explain how to improve. Practice creating sentences and receive immediate, personalized feedback.

    4. PRACTICING CONVERSATIONS Engage in role-playing scenarios with AI, like ordering at a restaurant or preparing for a job interview. Use voice mode for even more realistic practice in a comfortable environment.

    🎁 BONUS TIPS

    ✨ PERSONALIZE YOUR AI EXPERIENCE Share your goals, level, and interests with ChatGPT for responses tailored to your needs.

    ✨ PRACTICE FROM AI-GENERATED NOTES Ask AI to summarize or organize example sentences into tables or text files for focused practice and better retention.

    🌟 THE FUTURE OF AI AND LANGUAGE LEARNING Advanced AI language teachers and immersive VR experiences will transform learning. Imagine practicing English in realistic scenarios like a train station or pub with AI-guided support.

    While exciting advancements are ahead, AI today can already help you immerse yourself and learn effectively. Try these methods and discover how AI can transform your English learning journey!
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    17 mins
  • 51: 10 Idioms about Time that You Must Know (We're Back!)

    51: 10 Idioms about Time that You Must Know (We're Back!)
    Nov 21 2024
    We're back!

    Learn English by taking this fun and useful English lesson that explores 10 idioms all related to time.

    Use these idioms to sound more natural in English when speaking.

    RESOURCES FOR LEARNING ENGLISH (Note: more coming soon!)

    Speaking method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7PGRbvJBkQ
    Writing method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDkiY1lcfgw
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    11 mins