Three English Experts: English Confidence for German Professionals

Discover how positive psychology can transform your language learning journey. Learn to harness your strengths—like kindness and creativity—for real fluency. Plus: a Golden reading tip Nugget 0:12 Purpose of the podcast & Rebecca’s positive psychology project 2:28 Defining character strengths and cultural attitudes 4:22 Personal experiences with strengths and VIA survey www.viacharacter.org 6:...

Confused by phrases like 'Do you mind…?' or 'What about…?'? In this episode, the Three English Experts break down the trickiest -ing structures and everyday expressions that learners often get wrong. With real-life tips, humour, and personal stories, you'll walk away with practical tools to sound more natural and confident in English! 0:03 - 1:26 Introduction & topic overview: The Gerund 1:27...

What happens when English becomes your daily work language — overnight? Discover how confidence, not perfection, drives success.  In this episode, some of our clients share their journey from doubt to fluency, with expert coaching paving the way. A must-listen for professionals navigating global careers and breaking through language barriers. For German native professionals who need to speak...

Struggling with contrast words like although, even though, or however?  In this episode, we break down real-life examples and share tips to boost your fluency and style. Plus, discover our Golden Nugget phrase and an exciting live workshop announcement! Introduction: Linking words – focus on contrast (0:24 - 1:38)  Contrasting words: “but,” “however,” and “nevertheless” (1:39 - 5:23 ) Fo...

Drumroll, please! We’re thrilled to welcome our very first guests on the podcast: ELLEN JOVIN , the famous Grammar Table Lady from New York and author of the best-selling book Rebel with a Clause . Joined by her husband, BRANDT JOHNSON , filmmaker and co-creator of the Grammar Table documentary. A lively and fascinating conversation, where we dive into how their passion for language and storytelli...

Join us as we go on a festive journey through unique holiday traditions, uncover a surprising German drinking custom, and share a golden English language tip you won't want to miss. Plus, we reveal exciting news about our very first special guests and an upcoming live workshop in Cologne! Tune in for laughter, learning, and lots of lively conversation. Introduction and topic overview (0:00) Birthd...

Can we really feel like ourselves when we are speaking another language? This episode explores the emotional and cultural aspects of learning a second language and how they impact our authenticity.   Key Highlights: An introduction to positive psychology and its focus on building happiness, well-being, and authenticity.  Is it possible to be authentic when speaking a foreign language?&nb...

Looking to enhance your English fluency? In this episode, we explore the power of linking words, uncover a game-changing pronunciation tool, and share exciting news about our upcoming live workshop in 2025.  Introduction to the podcast (0:03 - 0:21) The importance of linking words in English (0:24 - 2:14) Examples of common linking words (2:14 - 3:51) Building confidence through vocabulary ex...

Want to boost your presentation skills in English? In this episode, we explore essential phrases, strategies for handling questions, and common pitfalls to avoid. Plus, get a top book recommendation to take your public speaking to the next level! Introduction to the podcast (0:00 - 1:43) Dave’s role as a communication trainer (1:44 - 4:49) Welcoming and introducing a topic (4:49 - 6:36) Structurin...

Think you know your prepositions? Mistakes like “married with ” instead of “married to ” or “a friend from me ” instead of “a friend of mine ” are more common than you think! In this episode, we’ll help you spot and fix these tricky false friends so you can speak more natural English with confidence. Introduction (0:00 - 0:21) Topic Introduction: False Friends with Prepositions (0:24 - 1:25) Commo...

Struggling with when to use present simple vs. present continuous?  In this episode, we break down the key differences, common mistakes, and even share funny personal confessions to help you remember! Tune in for expert tips and a grammar “Golden Nugget” often forgotten about! Introduction (0:00 - 0:21) Introduction to Present Simple vs. Present Continuous (0:24 - 3:09) Permanent vs. temporar...

Do you know the right way to agree—or disagree—in English? This episode dives into the subtle language of agreement. Join us for practical tips and lively examples to sharpen your communication skills! 🎧 Would you like to take an online “Agreeing and disagreeing” quiz before you listen to the episode?  https://padlet.com/davepreston/the-padlet-6tkq176t30g48f7a Episode Theme: Agreeing and Dis...

Looking to improve your English skills in 2025? In the latest Three English Experts episode, we explore advanced speaking tips, mastering conversations/small talk, and whether a C1 level is really necessary for success. Plus, discover a cool tool in our very 1st ‘Golden Nugget’ segment – a tech treat you’ll be happy you didn’t miss. Upgrading your English (0:30 - 1:07) Understanding the CEFR langu...

As we wrap up 2024, we’re reflecting on our biggest wins, lessons learned, and the strategies that worked best in language learning and business. Don’t miss our final episode of the year for insights, inspiration, and a look ahead to 2025! For German native professionals who need to speak better English. For Leaders of international teams. For Germans, who have always struggled with English. ...

Get into the festive spirit! Join Rebecca, Dave, and Birgit for a holiday-themed quiz filled with laughs, surprising trivia, and nostalgic Christmas fun. From Santa’s reindeer to classic holiday films, — this episode is your perfect way to kick off the season. Tune in, do the quiz, and hold on to your seats for a very close quiz finale!  Introduction and Overview of the Episode (0:03 - 1:43)...

The present perfect tense can spark great conversations with questions like "Have you ever...?", but it often trips up learners of English. In this episode, we break down when we use it and share key “signal words” and tips for mastering it. Whether you're an English language enthusiast or learner, this episode offers valuable insights you won't want to miss! Introduction to present perfect tense...

Discover how your favourite TV shows can become powerful tools for learning English. From binge-worthy series recommendations to tips on rewatching familiar content in a new language, we share fun and practical ways to improve your listening skills. Tune in, listen and read the TRANSCRIPT on our website! In this episode, we talk about: Why choose series over films? (0:24 - 2:18) Using trailers to...

In this celebratory episode, we reflect on our first year of podcasting, discussing our journey so far, our motivations, key lessons and plans for the future. We share insights into the work that goes into producing each episode, our teamwork and some fun statistics and moments that have become part of our podcast’s identity. This episode also offers valuable English language tips, focusing on usi...

Do you make mistakes in English? Let's be honest, we all make mistakes in foreign languages, and that’s absolutely normal. Unfortunately, though, people rarely correct us and explain why! Tune in for some expert advice and practical insights into common examples of grammar mistakes, confusing phrases and subtle pronunciation differences. In this episode, we discuss Common mistakes in English word...

It is never a bad idea to have an updated CV in English in your drawer. Learn from Rebecca, who is an Expert in this area, what mistakes to avoid and how to prepare best for tricky interview questions. Worth tuning in.  In this episode, we discuss: Rebecca’s journey into CV writing and coaching (0:42 - 3:29) CV writing in English and differences between English and German CVs (3:30 - 5:34) Co...

You cannot tackle them all! We tell you how to learn some of them in small portions and Rebecca and Dave explain how natives often forget how understanding phrasal verbs may not be easy for non-natives.  In this episode, we’ll ……. Give you an overview of what phrasal verbs are. (0:00 - 2:50) Discuss the complexity of phrasal verbs (2:50 - 5:03) Examine British English vs. other English variet...

English food might not have the best reputation among Germans but: Rebecca and Dave will tell you what they can really recommend. Anyway, visiting a pub will be on your bucket list during your visit to the UK. Talking to locals about food will be important then. So, listen to what is on the menu today.   In this episode, Rebecca & Dave invite Birgit to their British pub for a meal and we...

Bedtime is an excellent time of the day to dive into some English reading – and there is nothing better than a good book. We have some recommendations for you from easy to advanced reading. Of course, listening to the audio version will also work.  In this episode, we discuss great book/reading recommendations, how to find good books, and how to describe books in English. Birgit’s 1st book re...

`If + would`- never could! This is a useful phrase for learners: Don`t put would + if together in one part of a conditional clause. Tackling if-clauses is not easy but with a few rules and with our conversation you will find it easier to remember what to say and when. Try it out! In this episode we discuss: Types of "If" Clauses: Zero Conditional: General truths and habits (e.g., "If it rains, I t...

What is Business English? The English you need in your professional life. Let’s talk about what you should focus on when it comes to talking business.  In this episode, we discuss What business English is. The diverse contexts of business English. Some common grammar issues in business English.  Some effective self-introduction techniques. The directness in professional introductions wit...