Smart English Coach

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...

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...

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 li...

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...

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 T...

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 s...

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...

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 go...

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 Co...

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 possi...

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!) Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the podca...

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 Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the podcast Never miss an episode! Get...

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...

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&apos...

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...

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. Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the podcast Never miss an ep...

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...

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 Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the podcast Never miss an episode! Get free English coaching tips here . Get the transcript...

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 t...

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 achieveme...

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) Contac...

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://smartenglish...

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 Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the podcast Never miss an episode! Get free English coaching tips here . Get the transcript Follow me on LinkedIn and...

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 Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the podcast Never miss an ep...

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 Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the podcast Never miss a...