Smart English Coach

If you have a big goal in English, it's a good idea to divide it into smaller steps. But there's something else you can do, so that you feel inspired and motivated at each step. This extra tool for goal-setting is called "coaching circles", and it's extremely powerful. In this episode find out: - what 'coaching circles' are, and why they're so good for helpi...

Why should you choose self-study English courses over 'classroom' textbooks or online resources? In this podcast, I share three reasons why self-study courses can be a great option if you're learning English on your own. There's actually a fourth reason why it's a really good time to invest in your English this week! Check out the link below to get my special 50% discount!...

Journalling is an amazingly effective, free way to improve all areas of your English. It helps not just with vocabulary and writing, but also with your speaking skills and confidence. In this episode, Sarah Morgan shares her best tips for using journalling. Find out: - what journalling is - how she used it to build confidence - how to start journalling - and to keep going at it Sarah is going to s...

How can you improve your English almost instantly? Anna Connelly, from the Confident Business English podcast shows us three simple ideas with a huge impact! In this episode, find out: - three ways to improve your English quickly - how these ways help you to 'automate' and simplify your English where possible - how these ways help you to have more professional and effective conversations...

How do you become a successful English speaker? At school you learnt grammar rules and vocabulary, but to keep making progress, how you feel about English is important. In this episode, I talk about three emotions that will help you learn English successfully. The episode is based on what I see my students doing, and on my own experience of learning languages. You'll find out: - the emotions...

When there's so much advice and so many strategies for learning English, which do you choose? How can you avoid confusion and overwhelm so that you can follow the right learning path for you? In this episode, I share the strategy of one student who has created a clear focus for English learning. I look at: - how you can create your own focus - how to choose learning activities that match your...

Short, fun and motivating 'challenges' can help you improve your English fluency quickly. They're great if you don't have many opportunities to speak in English, or if you don't have much confidence. They're even better when you can get expert feedback on your speaking, so you know exactly where your English is already good, and the areas to focus on. In this episode,...

What can you do to avoid stopping your English study? How can you keep going so that you get all the benefits of an advanced level of English? In this episode, I talk about the five main reasons why you stop learning English, and three things that you can do to keep going. Link in this episode Get the 30-Day Study Guide when you join the Advanced English Membership ! Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to...

If you feel that your English isn't good enough, or that you can't do your job as well as an English native speaker, this episode is for you! I show you why you might have 'Imposter Syndrome', why it can stop your progress in English - and four things you can do to deal with it. Link in this episode Episode 66 of the Smart English Coach podcast - How to beat imposter syndrome t...

Is English more difficult to understand than other languages? This was one of the questions I asked Tree Blackmore. We talked about: - the reasons why listening is difficult - particularly in English - why English vocabulary makes listening difficult - some activities and ideas for improving listening and understanding (including one related to pronunciation) This podcast was recorded on Zoom, so...

In this episode, listen to Luke Thompson (host of Luke's English Podcast) talk about how to really learn vocabulary - and not just stare at word lists. We talk about the importance of learning vocabulary for advanced level, the mistakes to avoid when you try to learn vocabulary, and the tools and resources you can use to make it easier. We're both great fans of dictionaries, and Luke als...

If you use English for your work, "disfluencies" in English are something you should avoid. In this episode, I interview Craig Wealand, an English teacher and podcaster,  who specialises in fluency, disfluency and advanced communication skills. Craig explains how disfluencies stop you from sounding professional, and gives several examples of what they are. If you want to find out how to...

A simple, but very powerful thing when you learn English is finding happiness from it - because this will help you get quicker results. It isn't just because feeling happy gives you more motivation. There are other benefits that you get when you enjoy speaking or using English. In this episode, discover: - the three extra benefits of feeling happy when you learn English - three practical ways...

To choose the right English learning activities, there's one question you need to ask yourself first. Your answer will help you to avoid spending hours on the wrong activities, and not making the progress you want. Your answer will also help you to create the best learning plan for you, and to develop the right habits which will get you to your goals more quickly. So, what is this question? L...

If I told you that there are an estimated 25,000 idioms in English, would you want to learn them? It seems an impossible task, but idioms are a fantastic and imaginative way to explain your feelings and thoughts in a concise - and often funny - way. They aren't just for speaking, either. You'll see them everywhere: in articles,  news stories - and on the sides of UK buses! In this episod...

Getting to an advanced English level can change your life. It's a really useful goal to have - but what does it mean? In this episode, find out: - how you can define 'advanced English' - three ways to improve your English when you already know a lot - why English development is personal development My students are achieving amazing career and life goals - and confident English plays...

How can you sound professional and confident when you speak English? What makes your sentences beautiful, powerful and impressive? In this episode (inspired by one of my students), I share three tips for making beautiful English sentences! I've also got some more advanced tips for you to try. Say 'bye-bye' to boring, 'adios' to uninspiring, and 'au revoir' to uni...

There are obvious advantages for learning languages - particularly for your brain. And of course, learning English has lots of other benefits too.  A better-paying job, greater study opportunities, international networking are all examples. But then there are the life-changing advantages of learning English. These are things that I'm seeing more and more with my students. In this episode,  I...

In this conversation with Michael Lavers, from the Level Up English Podcast, discover some of the secrets for successful English learning: - how to be more confident (even if you think you're too 'old' to learn English well) - the importance of your body and posture for successful learning - if the 'fake it til you make it' approach is useful - the 1% sports coaching metho...

Learning English can be very "up and down".  When it goes well, you feel confident and motivated, but sometimes it's hard to see your progress. Other times, something doesn't go well, and you lose confidence. At times like this, it really helps to have an 'achievement diary'. In this episode, I share why an achievement diary helps you see progress in your English, and...

It isn't 'perfect English' that will get you the dream job in an international company. Being able to communicate in English is obviously important, but there are other things that an interviewer wants to see or hear.  In this podcast episode, I share three 'truths' about interviews which will help you to be more confident. I also share details about my new speaking progra...

If working in an international company is your ambition, this episode is for you! An essential part of getting a high-paid role (with the career development opportunities you want) is the job interview. The good news is that you don't have to memorise "perfect answers" to hundreds of possible interview questions. In fact, there are only a few types of interview questions that you&ap...

This episode is for you if you're worried about sounding too simple when you use English. For example, if you always use basic grammar or vocabulary, or if your everyday phrases seem too elementary. In this episode, I have a few ideas about basic English! You'll discover: - a problem with making basic mistakes in English (it's all about other people's perceptions) - why being c...

Estefania, who's from Spain, now trains Spanish people to work in the UK aviation industry. In this episode, she gives her advice for passing an English interview for aviation roles, and also shares some of the ways she immersed herself in English while living in a non-English speaking country. If you also aspire to work in aviation, you can follow Estefania here: @auxiliardelenguas (Instagra...

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to learn English with other people? What could you expect from the experience? How would it help you with your English goals? In this episode, I take you 'behind the scenes' of the English Fluency Club - the club that I've been running for the last four years. It's been the most satisfying and rewarding thing I've done as a teac...