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

Hi! I’m Georgiana, and I’m back with a new episode. I’m here to help you speak English fluently. And what do you need to speak fluently? You need to LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN, and LISTEN. 🙂

If you want to help me, SHARE the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks.

On my website you can get the 5 Secrets to speak English and also my premium courses.

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

It’s completely free!

Ok, let’s start!

Today, we’re talking about the Internet – something we use daily. Knowing internet words is super important whether you’re checking websites, chatting with friends, or shopping online. You will learn different internet words to help you feel more comfortable online.

Website Navigation:

The Internet is like a vast library with countless books. Each website is a different book; to read them, you need to know how to navigate. Think of website navigation as finding your way around the library. You use a website’s menus, links, and buttons to move from one page to another.

Homepage:

Imagine a book with a cover. The homepage is like the cover of a website. It’s the first page you see when you visit a website. It tells you what the website is about.

Tabs:

You might want to read multiple books at once when you go to a library. Tabs in a web browser are like having different books open on different pages. You can click on a tab to switch between different web pages.

Cookie:

Cookies are like bookmarks in the library. Websites use them to remember your preferences and what you do on their site, making your online experience more convenient.

URL Bar/Address Bar:

The address bar is like a search box in the library. You can type the web address of a website, and your browser will take you there. It’s also where you can see the website’s address.

Cache:

Imagine if the library had a storage room to keep some books handy. That’s what the cache is. It stores web data temporarily on your device to make websites load faster when you visit them again.

Streaming:

Streaming is like watching a movie online without having to download it first. You can also stream music and other media content over the Internet.

Buffering:

When you stream a video or music, sometimes it needs to load a little bit before you can start watching or listening. So, buffering prevents interruptions.

Download Manager:

A download manager is like a librarian who helps you organize and track the books (or files) you download from the Internet.

Firewall:

Think of a firewall as a protective shield around your computer. It keeps out any unwanted or harmful visitors from the Internet.

Router:

A router is like a postman delivering letters to different houses. It connects multiple devices in your home or office to the Internet.

Let’s continue with a surprising point-of-view story:

Ever wondered if native English speakers make mistakes? Well, here's the truth: Native English speakers make mistakes, too! This can be comforting for English learners.

Hi! I'm Georgiana, and I'm back with a new episode. I'm here to help you speak English fluently.

If you want to help me, SHARE the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks.

On my website, you can find the 5 Secrets to Speaking English and my premium courses.

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

It's completely free!

Ok, let's start!

Native speakers of any language make mistakes, just like learners do. This is a natural part of language use and communication.

Let's learn the mistakes native English speakers make and why they happen.

Pronunciation Mistakes: It's common to mispronounce hard words. For example, some people say "Pacific" instead of "specific."

Spelling Mistakes: Even people who have spoken English from birth can spell words wrongly. It's like writing "definately" when it should be "definitely."

Misusing Words: Sometimes, people mix up words that sound the same, like "their" and "there." Or, they might use the wrong preposition. These are often just small mistakes.

Why Mistakes Happen:

Learning from Mistakes:

When kids learn to speak, they make many errors. As someone learning English, you should see mistakes as a chance to get better. Most of the time, when people correct their mistakes, kids don't get embarrassed. They might even laugh about it.

Attitude Toward Mistakes:

Most people understand that mistakes happen, and they don't usually stop us from understanding each other. Remember, making mistakes doesn't mean you're bad at English. It means you are learning and getting better. So, if you make a mistake, just smile and try again. Even people who have spoken English their whole life are still learning!

Great! I hope you're enjoying this episode!

And now, let's continue with a mini-story.

Transcript:

This week is a bit special because it is Spring Offer, and all my premium courses have a 60% discount.

I've received several messages with questions about the courses. I will try to answer some frequently asked questions in this short episode.

By the way, you can get the offer at:

speakenglishpodcast.com/courses

Hurry up because the offer is only available until this Sunday at midnight.

Let's start with the most frequently asked question:

1) What is the difference between the podcast and the premium courses?

That's a great question! In the podcast, I talk about very diverse topics to improve your vocabulary. It's a great listening practice. 

I also give a small example of a lesson in each podcast episode. It can be a mini-story of questions and answers or a point of view. Because of time limitations, I can barely develop these lessons, yet they allow you to test the method that I use in my premium courses in an easy and fun way.

Instead, the premium courses are complete programs designed to improve your spoken English dramatically. These are conversation courses.

You start speaking from DAY ONE with the conversation simulator.

They are audio lessons that "simulate" conversations. I call them Q&A mini-stories.

Unlike the podcast, the premium courses contain hours and hours of questions and answers. Imagine for a moment a podcast episode multiplied by 100.

Also, the courses allow you to work much better on grammar aspects such as the plural, singular, all kinds of verb tenses, and certain common expressions of English. All of this unfolds in an interactive way, following one or more stories that provide a rich and entertaining context.

For example, the Fluency Course (level II) contains more than 8 hours of audio, thousands of questions and answers (mini-stories), and almost 200 pages of transcription text.

Of course, there are also many point-of-view lessons that allow you to work very intensely on aspects of grammar.

One rule I always follow is to create lessons with complex characters and funny stories with unexpected endings. That way, you'll never forget what you learn best and, of course, it's a lot more fun.

Another question:

2) Can I use the premium courses on the iPhone, iPad, Android, and so on?

Yes, of course. You can use them without problems. It is important to keep in mind that the courses are not apps. That is, you don't install them. It's much more flexible. The courses consist of mp3 audio and text (PDF). This is much simpler and prevents technical problems.

Transferring the content to any device is quite easy. However, when you buy one of the courses, I send you detailed steps to know what to do. In any case, you can contact me by e-mail with any questions.

3) Is there a monthly payment for the premium courses?

No, there is no such thing. They are yours for personal use and forever when you buy the courses.

4) How many premium courses are there, and what is the difference?

There are currently four courses. I will describe them briefly:

1) 30-Day Crash Course (level 1): This course is for beginners with no knowledge of English. It is a course that works very well, and I am happy with the result because it helps a lot to start with English. In your case, I don't recommend it because if you are a follower of this podcast, you are no longer a beginner.

2) The Fluency Course (level 2):  The level of this course is a bit easier than this podcast, but there is almost no difference. This program will help you automate the most common structures when speaking. It consists of 20 units with 20 unique and fun stories. I recommend this course if you're trying to stop mentally translating when you speak English, even with relatively easy expressions.  

3) The Magic Course (level 3): This course is very ambitious because it goes one step beyond the Fluency Course. The aim is to practice all the verb tenses in the context of a long and well-developed story. There is plenty of vocabulary, and grammar points are very useful. When you finish this course, you will have an advanced level of English.

4) The Business Course (Job Interview Course) With this course, you will master the 30 most common questions asked at a job interview, learn specific vocabulary, and when to use it. You will get examples of how to answer the questions. And the exclusive mini-stories will help you speak English more confidently at a job interview.

5) Georgiana, what if I don't like them, or I don't adapt to the courses?

That's all right. If, during the first 30 days, you are not convinced by the program, you can request a refund without any problem.

6) Are there any free samples of the courses?

Yes, of course. You can get some samples at:

SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/samples

Very well, I think I have answered the most frequently asked questions. I hope you found this helpful. Remember that you can benefit from the Spring offer promotion at:

speakenglishpodcast.com/courses

If your goal is to improve your fluency, my courses can really help you. I repeat for the last time:

speakenglishpodcast.com/courses

Only until this Sunday at midnight.

All right. That's all for today. I will see you next week!

Bye! Bye!

Have you ever seen a huge mountain with presidents’ faces? Today, we learn about Mount Rushmore. What’s special about it? Let’s find out!

Hi! I’m Georgiana, and I’m back with a new episode. I’m here to help you speak English fluently.

If you want to help me, SHARE the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks.

On my website, you can find the 5 Secrets to Speaking English and my premium courses.

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

It’s completely free!

Ok, let’s start!

Mount Rushmore is a giant and famous place in the United States. It’s located in South Dakota, inside the Black Hills. On this big mountain are huge carvings of the faces of four American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. These presidents are very important because they did great things for America.

The carvings of Mount Rushmore are huge. Each president’s face is as large as a tall building! People made this long ago, starting in 1927 and finishing in 1941. So, it took 14 years to complete. They did not have modern machines, so it was very tough work.

Mount Rushmore is special for a few reasons:

Mount Rushmore is also meaningful because of its location. Before it became a monument, Native American tribes, saw the Black Hills as a sacred place. The story of Mount Rushmore includes these tribes and their connection to the land.

When people visit Mount Rushmore, they can explore the Avenue of Flags. This path has flags from all 50 states in the USA. It makes people feel connected to everyone in the country. It is a reminder that, even though we are different, we are all part of one big nation.

Mount Rushmore is not only beautiful because of the nature around it. It also makes us think about the leaders who shaped America, and reflect on how we can all help make the country better.

Making Mount Rushmore changed the mountain forever. It turned a natural place into a symbol of America’s history. This means different things to different people. Some see it as a celebration of freedom and great leaders. Others remember the land and the first people who lived there.

Great! I hope you’re enjoying this episode!

And now, let’s continue with a mini-story!

Transcript:

Hi! I’m Georgiana, and I’m back with a new episode. I’m here to help you speak English fluently. And what do you need to speak fluently? You need to LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN, and LISTEN. 🙂

If you want to help me, SHARE the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks.

On my website you can get the 5 Secrets to speak English, and also my premium courses.

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

It’s completely free!

Ok, let’s start!

Learning English is exciting because we get to know how people actually speak. Today, we will look at a common phrase in the US: “Good for you!” It’s a friendly way to talk, but there’s more to learn about it.

What Does “Good for you!” Mean?

When people say “Good for you!” they show they are glad for someone else. Imagine giving a friend a thumbs-up. For example, if your friend tells you they did well on a test, saying “Good for you!” is like saying, “I’m happy for you!”

When You Are Really Glad:

Imagine your friend telling you, “I got first place!” You can respond with a smile, “Good for you!” to show your happiness for their success.

How You Say It Is Key:

Your tone of voice can change the meaning. Use a cheerful tone to make sure your friend feels your sincerity.

When to Say “Good for you!”

This phrase fits well in many situations. Here are some moments to use it:

Celebrating Achievements:

When someone achieves something from hard work, like scoring high on a test, “Good for you!” is a great response.

Sharing in Good News:

Hearing about a friend’s good news, like getting a new pet, and saying “Good for you!” shows you share their happiness.

Let’s Practice:

Imagine a time when someone shared something joyful with you. How would you reply? Simple, “Good for you!” Just remember, saying it with a smile and warmth in your voice can really make a difference.

The Different Meanings of “Good for you!”

Sometimes, “Good for you!” is not only about being happy for someone. It can also be used for jokes or in not-so-nice ways, known as sarcasm.

When It’s Just a Joke:

Friends might use it playfully when someone says something funny or not so-important. It’s their way of being friendly.

When It Might Not Be Kind:

However, if someone’s tone sounds unhappy or their expression appears unfriendly, they might not be saying it kindly. For example, if you say, “I can tie my shoes,” and someone responds with, “Good for you!” without a friendly tone, they might not be being nice. They could be mocking you because tying shoes is something most people can do.

Understanding the Difference:

Listen to their voice: Is it light, happy, or flat and unkind?

Look at their expression: Is there a real smile, or do they seem insincere?

Consider what you said: Was it something impressive or ordinary? This helps you figure out if they’re joking or not.

Some Examples:

Happy: You: “I aced my test!” Friend: “Good for you!” (They’re genuinely pleased.)

Joking: You: “I spent the whole day watching TV.” Friend: “Good for you!” (They’re playfully teasing because it’s not a big deal.)

Not Nice: You: “I cleaned up my room today.” Friend: “Well, good for you.” (If their tone is sarcastic, they may not think it’s important.)

That’s why, it’s crucial to pay attention to how people say things, not just the words. This helps you know if they’re truly happy for you, making a joke, or being unkind.

Let’s continue with a surprising point-of-view story:

Today, we will learn how Easter is celebrated in the United States and Australia. We will hear Tom and Sarah's conversation about their plans for Easter this year. And with a point-of-view story, you will learn grammar in context without memorizing boring rules.

Hi! Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. I'm Georgiana and my mission is to help you improve your fluency.

If you want to support me, please share the podcast with your friends and family. It would mean a great deal to me. Thank you!

Remember that you can get the text of this episode on my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

Okay! Let’s start!

Tom, from the United States, and Sarah, from Australia, were catching up on a video call before the Easter holiday. As they started chatting, they quickly realized they had different traditions and plans for celebrating the holiday.

Let's listen to their conversation:

Tom: Hey, Sarah! Happy Easter!

Sarah: Happy Easter to you too, Tom! I hope you're doing well.

Tom: Yes, I'm doing great. So, what are your plans for Easter this year?

Sarah: I plan to attend church and celebrate Easter with my family. We usually have a big Easter dinner and spend time together.

Tom: That sounds lovely. I'm also planning to celebrate Easter with my family. We usually have an Easter egg hunt and decorate Easter eggs.

Sarah: Oh, that's a great tradition. We also decorate Easter eggs but don't have an egg hunt.

Tom: That's interesting. Every family has their own traditions.

Sarah: Definitely. What other traditions do you have for Easter?

Tom: We usually go to church and have a big Easter brunch. We also exchange Easter baskets filled with candy and small gifts.

Sarah: That sounds like so much fun. We don't exchange Easter baskets but give each other Easter cards.

Tom: That's sweet. Do you have any special Easter foods that you eat?

Sarah: Yes, we usually have ham, deviled eggs, and hot cross buns.

Tom: That sounds delicious. My family has roasted lamb, mashed potatoes, and asparagus.

Sarah: That sounds amazing. It's interesting to see how different cultures celebrate the same holiday.

Tom: Yes, I agree. Speaking of cultures, I heard Easter is celebrated differently in Australia. Can you tell me more about that?

Sarah: Sure! In Australia, Easter is also a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, since it's celebrated in the fall season there, it's more of a harvest festival. We also have a lot of outdoor activities like camping and hiking.

Tom: That's so cool. I didn't know Easter was celebrated as a harvest festival in Australia. Do you have any special Easter foods that you eat?

Sarah: Yes, we have hot cross buns and chocolate eggs, just like in the US. But we also have meat pies, seafood, and others.

Tom: That sounds amazing. I'll have to try them sometime.

Sarah: Definitely. Maybe we can exchange some Easter foods and try each other's traditions.

Tom: That's a great idea, Sarah!

Sarah: Ok! I'll see you later. Happy Easter!

Tom: Happy Easter!

Hi! I'm Georgiana, and I'm back with a new episode. I'm here to help you speak English fluently. And what do you need to speak fluently? You need to LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN, and LISTEN. :)

If you want to help me, SHARE the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks.

Get the transcript here: speakenglishpodcast.com/291-what-is-minimalism/

In our previous episode, we talked about Diogenes syndrome. It's when people collect too many things.

Today, I will talk about practically the opposite: minimalism.

A few years ago, this lifestyle became popular.

The concept of minimalism is about removing unnecessary things and focusing on what's important. Seems logical, right? Well... Sometimes, attempting to live a minimalist lifestyle can actually be more stressful than just accepting a little bit of clutter. Finally, it's about finding a balance that works for you.

Here are some principles of minimalism:

- Simplicity: Enjoy the simple and the necessary.

- Utility: Have only things you use that are useful to you.

- Quality: Prefer fewer things, but of better quality.

- Consciousness: Think and choose what really matters.

- Order: A clean, organized space helps you think and live better.

- Peace: Seek tranquility in your environment.

- Autonomy: Live with the essentials and take care of your resources.

- Experiences: You value moments and friendships more than material possessions.

Marie Kondo is famous in the world of keeping things tidy. She's from Japan and has taught many of us to ask if our belongings make us happy. She's had a big influence, and for some time, we all followed her advice on folding clothes neatly and getting rid of things we don't need.

But now, she mentioned that after having three kids she can't be as strict anymore. If Marie Kondo has found a balance, we don't have to be perfect either.

A while ago, I was inspired by ideas of living simply, so I tried to make my life more minimalist. I planned it well in my mind, but it was hard to do. To be honest, it lasted only two weeks. :) Now, I try to be sensible. I keep only what I need, and I don't worry if things are a bit messy.

So, I believe it's not about keeping your space perfectly clean and tidy all the time. It's more about creating a home where you feel cozy and calm. Sometimes, things are a little messy, like the shoes not being in the right place. But it’s okay!

I hope you found this episode interesting, and that it helped you practice your English a bit too.

What do you think about minimalism? Is it just a fad, or... Does it have value?

Get the transcript here: speakenglishpodcast.com/291-what-is-minimalism/

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

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.

Hi! I'm Georgiana, and I'm back with a new episode. I'm here to help you speak English fluently. And what do you need to speak fluently? You need to LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN, and LISTEN. :)

If you want to help me, SHARE the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks.

On my website you can get the 5 Secrets to speak English and also my premium courses.

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

It's completely free!

Ok, let's start!

Today, I want to talk about something called Diogenes syndrome. It might not be something you're familiar with, but it's a big deal in society. This syndrome is about people accumulating too much stuff in their homes.

My friend shared a story with me last week about her dear 80-year-old neighbor who recently passed away. Her children came to clear out the house so they could sell it. It turns out that the poor woman had collected a lot of stuff over the years—furniture, boxes, and more. It seems like she had a habit of collecting things.

You might have seen cases like this in the news, or maybe you know someone who just can't seem to throw things away. It's like they have a habit of hoarding stuff. Many people can relate to this—I sometimes have to remind myself to get rid of things I don't need anymore because they start piling up at home.

But what I'm talking about here is more extreme. It's a condition where people hoard so much stuff that their homes become overwhelmed with clutter. Ironically, it's named after Diogenes of Sinope, an ancient Greek philosopher who believed in living with very little. People with this syndrome, however, collect things indiscriminately, thinking they might need them one day.

While it's not officially classified as a mental illness, it often goes hand in hand with other mental health issues, and it tends to affect older people more. Some experts think it might stem from difficult experiences in the past, like living through a war, where holding onto things was a matter of survival.

In the US, when someone has Diogenes syndrome, people try to help them in different ways. Here's what they do:

Doctors or nurses might visit their homes to see if they are physically and mentally okay.

Mental health experts can talk to them and try to help them feel better.

Support from Social Workers: These are people who help others with their problems. They can arrange for someone to clean their house, talk to them about keeping it tidy, and connect them with other helpful services like food or counseling.

Keeping in Touch: It's essential to check on them to ensure they get the help they need.

Sometimes, the Law Gets Involved: If the person is in danger or putting others in danger, some legal steps might need to be taken to make sure they get the proper care.

The goal is always to make sure the person is safe and healthy. It's also essential for more people to learn about Diogenes syndrome so that those who need help can get it sooner.

Sometimes, people don't want help, and professionals must respect their choice to live as they please. Research shows that the causes of Diogenes syndrome are complicated—it could be genetic, psychological, or tied to traumatic events.

As society ages, we might see more of this syndrome cropping up. It's something policymakers need to think about and take action on.

Is it the same where you live? If you have any insights, feel free to share.

Hi! I'm Georgiana, and I'm back with a new episode. I'm here to help you speak English fluently. And what do you need to speak fluently? You need to LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN, and LISTEN. :)

If you want to help me, SHARE the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks.

On my website you can get the 5 Secrets to speak English and also my premium courses.

Ok, let's start!

This episode is for my English students who work in finance. But don't worry if you don't! I'll explain marketing and accounting in a way that's easy for everyone to understand.

Understanding Marketing

Marketing is how businesses tell people about their products or services. Imagine it as a four-letter word: 'P-P-P-P.'

'Product' is what businesses want people to buy. It could be a smartphone, a pizza, or anything they sell.

'Price' is how much money you need to buy the product. It can attract or discourage customers.

'Place' is where you get the product. It can be in a store, online, or at a market.

'Promotion' is how companies advertise their products, like TV ads or online banners.

Marketing Vocabulary

Let's explore some common marketing terms.

'Advertising' is the commercials you see on TV or the banners you click online.

'Branding' is a company's personality. Think of a famous fast-food restaurant and its logo.

'Market research' is understanding what people like and want so companies can meet their needs.

Introduction to Accounting

Now, let's talk about accounting. It's like a financial diary for businesses.

There are two key things in accounting: 'income' and 'expenses.'

'Income' is the money a company earns, like from sales or services.

'Expenses' are a business's costs, like paying employees or buying materials.

Basic Accounting Terms

Some essential accounting terms:

'Revenue' is the total sales or money a company makes.

'Expenses' are the costs to run a business.

'Profit' is what's left when you subtract expenses from revenue. A positive number means making money.

A 'balance sheet' is like a financial snapshot of a company's assets and debts.

The Connection Between Marketing and Accounting

Marketing and accounting are partners in business success. Marketing attracts customers, increasing revenue. Accounting measures this success, ensuring a company is profitable and healthy.

Now, let's look at the vital connection between marketing and accounting. Think of a business as a ship sailing toward success. Marketing acts like the wind in its sails, driving it forward, while accounting is like the compass that keeps it on the right path.

Marketing efforts, such as advertising and promotions, bring in customers. More customers mean higher sales or revenue, which is excellent for a business. Think of marketing as a way to gather a crowd around the ship.

However, it's not sufficient to gather a crowd; you must also ensure the ship stays afloat and profitable. This is where accounting comes into play. Accounting checks the ship's financial health.

It helps you determine if you're making a profit (when more money comes in than goes out) or if adjustments are necessary. Picture accounting as examining the ship's supplies, making sure it has enough fuel, and ensuring the crew gets paid.

So, marketing and accounting cooperate to help businesses succeed. Marketing attracts customers, while accounting closely watches over the ship's finances, ensuring it remains on the correct course toward success.

Remember, understanding this connection is crucial for getting the full picture of how businesses operate. Marketing brings people in, and accounting evaluates and guarantees long-term success.

Recap and Tips

Let's summarize:

Marketing spreads the word about products (P-P-P-P Product, Price, Place, Promotion).

Accounting tracks money (Income, Expenses, Profit, Balance Sheet).

They work together for business success.

Practice your new vocabulary by listening to this episode several times during the week.

I hope this easy explanation of marketing and accounting helps you on your learning journey.

If you want to save money, listen to this new episode.

Last week, we discussed different strategies to save money; now, let's continue learning new tricks. And with a funny mini-story, you will practice your English speaking.

Hi! I'm Georgiana. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. My mission is to help you improve your fluency.

And if you want to get the transcript, then visit my website: SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast

It's completely free!

Ok, let's start!

Automate Your Savings

Make saving money a habit by setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account. This ensures that a portion of your income is saved automatically each month, reducing the temptation to spend it.

Keep Track of Your Expenses

Maintain a record of all your expenses to understand where your money goes. You can use a notebook or a smartphone app to record every purchase. This practice helps you identify areas where you might be overspending and where you can cut back.

Shop Wisely

When shopping, look for sales, discounts, and coupons to save money on everyday items. Consider purchasing generic or store-brand products, often more affordable than brand-name items. Plan your shopping trips and stick to your shopping list to avoid impulse buying.

Reduce Utility Costs

Save money on utility bills by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and addressing drafts in your home. These small changes can lead to noticeable savings over time.

Pay Off High-Interest Debt

If you have debt with high-interest rates, such as credit card debt, make it a priority to pay it off. High interest rates can eat into your savings. Allocate extra funds to paying down your high-interest debts and avoid accumulating more.

Build an Emergency Fund

This is essential for financial security. Do your best to save a few months' living expenses in a separate account. This fund acts as a safety net in case unexpected expenses arise, preventing you from going into debt.

Hi! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher, and my mission is to help you speak English fluently.

On my website you can get the 5 Secrets to speak English and also my premium courses.

Before we start, get the transcript on my website. It's completely free.

Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Ok, let's start!

Do you want to save money? Today, we will explore some simple money-saving tips that are easy to understand and apply. And with a fun story, you will improve your English grammar in context.

Learn Basic Money Vocabulary

Before we start talking about ways to save money, let's get to know some important financial terms in English. Knowing these words will help you better understand and handle your finances:

Income: This is the money you earn.

Expenses: These are the costs or money you spend.

Budget: A budget is a plan for managing your money.

Savings: Savings are the money you keep for the future.

Debt: Debt is money you owe.

Understanding these words is a great starting point for improving your financial knowledge.

Create a Simple Budget

Creating a budget is the first step toward financial control. Start by listing your sources of income, such as your salary or any money you receive. Then, list your regular expenses, like rent or mortgage, groceries, transportation, and bills. A budget helps you see how much money you have left after covering your expenses, which you can allocate to savings.

Prioritize Your Spending

It's important to distinguish between essential needs and non-essential wants. Needs are things like housing, food, and utilities—necessities for daily life. Wants are things like dining out, entertainment, or shopping for items that are not essential. Focus on covering your needs first, and allocate any remaining funds to your wants or savings.

Set Clear Savings Goals

Identify specific financial goals that matter to you. Perhaps you want to save for unexpected expenses, education, a home, or retirement. Having clear goals provides motivation and direction for your savings efforts.

Great! In a future episode, we will continue learning more about how to save money.

Emily: Would you like to come over for a cuppa?

Raquel: Is that like a cupcake or something sweet?

Emily: Oh no, a cuppa is just a cup of tea. But I can offer you some cake if you like.

Raquel: Sure, I'd love a cuppa and some cake.

Get the full transcript on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/285-how-to-make-a-cup-of-tea/

As you already noticed, I love drinking tea, and last week I talked about the history of tea in the UK. But if you're not sure about tea or think you might not like it, don't worry. I'm here to introduce you to different types of tea. I'm sure we can find one you'll really enjoy. And, of course, I'll show you how to make a British cuppa.

By the way, you can say 'a cuppa' instead of 'a cup of tea.' People in some places use it a lot. For example, someone might say, 'When I'm tired, I enjoy having a cuppa to relax.'

Hi, everyone! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher, and my mission is to help you speak English fluently.

On my website you can get the 5 Secrets to speak English and also my premium courses.

Before we start, get the transcript on my website. It's completely free.

Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Ok, let's start!

In the UK, people enjoy drinking many different kinds of tea. However, the most popular tea in the UK is black tea.

Black Tea: People often put milk and sometimes sugar in it. Some famous black teas are English Breakfast Tea, Earl Grey, Lady Grey, Assam, and Darjeeling.

Green Tea: is not as popular as black tea in the UK, but some people like it. It's healthy and comes from Japan and China.

Herbal teas, such as peppermint and chamomile, are caffeine-free and come in various flavors. People enjoy them because they can have a calming effect. Fruit Chai Chai tea has spices like cinnamon and ginger. Trust me, it's delicious when you add milk and sugar.

White Tea: isn't as standard, but some people enjoy it. It's light and has a subtle taste.

Oolong Tea: is like black and green tea. And it comes in different flavors.

Rooibos Tea: is a caffeine-free tea from South Africa. It has a gentle, sweet, and earthy taste, often with hints of vanilla or honey.

In the UK, you can also find specialty blends; teas with unique flavors like flowers, spices, and much more.

Get the full transcript on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/285-how-to-make-a-cup-of-tea/

Do you like tea? I love trying different kinds, especially on cold days. Today, we’ll talk about the British love for tea. And in a future episode, I’ll show you how to make a British-style cup of tea.

Hi! I’m Georgiana. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. My mission is to help you improve your fluency.

And if you want to get the transcript, then visit my website: SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast

It’s completely free!

Ok, let’s start!

Once Upon a Time:

Long ago, in the 1600s, tea debuted in the UK. This fancy beverage didn’t magically appear; it came from Portugal. Catherine of Braganza, married to King Charles II, really liked tea and introduced this interesting new habit to the UK.

Tea for the Elite:

In the early days, tea was rare and expensive, like treasure! People kept their tea in special locked boxes called tea caddies. Back then, only people like the king and queen enjoyed it.

Afternoon Tea Parties:

In the 1700s, tea became more popular, but it was still costly. Then, Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, had a brilliant idea: afternoon tea parties! She invited her friends for tea and snacks in the afternoon, which became a stylish tradition.

The Tea Trade:

The British East India Company played a huge part in making tea famous in the UK. They established trade relations with China and brought boatloads of tea back. There were even big arguments and fights, like the Opium Wars, over tea and other trading.

Tea for Everyone:

In the 1800s, tea became more affordable, and people from all walks of life started drinking it. Tea became a daily treat for everyone, including workers and those with a refined taste.

A Solution to a Big Problem:

In the 1800s, in the UK, many people drank too much alcohol. And it caused a lot of problems. Luckily, some smart people thought tea was a better choice than alcohol. Here’s why:

While tea did not solve all alcohol problems, it was healthier and cheaper for many.

It went from being an exclusive drink to something everyone loves. And that’s the short story of tea time in the UK! Enjoy your next cup of tea!

In a future episode, I’ll talk about the different types of tea. And I will teach you how

to make a proper cup of tea.

In this episode, we'll discuss whether English learners should pick an accent when they're at an intermediate level. And with a short story you will learn grammar in context without any boring rules.

On my website you can get the 5 Secrets to speak English and also my premium courses.

Hi, everyone! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher, and my mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Before we start, get the transcript on my website. It's completely free.

Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Ok, let's start!

When choosing between learning American or British English, it's crucial to think about your goals and situation. Here are a few reasons why you might prefer one accent over the other:

I'll start by sharing my experience. As you may know, I'm also a language learner like you, and I've been learning languages for many years. I've chosen to learn languages by listening to a lot of content. This method has helped me become fluent in several languages, including Spanish.

When I began learning Spanish many years ago, I spent much time watching TV shows from South America. This helped me learn new words and understand the language better. Later, I started listening to content from Spain. At first, I noticed the accent was different, but I quickly got used to it because I already had a good foundation.

That's when I realized that listening daily is crucial when learning a language. I listened to many of hours of Spanish content before I could speak fluently.

So, don't worry too much about which accent to choose at this stage. Right now, your main focus should be on listening. Listen to content that is easy to understand as much as you can.

Also, if you are not completely fluent, you should consume content designed for English learners. When I record my podcast episodes, I do my best to speak as clearly as possible to help you understand me better.

However, if you want to choose an accent, let's briefly discuss why you might select an American or British accent.

Get the transcript on my website.  https://speakenglishpodcast.com/283-american-or-british-english-which-ones-for-you/

Today, we will talk about how people in America celebrate New Year's Eve. And with a short story you will learn grammar in context without any boring rules.

On my website you can get the 5 Secrets to speak English and also my premium courses.

Hi, everyone! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher, and my mission is to help you speak English fluently.

Before we start, get the transcript on my website. It's completely free.

Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast 

Let's explore the fun traditions and superstitions that make New Year's Eve special in the USA.

#1 Dropping the Ball in Times Square: Perhaps the most iconic New Year's Eve tradition in the USA is the dropping of the ball in Times Square, New York City. Imagine a big, shiny ball made of crystal. Every year, lots of people gather to watch the ball descend when the clock strikes midnight. It's a famous event since 1907, making people happy and hopeful about what's coming next.

#2 Kissing at Midnight: Kissing someone at the stroke of midnight is considered a way to ensure that the year ahead will be filled with love and happiness.

#3 Parties and Get-Togethers

New Year's Eve is a time for friends and family to unite. We have parties where we dance, laugh, and have a great time. We also raise a toast with fizzy wine or champagne to celebrate and wish each other well. But don't confuse 'champagne' with 'shampoo.' It's not as bubbly and won't make your hair smell better!

#4 Parades and Fireworks: In many parts of the country, there are parades and fireworks to celebrate the New Year. One of the most famous parades is the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. It's a happy parade with floats decorated with flowers, marching bands, and horses. It's a fun way to begin the new year.

#5 Hangover Cure: Some people feel bad the next day after the party, like a headache and a sick stomach. This is called a 'hangover.' People say drinking water and eating breakfast can make you feel better. However, the best way to feel good is to sleep a lot on the first day of the year and wake up on January 2nd feeling fresh and ready!

#6 New Year's Resolutions

Many Americans like to make "resolutions" for the new year. These are like promises we make to ourselves. For example, we might promise to exercise more, learn something new, or be kinder. But let's be honest: many of us forget our resolutions by February.

So, instead of saying we'll exercise every day, maybe we can just promise to enjoy chocolate without feeling bad about it. That's a resolution that's easy to keep!

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 — for Fashion, Art, and Design - takes over a different Brooklyn venue with many 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

After all of 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.

Get the full text here: speakenglishpodcast.com/281-christmas-markets/

Hi! Today, we will discuss "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. This story is about kindness and how people can change, especially during Christmas. So, let's dive into Ebenezer Scrooge's story together!

Get the TRANSCRIPT on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/280-a-christmas-carol-by-charles-dickens-for-beginners/

"A Christmas Carol" is about a man named Ebenezer Scrooge. He doesn't like Christmas, and he's mean to everyone, even his worker, Bob Cratchit.

One cold Christmas Eve, Scrooge gets a visit from the ghost of his old partner, Jacob Marley, who is wrapped in chains. Marley tells Scrooge that he'll be in chains, too, if he doesn't change his ways.

Scrooge is visited by three more ghosts—the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. They show him his past, his present, and a scary future.

In the past, Scrooge sees when he was young and kinder. In the present, he sees people enjoying Christmas, even if they don't have much money. He especially sees Bob Cratchit and his family, who are poor but happy.

The scariest part is when he meets the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. This ghost shows him a future where nobody cares about Scrooge because he's so mean. Scrooge realizes he doesn't want this future.

He wants to change and feels happy when he wakes up on Christmas morning. He starts being kind and helps people. Not only that, but he gives money to charity, gives more money to Bob Cratchit, and takes care of Tiny Tim, who is very sick.

"A Christmas Carol" shows us that we can always choose to be kind, and Christmas is a time to love and share.

Here are the themes of the novel:

Change and Kindness: This story shows us that people can change and become kinder if they want to.

Family and Togetherness: The Cratchit family's love reminds us that family is important even when they don't have much.

Giving and Joy: Christmas is about giving and making others happy.

"A Christmas Carol" is a story that reminds us to be kind, especially during Christmas. Whether you hear it for the first time or again, it's a story that warms our hearts.

Get the TRANSCRIPT on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/280-a-christmas-carol-by-charles-dickens-for-beginners/

In a previous episode, we talked about the mouse, the keyboard, and the screen. Today, we'll learn about more parts of a computer. And with a short story, you will learn grammar in context without memorizing any boring rules.

Hi! I'm Georgiana. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. My mission is to help you improve your English fluency.

If you want to help me, share the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks.

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

Ok, let's continue learning about computer parts:

Now, let's talk about 'RAM.' RAM stands for 'Random Access Memory.' RAM is like a computer's working memory. It's where the computer keeps things while doing tasks, just like our brains remember stuff when we're busy.

My old computer only had 8 megabytes of RAM. It's like having a small desk – you can only put a few things on it at once.

Nowadays, computers have much more RAM, at least 8 gigabytes, which is like having a big desk with lots of space. This helps modern computers work faster and better.

Another essential part of a computer is 'storage.' This is where we keep our files, such as photos and documents. The computer stores these files on a 'hard drive,' like a giant digital cabinet for our stuff.

In the past, when we wanted to move information from one computer to another, we used something called a 'floppy disk.' A floppy disk was a small, flat, plastic thing that could only hold a tiny bit of information, like one page from a book. It was like using a small bag to carry your digital things.

Today, we have much better ways to store our files. We use something called the 'cloud,' which is like a magical place on the internet where we can keep lots of information safely. 

Examples of cloud services include 'iCloud' from Apple, 'Google Drive,' 'Microsoft OneDrive,' and 'Dropbox.' It's like having a big online storage room where you can keep your digital stuff.

The closest thing we have now to a floppy disk is a 'flash drive.' It's a tiny device that can hold much information, like a small digital bag for your files.

Before flash drives, we used something else called 'CDs.' A CD was like a flat, round disc that could hold more information than a floppy disk. It was like a small, thin plate.

Get the full text here:  https://speakenglishpodcast.com/279-my-first-computer-and-new-alternatives-part2/

Tom (Being serious): Hey, do we have to send thank you notes to everyone we've ever met for Thanksgiving?

James (Laughing): Oh no, it's not like that! Thanksgiving is more about enjoying turkey and pie with family and friends, not writing thank you notes to everyone!

Hi! Welcome to a special podcast about Thanksgiving! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher, and I want to tell you about Thanksgiving.

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

Also, if you want to help me, share the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks.

Ok, let's start!

Thanksgiving is celebrated in the US and Canada. It's a special day when people express their gratitude for things like family and food.

Why People Celebrate this holiday: Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for good things. Many people have a big meal with family and friends.

When It Is Celebrated: Thanksgiving is on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. In Canada, it's on the second Monday of October.

Where It Is Celebrated: People celebrate Thanksgiving in their homes or with family in other places. Others travel to be with family.

What's the origin of this holiday? Thanksgiving began long ago when Pilgrims from England came to America on a ship called the Mayflower. Pilgrims are people who have a tough journey because of their religion, and these ones came to America so they could practice their religion freely.

When they came to America, it was tough. It was cold, and they didn't have much food. But Native Americans, showed the Pilgrims how to grow food like corn, beans, and squash.

In 1621, the Pilgrims had a good harvest during the fall because of what they learned from the Native Americans. So they had a big meal together to say thank you and celebrate. The feast is known as the first Thanksgiving.

Since then, Thanksgiving has been a special day when people come together with their families. They usually eat turkey, potatoes, veggies, and pie. Some people also watch parades and football games on TV.

As you can see, Thanksgiving is a wonderful day celebrated in the United States and Canada. Even if you're from another place, it's good to remember that Thanksgiving is all about being thankful and enjoying time with your loved ones.

Hi! Let’s continue learning about the play Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare. But don’t worry because I’ve made it very easy for you to understand.

You can get the full transcript on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/277-romeo-and-juliet-shakespeare-for-beginners-part2/

In a previous episode, I began discussing the play “Romeo and Juliet.” Today, we will continue with Acts 4 and 5 of the play.

Great! Let’s start with Act 4:

[Act 4 – Juliet’s Bold Move]

In Act 4, the story takes another turn. Juliet’s parents want her to marry Paris, a man she doesn’t love. She’s already married to Romeo, but it’s a secret.

Juliet’s Problem: Juliet worries about marrying Paris because she loves Romeo. She goes to Friar Laurence, a good friend to the young lovers, for help.

Friar’s Plan: Friar Laurence develops a plan to help Juliet. He gives her a special drink that will make her look like she’s dead for a while. He advises her to take it the night before her wedding so that everyone will believe she has died.

Juliet’s Fear: Juliet is terrified of the plan. She’s worried that the drink might actually kill her or that she’ll wake up alone in a scary tomb.

Juliet’s Agreement: Juliet agrees to the plan because she’s desperate to avoid marrying Paris. She goes back home, and her parents are happy because they think she’ll marry Paris soon.

Wedding Rush: Her parents decide to move the wedding up to the next day, which makes Juliet even more nervous.

Romeo’s Missed Message: Meanwhile, Friar Laurence tries to send a message to Romeo about the plan, but it doesn’t reach him because of a problem.

[Act 5 – A Sad Ending]

In Act 5, the story reaches its tragic conclusion.

Romeo Comes Back: Romeo secretly returns to Verona because he thinks Juliet is dead. He wants to see her one last time.

Fight with Paris: Romeo and a man named Paris fight at Juliet’s tomb. Romeo doesn’t want to hurt Paris, but they end up fighting, and Romeo accidentally kills Paris.

Juliet’s “Death”: When Romeo sees Juliet in her tomb, he thinks she’s really dead. So, he drinks poison and dies next to her.

Juliet Wakes Up: Just after Romeo dies, Juliet wakes up. She is very sad when she sees Romeo dead. Juliet tries to kiss the poison from his lips, but it doesn’t work. So, she takes his dagger and kills herself.

Friar Explains: Friar Laurence comes to the tomb and explains everything to the Prince and the families. He tells them about Romeo and Juliet’s secret marriage and how it led to their sad endings.

- Why did the computer catch a cold?

- Because it had too many windows open! 😄

Hi! I'm Georgiana. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. Also, thank you for the 30 million downloads!!!! 🎉 🎉 🎉

Today, I'll talk about my very first computer and compare it with modern tech.

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

Ok, let's get started!

Have you ever thought about how computers have changed over the years? Well, I have, and I want to share my experiences with you.

I will start with the parts of the computer:

First, the "mouse." A mouse is a small device you move on your desk. It's like a digital pet that helps  you control your computer. My mouse was big and had a ball underneath. It wasn't small and smooth like today's mice. It had a cord that often got tangled, but I liked it. I used it to click on things and move around on the screen.

Well, nowadays, we have some other ways to do the same thing: 

Many laptops have a flat area below the keyboard called "touchpad" that you can use your finger to move the arrow around. It's like a tiny built-in mouse. 

Some computers now let you touch the screen directly with your finger to control things. This is called a "touch screen." It's just like using your finger to tap or swipe on your phone. 

You can also use a special pen on some computers to point and click, just like you used to do with the mouse. 

Next, let's talk about the 'screen.' The screen is like a computer's TV. But the ones I used in the past were different from today's flat screens.

My old screen was big and not flat like modern screens. It looked more like a big, heavy box on my desk. The pictures and words on it didn't look very clear. They were a bit fuzzy, not sharp like today's screens. Nowadays, screens are much thinner and lighter, showing pictures and words much more clearly. So, things on the computer look better now.

Now, let's talk about the 'keyboard.' A keyboard is like a big board with many buttons you press. Each button has a letter, number, or symbol on it. It helps you type words and tell the computer what to do.

The keyboard I used back then had all the letters and keys you need, just like today's keyboards. But it looked bigger and the buttons were a bit farther apart. When you typed on them, they made a clicky sound, unlike today's quieter keyboards.

Get the transcript on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/computer-vocabulary-in-english-for-beginners/

Hi! I'm Georgiana. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. My mission is to help you improve your fluency.

Today, I will discuss Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," but don't worry because I've made it very easy to understand.

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

Let's start!

Today, we'll explore the famous play 'Romeo and Juliet' by William Shakespeare, written over 400 years ago. This play is divided into five acts, like chapters in a book. I've prepared a short summary for each act. In this episode, we'll focus on Acts 1, 2, and 3, and in our next session, we'll continue with Acts 4 and 5.

In the play, Shakespeare explored important things like love, family, and problems that were important back then and still matter to people today.

Now, let's start with the first three acts of this classic story.

[Act 1 - A Tale of Two Families]

Okay, picture this: we're in a lovely place called Verona, Italy. There are two big families there, the Montagues and the Capulets, and they don't get along. 

But guess what? A young guy named Romeo, from the Montague family, and a girl named Juliet, from the Capulet family, meet at a fancy party and fall in love, unaware of the enmity between their families.

And so Act 1 ends with a big surprise. Romeo and Juliet find out who each other really is. This is a big shock because they're from enemy families. This surprise begins a sad and complicated story with many problems that happen next.

[Act 2 - Balcony Magic]

In Act 2, the story becomes more romantic. Romeo sneaks into Juliet's garden, and they talk from her balcony.

They declare their love and plan a hidden wedding with the help of Juliet's Nurse. 

Tybalt, who is Juliet's cousin, challenges Romeo to a fight. This happens because Tybalt is angry with Romeo. Their clash is a significant moment in the story.

As a result, the Prince banishes Romeo from Verona. The act concludes with Romeo and Juliet apart, encountering fresh difficulties, and their secret marriage adding more complexity to their love tale.

[Act 3 - Trouble in Town]

In Act 3, things get even more intense. Tybalt, who is Juliet's cousin, wants to get back at Romeo, and this leads to a big fight with Mercutio, which sadly ends in Mercutio getting hurt very badly.

Romeo is very sad about Mercutio and gets into a fight with Tybalt, which results in Tybalt's death. Because of this, Romeo has to leave Verona. Things are getting really tough for Romeo and Juliet because they can't be together.

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

Hey there, everyone! If you're new here, welcome to our podcast family! 🎙️

I'm Georgiana, your English teacher, and a language learner just like you. I believe that learning should be fun and easy.

With my exclusive method I've helped many people worldwide speak English fluently without using grammar or textbooks.

Yes, you heard that correctly! It's time to say goodbye to those boring grammar books.

How can you do it? Well, I'll tell you a short story twice, and each time, I'll change the tense or whether it's singular or plural. This way, you can learn by comparing these changes in the context of the story.

But first, our main topic today is stress management because, let's admit it – learning a new language can be quite overwhelming.

Don't worry, I'm here to help. I'm going to share some really helpful tips to make learning a new language less stressful.

Before you start listening, get the transcript of this episode for free.

visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast 

Ok, let's start with some useful tips on how to manage stress:

#1 Breathe deeply: When stressed, pause and focus on your breath. Inhale slowly through your nose, letting your lungs fill with air, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. This simple breathing exercise can quickly calm your nerves and help you relax.

#2 Stay Organized: Try making a list to manage your tasks and reduce stress. Write down what you need to do, prioritizing the most important things. This organized approach helps you use your time and resources effectively.

#3 Exercise Regularly: Physical activity is a great stress reliever. Make it a habit to move your body regularly. You don't need intense workouts; even a short walk or simple stretches can make a big difference. Exercise releases endorphins, which naturally boost your mood and reduce stress.

#4 Talk to Someone: Sharing your worries with someone you trust can be really helpful. Reach out to a friend, family member, or teacher. A supportive conversation can give you emotional relief and a fresh perspective on your stress.

#5 Get Good Sleep: Try getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Sleep is crucial for your physical and mental well-being. It allows your body and mind to recover, making it easier to handle stress when you're well-rested.

Get the transcript of this episode for free:

visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast 

Today, we're discussing our precious hours in bed every night, and why it's important to get a good amount of sleep. And with a mini-story, you will practice your English speaking.

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It's completely free!

Ok, let's start!

I remember a time when I constantly felt tired. I'd drag myself through the day, feeling like I was two steps behind. I thought, "Maybe it's just how life is." 

But, one day, I looked at my nighttime habits and realized I wasn't giving my body the rest it needed. And trust me, once I made a few changes, everything transformed. I felt alive and happier, and everything just became easier. I want that for all of you, too. So, let's dive in!

Why are restful nights crucial?

1. Recharge your body and mind. During those quiet hours, your body and mind reset. Imagine it like charging a phone. When you wake up, you're ready to go!

2. Better mood. Getting enough rest can make you happier and less irritable. When we're tired, everything seems harder.

3. Helps with memory. Rest can sharpen your memory. This is essential for students and those with busy jobs.

4. Keeps you strong. Getting a good night's sleep helps your body stay healthy, and you might not get sick as much.

Knowing this, how can we make the most of our nights?

1. Set a routine. Try to go to bed at a similar time every night. This creates a rhythm for your body.

2. Peaceful surroundings. Ensure your room is dark and silent. This signals to your brain that it's time to wind down.

3. Avoid screens. Put electronics away at least one hour before you head to bed. Their light can disturb your natural rhythms.

4. Comfort is key. A comfy bed, the perfect pillow, and a cozy blanket can really make a difference.

5. Relax before bedtime. Read, listen to soothing music, or enjoy a warm bath. These activities can help you unwind.

Sometimes it's hard to get 8 hours of sleep. But remember, it's about quality over quantity. Six hours of good, solid rest can be better than eight hours of tossing and turning.

Hi! I'm Georgiana. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. My mission is to help you improve your fluency.

Learning English can be enjoyable and useful, but also challenging. You might experience frustration or have doubtful or negative thoughts.

For instance, you might believe, "I can't speak English fluently," but a more positive way to approach it is, "I'm improving my English every day." 

It's crucial to know that negative thoughts can slow down progress. In this episode, we will explore ways to change these thoughts and motivate you.

Before you continue listening, go to my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast, to get the transcript of this episode.

Ok. Let's start!

First, you'll need to spot negative thoughts when they happen. These might involve doubting your abilities or fearing making mistakes.

Keeping a journal to write down these ideas as they come up can help you understand when and why they happen.

Think, "Age doesn't stop me from learning," instead of, "I'm too old to learn a new language." Or, remember that "Mistakes help me learn" when you catch yourself thinking, "I keep making mistakes when I speak English."

After you spot negative ideas, take a moment to question if they're really true or not.

Reflect on these questions:

Asking these questions helps you think more logically. For instance, instead of believing "I'll never speak English perfectly," consider "Learning a new language takes time and practice, but I can get better with persistence."

Set Realistic Goals 

Setting achievable goals in language learning can fight negative thinking. Instead of aiming for perfection right away, establish smaller, step-by-step objectives.

Picture yourself succeeding every day. See yourself confidently engaging in English conversations and handling different communication situations. This mental image will boost your confidence and keep you motivated.

Go to my website, SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast, to get the transcript of this episode.

Transcript:

Today, let's discuss exercise and its benefits for health. Also, with a story, you will practice and improve your grammar in context.

Before you start listening, go to my website and get the transcript for free. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Great! Let's start!

Better Physical Health: Exercising isn't just about looking good; it's about feeling great, too! Regular exercise helps us maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of diseases. Plus, it keeps our muscles and bones strong and our hearts and lungs in great shape.

Mental Health and Stress Relief: Exercise is like a magical mood booster. It releases those happy chemicals in our brains, helping us manage stress, anxiety, and those occasional low days. And guess what? It makes our minds sharper and our sleep more peaceful.

More Energy: Isn't it funny how working out can give you more energy? It gets your blood pumping and your body awake and alert.

Better Sleep: Good sleep helps our health a lot. And regular exercise is always a good friend. When we sleep well, our bodies fix themselves and get ready for another great day.

Living Longer: Science says that those who exercise regularly tend to live longer, healthier lives. Who doesn't want that?

Find Fun Activities: The best exercise is the one you enjoy. Whether dancing alone, walking in nature, swimming in the pool, or playing a sport, choose what makes you happy.

Start Slow: If you're just starting, take it easy. Think of it like a journey; you'll get there step by step.

Make a Schedule: Let's treat exercise like a date with ourselves. Set a time and stick to it, making it a non-negotiable part of your day.

Change It Up: Mixing different exercises is good and helps our bodies. Do some breath-focused workouts and muscle-building exercises, and remember to stretch too.

Get the transcript here: Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

- I've been trying to eat more healthily, so I chose a salad for lunch.

- That's good! What did you have for dinner?

- Well, for dinner, I had a cheeseburger, but I added a piece of lettuce, so it's almost like a salad, isn't it?

- Ah, I get it! You turned your burger into a 'salad burger.' You're doing well with your healthy eating goals!

Get the transcript at: Speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

Hi! I'm Georgiana. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. My mission is to help you improve your fluency.

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 give the podcast 5 stars!!!

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Have you ever thought about how to eat tasty and healthy food in a simple way? Today, I'm going to share easy tips for enjoying delicious, good-for-you meals.

Grab a snack, and let's get started!

Basic Food Facts 

First, let's learn some simple aspects of food. Our bodies need carbs, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. 

A quick tip: imagine your plate is a rainbow. The more colors, the more good stuff you're eating!

Fixing Food Mistakes 

Next, let's fix some food mistakes! Mistake number one: "Carbs are bad."

I'm not against low-carb diets because I followed the keto diet for a while. However, I now include carbs from sources like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which can contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Get the transcript at: Speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

Transcript:

Hi, everyone! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher, and I'm here to help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks. And if you want to help me, it's very simple! 🔗Share the podcast 🎙️ with your friends and family.

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

Great! Let's start!

Today, I will talk about the Internet's fantastic journey – how it changed from big machines to the online world we know today.

Imagine going back to the 1960s, a time of cool space adventures and bright colors. Back then, computers weren't small like today. They were as big as rooms! Like friendly elephants waiting for special instructions. But guess what? These big computers couldn't talk to each other.

However, scientists and researchers wanted computers to talk. They dreamed of connecting these big computers, making a web linking people everywhere. That's how the Internet started – they made a special language using ones and zeros so that computers could share information even if they were far apart.

Now, let's jump ahead to the 1990s. Think of slow dial-up Internet. That's when the World Wide Web appeared. Imagine a huge library with doors open to different places when you click. But, you had to wait because pages loaded slowly, like a snail.

I remember the "You've Got Mail!" sound and the funny noise when connecting to the Internet. The Internet had two sides – sometimes it was super cool, and other times it got in the way of using the phone.

Today, the Internet is a big part of our lives. You can shop, talk to friends worldwide, and learn things without leaving your house. It's like magic!

Think about how far we've come – from big machines to a connected world where you can find all sorts of things, from facts to funny cat videos.

And don't forget, the Internet is not just for young people. People of all ages enjoy using it to connect with family and friends, play games, and learn new skills. It's a tool that brings everyone together from all around the world.

So, whether you're a student doing research for school or a grandparent staying in touch with loved ones, the Internet has something for everyone.

And how about you?

How do you use the Internet?

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

Hi, everyone! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher, and I'm here to help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks. And if you want to help me, it's very simple! Share the podcast with your friends and family.

Before you start listening, go to my website and get the transcript for free. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Great! Let's start!

Today, I want to share a personal story. It's about a special thing in my kitchen: my air fryer.

Once upon a time, I cooked food the old way. I used pots, pans, and lots of oil. My food tasted good, but it took a lot of time. And cleaning? Oh, it was a big job! Then, a friend told me about the air fryer. At first, I thought, "What is this magic pot?" But then, I tried it, and wow!

The first time I used the air fryer, I cooked potatoes. I washed them, cut them, and put them in the fryer. I waited for a short time. When I opened it, what did I see? Golden, crispy potatoes! They were like chips but not too oily. I was so happy!

The best thing about the air fryer is that it uses less oil. So, the food has less fat. It's healthier for our bodies. And guess what? It still tastes very yummy! My family loves the food I cook in it. They say it's tasty and crispy.

After the potatoes, I wanted to try more. I cooked chicken, fish, and even cake! Yes, a cake in an air fryer. It was so soft and sweet.

The air fryer made my life easy. No more big pots. No more too much oil. No more long cooking. And cleaning? It's so easy! Just take out the basket, wash it, and it's done.

If you like easy cooking, try an air fryer. Start with simple things. Maybe potatoes like me. Then, try new recipes. There are many recipes on the internet.

Also, remember: every air fryer is a bit different. So, the first time, watch your food. Make sure it doesn't burn. After some tries, you will know your fryer better.

Today, I wanted to share my love for my magic pot, the air fryer. I hope my story helps you. Cooking can be fun, easy, and healthy. If I can do it, you can too!

Thank you for listening. If you have stories or tips about your air fryer, share them with me. Let's learn together. Happy cooking!

Great! That's all for now! I hope you found this topic helpful.

Let's continue with a Point-of-View Lesson.

Hi, everyone! Thanks for joining me for another episode. I'm Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

Today, we're continuing our journey of expressions inspired by man's best friend: the dog. And with a fun point-of-view story, you will improve your grammar in context.

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

And if you want to help me, share the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks.

Our first phrase is dogged determination. When someone shows dogged determination, they're incredibly persistent, not giving up easily. It's like a dog who won't let go of its favorite toy.

Next, we have 'the hair of the dog.' This means taking a bit of alcohol to ease a hangover. It's a humorous way to suggest that a little of what caused your problem might help solve it.

Moving on, a dog in the manger is an expression for someone who doesn't want others to enjoy something they don't need or use.

And then there's the saying, 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks.' It suggests that teaching someone new things is challenging, especially if they're set in their ways. However, never let that stop you from learning!

Let's continue!

Ever been so exhausted you can barely stand? That's being dog-tired. 

If everything is a mess, you'd say it's a dog's breakfast or a dog's dinner. For instance, you are trying to bake a cake and ending up with flour all over the kitchen!

Sometimes, people feel they're dogged by bad luck, meaning they feel misfortune is constantly following them. 

On a fun note, dog and bone is playful rhyming slang for 'phone.' So, if you're chatting on your dog and bone, you're on your phone!

If you can't finish your meal, you might ask for a doggie bag to take the leftovers home when dining out. 

And dog watch? The phrase for people who work at sea refers to a brief period of duty on a boat.

When someone says they're leading a dog's life, it expresses having a tough or miserable time.

I hope you're not having a miserable time but are enjoying listening to this show.

Let's listen to the expressions one more time:

1. dogged determination

2. the hair of the dog

3. a dog in the manger

4. you can't teach an old dog new tricks

5. dog tired

6. dog's breakfast/dinner

7. dogged by bad luck

8. dog and bone

9. doggie bag

10. dog's life

11. dog watch

Do you love dogs? That's wonderful because today, we're going to learn some new idioms in English about dogs. And with a mini-story, you will learn about Mark's success and challenges in the workplace while using these dog expressions. It's gonna be fun! You'll see!

Hi, everyone! Thanks for joining me for a new episode. I'm Georgiana, your English teacher. And I'm here to help you speak English fluently.

Before we start, get the transcript of this episode!

Visit SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast

Let's start!

Our first idiom is Barking up the wrong tree. Imagine you're trying to find your lost keys, and you start looking under the couch.

But, oops! The keys were actually on the kitchen counter. That's when you've been barking up the wrong tree - focusing your efforts in the wrong direction. So, remember, when you're searching for something, make sure you're not barking up the wrong tree!

Now, let's continue with the expression Let sleeping dogs lie. Imagine you have a sleepy dog who's all cozy on the couch. You know, if you wake them up, they might get grumpy. This idiom means sometimes it's best to leave things as they are and not stir up trouble. Just like you wouldn't want to wake a sleeping dog, it's often better to let certain situations be.

Every dog has its day is our following idiom. This means that everyone gets a chance to shine or succeed. Just like even the quietest dog might have a day when they're the center of attention, you, too, will have your moment to succeed and be recognized.Moving on, we have the Dog-eat-dog world. This expression paints a picture of a competitive and ruthless environment where everyone tries to get ahead. It's like a pack of dogs all fighting for the same bone.

Let's continue!

If you're In the doghouse, it means you're in trouble or someone's upset with you. Imagine you forgot your friend's birthday – you might be in the doghouse for a while. But, with a little effort, you can always mend fences and get out of that "doghouse."

Have you ever been Sick as a dog? This idiom describes feeling extremely ill. Maybe you've caught a cold that makes you feel just as miserable as a sick pup. Rest and medicine are your best friends when you're as sick as a dog!

Dog Days is up next. This expression refers to the hottest summer days when it's so hot that even dogs prefer to stay indoors. So, during the dog days, make sure to stay hydrated and keep cool.

Get the transcript of this episode!

Visit SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast

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.

Remember that on my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com you will find the transcript of this episode.

Let's start!

1. Riddle: What has one eye but can't see?

Answer: A needle

Of course, the needle has an eye, but it cannot see since it is an object. Besides, the eye is empty.

2. Riddle: What has legs but doesn't walk?

Answer: A table

The table can't walk, but not because it is lazy but because it has another function. Most people can walk, but some prefer to sit all day.

3. Riddle: What can you catch but not throw?

Answer: A cold

In English, we use the expression to catch a cold. And it's not that we are chasing a cold. It's just an English expression.

4. Riddle: What kind of band never plays music?

Answer: A rubber band

A rubber band is a thin rubber ring that is used to hold things in place. It has multiple uses.

5. Riddle: What has many teeth but can't bite?

Answer: A comb

You use the comb to style your hair, so the bristles should not be too sharp.

6. Riddle: What has words but never speaks?

Answer: A book

A book cannot talk because it has no mouth, but the author does speak through the words written in the book.

7. Riddle: What has a thumb and four fingers but is not a hand?

Answer: A glove

Remember to get the transcript at

SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

Transcript:

Have you ever wondered if someone intended to make you doubt your own perceptions, experiences, or understanding of events? We call this gaslighting.

Today I will talk about this word that is becoming more and more popular. And with a point-of-view story, you will improve your grammar in context, without memorizing rules.

Where does "gaslighting" come from?

The word "gaslighting" comes from a play called "Gas Light." written in 1938 by Patrick Hamilton.

In this play, a husband tries to make his wife think she is losing her mind. He does some tricky things, like secretly making the lights from gas lamps in their house dimmer, and then he tells her that she's just imagining these changes. This play later became a movie.

Nowadays, when we say "gaslighting," we mean when someone tries to make another person unsure about their own memory or feelings, similar to what the husband did to his wife in the story.

I'll explain a little more about gaslighting, as it is a subtle, powerful form of manipulation intended to make you unsure of what is real.

When someone tries to make you doubt yourself, gaslighting occurs. They want to control how you think, feel, and remember things. For instance, imagine your friend insists they never said something you clearly remember them saying. Over time, this can lead you to doubt your own memories.

It's not a one-time occurrence; instead, it's a slow, ongoing process. This manipulation can occur in various relationships – with your family, friends, or coworkers. The individual using gaslighting intends to make you unsure about what is true and have you rely on their version of events.

You need to be able to recognize gaslighting. Look out for signs like someone denying they said something. They might also blame you or minimize your feelings. It's like they're trying to change your story, to make you see the world differently.

If you suspect gaslighting, it's essential to seek support. You can talk to someone you trust, like a good friend, family member, or counselor. Sharing what you're going through can give you a better idea of the situation and help you feel more confident again.

Always remember that your feelings and memories are valid. Gaslighting aims to make you doubt yourself, but you have the power to stand firm in your reality. By recognizing the manipulation and seeking assistance, you can protect yourself from its harmful effects.

[END OF THE EXTRACT]

Hi, everyone! Thanks for joining me for another episode. I'm Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

To get the transcript visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

You can subscribe to my newsletter on my website and get the 5 secrets to learn to speak English for free.

Have you ever spent a whole weekend just relaxing and doing nothing? Just playing games or binging shows? It's a nice break, right? But what if you did that for months or even years? Today, I've got a story that might shock you.

Think about someone who stays in their room all day and night, not seeing friends or family, not working or studying. Odd, right?

Well, there's a Japanese word for this -"Hikikomori," which means "being confined." It's about people who choose to stay away from society completely. This is common in Japan, but other cultures have similar ideas. People call them loners or "modern-day hermits." Around half a million young people in Japan, and about the same number of middle-aged people, live like this.

It's not just in Japan. Often, young people, especially guys, are really into the online world of games and social media. However, they are not afraid of going outside like people with agoraphobia. They simply prefer not to be involved in the world.

You might wonder why. I did too. Some people believe that pressure from society to do well can lead to this. Others have experienced difficult situations, such as bullying or family problems. Also, technology allows them to easily stay alone, as everything is accessible online.

Let's continue!

Now, think about their health. Being inside constantly isn't healthy. They might get weak or face sleep problems. Emotionally, they might feel down, unsure, or guilty.

In any case, many don't see this as a big problem, since these people don't often seek help. They're content in their isolation. But there are ways to help.

In Japan, there are online communities for them. When they're ready for help, they get therapy, medication, and social activities.

Even taking a short step outside can significantly impact you if you feel confined. The sun and fresh air can be invigorating.

Great! That's all for now! I hope you found this topic helpful.

Let's continue with a Point of View Lesson.

To get the transcript visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Transcript:

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

Speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

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, my first thought 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 I can prepare in 1 minute, 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.

As I said earlier, I typically 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!

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.

[END OF THE EXTRACT]

Speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

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.

Get the transcript on my website: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

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.

#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."

Get the transcript on my website: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

In today's lesson, we're going to explore the fascinating world of homophones. These are words that sound the same but have different meanings, and sometimes can be tricky for English learners.

Don't worry, though! By the end of this episode, you'll have a solid understanding of homophones and be able to use them confidently in your everyday conversations.

Before you start listening, make sure to get the transcript on my website: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

It's free!

So, let's dive in!

Homophones are words that are pronounced the same but have different meanings and may be spelled differently. They can often cause confusion, as they sound identical, but their meanings can vary. Let's explore some common examples of homophones to help clarify their usage.

Example 1: "Two," "Too," and "To"

Although they sound exactly alike, they have different meanings and uses.

"Two" refers to the number 2, such as "I have two cats."

"Too" means also or in addition, for example, "I want to go too."

"To" is a preposition used to express direction, purpose, or recipient, as in "I'm going to the park."

Example 2: "There," "Their," "They're"

Let's break them down:

"There" is used to indicate a location or a point being discussed, like "The keys are over there."

"Their" is a possessive pronoun that shows ownership, such as "They brought their books."

"They're" is a contraction of "they are," as in "They're going to the movies."

Example 3: "Write" and "Right"

Our final example focuses on two words that sound identical but have distinct meanings:

"Write" means to put words on paper or create text, like "Please write your name."

"Right" can refer to correctness, direction, or the opposite of left, such as

"The answer is right" or "Turn right at the intersection."

[END OF THE EXTRACT]

Get the transcript on my website: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

Hi, everyone! Thanks for joining me for a new episode. I'm Georgiana, your English teacher. And I'm here to help you speak English fluently.

Today, let's explore the incredible American experiences you can only find in the USA! And with a fun mini-story, you will improve your English fluency.

It's almost like having a conversation with someone in English.

Before we start, get the transcript on my website:

SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

Ok, let's get started!

The United States is known for its diverse culture, innovation, and unique things to do. In this episode, we'll discover American experiences exclusive to this country.

The breathtaking national parks.

The USA is home to stunning natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. These parks offer magnificent beauty and outdoor adventures that you can only find in the USA.

You will have another special experience when you visit the well-known Las Vegas Strip. It's filled with glamour and excitement, featuring iconic hotels, casinos, and incredible shows. Las Vegas combines luxury and entertainment in a way that is uniquely American.

Let's not forget about Broadway shows.

Broadway is considered the heart of live theater, and the USA is the home of this artistic treasure. With amazing productions and talented performers, Broadway offers an unforgettable theater experience that attracts people worldwide.

Moving on to American music, the USA is recognized for being the origin of diverse musical styles. American music has had a significant impact, from jazz and blues to rock and hip-hop. Therefore, seeing live performances in the US is a real treat for music lovers.

Next, we have American sports culture. Sports play a big role in American culture, whether attending a baseball game, experiencing the excitement of a basketball match, or feeling the community spirit of a college football game.

Finally, let's talk about the iconic landmarks.

The US is filled with many remarkable landmarks that represent American heritage and pride. From the Statue of Liberty in New York to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, these landmarks tell the story of the United States' rich history and accomplishments.

Get the transcript on my website:

SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

This time, I'll share more types of writing in journalism. In an earlier episode, I talked about different types of newswriting, such as news, report, and interviews. And with a fun mini-story you will practice your English speaking.

We will explore opinion genres, where writing is done from a subjective perspective. This perspective can be the author's or the media's opinion. Let's see what they are. #1 Editorial

Imagine a newspaper reporting on an event and publishing various news articles, reports, and maybe interviews.

This newspaper may publish an "editorial," which expresses the newspaper's opinion or position on the topic covered in the news. It usually reflects the media's ideological stance. An editorial generally doesn't mention the author and is not too long. Typically, it can be found on the first few pages.

#2 Opinion Article

An opinion article is a text that presents the viewpoint of a specific person, like a journalist, politician, or public figure. These articles don't necessarily align with the media's editorial stance. Ideally, diverse media outlets would have different opinion articles, enriching the content and allowing readers to compare different perspectives.

#3 Column

Yes, a column supports buildings, but in journalism, columns are something different, of course :) They are similar to opinion articles but are usually shorter.

Additionally, these have specific authors who write regularly, and usually focuses on topics like politics, sports, or lifestyle. The term "column" comes from arranging narrow vertical sections in old newspapers to save space on printed pages.

#4 Letter to the Editor

This is a common section in many newspapers and magazines where readers can send letters with their opinions, comments, and suggestions about the published articles and topics.

The letter to the editor is a way for people to share their thoughts with the newspaper's editors.

Many times, these letters are written about a specific article in the newspaper or a topic that is currently important to the reader.

I think this practice is becoming less popular because social media has changed how readers share their opinions on news and current topics.

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

The pessimist says, 'the glass is half empty.' The optimist says, 'The glass is half full,' and the journalist says, 'You won't believe what's in the glass!'

Hi! I'm Georgiana, and I'm glad you're here with me for a new podcast episode. 

Today, we will discuss the different types of journalism we can find in the media.

Before you start listening to the episode, make sure to get the transcript on my website: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com It's free!

Are you ready?

Let's start with the first one:

The news

News is a crucial and representative category of informative journalism. It covers recent and intriguing political, sports, cultural, and social events.

Objectivity is a vital but often lacking aspect of news. Ideally, a news story should be impartial and unbiased, but this isn't always true.

Brevity is another key aspect of news. A news story should be concise and include only essential data. It should only focus on giving information about the event.

A typical news story consists of several parts:

"Georgiana launches a new course." That would be a good headline.

Let's uncover another element of journalism:

The report

A report is a more detailed news story that provides various data, background information, and opinions from those involved.

Unlike news stories, reports can include the writer's opinion, making them somewhat subjective.

Traditionally, reporters often went to the story's scene and prepared reports that helped readers understand what was happening.

However, in today's technologically-driven world, this practice isn't always followed. Some reports are created from the newsroom, relying heavily on internet research. While it reduces costs, it can compromise the report's quality since journalists aren't physically present at the events.

I really like this expression: "You have to hit the streets." It emphasizes the importance of journalists leaving the newsroom, immersing themselves in events, conducting interviews, observing firsthand, and gathering relevant information.

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

Today, we're going to discuss a newspaper article.

It talks about five signs that indicate the need to find a new job.

Let's take a look!

#1 You hate it when they ask you about your job.

According to the article, if you hate when people ask you about your job, it may be time to consider a change.

I believe it makes a lot of sense. If every time someone asks you, "How are you doing at work?" you feel bad, maybe there's a problem. Who wants to feel that way? Nobody, right?

But maybe, when you're not at work, you simply want to disconnect. That is, to stop thinking about work. So, in this case, you might hate being asked about your work because you want to talk about other things. So, this sign is perhaps not so clear.

#2 You have a lousy time on Sundays.

Yes, it happens a lot. The weekend is short; as they say, it goes by quickly. So it's normal to feel sad because the next day is Monday and you have to work.

According to the article, if you have a lousy time on Sundays, which means you are very sad or negative, it indicates that the next day, you have to work on something you don't like at all.

And I completely agree. I think that, to a certain extent, this sign is reasonable. It is not normal to have a bad time every Sunday. Maybe you need a change, look for a new job.

#3 It affects your self-esteem.

If your job makes you feel bad about yourself, it affects your self-esteem. I have my reservations. It's true that a toxic work environment is not the best thing for your self-esteem, but our worth goes beyond our work.

#4 You hate logging into LinkedIn.

The fourth sign was a bit unexpected. According to the article, considering a job change is advised if you hate logging into LinkedIn. This point, I don't see it clearly. LinkedIn is simply a platform that helps connect people and companies. To say that hating LinkedIn is a sign that you need to change jobs, I'm not so sure.

#5 Poor Sleep Quality.

And the last sign the article gives us is if your job stresses you out so much that you can't get a good night's rest. In part, I agree with this. If you wake up at night thinking about work or have nightmares about it, that's not okay. However,  it's important to keep in mind that factors beyond work can also affect our ability to sleep well.

As you can see, several signs could indicate it is time to look for another job. But remember, there is no magic list that will tell you when is the perfect time to do it. Everyone is different.

So, what do you think these signs mean? Do they indicate that it's time for you to start looking for a new job?

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

Georgiana: Today, we will discuss the meaning of the phrase "butter up"...

Student: "How interesting, Georgiana! You know I am on a diet, but this morning I had some toast with butter, and let me tell you, it was delicious..."

Georgiana: Sorry to interrupt, but the expression "butter up" has nothing to do with food. :)

Let me explain it to you.

Hey everyone, welcome back to another episode of the podcast. 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. That would mean a lot. Thanks.

Before you start listening to the episode, make sure to get the transcript on my website: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com It's free!

Great! Let's start!

Let's take a closer look at the expression "butter up" and how it is commonly used.

When someone tries hard to please others to gain their favor or personal benefits in the workplace, it's known as 'buttering up.'" 

This behavior can be observed in various professional settings such as offices, schools, and even politics, where individuals go to great lengths to please their superiors or influential colleagues.

A classic example of 'buttering up' is an employee who frequently praises their boss, hoping to gain favor or secure a promotion.

Another example is a student who compliments their teacher, aiming to receive better grades or special privileges.

So, how is "buttering up" viewed in Western society? Opinions can differ. On one hand, some people consider it a negative behavior, often associated with insincerity or manipulation.

On the other hand, in certain situations like the business world, some people see it as a useful social skill. They believe that being good at giving compliments and networking can help you progress in your career or create new opportunities. Whether "buttering up" is accepted or not depends on the particular workplace culture and what individuals think.

Here are some other expressions that are similar to "buttering up":

#1 Sucking up to someone: Excessively praising or pleasing someone, especially someone in authority, to gain favor.

#2 Kissing up or Kissing someone's boots: Acting overly flattering toward someone in authority.

#3 Playing up to someone: Behaving in a way intended to please or show respect to someone.

#4 Apple-polishing: Currying favor through flattery or servile behavior.

#5 Flattering: Complimenting someone excessively to win their favor or approval.

#6 Brown-nosing: Similar to "sucking up," it involves ingratiating oneself to gain favor, often through excessive praise or flattery.

 #7 Playing the game: Engaging in strategic behavior or actions to gain advantages or achieve success, often involving flattery or pleasing others.

#8 Bending over backward: Going to great lengths or making excessive efforts to please or accommodate someone.

Now, what are your thoughts? Do you believe "buttering up" can be useful? Are you comfortable engaging in such behavior or receiving it from others? I'm not a big fan of it, but I won't deny that receiving a compliment can feel good from time to time. :)

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

Hey everyone, welcome back to another episode of the podcast. 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. That would mean a lot. Thanks.

Ok! We'll start with a brief conversation that includes the top 10 business expressions.

And to make learning more fun, I've taken inspiration from 'The Office' TV show. And you'll learn grammar in context with a point of view story.

Before you start listening, make sure to get the transcript on my website: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

It's free!

Let's get started!

Jack walked into the office and said...

Jack: "Wow, this place looks familiar. It's like I'm in 'The Office' TV show."

Pam: "Yeah, Jack, we get that a lot. We like to think outside the box here."

Jim: "You're right, Pam! We're

always brainstorming new ideas to stay ahead of the competition."

Jack: "That's great to hear. I'm ready to get the ball rolling and take it to the next level."

Pam: "Good to hear. But make sure to touch base with your boss consistently. It's important to stay in the loop and keep him updated on your progress.

Jack: "Definitely. I want to make sure we're all on the same page following best practices for team collaboration."

Michael: "And we need people like you to keep an eye on the details."

Jack: "Thanks for the advice. At the end of the day, it's all about producing high-quality work and making a difference."

Pam: "Absolutely. This may feel like a TV set, but it's a real community of people. Welcome aboard!"

Let's listen to the used expressions:

#1 "Thinking outside the box" - This phrase means to think creatively or in a non-traditional way. #2 "In the loop" - This means to be informed or included in a particular situation or discussion. #3 "Get the ball rolling" - This phrase means to start a process or get something started. #4 "At the end of the day" - This phrase summarizes or emphasizes a point. #5 "Brainstorm" means generating ideas or solutions through group discussions or sessions. #6 "Touch base" means making contact or following up with someone. #7 "Get on the same page" - This phrase means to make sure everyone understands and agrees on a particular plan or idea. #8 "Keep an eye on" means monitoring or watching closely. #9 "Take it to the next level" - This phrase means improving or advancing to the next stage. #10 "Best practice" - An officially accepted and detailed method or set of methods for use in a specific business or industry.

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

Today, we will keep exploring and learning more about expressing larger amounts.

When we want to talk about more significant quantities, we can use different words and expressions. These terms can indicate having more of something or a significant amount.

When referring to small amounts, we use words like: "a little" or "a few."

And when it comes to large quantities we can use words like "a lot," "many," or "plenty."

Let's practice with a few examples.

For example, instead of saying, "I have a few books," you can say: 

I have a lot of books.

I have many books.

Let's imagine we want to express a large quantity without specifying an exact number. 

Here, we can use words like "numerous," "countless," or "a great number of." These terms indicate a large quantity, even if an exact number is not specified.

For example, instead of saying, "There are a few birds in the sky," you can say:

There are numerous birds in the sky. 

There are countless birds in the sky.

There are a great number of birds in the sky.

Great! Let's continue!

"If you have a lot of something, you might use the word 'multiple.'

For example, if you're discussing an online shopping order, you might say: 

I ordered multiple items on Amazon, but they all arrived separately. (It's like having a relationship with a delivery driver who just can't commit.)

If you're sharing a funny story about a doctor's visit, you could say: 

According to my doctor, I have multiple personalities. Now, I can finally put the blame on someone else for my mistakes!

Ok! Let's continue! 

When we want to highlight a very large amount, we can use phrases like "a huge amount of," "a significant number of," or "a vast quantity of." 

So, you can say: 

The company invested a huge amount of money in research and development to create a groundbreaking new product.

According to a recent survey, a significant number of students prefer learning through the internet.

The library had a vast quantity of books, with rows upon rows of shelves filled from top to bottom.

If you have more than you need of something, you could use words like 'plenty,' 'lavish,' 'overflowing,' 'teeming,' 'replete,' 'brimming,' 'packed,' or 'jam-packed.'

'Plenty' means more than enough. For example: 

There was plenty of food at the picnic. There were sandwiches, fruits, cookies, and more.

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

Today, we'll talk about words and phrases that can help you express the amount or quantity of something and when to use them effectively.

Get the text on my website: Speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

Let's start by discussing small quantities.

If you only have a little bit of something, you might say "a few" or "some." A few means three to five of something, while some are a bit more vague and can mean any small amount.

For example, if you're discussing job opportunities, you might say:

I've applied for a few positions, but I haven't heard back from any of them yet.

If you're talking about your progress in learning English, you could say:

Even though I've been learning English for quite some time, I still face difficulties in speaking fluently.

When you have a bit more of something but not a lot, you could say "several."

Several usually means more than three but less than ten.

For example, if you're talking about books you bought from a bookstore, you could say:

She bought several books from the store, including a mystery novel and a travel guide.

Or maybe you need a "handful" or a "bunch" of something.

A handful represents the amount that can be held in your hand, while a bunch refers to a group of things that are tied or held together.

For example, if you're at the beach collecting seashells, you could say:

I picked up a handful of shells at the beach.

If you're asking for a snack from a bag of chips, you might say:

Can you pass me the bag? I just want a small bunch.

Ok, let's continue!

If you have a collection of items, you could say "a group" or "a cluster." A group typically refers to a small number of things, while a cluster denotes a small group of things that are close together.

For example, if you're discussing a meeting you attended with indecisive people, you could say:

I attended a meeting with a group of people who struggle to make decisions, but we couldn't come to an agreement on what to discuss.

Get the text on my website: Speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

Do you need help with technical problems during Zoom calls? In this episode, we'll cover common tech problems in Zoom meetings and how to handle them using helpful phrases. And you'll practice your speaking with a fun mini-story.

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

Zoom has become a crucial tool for remote work and communication. But, as you may have experienced, technical problems can pop up during a Zoom call.

As an English learner, it's important to feel comfortable using the app and handling any problems that may come up.

Don't worry if you're not a tech expert. Learning the basics of Zoom will help you communicate better with your coworkers and clients. It's a good idea to practice using Zoom's simple features, like sharing your screen, using the chat, and muting your microphone. These features can make your Zoom meetings run more smoothly.

To help you tackle these issues, I've prepared an example conversation on Zoom addressing common technical problems.

Participants: John from the United States; Maria from Brazil, and Yuna from South Korea

John: Hello, everyone. Can you hear me clearly?

Maria: Yes, I can hear you, John. 

Yuna: Sorry, I'm having trouble hearing you. I may have a problem with the connection.

John: No problem, Yuna. Can you check your internet connection or try refreshing your browser?

Yuna: Sorry to interrupt, but my screen is blank. Is anyone else having this issue?

Maria: No, my screen is working fine.

John: Yuna, can you try exiting and then rejoining the meeting?

Yuna: Okay, let me try that.

Maria: John, I think you're frozen. I mean, your screen is frozen. Can you hear me? 

John: Oh, sorry about that, Maria. I need to figure out what's going on. Let me turn off my camera and then turn it back on.

Maria: I'm also having some issues. The image and sound are out of sync on my end.

Yuna: I agree, Maria; I noticed the same thing.

John: Hmm, that's strange. Let me check my internet connection to see if that's the issue. 

Maria: You're breaking up a little bit, Yuna. Can you repeat what you just said?

Yuna: Sorry about that. I said we needed to discuss the marketing strategy for the new product launch.

Maria: There's an echo on the line. Can someone please mute themselves if they're not speaking?

John: That's a good point, Maria. I am having trouble hearing you, Yuna. I think you're on mute. 

Yuna: Oh, sorry about that. Can you hear me now?

John: Yes, we can hear you now, Yuna. Let's continue with the meeting.

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

Today we will talk about one of my favorite movies: "Gone with the Wind." It's a romantic drama set during the American Civil War and its aftermath.

The movie takes place in the southern United States, during the Civil War. The South is known for its elegance and charm, and the attention to detail in the movie is amazing.

You'll see beautiful dresses, sprawling plantations, and stunning landscapes. But also the dark side of war and destruction, as the Civil War brings devastation and loss to the region.

The main characters in the movie are Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler.

Scarlett is a young woman who is used to getting her way. That means she always got what she wanted in spite of opposition. She's in love with Ashley Wilkes, who is engaged to her cousin, Melanie Hamilton. Scarlett is determined to win Ashley's heart, but her world is turned upside down when the war breaks out.

The other main character, named Rhett, is a charming man who acts carelessly and recklessly. But he becomes enamored with Scarlett's fiery personality and tries to win her over throughout the movie.

The conflict in the movie is emotional and intense. We see the devastation of war and its impact on Scarlett and those around her. Scarlett struggles to adapt to the new reality, and she's forced to do whatever it takes to survive. Although Rhett tries to win her over, she's is still in love with Ashley, and can't let go of her obsession with him.

Scarlett's journey throughout the movie is incredible. She goes from being a spoiled young woman to a strong and resourceful survivor, doing whatever it takes to protect herself and her family. And although she faces incredible challenges and tragedies, Scarlett never gives up hope. 

Rhett's journey is also fascinating. He starts off as a carefree and reckless man, but as he falls in love with Scarlett, he shows a more tender side. He's not perfect and makes mistakes, but he's a complex and interesting character.

One of the movie's main themes is the resilience of the human spirit. We see the characters face incredible challenges and tragedies, but they find ways to adapt and survive, even when it seems impossible. Another theme is the impact of war on society and relationships.

The Civil War serves as a backdrop for the story, highlighting how it changed the South forever. 

The movie can be a good starting point to learn more about the Civil War period. 

However, it's important to remember that the movie is a work of fiction, not a completely accurate depiction of history.

Overall, "Gone with the Wind" is a fantastic movie I highly recommend. After you watch the movie, I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback.

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

Do you get nervous when you need to speak English over Zoom? Don't worry because in this episode you'll discover how to engage in a business meeting over Zoom. In the second part of this episode, you’ll learn grammar in context with a point-of-view story.

Okay! Let’s start!

I'm not sure if you're good with technology, but as you know, over the past few years, many companies have adopted Zoom for work purposes. Therefore, you're probably already familiar with this app.

And you may have noticed that whenever we connect to Zoom, technical problems tend to arise. Sometimes it's you, and other times a team member.

However, today, let's focus on some useful phrases that can make our work-related Zoom conversations more effective.

To help you feel more confident and prepared, I have put together an example conversation on Zoom.

Participants: John (the host), Mary, Sarah, and Mark.

John: Good morning, everyone. Can you hear and see me okay?

Mary: Yes, John, we can hear and see you clearly.

John: Great! Then let's get started.

So, the first point on our agenda is the new marketing campaign. Sarah, would you like to start?

Sarah: Sure, John. I want to add something before we begin, though. We should also discuss our target audience and their preferences.

John: That's a good point, Sarah. Let's add that to our discussion.

Mary: Sorry, Sarah, I didn't catch that. Could you repeat what you just said?

Sarah: Of course, Mary. I mentioned that we should also discuss our target audience and their preferences.

Mary: Thanks, Sarah.

John: Alright, let's move on to the next point. Mark, please update us on the sales figures.

Mark: Sure, John. Our sales figures have been improving steadily, but we need to focus on our marketing strategies to reach our targets.

John: That's clear, Mark. Thanks for the update. Let's discuss the next point on our agenda. Mary, please summarize the progress on the new project.

Mary: Sure, John. To sum up, we have completed the initial design phase and are now moving onto the development stage.

John: Great work, Mary. Thank you. Does anyone have any questions or comments before we wrap up?

(Everyone remains silent.)

John: Okay, I’ll see you next week then! Bye! Bye!

Mary: Thank you, John. See you next week!

Mark: See you soon!

Sarah: Bye! Bye!

(Zoom call ends)

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

Are you interested in becoming a permanent resident of the U.S.? Today I will discuss how to obtain a Permanent Resident Card, commonly called a green card. This document allows you to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. And with a mini-story, you will practice your speaking skills.

Hi there! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher. Thanks for joining me for a new episode. My mission is to help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks.

And, if you want to help me, it's very simple, just share the podcast with your friends. That would mean a lot. Thanks!

Before we begin, I suggest you get the transcript from my website.

SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

Okay! Let’s start!

A "green card" is a plastic card with the individual's biographic information, photo, fingerprint, and expiration date issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The card once called the "green card" has kept its nickname, even though it is now yellowish and has a barcode on the back.

The Permanent Resident Card is valid for ten years and must be renewed. However, the cardholder's status as a "permanent resident" remains valid unless the status is abandoned or revoked by the U.S. government.

Becoming a permanent resident gives you the right to live in the U.S. permanently, work in any legal job you are qualified for, be protected by all U.S., state, and local laws, and vote in local elections that don't require U.S. citizenship.

There are several other ways of obtaining it, but the most common way to get the Permanent Resident Card is through family sponsorship. If you have a U.S. citizen relative, they can submit a petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf. The petition must be accepted before you can apply for the card.

Another common way to get a green card is through a job offer. An American employer can file a petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in your favor if they can prove that no other qualified American workers can fulfill the role and that you are the best fit for the job.

As you can see, obtaining a green card can be a long and complex process. That’s why it’s important to consult an immigration lawyer to understand the steps and see if you are eligible. With the proper guidance, you can make your dream of living and working in the U.S. a reality.

Get the full text on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

Transcript:

Today, we will talk about how to negotiate when buying something while traveling. With a mini-story, you can improve your fluency by engaging in a conversation. It's like talking to another person in English.

Hi there! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher. Thanks for joining me for a new episode. My mission is to help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks.

And, if you want to help me, it's very simple, just share the podcast with your friends. That would mean a lot. Thanks!

Before we start, get the transcript on my website: https://SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

To get the most out of the podcast and improve your fluency, I strongly suggest listening to each episode several times, if possible, on different days to better understand the material.

Okay! Let's start!

When you travel to a foreign country, knowing how to negotiate the price when shopping is essential. Here are some tips to help you get the best deal:

1. Do your research 

Before you start bargaining, do your research. If haggling is a custom in the country you're visiting, look up the item you want to buy to know what a good deal is.

2. Start low and work your way up - Make an offer lower than what you're willing to pay, then work your way up to a price you're both comfortable with. 

This strategy may help you to get the best possible deal, as the seller may be more likely to negotiate with you if you start low.

3. Make a counteroffer 

Making a counteroffer means making a different offer than the one you initially presented.

4. Know when to walk away - Don't feel pressured to buy something if it's more than you are willing to pay. 5. Pay cash - To get the greatest discount, it's best to pay cash.

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

Today we will learn how Easter is celebrated in the United States and Australia. We will hear Tom and Sarah's conversation about their plans for Easter this year. And with a point-of-view story, you will learn grammar in context without memorizing boring rules.

Hi! Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. I'm Georgiana, and my mission is to help you improve your fluency.

If you want to support me, please share the podcast with your friends and family. It would mean a great deal to me. Thank you!

Okay! Let’s start!

Tom, from the United States, and Sarah, from Australia, were catching up on a video call before the Easter holiday. As they started chatting, they quickly realized they had different traditions and plans for celebrating the holiday.

Let's listen to their conversation:

Tom: Hey, Sarah! Happy Easter!

Sarah: Happy Easter to you too, Tom! I hope you're doing well.

Tom: Yes, I'm doing great. So, what are your plans for Easter this year?

Sarah: I plan to attend church and celebrate Easter with my family. We usually have a big Easter dinner and spend time together.

Tom: That sounds lovely. I'm also planning to celebrate Easter with my family. We usually have an Easter egg hunt and decorate Easter eggs.

Sarah: Oh, that's a great tradition. We also decorate Easter eggs but don't have an egg hunt.

Tom: That's interesting. Every family has their own traditions.

Sarah: Definitely. What other traditions do you have for Easter?

Tom: We usually go to church and have a big Easter brunch. We also exchange Easter baskets filled with candy and small gifts.

Sarah: That sounds like so much fun. We don't exchange Easter baskets but give each other Easter cards.

Tom: That's sweet. Do you have any special Easter foods that you eat?

Sarah: Yes, we usually have ham, deviled eggs, and hot cross buns.

Tom: That sounds delicious. My family has roasted lamb, mashed potatoes, and asparagus.

Sarah: That sounds amazing. It's interesting to see how different cultures celebrate the same holiday.

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

Today, let's keep talking about words related to trials. And to help you improve your English fluency, I have created a fun mini-story. As usual, I will ask you many simple questions you must answer quickly. It's just like having a conversation with someone in real life.

Okay! Let's start!

#1 Expert witness

An expert witness is someone who, in a trial, gives their professional and impartial opinion on a specific topic related to the trial. Sometimes they may prepare a report or testify.

Example:

The expert witness gave his professional opinion on the box. It was indeed an empty box of chocolate chip cookies.

#2 Witness

A witness is someone who has direct knowledge of the facts on trial. Witnesses are essential because they can help determine a defendant's guilt.

For example, a witness can provide key information about the crime's circumstances and help confirm whether the defendant was present at the crime scene.

Example:

The witness testified with horror that he saw the defendant eating and tasting the last chocolate chip cookie in the box.

#3 Cross-examination

In trials, an attorney asks the defendant and others questions to find out more about what happened.

For example, imagine this cross-examination between the prosecutor and the defendant:

- So, why did you lick your fingers? - Because they were covered in chocolate. - There are no further questions, Your Honor.

#4 Judge

The judge is the most influential person in the courtroom. They preside over the trial and pass sentences. 'Your Honor' is a respectful form to address a judge.

Example: The judge ruled that the defendant was guilty of eating the last cookie without sharing it with his friends.

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

"Now that I’m all by myself, I’m going to indulge in this last cookie. I don’t think anyone will notice!”

Today I’ll explain some words related to trials. While I’m hoping you’ll never have to use these words in real life, becoming familiar with this language will help you better grasp the subject and engage in conversation on the topic.

Come on, let’s start!

#1 The Accused or Defendant

The person who is accused of breaking the law is called the accused or defendant. They have the right to tell their side of the story and present evidence to the judge. 

For example:

The police arrested the defendant. He is accused of having eaten the last cookie in the box.

#2 Courtroom

A courtroom is a place where legal cases are heard and decided. People go there when they are accused of doing something illegal or have a disagreement that needs to be settled by a judge or jury.

Example:

The trial of the defendant will take place in the courtroom.

Okay, next word:

#3 Crime

A crime is an act or omission against the law punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both. For example, stealing is a crime. 

Example:

– I just committed a crime!

– What crime did you commit? 

– I ate the last cookie without sharing – that’s an unforgivable crime!

In this case, legally, it would not be a crime, but it is unforgivable to eat the last cookie without sharing it!

#4 Accomplice

An accomplice is a person who helps another to commit a crime or offense. There could be more than one person helping with the crime.

Example:

– I can’t believe we did this.

– Me neither. But no one saw how we ate the cookie. Now we are accomplices.

#5 Lawyer or attorney

What’s the difference between a lawyer and an attorney?

What is a lawyer?

A lawyer is someone who has been educated in the law and has completed law school. They can provide legal advice, but cannot represent clients in court because they still need to pass the bar exam.

What is an attorney?

An attorney has graduated from law school and passed the bar exam in their state of practice; therefore, they can represent clients in court.

Let me tell you a joke about lawyers:

– Good morning, How much do you charge for a quick consultation?

– 500 dollars for three questions.

-Wow, isn’t that a bit expensive?

– Yes. And what is your third question?

#6 Presumption of innocence

This is important. The presumption of innocence means we should consider the defendant innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

One example:

The judge reminded the audience that the presumption of innocence must always be maintained. It hasn’t been determined if the accused ate the last cookie in the box.

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

Are you planning a trip to the U.S.? In that case, this episode is for you because I will talk about how to get a visa to enter the United States of America.

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

Hi! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher. Thanks for joining me for a new episode of the Speak English Now podcast.

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

Before we start, visit my website: Speakenglishpodcast.com, and subscribe to my FREE mini-course. Over the next five days, you will discover the 5 secrets to speaking English fluently.

Okay, let's start!

If you’re planning to visit the U. S., you must first obtain a visa. And even if the process can be complicated and time-consuming, you still need a visa to enter the U.S. Therefore, it is essential to understand the different types of visas and the information you need to provide. 

For today's episode, I have put together some general tips about getting a visa to enter the U.S.

First, you must determine which type of visa you require. Depending on your purpose for visiting, you may need a business or a tourist visa. Once you have determined the type of visa you need, you will gather the necessary documents. These may include proof of identity, evidence of financial stability, and a letter of invitation from a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

After all the necessary documents, you must fill out the visa application form and submit it to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

This form requires personal information, such as your name, date of birth, address, and additional information related to your trip.

After applying, you'll schedule an in-person interview with a consular officer. You will likely need to provide additional information about your trip and answer questions about your eligibility for a visa.

Once your visa application is approved, you will receive the document with an expiration date.

It is vital to keep track of the expiration date of your visa, as staying within the timeline of your visa is essential. Otherwise, you may be required to apply for a new one.

Read the TEXT on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

Healthcare insurance in the U.S. has a long history. However, the earliest forms of healthcare insurance in the U.S. were largely private plans that covered hospital and medical care for individuals or employers. 

Today, most Americans obtain health insurance through their employers or government plans such as Medicare and Medicaid.

In today's episode, I will start by talking about the private healthcare system.

Private care in the U.S. allows individuals to purchase health insurance coverage from private companies instead of relying on public insurance sources like Medicaid or Medicare. 

Most private health insurance plans are offered through employers and are known as employer-sponsored health insurance.

Private health insurance usually covers a wide range of healthcare services, such as doctor visits, prescriptions, mental health care, hospitalization, and emergency care. Depending on the plan, private health insurance might include coverage for vision and dental care, alternative medicine, and other services.

These plans can vary significantly in cost and coverage, from basic plans that cover essential services like doctor visits and prescription drugs to more comprehensive plans that can cover costly treatments like surgery. 

Other options

In addition to health insurance, there are several other options for accessing healthcare. You can access healthcare through community health centers or free or low-cost clinics if 

uninsured. 

Health Marketplace

For instance, the Health Marketplace is a resource where people can shop for and purchase health insurance coverage. It provides access to various health insurance plans, including private and Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It also provides information about subsidies and tax credits that can help reduce the cost of premiums.

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

Transcript:

Are you curious about how the healthcare system works in the U.S.? In this episode,

I will explain the basics of the American healthcare system.

There is not one universal system, but a range of public and private insurance options. I will lay out how these plans work so that you can gain a better understanding.

And yes. Contrary to what some people assume, public health care exists in the USA. There are several public systems, both federal and state.

All Americans must have health insurance or face a federal offense. Therefore, everyone should be properly insured.

If someone is unemployed, they may be eligible for federal or state public insurance programs to help them access the necessary health care services.

Let’s find out more about public health in the U.S.

In 1965, the federal government created Medicare and Medicaid, which provided health coverage to the elders and the poorest segments of the population.

What are Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily available to people 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, or people with End-Stage Renal Disease.

Medicaid offers health insurance to countless Americans, such as eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. States must follow federal rules while running the program, which is funded by both state and federal money.

Other programs, such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), is a federal-state partnership program administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Children’s Health Insurance Program provides health insurance coverage to low-income children and pregnant women who do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private health insurance.

I hope you found this episode interesting. In the next one, I will continue talking about healthcare in the U.S.

[END OF THE EXTRACT]

Get the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Transcript

Do you like paradoxes? Today I will talk about the paradox of the magic bill, which has gone viral on social media. 

Ok, let’s start!

A paradox is a fact, expression, or story that seems contrary to logic.

I invite you to listen to this paradox and then assume the solution. Pay attention!

A tourist arrives at a hotel. He is very picky about the rooms, so he asks the receptionist if he can see them first. The receptionist agrees but asks the tourist to leave $100 at the front desk. The tourist leaves a $100 bill and goes upstairs to look at the vacant rooms to see if he likes any of them.

The hotel manager then takes this bill and goes to the butcher shop to pay a $100 debt to the butcher.

The butcher goes to the bakery to pay the $100 debt he owes the baker and does so with the same $100 bill.

The baker, in turn, takes the bill and pays his debt to his doctor with the same bill.

Finally, the doctor returns to the hotel and pays a $100 debt he owes to the hotel manager.

At that point, the tourist returns and tells the desk clerk that he does not want to stay at the hotel. He takes his $100 bill and leaves.

The apparent paradox is that before the tourist arrived, the manager, the butcher, the baker, and the doctor owed $100. When the tourist recovers the $100 bill, the tourist, the manager, the butcher, the baker, and the doctor no longer owe anything. No one owes anything to anyone. No one has worked or produced anything, and no one has lost a single dollar.

Get the full transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

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

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

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/

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/

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/

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!

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

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

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.

—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/

- 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:

- 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

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:

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 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:

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

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

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!

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/

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

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

Today:

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.

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.

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. 

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

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.

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/

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! 

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

In today's episode:

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

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:

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

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.

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.

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.

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/

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.

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!

– 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

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/

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.

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.

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

- 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

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

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:

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

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

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/

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.

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

Hi everyone! I’m Georgiana; founder of SpeakEnglishPod.com. My mission is to help YOU speak English fluently.

It’s summer again, and many of you are seeking a holiday getaway. So today I’ll be teaching you how to rent a car.

First of all, you should start by comparing prices online. Consider doing your research by checking travel websites like Expedia, Kayak, or Hotwire.

Some of the most popular car hire agencies are Alamo, Avis, and Hertz.

Before deciding on an agency, ask about the additional charges because these charges will help you figure out which is the best deal. Some common rates include:

Underage-driver fees: it means that the agency charges an additional fee for a driver under 25.

Airport surcharges: This charge will make a big difference in the total amount. Basically, the agency will charge you a supplement for picking up a rental car at the airport.

Additional charges per driver: You’ll need to pay extra for having more than one person driving the rental.

READ the TEXT here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com