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
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*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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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*
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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)
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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*
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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*
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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*
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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.
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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
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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*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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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*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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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
Contact me
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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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
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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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
Subscribe to never miss a podcast episode!
SmartEnglishCoach
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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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
*Subscribe to the podcast* to never miss an episode!
https://smartenglishcoach.com
*Maintain your fluency* through regular speaking
https://smartenglishcoach.com/fluency
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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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
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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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
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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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
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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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
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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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.
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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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
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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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
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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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
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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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
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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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
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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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
*Subscribe to the podcast*
Never miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.
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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
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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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!
*Subscribe to the podcast*
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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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