Smart English Coach
Clare
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Smart English Coach helps you get to advanced English level FAST. Get the strategies, mindset and shortcuts for fluent and confident English speaking. Presented by Clare Whitmell, an English teacher and coach, with 20+ years' experience of teaching students from around the world.
Available episodes
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Oldest first
Sep 22, 2023
How To Get More Confident At Advanced English Level
Is it possible to be a really advanced speaker of English - but still not feel very confident about your English?
The answer, unfortunately, is yes.
In this podcast, I look at both the visible and the invisible parts of learning a language, and how a lack of confidence can make you feel blocked and anxious.
If this is something that you have experienced, come along to my new workshop on October 11th. We'll identify the situations which are difficult in English, and explore practical strategies to help you increase your confidence - and get fluent more quickly.
*Become A Confident English Speaker *is free for members of the English Fluency Club (*email me *to get the link) or $10 for non-members of the Fluency Club.
Go *here *to sign up!
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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Aug 27, 2023
Why You Should Take Regular Breaks
Don't feel guilty if you've stopped studying English for a while. In fact, the research shows us that taking breaks can benefit learning. In this podcast, find out
- the three main reasons why taking breaks is so useful, and
- how different lengths of breaks can be helpful.
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Aug 13, 2023
How To Prepare For An English Job Interview
This episode is for you if you want to work for an American company!
Kristine Knutter shares her tips for successful job interviews. In the conversation we talk about:
- Erin Meyer's 'Culture Maps' and how they help you prepare for interviews
- how to answer typical 'behaviour' interview questions
- 3 crucial speaking tips for American interviews
- typical management styles and how to develop positive working relationships in American and British companies
*Links in this episode*
*Express to Impress* (Kristine's website and podcast)
*The Culture Map* (Erin Meyer's work on understanding cultural differences)
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Aug 6, 2023
5 Fun English Activities For Summer
Get five activities that will help you improve your English this summer. They're perfect for you whether you're lazing on the beach, or waiting for the rain to stop!
Some of these activities are quick, while others are more of a longer project - but they are all fun!
*Links in this episode*
Wordle from the NY Times
Crosswords
The Mirror
Non-fiction book club
Guide to understand movies
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Jul 23, 2023
How To Get Beyond The Intermediate Plateau
This episode is for you if you’ve ever experienced (or if you’re experiencing) the intermediate plateau: that you've got to a point in your English when progress feels much slower than before.
It's really common at the B2 or upper-intermediate level, but there are lots of things you can do to get past it!
*In this episode:*
- six reasons why we get to a plateau (adapted from "The Plateau Effect" written by Bob Sullivan and Hugh Thompson)
- the 3 C's approach to getting past the intermediate plateau, with ideas for you to try.
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Jul 23, 2023
'Summer Of English' Promotion
*It's my birthday this week, and to celebrate I'm offering a 50% discount on all my advanced English courses.*
The promotion is for you if you're at an intermediate level and want to progress to advanced level - without spending lots of time or money! You can get all these courses at just 50% of their normal price:
Advanced English Pronunciation In 30 Days
Advanced English Speaking In 100 Steps
Advanced English Vocabulary In 30 Days
10 Steps For Advanced English (Grammar)
English For Your Career
Phrasal Verbs Masterclass
To get your 50% discount coupon go to the page
*SmartEnglishCoach.com/offer*
*The promotion lasts for ONE week only, and the first 40 people every day can get the discount.* There's no limit on how many courses you can buy, so take advantage and get all the ones you think you'll need.
*I also offer a 30-day, 100% money-back guarantee *on all my courses if you aren't completely satisfied. Just let me know within the first 30 days and I'll send you a full refund.
This promotion is ideal for you if you have some time to study English over the summer. All the lessons are "bite-sized" so you see progress quickly. Start now, and by September you'll feel much more confident about your English!
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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Jul 16, 2023
How To Be Confident In English Interviews
You've got an English interview soon. How can you prepare for it so that you can be confident? Careers and interview expert Kristine Knutter shares her best tips!
- How to be less nervous in an English interview
- The biggest interview mistake to avoid
- How to prepare for a group interview and a Zoom interview
- Mindset tips for enjoying the interview more
Follow her tips to stand out at your next English interview!
*Links in this episode*
*Express to Impress* (Kristine's website where you can get a free Interview Preparation Guide)
Kristine also recommends getting feedback on your speaking via a free tool called *Yoodli*.
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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Jul 9, 2023
The Quickest Way To Get Fluent In English (Part 3)
If you want to feel fluent when you speak English, the quickest way is to use 'fluency phrases' - the 'blocks' of English that help you to build sentences almost without thinking.
Two types of fluency phrases we've looked at are collocations and signalling phrases. (See links below.)
But the third type is 'fixed phrases' - phrases that you don't need to add anything else to. They're complete, automatic phrases which help you sound natural when you speak.
In this episode, find out
- three different types of fixed phrases, and
- how to learn them
You might also find that you already know and use a lot of them!
*Links in this episode*
*Part 1: Collocations*
*Part 2: Signalling phrases*
*Two-word phrases*
*Three-word phrases*
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Jul 2, 2023
The Quickest Way To Get Fluent In English (Part 2)
What do the phrases "I'd like to ...". "You wouldn't .... would you?" and "Can I just say..?" have in common?
Answer: They're all examples of 'signalling' phrases that we can use to show the other person what we're going to say.
Signalling phrases are a type of 'fluency phrase' (a block of language) that helps us speak more easily and automatically. In this podcast episode, find out:
- the three types of fluency phrase
- four reasons why they help you speak more fluently
- how to learn them
*Episode links*
*The Quickest Way To Get Fluent In English* (Part 1)
*The English Fluency Club* (where you can get 'The Fast Phrase Finder')
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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Jun 25, 2023
The Quickest Way To Get Fluent In English (Part 1)
My #1 tip for English fluency is to use 'fluency phrases' when you speak.
Fluency phrases are the 'building blocks' of conversation, because very often, all you need to do is just fill in the details to create sentences easily and quickly.
In this episode, I look at one type of fluency phrase: *collocations.
*
- six common types of collocations that help you with fluency
- the two main reasons why they're so useful
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Jun 20, 2023
How Mindset Coaching Helps You Be More Confident At Advanced Level
If you say things to yourself like "I should be better at English by now", or if you're always searching for more grammar or vocabulary courses, then this episode is for you!
Mindset coach Rhiannon Carter helps you feel more positive about your English. She can help you overcome negative thoughts so that you reduce anxiety and become more confident.
This is a truly eye-opening episode! In it you'll learn:
- how to trust your English
- how to go beyond the intermediate plateau
- the question to ask yourself if you want another grammar or vocabulary course
- two coaching tools that you can use now to change the way you think about your English!
*Links in this episode*
*Rhiannon's Instagram profile*
*Rhiannon's website* - get her mindset challenge
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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Jun 3, 2023
How To Improve All Areas Of Your English
We're often better at one area of a language than another. So maybe your speaking skills are better than your writing, or your grammar knowledge is better than your listening ability.
But when one area of English is less strong than another, it makes sense to focus on that area. One reason is that it gives you a great opportunity to see progress - which is motivating! (It's often harder to see progress at advanced levels.)
*In this episode:*
- two reasons why upgrading all your skills is important
- fluency activities for five different areas of English
*Links in this episode*
*The English Fluency Club* - to improve your speaking fluency
*10 Steps To Advanced English* - to improve your grammar and writing
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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May 29, 2023
How Games Help You Develop Your English
What happened when a British English teacher and an American English teacher got together to talk about games?
We didn't always understand each other - and those weren't the only differences!
But, American teacher Vickie Kelty showed how playing games can help you develop your English and reduce speaking anxiety. Of course, games are also fun, and they allow you to explore the English you know in new and challenging ways!
*Episode highlights*
- Three types of games to play in English
- Some surprising differences in common games
*Episode links*
Visit Vickie's page: *Get fluent in English with games*
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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May 13, 2023
How To Help People Understand You In English
One of the biggest fears about speaking English is that people won’t understand you. This could be because of your pronunciation, or because you use English that other people don't understand.
"Intelligibility" - how easy it is for people to understand you - is really important, obviously. In this podcast, I show you two ways to be more easily understood, through pronunciation and "rescue" English.
There are lots of suggestions for you - as well as an invitation to join the *English Fluency Workshop.*
*Links*
*Minimal Pairs For Pronunciation** - exercises for better pronunciation
**English Fluency Workshop** - 7 ways to get more fluent in English*
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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May 7, 2023
The Power Of Repetition For English Fluency
It's no secret. Repeated practice helps you get better at most things - including English!
But the 'secret' is in how you use repetition. In this episode I show you how you can use it for vocabulary, speaking and pronunciation. Try out some of the activities to improve your fluency, accuracy and confidence. Even choosing just one or two can make a big difference.
*Links in this episode*
*How to remember new vocabulary* (episode 4, with Paul)
*Invitation to the Fluency Workshop* (May 24th)
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Apr 30, 2023
4 Speaking Activities To Help You Get More Fluent In English
You don't need lots and lots of practice to get more fluent in English. You don't even need a speaking partner, either!
In this episode, I show you four activities that will help you become more fluent. These activities are all quite quick, and - best of all - they get you almost immediate results! When you do them, you'll hear yourself speaking more fluently, and this will give you extra confidence in your English.
*Link in this episode*
*4-3-2 Speaking Activity*
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Apr 23, 2023
How To Feel Powerful When You Speak English
When you feel powerful speaking English, you feel more in control of what you say. You can avoid panic and minimise anxiety about speaking - even if you make mistakes.
In this episode I show you ways that you can become more powerful, through physical and mindset tips. Find out how
- breathing, standing and using your voice can make you feel stronger
- making mistakes helps you get to the next level in English
Link
*How to stop worrying about mistakes*
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Apr 16, 2023
3 Ways To Speak Naturally & Fluently In English
In this episode, I show you three ways that will help you speak more naturally and more fluently in English. They will help you to:
- avoid using the 'wrong' word
- speak more concisely (so you can show your meaning quickly and simply)
- add interest when you speak so that other people want to talk with you
When you start using these techniques, you'll feel more confident in how you speak English, and I think you'll have more fun speaking!
*Link in this episode*
If there's something you'd like me to talk about in future podcast episodes, get in touch! You can contact me from this page:
*Contact Me*
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Apr 12, 2023
How To Connect To English-Speaking Culture Through Movies
If you're interested in learning more about a country and its culture - but don't have the opportunity to visit - watching movies can help you get an insider's view.
In this episode, Cara Leopold (from Movie Club) talks about how to connect with English-speaking culture through movies.
*Highlights of this episode:*
- why it's a mistake to only consider "high-level" movies
- how movies can help with English listening skills
- how to choose the right movies to learn about culture
And - the answer to the question most people ask!
- should you use subtitles?
*Link in this episode*
Find out more about *Movie Club*, the three month community on WhatsApp where you watch, understand and discuss films with other movie lovers to improve your listening, pronunciation and speaking skills.
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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Mar 30, 2023
How To Get To Advanced English Level
My guest in this episode is Fabienne, an English and French teacher. She talks about her own journey to advanced English level and her work as a teacher.
*Some highlights in this episode*
- the importance of mindset in learning a language
- how English pronunciation can be difficult
- the methods that worked for her in English
- her best advice for making progress in English
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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Mar 27, 2023
3 Ways To Write Well In English
This episode is for you if you write English for work.
In theory we have more time when we write to plan and to check - but this doesn't automatically happen.
But even if you have limited time for writing and editing, there are many things you can do to make sure you avoid the three main problem areas.
*Highlights*
- the 3 things you need to get right for better communication
- some simple ways to make sure your messages are effective
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Mar 21, 2023
How A Homestay Course Helps You Improve Your English
Homestays can offer you so much more than a traditional English course in the UK. In this episode, Lucy Tilney from Bristol Homestay Tuition talks about some of the benefits of staying in the teacher's home while studying English.
*Highlights in this episode*
- the differences between a homestay and a traditional course
- a typical day during a homestay
- some unexpected benefits of homestay courses
- why a homestay might be the best choice for you!
Links in this episode
*Bristol Homestay Tuition*
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Mar 15, 2023
How To Make An Impact When You Speak English
Imagine you have to give a business presentation in English, or make an important speech. How do you start?
In this episode, I share some ideas for making an impact when you speak (or write) English so that people pay attention to you!
*Highlights:*
- 3 types of 'hook' to make an impact when you speak
- How to write a summary section in your CV / resume so that people keep reading
- How to get help writing your English CV with 'English For Your Career'
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Mar 7, 2023
10 Verbs To Transform Your English CV
When you read your CV, does it make you feel proud of your strengths and achievements?
Do you use words and phrases that are inspiring - or is your CV full of 'generic' words like "Responsible for..." or "Duties included..."?
You only get one chance to impress an employer with your CV, so if you need to refresh and revitalise it, this episode is for you!
I've got 10 verbs that you can use to make your English CV more interesting. All these verbs are quite simple, but they are very effective.
*Links in this episode*
*English For Your Career*: how to write a CV, LinkedIn profile and professional bio to get your dream job.
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Feb 26, 2023
How To Write A CV In English
Not everybody knows how to write a CV in English. It isn't a skill where we often get training, so it's difficult to know where to start.
In this podcast episode, I share some things you should do in your CV and some things you should avoid. Highlights include:
- the details that can discriminate against you on your CV
- the three questions you should ask yourself to 'think like an employer'
- how to decide what you should include in your CV
*What next?*
There's a lot more to say about CVs. For example, how to format them, and the right words to use on your CV.
In the free English CV workshop (on March 8th) I'll show you how to present your CV. I'll talk about format, style and wording!
You can join the workshop here:
*smartenglishcoach.com/cv*
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Feb 16, 2023
How To Prepare To Get An English-Speaking Job
This episode is for you if you want to get a job in an English-speaking country, or a job where you'll need English to communicate.
I share my top 5 tips to prepare you to get your 'dream' job. The best part? You can start on all of these tips now, so that when you find the job you want, you can apply easily.
To help you even more, you're invited to my free workshop on writing a CV. It's on March 8, 2023. *I'll show you 5 ways to write the perfect CV*!
Click the link below to get your place on the workshop:
*Free CV Workshop*
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Feb 14, 2023
Why 'Community' Is So Important For Language Learning
*Lisa Jayne Wood,* the founder of the 'Your English Self' program, explains why it's so important to learn English with other people. In this episode, find out:
- why traditional learning isn't enough to give you confidence in another language
- how the 'CALM' model helps Lisa's students
- some unexpected benefits of learning in a group of other people
*Episode links*
Find out more about Lisa's English program: *Your English Self*
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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Feb 5, 2023
How To Deal With 'False Friends' In English
Do you have 'sensible' or 'sensitive' skin?
Do you enjoy reading 'romances' or novels in general?
Is the price 'convenient' or cheap?
These are just three common false friends in English. Being aware of them is important for lots of different reasons, and not just to avoid mistakes when you speak. In this podcast, find out:
- why they're important
- how you can deal with them
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Jan 30, 2023
Why Learning Patterns Helps You With English Grammar
If you've ever been unsure about your English grammar when you're speaking, this episode is for you!
One of the most effective ways to learn English is to find patterns, rather than trying to learn each thing separately. In this episode, I show you how learning the pattern of (all) perfect tenses will help you avoid common mistakes with the Present Perfect tense.
*Episode link*
*10 Steps To Advanced English** -* my grammar course that shows you the patterns in English grammar for accurate speaking and writing.
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Jan 22, 2023
How To Develop Your English Vocabulary
Many English words have more than one meaning, and they can also combine with other words to make natural English phrases.
For example, we can say "just about", "just enough" and "just in time" - and in each of these phrases, the word "just" means something different.
In this podcast episode, I show you how you can work on one simple word at a time, to get some common English expressions. When you use these expressions, you'll sound more natural.
Episode highlights
- 3 ways to do a "deep dive" into English to develop your English vocabulary
- 5 words you can try now for a richer vocabulary
*Episode link*
*Natural Grammar *(Scott Thornbury)
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Jan 15, 2023
What You Can Learn Fast In English
Some things seem easy and quick to learn in English, while other things take much longer.
In this episode, find out which things to focus on for quick results, and which things you'll need more time for.
You'll also find out the best ways to learn things which are easy, and the best ways to learn things which take longer.
*Links in this episode*
*Advanced English Grammar *(get easy-to-learn guidelines for all areas of English grammar)
*Fast Phrase Finder* (my tool for finding phrases quickly)
*Sound Charts *(discover which sounds are difficult for you based on your first language)
*Phrasal Verbs Masterclass *(get my spreadsheet to find phrasal verb meanings easily and quickly)
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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Jan 8, 2023
How To Make Goals For Your English
Should you set goals for your English - and should these be 'SMART' goals? SMART goals are very popular in personal development and business, but they can be controversial. In this episode:
- 3 reasons why 'SMART' goals might not be your best choice for learning English
- one thing you can do instead
- how to make sure you reach your English goals
*Episode link*
If one of your goals is to speak more English, check out the *English Fluency Club*. This is where you can speak English with people from around the world in a friendly, supportive group.
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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Dec 18, 2022
How to Measure Your Success In English
How can you measure your progress in English? How do you know when you're improving, and what you should focus on next?
It can be difficult to answer these questions if you aren't able to get feedback. So in this episode, I share five questions that you can ask yourself to measure your progress in English - and to use the answers to help you continue your success!
*Link in this episode*
*Contact me* if you'd like a personal audit of your English.
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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Dec 11, 2022
How Exams Help You Reach Your English Goals
Why should you take an English exam? In this podcast, Craig from *inglespodcast.com* explains the advantages of English qualifications.
*Episode highlights:*
- how exams help you reach your English goals
- the differences between B2 First and C1 Advanced exams
- how to prepare for the exams
*Link in this episode*
Craig's course prepares you for the B2 First exam so that you get the best mark possible. (Special price until the end of December 2022!) Link below:
*englishmasterclass.net** *
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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Dec 4, 2022
3 Ways To Help You Understand Fast English
Fast spoken English can be difficult to understand, and this episode is for you if you've already tried watching TV and films - but without success. Episode highlights:
- two reasons why English is hard to understand
- three activities that can help
*Episode links*
Lyricstraining.com
Tubequizard
My new pronunciation course (get a discount with this link!)
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Nov 12, 2022
3 English Pronunciation Areas To Improve
If people find you hard to understand in English, it might be because of one of these three common problem areas!
*Episode highlights*
- three areas of English pronunciation you can improve
- examples of some language-specific problem areas, and why a "Sound Chart" can help
*Link*
Get your sound chart and learning plan here
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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Nov 12, 2022
Why Pronunciation Makes Us Anxious
Why does speaking in another language cause us anxiety and embarrassment? In this podcast episode, I talk about why we get anxious - and share my own story about "pronunciation shame".
*Episode highlights*
- three things you can do to not feel anxious about your pronunciation, and
- your invitation to a free workshop on the 10 most difficult sounds in English
Invitation link
Free workshop on English pronunciation
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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Nov 6, 2022
Is It Better To Learn New Things Or Review Old Things In English?
We often focus on learning new things in English - new vocabulary or new constructions. While it's great to have a more sophisticated level of English, it's also important - and helpful - to maintain and review what you already know.
*Highlights of this episode:*
- four reasons why it's important to review what you already know
- five ideas for review activities
- two 'rules' for review / maintenance activities
*Link to earlier episode about mistakes*
How To Stop Worrying About Mistakes In English
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Oct 31, 2022
How To Train Your Brain To Learn English Effectively
People often tell me that as they get older, they find learning and remembering new things more difficult. So if this sounds familiar, this podcast episode is for you!
I show you ways to "train your brain" so that you can learn more effectively and make better use of your studying time.
*Link in episode*
Advanced English Vocabulary In 30 Days (including 5 vocabulary memorisation techniques and 5 strategies to increase your vocabulary)
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Oct 22, 2022
A 4-Step Format To Improve Your English
One of the biggest problems when you learn a language is that when you try something new, you don't get any feedback or corrections on it. So you take a risk - but don't know if you're making a mistake.
In this episode, I show you how you can use the '*WILD'* 4-step format for using new English and getting feedback.
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Oct 16, 2022
The Advantages Of Non-Fiction Book Clubs
In this interview with Fabio Cerpelloni, find out why joining a non-fiction book club can be such an interesting and 'real-life' way to learn English.
*Highlights of this episode:*
- why Fabio started a non-fiction book club
- the advantages of reading non-fiction compared to fiction
- what improvements you can get in your English from reading non-fiction
Contact Fabio:
fabiocerpelloni.com
stolaroidstories
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Oct 12, 2022
How You Can Use Visualisation For Your English Goals
Athletes use visualisation in their training to help them succeed in competitions. Can you use the same method for your English goals? Highlights of this episode:
- how visualisation works
- how you could use it for your English speaking goals
- three ways to make it successful
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Oct 5, 2022
How To Be More Confident When You Speak English
Even at advanced level you can feel shy in certain speaking situations. In this episode I share three strategies to help you boost your confidence.
*Episode highlights*
- three different types of situations where you might feel less confident about your speaking
- three practical ways to increase your confidence
*Contact me*
If you have any questions about this episode, don't hesitate to get in touch!
SmartEnglishCoach
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Sep 28, 2022
How To Feel Proud Of Your English
You've worked hard to get to your level of English, but maybe you aren't 100% comfortable with your achievements. Perhaps you find it difficult to accept praise or compliments for your English.
In this episode I show you how to feel proud of your English and your achievements so that you feel more confident in your abilities. Highlights of this episode:
- a way to identify your achievements
- questions to ask yourself to continue your success
- how to increase your confidence in the future
*Contact me*
https://smartenglishcoach.com/contact
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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Sep 18, 2022
How To Make A Great Impression With Your Writing
How you write in English is important - and often it's the first impression that you make on someone new. In this episode, discover three ways to improve your writing:
- how to save time when you write
- how to add sophistication and interest to your writing
- two things you can do for more professional writing
*Episode links*
10 Steps To Advanced English (get a discount on this course)
*Contact me*
https://smartenglishcoach.com/contact
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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Sep 14, 2022
3 Ways To Improve Your English Speaking
How can you make your speaking more polished at advanced level? In this episode, get three ways to speak more smoothly:
- how to end phone calls confidently and professionally
- ways to help others understand you more easily
- how to sound natural and avoid repetition when you speak
*Episode links*
Advanced Speaking In 100 Steps (get a discount on my speaking program)
*Contact me*
https://smartenglishcoach.com/contact
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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Sep 2, 2022
How To Deal With Failure At Advanced English Level
What happens when you're disappointed by your English - or you experience a failure or setback because of your English?
Episode highlights:
- practical ways to deal with setbacks
- how to reframe negative emotions
- my personal story
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Aug 29, 2022
How To Motivate Yourself At Advanced Level
When you already have a good level of English, how can you motivate yourself to continue studying? In this episode:
- two different types of motivation
- goals and activities for both types of motivation at advanced level
- how to find social interaction activities when you study alone
*Episode links*
MOOC online courses
English Fluency Club
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Aug 9, 2022
How To Maintain Your English With Short, Fun Activities
How can you get "daily doses" of English to keep you going when you're on holiday, or very busy with something else?
In this episode, get *five ways to maintain your English*, with short, but fun activities.
Links from this episode:
VeryBritishProblems
Wordle
The Mirror
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SmartEnglishCoach
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Aug 1, 2022
The Unexpected Problems Of Being An Advanced English Speaker
Getting to advanced level takes energy and hard work. But when you get there, you might then face some unexpected problems. Highlights of this episode:
- two practical and one 'psychological' problem of being an advanced speaker
- three things you can do to overcome the problems and continue your progress
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https://smartenglishcoach.com
*Maintain your fluency* through regular speaking
https://smartenglishcoach.com/fluency
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Jul 27, 2022
How Learning Slang Can Fill A Gap In Your English
When your English is already good, and you’re wondering what to focus on next, learning slang could help you to fill some gaps! With special guest, Anne Haggerson.
*Highlights of this episode:*
- the advantages of learning slang, especially at advanced level
- what to be aware of when you learn it
- where you can learn it
- our favourite slang word in American English and British English
Check out Anne's site and podcast here:
http://movingenglishlessons.com
http://movingenglishlessons.com/podcast (American English Slang Podcast)
Make sure you never miss an episode of the podcast! Subscribe to get updates here:
https://smartenglishcoach.com
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Jul 12, 2022
How To Get Confident With Phrasal Verbs
Find out how you can get more confident with phrasal verbs, so that you can use them in your English and sound more advanced!
Highlights of this episode:
- The ‘PVC Method’ for understanding phrasal verbs
- How to understand the grammar of phrasal verbs
- Recognising patterns for better understanding & greater flexibility
Plus: Get an invitation to a free workshop to help you understand and use phrasal verbs more intuitively!
https://smartenglishcoach.com/phrasalverbs
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Jul 6, 2022
How Phrasal Verbs Elevate Your English
In this episode, find out why you should fall in love with phrasal verbs! They can separate good speakers of English from great English speakers - and in this episode I show you why. Highlights include:
- 3 reasons why you should appreciate them
- how they can elevate your English
- how understanding them helps you to get a deeper meaning
- a 3-step process for learning and using phrasal verbs
- an experiment for you to try
Contact me: https://smartenglishcoach.com/contact
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Jun 28, 2022
How To Find Time For English When You're Busy
When you have a busy life with work and family, it can be difficult to find time for English. In this episode, Monica (from Italy) shares some of the challenges she has faced learning English to advanced level.
Highlights of this episode:
- How to find time when you’re busy
- How to stay motivated and inspired when you’ve been learning for a long time
- And how NOT to feel guilty about spending time on English!
Contact: https://smartenglishcoach.com/contact
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Jun 22, 2022
What People Say - And What They Really Mean
The words and phrases that people use in conversation don't always mean what you think they should mean! You probably have phrases like this in your own language, and English is no different.
Highlights in this episode:
- Why people don't say what they mean
- 5 areas where people say one thing (but mean something different) including "Red Flag" phrases
- One word which can mean completely different things in English
If you'd like the transcript to this episode, go to
https://smartenglishcoach.com and sign up to get the updates.
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Jun 15, 2022
How To Improve Your Listening At Advanced Level
Understanding fast conversations can be difficult - even at advanced level. In this episode, listening expert Cara Leopold shares some strategies for improving your listening.
*Highlights include:*
- why listening can be difficult (and how basic words can 'disappear' from speech)
- the different types of spoken English
- listening activities & resources for advanced level
- when to use subtitles
- Movie Club (& how it helps you develop your listening with a community of movie fans)
*Plus, a couple of myth-busters!*
- why accent isn't always the problem
- why 'Ted Talks' and lists of 'movies to watch' may not help
*Links*
IDEA (international database of English accents)
Contact me
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Jun 8, 2022
How To Be Passionate About Learning English
A passion for learning English will keep you going through the 'ups and downs' of learning a language. But how do you find your passion, and how can you keep it alive? Highlights from this episode:
- School - the 'passion killer'
- Your real reason for learning
- 3 ways to feed your passion
Contact me at Smart English Coach
TED Talk Grit: The power of passion and perseverance (6 minute talk)
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Jun 1, 2022
What To Do When Your Progress In English Stops - How To Get 'Unstuck'
We all experience times when progress slows or even stops. How can you get 'unstuck' so that you continue to make progress in English? Highlights in this episode:
- three things you can do when progress feels slow
- how you can apply 'strategic mindset' to your English
- four practical ideas to shake up your learning so you feel motivated
- how 'stretch goals' can give you inspiration
If you need help with your English, contact me:
https://smartenglishcoach.com/contact
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May 25, 2022
How To Make Progress In English - Without A Teacher
It isn't always possible to work with an English teacher or coach. So how can you continue to make progress and get feedback? Highlights in this episode:
- the people who can help you improve your English
- four important communication factors to consider
- a 3-step process to improving your English without a teacher
- the areas of English you can easily improve
- how to get feedback
Get in touch with me!
https://smartenglishcoach.com/contact
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May 18, 2022
3 Areas To Focus On For Advanced Level
At advanced level, your grammar is already good. But there are some areas which can cause problems. In this episode:
- three areas of English to work on at advanced level
- how these areas can help you speak more accurately, naturally and elegantly
*For podcast listeners! Get a special discount on 'The 10 Steps For Advanced English'*
https://smartenglishcoach.com/grammar
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May 9, 2022
How To Stop Worrying About Mistakes In English
If you're worried about making mistakes in English, you're not alone. Nobody wants to be judged on their English. *But you can change the way you think*, so you worry about them less.
Highlights of this episode:
- the accuracy versus fluency question
- the four types of mistake (and the one which is the most important)
- three ways to stop worrying about mistakes
Need more help with your English? Contact me here:
https://smartenglishcoach.com/contact
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May 4, 2022
How To Remember New English Vocabulary
Remembering new vocabulary so that you can use it when you speak is one of the hardest things about learning a language. In this episode, I interview Paul, a learner from Slovakia, who uses a special method for remembering new vocabulary. Highlights from this episode are:
- some of the things he does differently to get results
- the importance of a 'whole sentence' method (and learning 'fluency phrases')
- the spaced repetition method, and the system he uses
- the effect of the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve
- how long the method takes him every day
For more help getting an advanced English vocabulary, check out my course "Advanced English Vocabulary In 30 Days". You also get a special discount:
https://smartenglishcoach.com/vocabulary
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Apr 28, 2022
How To Increase Your Everyday English Vocabulary
You're probably an expert in 'technical' English vocabulary - the vocabulary you need to do your job. But often what's more difficult is everyday English vocabulary for conversations.
In this episode, get TWO ways to expand your vocabulary
- a 'systematic' approach which builds on the words you already know
- a 'more spontaneous' approach with three ideas for you to try
- a special offer to help you increase your English vocabulary
https://smartenglishcoach.com/vocabulary
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Apr 21, 2022
5 Characteristics Of Advanced English Learners
*What personal characteristics will help you to move beyond intermediate level to advanced level?*
In this episode:
- 5 characteristics that help you succeed in your English journey (apart from 'hard work')
- How to avoid self-criticism
- Why finding English to be 'fun' is a sign you're already there!
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Apr 14, 2022
Why You Need A Different Approach To Get To Advanced English Level
To get to advanced English level, you need a different approach from what you've used before.
In this episode, find out some typical goals at advanced level, why following a coursebook might not be your best choice; and what you can do instead to make the most impact on your English.
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Apr 7, 2022
Smart English Coach - Trailer
Find out how you can get to advanced English level - without spending hours studying! Discover the strategies, mindset and shortcuts for fluent, confident English in your professional and personal life.
(For speakers of other languages.)
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