Speak English podcast with teacher Georgiana

#218 The word Bear in English Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Today, I’m going to talk about the word bear. And with a mini-story, you will practice your English conversation skills. Hi! I’m Georgiana, founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Before we start, get the transcript at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast Very well. Let’s get started! The word BEAR is normally used as a noun when we’re referring to a large furry animal that likes eating honey. In the second part of this podcast, you’ll meet two funny bears, Yogi and Boo-Boo. The word BEAR can also be a verb. In that case, it has several meanings: A few of them are: to hold, to support, to exhibit, to stand, or to give birth to. For example, if I say that “I can’t BEAR” something, I mean that I can’t tolerate it or stand it. It’s just too much, or it makes me very unhappy. Here are some more examples: Usually, we use the verb to BEAR when we need to accept or tolerate something, especially something unpleasant: Examples: “The pain was almost more than Jason could bear.” “How can you bear to eat that food?” There are some other similar expressions. Instead of saying, “I can’t bear it,” you could say I can’t stand it, or I can’t put up with it. Example: “I love going to the beach, but my sister can’t stand it.” “I just can’t put up with my friend’s dog.” We can use the word BEAR in many different ways. For example, when you need to deal with something painful, we say that you BEAR the pain: Example: “Sometimes it’s hard to bear the pain of being lonely.” Other times, you need to take responsibility for the negative effects of your actions. It’s when we say that you BEAR the consequences: Example: “She’s quitting her job anyway, so; she won’t be here next month to bear the consequences.” That’s it for now. I hope you enjoyed learning new expressions with the word BEAR. Ok! If you want to know how to speak English using the proper techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my video course for free. So, you can learn how to speak English fluently once and for all!

SUMMER OFFERS – 60% OFF Hi, everyone! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of speakenglishpodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. This week is a bit special. All my premium courses have a 60% discount. I’ve received several messages with questions about the courses. I will try to answer some frequently asked questions in this short episode. By the way, you can get the offer at: speakenglishpodcast.com/courses Hurry up because the offer is only available until this Sunday at midnight. Let’s start with the most frequently asked question: 1) What is the difference between the podcast and the premium courses? That’s a great question! In the podcast, I talk about very diverse topics to improve your vocabulary. It’s a great listening practice. I also give a small example of a lesson in each podcast episode. It can be a mini-story of questions and answers or a point of view. Because of time limitations, I can barely develop these lessons, yet they allow you to test the method that I use in my premium courses in an easy and fun way. Instead, the premium courses are complete programs designed to improve your spoken English dramatically. These are conversation courses. You start speaking from DAY ONE with the conversation simulator. They are audio lessons that “simulate” conversations. I call them Q&A mini-stories. Unlike the podcast, the premium courses contain hours and hours of questions and answers. Imagine for a moment a podcast episode, but multiplied by 100. Also, the courses allow you to work much better on grammar aspects such as the plural, singular, all kinds of verb tenses, and certain common expressions of English. All of this unfolds in an interactive way, following one or more stories that provide a rich and entertaining context. For example, the Fluency Course (level II) contains more than 8 hours of audio with thousands of questions and answers (mini-stories) and almost 200 pages of transcription text. Of course, there are also many point of view lessons that allow you to work very intensely on aspects of grammar. One rule I always follow is to create lessons with complex characters and funny stories with unexpected endings. That way you’ll never forget what you learn best and, of course, it’s a lot more fun. Another question: 2) Can I use the premium courses on the iPhone, iPad, Android and so on? Yes, of course. You can use them without problems. It is important to keep in mind that the courses are not apps. That is, you don’t install them. It’s much more flexible. The courses consist of mp3 audio and text (PDF). This is much simpler and prevents technical problems. Transferring the content to any device is quite easy. However, when you buy one of the courses, I send you detailed steps to know what to do. In any case, you can contact me by e-mail with any questions. 3) Is there a monthly payment for the premium courses? No, there is no such thing. They are yours for personal use and forever when you buy the courses. 4) How many premium courses are there, and what is the difference? There are currently four courses. I will describe them briefly: 1) 30-Day Crash Course (level1): This course is for beginners with no knowledge of English. It is a course that works very well, and I am happy with the result because it helps a lot to start with English. In your case, I don’t recommend it because if you are a follower of this podcast, you are no longer a beginner. 2) The Fluency Course (level2): The level of this course is a bit easier than this podcast, but there is almost no difference. This program will help you automate the most common structures when speaking. It consists of 20 units with 20 unique and fun stories. I recommend this course if you’re trying to stop mentally translating when you speak English, even with relatively easy expressions. 3) The Magic Course (level3): This course is very ambitious because it goes one step beyond the Fluency Course. The aim is to practice all the verb tenses in the context of a long and well-developed story. There is plenty of vocabulary, and grammar points are very useful. When you finish this course, you will have an advanced level of English. 4) The Business Course (Job Interview Course) With this course, you will master the 30 most common questions asked at a job interview, learn specific vocabulary, and when to use it. You will get examples of how to answer the questions. And the exclusive mini-stories will help you speak English more confidently at a job interview. 5) Georgiana, what if I don’t like them, or I don’t adapt to the courses? That’s all right. If during the first 30 days, you are not convinced by the program, you can request a refund without any problem. 6) Are there any free samples of the courses? Yes, of course. You can get some samples at: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/samples

#217 Maintaining a Positive Attitude Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Welcome to the Speak English Now Podcast, your resource for practicing your English speaking and listening. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to learn English more effectively. Transcript: Hi! I’m Georgiana, founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. In today’s episode: I’ll reveal some tricks to maintain a positive attitude while learning English. And you’ll practice your speaking with my new mini-story. Before we start, get the transcript of this episode at: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast Very well. Let’s start! Is it possible to maintain a positive mental attitude? We know it’s important, but how can you be more positive, and most importantly, how can you maintain that attitude? What you need is a change of mindset. And you can achieve that, by changing your strategy. For instance, get off social media and exercise more. I’m not saying you should run a marathon. But make sure you walk every day, even if it’s just a little bit. Read self-help books in English. There are many self-help books out there, so do your research. However, I can recommend Unlimited Power, by Tony Robbins. Anyway. We all know that being positive helps us achieve amazing things. Do you know how you can help me? You can share the podcast with your friends and family. Tell them to go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my free mini-course. That would mean a lot to me. Thanks. Ok! If you want to know how to speak English using the proper techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my video course for free. So, you can learn how to speak English fluently once and for all! Speak English Now Podcast with Georgiana

#216 What to bring to the beach? Part2 Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively. Transcript: Today, you will learn what else you can take to the beach. And with a mini-story, you will practice your English speaking. I will ask you many questions that you need to answer right away. It’s like having a conversation with another person in English. Welcome to Speak English Now podcast, with your host, Georgiana. The podcast that will help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks. Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Before we start, visit my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast to get the transcript for free. Ok, let’s start! Well, in the previous episode, we learned what things are useful when going to the beach: Swimsuit Towel Sunscreen Sunglasses Hat or cap Air mattress Let’s learn some more today. #1 Parasol A parasol is a kind of big umbrella that is used a lot at the beach. It’s not meant to protect you from the rain, but from the sun. Parasols have a pointed end that sticks into the sand. Sometimes, in windy weather, parasols blow away. So, it’s important to stick the parasol in well. #2 Floater No, a floater is not a person that floats. It’s like a donut with air in it that helps you float. Although the floater is usually used only by children, if you don’t know how to swim much, it is better to have a floater at your disposal. It’s better to be a little embarrassed than to drown. #3 Beach ball You inflate a beach ball by blowing and blowing. Of course, as it weighs very little, it will go many miles away if it’s windy. Parasols and beach balls are not very compatible with the wind. #4 Folding beach chair Although I’ve never used it, it sounds like a great idea. As the name suggests, a folding beach chair is one you can fold. When you put it away, you can change the shape to make it more compact. In addition, the short legs allow you to be closer to the sand when you sit on it. All that’s missing is a cool drink. #5 Cooler And speaking of cold drinks. The beach would not be the same without drinks and food. Therefore, you need a cooler. There are small coolers designed to be easy to carry with you. That’s all for now. I hope you had a good time learning new English vocabulary. And if you go to the beach, don’t forget to take with you some of the things that I have suggested in the last couple of episodes. Speak English Now Podcast with Georgiana

#215 What to take to the beach? part1 Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively. Transcript: Today I want to talk about what to take to the beach. This way you will practice the specific vocabulary on the subject and, of course, you will be the most prepared on the beach. Hi, I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you to speak English fluently. Today, I’m talking about what items you need to take to the beach. And with a unique point-of-view story, you will practice grammar without memorizing any boring rules. Oh, by the way, remember that you can check out the transcript, on my website speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast Ok. Let’s start! It’s already June. And with June comes summer and good weather. One of my favorite activities during the summer is going to the beach. I go to the beach usually in the mornings when there are not many people. I find that midday is too hot, and the sun’s rays really burn the skin, but some people love that. Today I want to talk about what to take to the beach. This way you will practice the specific vocabulary on the subject and, of course, you will be the most prepared on the beach. #1 Swimsuit The most important thing is wearing a swimsuit. A swimsuit is a piece of clothing people wear for swimming, especially women and girls. Men on the other hand wear swimming trunks. They are often made from light, fast-drying materials like nylon or polyester. #2 Towel You may want to dry yourself when you get out of the water. Therefore, you need a towel. But the beach towel is not only for drying yourself. You can spread it out on the sand and lie down. So, you can sunbathe and get a tan. That’s why beach towels are usually extra-large. #3 Sunscreen In summer, the sun hits hard. Its intensity is high, especially in the central hours of the day. To enjoy the sun without being harmed, wear good sunscreen. Sometimes it is also called a sunblock. It is usually a cream applied to the skin and absorbed little by little. #4 Sunglasses Not only do you have to protect your skin, but also your eyes. You know that in summer, the sun is very intense. So, it is essential to wear a good pair of sunglasses. #5 Hat or cap Although I don’t usually wear a hat or cap, I think it’s a good idea to wear it to protect your head in the middle hours of the sun. If I had to choose, I would prefer a cap, as you can store it better anywhere. #6 Beach Air mattress. Imagine you want to have something that floats and also be able to lie down in the water. This is the perfect solution: a beach air mattress. There are plenty of things to take to the beach, and in the next episode, we will continue talking about this topic. By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my 5-day video course, so you can learn how to speak English fluently. And it’s completely free.

#214 Difficult Words to Pronounce in English part2 Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively. Transcript: Today, we will look at some English words that are very difficult to pronounce. And with a mini-story, you will practice your English fluency by answering many questions! Welcome to Speak English Now podcast, with your host, Georgiana. The podcast that will help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks. Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Before getting started, visit my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast to get the transcript for free. Ok, let’s start! 1# Rural Rural can be challenging to pronounce even for some native speakers, especially when repeated or placed next to a word with similar “r” sounds. Let’s pronounce it several times. Listen and repeat! [ roor-uhl ] Rural Rural Rural Examples: “I would prefer to leave the city for a rural home.” “She has a romantic view of rural society.” 2# Phenomenon This singular form of “phenomena” means an amazing event, pronounced as “fi-NOM-uh-non.” So, let’s practice the word phenomenon a little bit. Listen and repeat: [ fi-nom-uh-non ] Phenomenon Phenomenon Phenomenon Examples: “Gravity is a natural phenomenon.” “This phenomenon is unique in nature.” 3. Sixth Adding a “th” after “x” can be tricky for many English students. Let’s pronounce it several times: [ siksth ] Sixth Sixth Sixth Examples: “The dictionary is now in its sixth edition.” “She lives on the sixth floor.” 4. Specific This word is quite easy to pronounce, but it may be difficult for those who do not understand that “s” and “c” can have the same sound, although different, within the same word. Let’s practice it! [ spi-sif-ik ] Specific Specific Specific Examples: “My boss gave me very specific instructions on dealing with the client.” “If you want to be successful, you need to be more specific about what you want to do.” 5. Temperature For some students, “tem-per-uh-chur” is difficult to say quickly, as the “t” takes on a “ch” sound. Let’s pronounce this word several times before using it in a sentence. Listen and repeat after me: Temperature Temperature Temperature [ tem-per-uh-cher ] Examples: “Let me check your temperature.” “The temperature ranges from zero to twenty degrees.” That’s all for today; I hope you had a good time practicing these complex words. If you want to know how to speak English using the proper techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my 5-day video course, so you can learn how to speak English fluently once and for all! And it’s completely free. (END OF THE EXTRACT). Speak English Now Podcast with Georgiana

#213 How to manage your time to learn English? Part #3 Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Hi, I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder ofSpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you to speak English fluently. Time flies, and it is vital to know how to manage it. So, today, I will give you three more points to consider regarding the use of time when learning English. I hope you like it. And with a point of view story, you will learn grammar in context without memorizing any boring rules. Before we get started, go to my websiteSpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast to get thetranscript for free. Ok. Let’s start! 1# Look for situations with few distractions. If there's one thing I'm guilty of, it's spending too much time on the internet. I have the lousy excuse that I do it to get inspired to make new episodes of the podcast. As I say, it’s a lousy excuse :) Ideally, you want to be in a situation with few distractions, but sometimes, that's difficult because we always carry our cell phones with us. In my case, I have found a good solution: walking. When you move, it becomes uncomfortable to look at your cell phone. So it's a good option to be able to listen to something without getting distracted. You just let yourself go while listening to your English lessons. Also, when you move, more blood gets to your brain, and it stays more active. So, I recommend that you find an activity or situation where the level of distraction is low to spend more time listening. Maybe you can take long walks while listening to your lessons. #2 Try the 1-minute challenge. I'll tell you a secret. Often, I don't do things because I think it's going to take me too long. It's something I need to get better at. For example, lately, I've been reading on and off. Recently I was waiting for a friend in a coffee shop. I knew she could arrive at any moment. Psychologically, I figured, "it's not worth starting to read. She'll be here any minute." So, even though I had my Kindle with me, I didn't read anything and spent my time browsing social media. My friend was about 10 minutes late. If I had started reading, I could have read a few pages. So, here's what I suggest. Try listening to some English content for just one minute. You only have to listen for 60 seconds. Then you can stop if you want. The best thing is that many times you will continue listening. #3 Change the mindset from sprint to marathon. Finally, it is vital to understand that learning English takes time, even with the best techniques and materials. Therefore, we must change from sprint, which suggests a lot of effort and intensity, to something calmer and more sustained: a marathon. It's about finding the right pace that will allow us to continue for many weeks. It's not about running a lot initially only to be exhausted soon after, but the other way around. Start calmly and find the right rhythm and routines. The results will come, but your brain needs some time to assimilate what you learn. Well, I hope I’ve helped you with these reflections, and of course, also with English. I have something important to tell you. I want you to learn English 3 times faster, and that's why I created a video course. Go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my video course for FREE!

#212 How to manage your time to learn English? Part #2 Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively. Transcript: Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Today, I am going to continue talking about how to manage your time to learn English. Next, you are going to practice fluency with a mini-story. Mia is determined to learn English, and she starts to motivate herself by taking something. But before we start, please visit my website, SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast to get the transcript of this episode. It’s completely free. Ok. Let’s start! #1 Treat yourself! What better way to motivate yourself than to treat yourself! Yes, you deserve it. Well, only when you achieve the goal, of course. Maybe after getting to 5 hours of listening in a week, you can afford something special like watching a movie, going out to eat at your favorite restaurant, etc. The treat doesn’t have to be something fancy or expensive. It can be of minor importance, but it helps to stay motivated. By the way, I recommend that you don’t do it the other way around. First, the treat to motivate yourself, and then the study. I’ve tried it the other way around:) So no donuts before you start! #2 Create a routine. As human beings, we like routines. That is, we like to do the same things repeatedly because what the brain does is automate many of our behaviors. Suppose you make yourself a cup of coffee every day. You can take the opportunity to put on your headphones and listen to a few minutes of an English lesson. Soon, you will associate making coffee with listening to English. It sounds silly, but it works. They say that to establish a routine; you need about 21 days. That is about three weeks. Although the exact number of days is not important, we can draw the following conclusion: to create a routine; you need little time. So, you can consider creating a specific routine to listen to at certain times of the day. #3 Keeping track of the time you are listening. Although everyone is different, many people like to keep track of the number of hours they listen to when learning English. This gives you a sense of progress in your learning and informs you when you are not doing well. So, you could write down the time you spend listening. And add it up by weeks and also months. This way, you can project how much time you will spend listening in a year, make averages, etc. And you don’t have to be precise. It doesn’t matter if you listen for 55 minutes or a little over an hour. Just write down an hour, and that’s it. Oh, and… Why don’t you share this with someone else who is learning English? Imagine going for coffee and talking about how your week went. How many hours you listened, if it was difficult, etc. This way, you can motivate each other and set common goals.

#211 Prepositions in English Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Transcript: Hi, I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you to speak English fluently. Today, I am going to talk about time prepositions in English. And with a point of view story, you will learn grammar in context without memorizing any boring rules. Before we get started, go to my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com to get the transcript. It’s free! Ok. Let’s start! Prepositions are short words (on, in, to, of) that usually stand in front of nouns, pronouns, or a group of nouns. They show direction, time, place, location, or introduce an object. We commonly use prepositions to show a relationship in space or time or a logical relationship between two or more people, places, or things. But today, we will focus on time prepositions. I don’t recommend memorizing the examples since that method doesn’t work. It’s always best to learn in context by listening repeatedly. Ok. Let’s start learning some time prepositions in English. We use ON before the days of the week: Examples: “I went to the doctor on Monday.” “Don’t call me on Sundays because I’m resting.” “I’d like to buy you lunch on Friday.” We use IN before months, sessions, time of the day, year, seasons, or after a certain time period. Examples: “I was born in September.” “Many people go on vacation in August.“ “I like running in the morning.” “My mom came back from the trip in the evening.” “Her family goes to Hawaii in winter.” “I love going to the beach in summer.” “We visited Mexico in 2010.” “My sister was born in 1998.” “I’ll see you in an hour.“ “I’ll be back in 20 minutes.” We use AT for night, for the weekend, and at a certain time. Examples: “We sometimes finish work at night.” “Kids go to bed at 9 pm.” “I visit my family at Christmas.” We use SINCE with days or dates. Examples: “I haven’t seen Tom since yesterday.” “She hasn’t eaten since breakfast. “Since the party, he has not spoken to me at all.” We use the preposition FOR to indicate the length of time. Examples: “I haven’t seen him for two years.” “She had been taking care of her mother for a year.” “I’ve waited for the bus for two hours.” We use “AGO” to determine a specific time in the past. Examples: “She renewed her membership about two months ago.” “Winter seems a very long time ago.” “He should have gone a long while ago.” “BEFORE and AFTER” We use “before” and “after” to say that something happens before or after a specific time. You can use “before” and “after” with specific times, days, years, or months. Examples: “They never visit us before the summer arrives.” “They will visit us after the summer arrives.” “I’m hoping we can finish work before 5 pm.” “I’m hoping we can finish work after 4 pm.” Ok, that’s it for now, but before we continue… I have something important to tell you. I want you to learn English 3 times faster, and that’s why I created a video course. Go to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my video course for FREE! Speak English Now Podcast with Georgiana

#210 Managing your English learning time Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively. Transcript: – I first eat a donut and then listen to some English to motivate myself. – I see. That’s why you’re so fat. So, how’s your English? – Good, good. A donut? Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Today, I’m going to talk about managing your English learning time. Next, you will practice your speaking with a mini-story. But before we start, please visit my website, SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast to get the transcript of this episode. It’s completely free. Very good. Have you ever wondered how to find more time to do something? I ask myself that all the time. In fact, I think time runs away from me, and I don’t have time to chase it. The truth is time flies. And it flies for everyone. We always have something to do in today’s society, and there is never time for anything. But don’t despair. Even in these circumstances, you can find a good strategy to learn English. As you know, my system is based on listening. Therefore, it is a significant advantage since you can take the lessons wherever you want on your mobile, tablet, or laptop. There is no need to sit in front of the computer and start studying. In fact, I think very few people can do that consistently. So, today, I’m going to give you some ideas about managing your English learning time. #1 Free time during the day We waste many minutes that we could be putting to good use throughout the day. The list is endless: driving the car; waiting in line at the bank; cleaning the house; walking the dog; ironing, etc. If you add up all those minutes, you might be surprised how much time is wasted. So, it’s a good idea to try to make the most of all this free time. One objection I sometimes get is the following: You can’t be 100% focused if you’re doing something else, like driving a car. Yes, it’s true that you may not be fully focused, but let me tell you a secret. Your brain is always learning, even if you don’t always pay close attention. For example, if you listen to a song without paying attention, you may later hum the melody without realizing it. Let’s say you listen for 1,000 hours during a year. 200 hours at full concentration. 500 hours at medium concentration and another 300 hours at low concentration. You will have listened for 700 hours at high or medium concentration, which is not bad at all. And even if you’re not paying much attention during those 300 hours, they’re still useful. Think of it this way: When you learned your native language, you weren’t 100% focused every time you heard something—many times, you weren’t paying attention. When I learned Spanish, I spent a lot of time listening. And I wasn’t always focused, but I accumulated hours and hours of listening, and I got much better over time. #2 Small daily actions have a massive impact over time. One day, I heard this idea. A person was complaining that he didn’t have time to read. He hadn’t opened a book in years. So, someone made this reasoning to him: “Let’s say you only spend 10 minutes a day reading. Maybe 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes in the evening. I think that’s a very modest goal. Let’s do the math. If you take 1 minute to read one page, that’s 10 pages a day. A month has 30 days, so you would read 300 pages. This is roughly equivalent to an average-sized book. Reading one book per month equals 12 books per year. Over five years, that would be 60 books. So, imagine now that you go to a library and pick out 60 books. This would be what you would have learned, just by reading 10 minutes a day in 5 years.” I find the idea fascinating, as it shows in a very simple way how much time you can accumulate by devoting it to one thing consistently. I usually recommend at least an hour a day of listening, but if you can’t, you can listen less. Over time, you will realize how much you are learning.

#209 Benefits of learning English Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Hi, I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder ofSpeakEnglishPodcast.com. Speaking English is way easier than you think. You just need to use the right materials and techniques. Today I am going to talk about the benefits of learning English as an adult. And the truth is that there are many, and some of them are surprising. And with a mini-story, you will practice your spoken English. I'll ask you lots of questions that you'll have to answer right away. It's like having a conversation with another person in English. Before we get started, go to my websiteSpeakEnglishPodcast.com to get thetranscript. It's free! Ok. Let's start! #1 It is an excellent exercise for our brain. Many times we go to the gym to tone our muscles. We also try to lose weight to be ready for the beach in summer. We don't always succeed, but that's another story. :) In the same way, learning a new language is like sending our brain to the gym. We stimulate it with all sorts of new sounds, words we didn't know, grammar, expressions, and other elements. This mental exercise is very healthy, as we help our brain to stay active. Many experts recommend learning a language when we are older to maintain our cognitive ability. It helps us to improve our memory and concentration. Imagine the number of words you end up learning—all of them new. And then, you have to learn how to use them according to context, sentence order, etc. All this new information accumulates in an orderly fashion in our brain and is ready to be used. This process improves our ability to remember all kinds of things. Moreover, we learn to concentrate better. For example, when you listen to this episode, your concentration level is higher than when you listen to an episode in your mother tongue. So, it's a great thing! #2 You learn a new culture and a new way of thinking. Every language is necessarily linked to culture. This implies customs, ways of understanding life, traditions, habits, values, and history. I find discovering a new culture fascinating. It serves to learn something new and contrast and reevaluate the culture in your own country. In addition, you learn to look at things from a new perspective. This can help you to be more original and creative in your daily life. #3 Improve your self-esteem. Yes, learning a new language as an adult and conversing with native speakers is an excellent boost to your self-esteem. You feel better because you have achieved something that many people think is impossible. I remember my first conversations in Spanish. I made mistakes, and my vocabulary was limited, but what a joy to talk to people from other countries! That's always a good feeling. Speak English Now Podcast with Georgiana

#208 Happy Easter 2022 - Speak English Now Podcast Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Hi, everyone! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder ofSpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Today I'll talk about something more festive. I'll talk aboutEasterand howAmericanscelebrate this holiday. And with a funmini-story, you'll improve your English fluency by answering many questions in English. Before we get started, I just wanted to say hi if you are new here. And if you are a long-time listener, I want to thank you for supporting this show by sharing it with your friends and family. Ok, let’s start! WheneverEastercomes, everywhere I go, I seechocolate eggsandEaster bunny cakes. But what do we celebrate onEaster? Easteris a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection ofJesus Christfrom the dead. The New Testament describes the resurrection occurring on the third day after his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans on Calvary around 30 AD. Americans spend this holiday with friends and family, and some attend special services held in churches onEaster. And while not all Americans observe the holiday from a spiritual point of view, Easter is certainly one of the most celebrated holidays in the States. And if there's one thing people love doing during the holidays, it's eating. Let's take a look at the 3 most popular dishes at Easter. Hot Cross Buns These are a typical Easter food. It is a sweet bread seasoned with nutmeg, flavored with currants and apricots, and covered with a lemon glaze. Stuffed Leg of Lamb Americans also enjoy a stuffed leg of lamb. A delicious recipe, yet very easy to make. With parsley, garlic, bacon, and red wine. Honey Butter Ham Another very representative dish for this holiday is the honey butter ham. This recipe is simple and is prepared in the oven or a slow cooker. And how about thecolored eggsand theEaster Bunnytradition? Typically, people start dying hard-boiled eggs in a variety of colors the night beforeEaster Sunday. These eggs are left for the Easter Bunny on Saturday night. The Bunny comes and hides them all over the house. So when the children wake up onEaster Sunday, they get excited looking for the eggs and the Easter baskets filled with goodies. The idea of theEaster Bunnygiving candy and eggs is said to have originated in Germany during the Middle Ages. Pennsylvania Dutch settlers brought the rabbit to the United States in the 18th century. Another fun fact about the Easter holiday is that EasterandHalloweenoften compete for the highest candy sales every year. Some years, Americans buy more candy the week before Easter than the week before Halloween. How interesting. Right? If you want to tell us how you celebrated Easter this year, you can leave a comment on my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. Let’s continue with a mini-story. Speak English Now Podcast with Georgiana

#207 English Punctuation Marks—Speak English Now Podcast Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder ofSpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Today I am talking about punctuation. :) In the second part, you will improve your English fluency with a fun mini-story. It's like having a conversation with another person in English! Before we start, visitSpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcastto get the transcript of this episode. Ok! Today I am talking about punctuation. By this word, I mean the different spelling marks used when writing. These are the main ones. Period or full stop . -is a punctuation mark that we use to show the end of a sentence. Commas ,are the ideal punctuation mark to divide sentences or indicate when to pause. Apostrophes -we use them to identify something that belongs to someone or to show a letter or multiple letters are missing from a word. Colons :are used to precede a list of items, a quotation, or an expansion or explanation. Semicolons ;indicate a pause, usually between two main sentences, longer than that indicated by a comma. Ellipsis …We use them to show that one or more words have been removed from a quote and create suspense by adding a pause before the end of the sentence. And we can also use it to show the end of a thought. Quotation marks " " Inform the reader that you have used written material from other sources or direct speech. Question marks ?Indicate that the speaker is asking a question. They're used at the end of the question (or interrogative) sentences. Exclamation marks !Can change a sentence's meaning and tone. They still end a sentence, but they can add emotion, whether excitement, anger, or nervousness! Round brackets ( )are used similarly to commas when we want to add an explanation, an afterthought, or a comment related to our primary line of thought but different from it. Square brackets or brackets [ ]We use them for special purposes, such as technical manuals. Hyphen -we use it to join words and separate syllables of a single word. Punctuations can be very confusing, especially if you don't know where to place them, and can change the entire meaning of what you want to say. Let's look atsome examples of situationswhen we do not use punctuation marks properly: #1 Woman Without Man A teacher wrote the following sentence on the board and asked his class to punctuate it: Woman without her man is nothing. Half of the class punctuated the sentence in the following way: Woman: without her, man is nothing. The other half of the class responded with the following: Woman, without her man, is nothing. Fascinating how punctuation can change the meaning of a sentence entirely. Another example: #2 Your granny's life depends upon it! Here,commasmatter. Let's eat granny! Or Let's eat, granny! See the difference? #3 Eat your dinner. You say to a child:Eat your dinner! You say to a cow:Eat! You're dinner! Here,apostrophesmatter. #4 I'm sorry I love you. When you are in a terrible fight, you might say a horrible thing like this one: I'm sorry I love you. And when you want to make up again, you can say: I'm sorry; I love you. Semicolonsmatter! :) #5 I find inspiration in cooking my family and my dog. That sounds crazy! Right? We need some commas here! Let’s hear it again: I find inspiration in cooking, my family, and my dog. That’s much better! By the way, if you want to know how tospeak Englishusing the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list.I will send you my 5-day video course, soyou can learn how to speak English fluently. And it’s completely free. Speak English Now Podcast with Georgiana

#206 The Best Online English Dictionaries Get the transcript here: https://Speakenglishpodcast.com Please join me on Telegram:https://t.me/speakenglishpodcastcom/podcast Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively. Transcript: Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Today, we will talk about a topic that I’m sure you will find very useful. I will talk about the best online English dictionaries. And with a mini-story, you will practice your English fluency. Okay. Let’s get started. We have all used an English dictionary at one time or another. And I think it was easier before the Internet. Everyone had a single dictionary at home and consulted it in paper format. And then, for a short time, people used dictionaries on their computers. But then came the Internet. And everything became faster, more convenient, but also more confusing. Because right now, we have more dictionaries at our disposal than ever. However, especially when we want to look up how to pronounce a word in English. So let’s see what are the most used English dictionaries on the Internet: Of course, many people use the Google dictionary, which is actually a translator. And although it is not a bad one, I do not recommend it, especially if you want to look up the pronunciation of an English word. Although the Google dictionary also has some good things. It is compatible with several languages, it has the credibility and reliability of Google as a brand, and it also provides the meaning of almost all the words in English. However, the translations of the words are not always correct. On the other hand, The Free Dictionary is one of the most famous dictionaries for pronunciation. It offers all the basics you need as a pronunciation resource. You can search by words, characters, or text with this dictionary to find definitions and voice pronunciations. In addition, you can compare the pronunciation differences between American and British English. And in case you want to use your mobile or tablet, they also have an app for iPhone and Android. There is also the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, one of the most respected dictionaries of the English language. It offers phonetic translations, Spanish to English translations, and a medical dictionary. It also provides information on the history and etymology of words. Cambridge Dictionary online. Many people use the Cambridge Dictionary online. It has three outstanding features: dictionary, grammar, and translator. If you want to look up the pronunciation of a British English word, especially, or if you are looking for a very detailed historical resource, this is for you. I find that American English pronunciation is not always correct, so I recommend this dictionary for those who like British pronunciation better. It comes with unique options that can help you improve your grammar and fluency. Its search engine has an auto-suggest feature that allows you to select the word you are looking for by just typing a few letters. The Oxford Dictionary is one of the oldest and most trusted online dictionaries. This online dictionary is a robust tool that helps you define words in both British and American English. It is the ideal dictionary to use when writing a thesis or research paper. However, I should also note that this dictionary has complex word definitions and unclear explanations. Even though it is the last on the list, Dictionary.com is the dictionary I use regularly. This dictionary has earned the trust of millions of users worldwide for the last two decades. One of my favorite features is the audio pronunciation. It is the dictionary I recommend if you want to consult and practice the pronunciation of American English words.

#205 Fuel, Electricity, Gas, and rising prices Get the transcript here: https://Speakenglishpodcast.com Please join me on Telegram:https://t.me/speakenglishpodcastcom/podcast – You know, I couldn’t buy gasoline because it’s too expensive, I sold my car, and now I have enough money to buy it without any problem. Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. In this episode: – I’m going to talk about a current topic: the widespread price increase we are suffering because of the economic situation. – In the second part, you will practice grammar with a point of view lesson. Don’t miss it! Remember, you can get the text and much more at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast If there’s one thing we can say lately when we go shopping for groceries, it is that prices are going up a lot. And this wouldn’t be a big problem for people if wages were rising in the same way. Obviously, people are not happy. They see that, with the same salary, they can buy fewer and fewer products. This is partly due to the increase in the price of three goods in the energy sector: fuel, electricity, and gas. When I say fuel, I mean gasoline and diesel. Usually, trucks use diesel. Fuel prices are about to double. This affects the economy a lot because, as you know, goods have to be transported from one place to another. The transport sector takes care of this. A large truck can easily have a tank of 1000 liters. That’s a little more than 250 gallons. Imagine the cost of all that diesel. This affects the entire distribution chain and makes products more expensive. The second key element that is affecting prices is the cost of electricity. I have seen some bills that double and even triple previous years’ totals at the consumer level. All businesses in all sectors use electricity. If you increase the cost, all economic sectors are affected, from industry to food. For example, imagine you go shopping at the supermarket. You want to buy meat, yogurt, fish;… All these products are refrigerated. To refrigerate, you need electricity, so prices increase. Finally, the price of gas has gone up a lot. At the domestic level, gas is used for cooking and air conditioning. In winter, it is very important because you need to heat the house. But it is also used in industry, and it affects costs in a very significant way. I have read that some companies, in order to avoid raising prices, they offer less quantity of product for the same price. So, for example, for the same price of 500 grams of meat, now they only give you 400 grams. It is a psychological trick. Okay, to finish this section, let’s look at some expressions you may hear regarding this topic: – Inflation is the generalized rise within a certain period of products and services. Please do not confuse it with inflammation. If you have inflammation, better go to the nearest hospital. 🙂 – CPI: This is the consumer price index. Many people confuse it with inflation, but it is not the same. It is a representative selection of products and services and calculates the average increase to measure inflation. The inflation figure can be altered if you change this selection of products. – Purchasing power: This is the ability to buy things. If prices go up (inflation) with the same amount of money, you have less purchasing power. – Tightening the belt: It is a phrase that means that you have to make an effort to reduce expenses. – Not making ends meet. With the money you earn, you don’t have enough for your expenses. So, what you have to do is tighten your belt. Well, I hope you liked this current topic and the associated vocabulary. By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my five golden rules to speak English fluently. And it’s completely free. Speak English Now Podcast with Georgiana

Get my 5-day video course for FREE at: https://Speakenglishpodcast.com Please join me on Telegram:https://t.me/speakenglishpodcastcom You will learn how to acquire new vocabulary, how to learn grammar, how to learn deeply, how to speak automatically and how to maintain yourself motivated.

#204 Flaws in English part 2 Get the transcript here: https://Speakenglishpodcast.com Please join me on Telegram:https://t.me/speakenglishpodcastcom/podcast Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively. Transcript: Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. In this episode: – We continue with the flaws in English. We’re going to learn four more words. – In part two, you’ll practice grammar with a point of view lesson. Remember, you can get the transcript and much more at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com Last week I talked about flaws. Unlike virtues, flaws are undesirable characteristics of someone’s personality. Stinginess: when you don’t ever want to spend money. Indifference: When you have no interest or empathy for something or someone. Intransigence: When you are rigid in your positions and never make concessions. Gossip: When you are indiscreet in talking about others. Today we are going to look at four more flaws. Let’s start! #1 Greed In a previous episode, I talked about stinginess. If you remember, it means trying not to spend money. Well, we have another word that may have some relation. I’m talking about the word greed. A greedy person desires to possess and acquire wealth to keep it. For sure, a stingy person can also be greedy, although not necessarily. The idea is to accumulate wealth. Let’s look at an example: “Although their offer isn’t very appealing, I have to be careful not to be greedy and spoil everything.” #2 Envy Ah, envy. It is the feeling of longing or resentment caused by another person’s possessions, qualities, or good fortune. That is, an envious person feels bad when someone else has or gets something beneficial or desirable. Example: – Look at Tom and his new car. How did he afford it? I wish I had a car like that. – Maybe you’re a little envious. – Me? Envious? No. It’s just that I am a better driver than he is. Sometimes envy can stimulate greed. Let’s continue! #3 Unpunctuality Who hasn’t been unpunctual at some time? Being unpunctual -or being late- regularly can be quite annoying to others, as it is a waste of their time. I love being punctual and appreciate it when others are more or less punctual. However, I have a friend who is always twenty minutes late. I guess she has no understanding of time management. Okay, let’s look at the following example: “Alice, this is the fourth day in a row that you have been unpunctual for work.” (END OF THE EXTRACT) Get the transcript here: https://Speakenglishpodcast.com Please join me on Telegram:https://t.me/speakenglishpodcastcom/podcast

#203 Flaws in English Stinginess, Indifference, Intransigence, Gossip Get the transcript here: https://Speakenglishpodcast.com Please join me on Telegram:https://t.me/speakenglishpodcastcom/podcast Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. In this episode: You're going to learn vocabulary aboutflaws. That isthe negative characteristicof people. In the second part, we will practice speaking with a fun mini-story of questions and answers. Remember to get the transcript of this episode at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast Let's start! In a couple of previous episodes, you learned vocabulary related tovirtues. You know, thosegood characteristicsof people. As you know, you and I are full of virtues, but today we're going to talk aboutnegative characteristicsthat others have, not us, of course. Although there are many flaws, I will focus on just a few. I have made a selection to discuss them below. Let's go for the first one: 1. Stinginess A person who never wants to spend money isstingy, especially if they can afford it. I think it is convenient to distinguish between a saver and a stingy person. A saver person tries to manage his money well. On the other hand, a stingy person always tries to save every last cent. An example. Imagine a dialogue between a stingy person and a cab driver: - How much is a ride to the airport? - Thirty dollars. - How much do you charge for the suitcase? - There is no charge for the suitcase. - Well, then take my suitcase to the airport. I’m walking. 2. Indifference It is very common in the world we live in. An indifferent person has the attitude of not showing empathy or interest in something or someone. Sometimes it is a defense mechanism to avoid being emotionally involved in some circumstances. One can be indifferent about many things: politics, social problems, friendships, family, etc. Example: - Hey, what's the difference between ignorance and indifference? - I don't know, and I don't care. Wow, that's really showing indifference... And ignorance. Let's look at the next one: 3. Intransigence We can say that someone who is intransigent is rigid in their positions and who is not willing to make concessions or give in to compromises under any circumstances. An example: - Paul is a good teacher, but he is very intransigent. A student asked for more time to turn in his work because he had a health problem. However, Paul told the student that he would not make any exceptions. 4. Gossip It means to speak indiscreetly or maliciously about someone. Example: -Did you know that Alice just got divorced and already has a boyfriend? - Lucy, stop gossiping and get back to work. Ok. Now it’s time for you to practice your speech with a mini-story.

#202 Virtues in English: Gratitude, Perseverance, Courage, Prudence. Get the transcript here: https://Speakenglishpodcast.com Please join me on Telegram:https://t.me/speakenglishpodcastcom/podcast Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. In this episode: We’re going to continue to learn virtues in English. Maybe we’ll discover that we possess those virtues by the end of the episode, with a bit of luck. In the second part of the show, you’ll practice your English with a new mini-story with questions and answers related to virtues. Ok. In a previous episode, I talked about these four virtues: – Loyalty – Sensitivity – Serenity – Resilience Today, we will look at four more virtues that I will further discuss and give examples. We will all end up very virtuous 🙂 Let’s start! 1. Gratitude Okay, this is a virtue that is lacking in our society. It involves giving thanks, either in word or with an action. That is, you can reciprocate with gratitude to someone by helping them with something, or by showing kindness, etc. From the word gratitude, we get the word grateful. Example: “Pam has no gratitude towards her parents. Her parents saved all their lives so she could go to college. But she dropped out of college to travel the world with a backpack. “ And while Pam surely has a great time, she has been very ungrateful towards her parents. Let’s look at the next one: 2. Perseverance Well, this word I think is easy to remember. It means to be persistent in some projects, which typically may take quite some time. It is an essential virtue since it takes a lot of perseverance to achieve most things in life. We can take the example of athletes, who need to train every day at a very high level. This is very hard, and it requires perseverance. An example. Imagine yourself in a job interview: – What is your greatest virtue? – I am perseveran…presea…pers…perseverant person! 🙂 Now that’s a persevering person 🙂 Let’s see the next one: 3. Courage We can also use the word bravery instead of courage. A person with courage confronts danger without being afraid and even transforms it into determination. Many times courage is exhibited with passion. It can be found in soldiers, police officers, firefighters, … But we can also find courage in any person and situation. An example: – Tom had the courage to ask for a raise. – And did he get it? – No. Now he is looking for a job. (END OF THE EXTRACT) Speak English Now Podcast with Georgiana

#201 Virtues in English Loyalty, Wisdom, Serenity, Resilience Get the transcript here: https://Speakenglishpodcast.com Please join me on Telegram:https://t.me/speakenglishpodcastcom/podcast Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively. Transcript: Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. In this episode, you will learn vocabulary related to virtues with examples. In the second part, you will practice grammar with a point of view lesson without memorizing any boring rules. Before getting started, visit my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get the transcript for free. Okay. First of all, what is a virtue? Thanks for asking. A virtue is a positive characteristic of a person. Usually, someone’s virtues have a positive impact on others. Yes, I know that sometimes it’s hard to find virtues in some people, but if you look carefully, you will find them. Sometimes the word “quality” is also used to say the same thing. The opposite of virtue would defect, which logically is negative. It’s the undesirable aspect of a person. Sometimes people confuse virtue with ability. They are not precisely the same. A virtue is part of someone’s personality, and that helps differentiate them from other people. For example, one person may be wise, and another may not. On the other hand, someone may have the ability to play an instrument, be organized, etc. Okay, let’s look at some of these virtues. There are so many, and I had to make a selection. I think it’s quite useful vocabulary. Let’s look at the first one: #1 Loyalty Loyalty implies being faithful to something or someone. You can be loyal to a cause, an idea, etc. You can also be loyal to a friend, for example. It conveys the idea of support. Let’s look at an example: “Philip is a very loyal person. Even though the company was going through hard times, he did not leave and stayed until the end.” Loyalty is easy when things are going well but more difficult when there are problems. For example, many people are disloyal when they can no longer benefit from a situation. #2 Wisdom Wisdom is known as being prudent and having good judgment. The latter, good judgment, means that after analysis and reflection, good decisions are made. In other words, a wise person does not make strange or crazy decisions. It has a lot to do with maturity. Example: “My friend is not wise (unwise) because he never fastens his seat belt when he drives.” #3 Serenity What a lovely word, right? A serene person is someone who remains calm when facing problems. It is a calm attitude towards life. Please do not confuse it with an unaware person, someone who ignores problems. A serene person usually faces problems, but their attitude is relatively relaxed. I like to talk to people who have this virtue because they give you quite a lot of peace. Here’s an example: “Daniel is a serene person. He hardly gets upset about anything.” Let’s look at the next one: #4 Resilience This word became very fashionable in the environment of psychology and even business. In essence, resilience is the ability to face adversity and recover quickly. It involves adaptation, flexibility, and certain confidence to move forward. Example: “I admire Monica because of her resilience. It turns out that she lost her job two weeks ago, but she is already training to adapt to the needs of today’s job market.” That’s all for today. 🙂 By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my five golden rules to speak English fluently. And it’s completely free. Ok! Now it’s time for you to learn grammar in context with a point of view story. (END OF THE EXTRACT) Speak English Now Podcast with Georgiana

#200 Difficult words to Pronounce in English Get the transcript here: https://Speakenglishpodcast.com Please join me on Telegram:https://t.me/speakenglishpodcastcom/podcast Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively. Transcript: Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Today, we will look at some English words that are very difficult to pronounce. And with a point of view lesson, you will improve your English grammar without memorizing any boring rules. Before getting started, visit my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get the transcript for free. Also, let me say that I’m really happy because this is episode number 200!! It’s been five years since I launched the first episode of the Speak English Now Podcast!! Thank you so much for your support and sharing the podcast with your friends and families. Ok, let’s start. 1. Cavalry and calvary People often confuse cavalry (armed forces on horseback) with calvary, an experience of extreme suffering, especially mental suffering. We call a metathesis the change of one or more sounds within a word. And yes. Metathesis is also a hard word to pronounce. Anyway, let’s practice the two words a little bit. Listen and repeat after me: [ kav-uhl-ree ] Cavalry. Cavalry. Cavalry. [ kal-vuh-ree ] Calvary. Calvary. Calvary. 2. Comfortable and Vegetable These two words are the most difficult for my students to pronounce. Most Spanish speakers pronounce comfortable, and vegetable as “comfortaibal” or “vegetaibal” and I guess it’s because both words end in “table.” So, let’s practice the two words a little bit. Listen and repeat: [ kuhm-fer-tuh-buhl, ] Comfortable. Comfortable. Comfortable. [ kuhmf-ter-buhl ] Comfortable. Comfortable. Comfortable. [ vej-tuh-buhl ] Vegetable. Vegetable. Vegetable. [ vej-i-tuh-buhl ] Vegetable. Vegetable. Vegetable. 3. Deteriorate Another word that my students find difficult to pronounce is deteriorate. Let’s practice it for a bit. Listen and repeat after me: [ dih-teer-ee-uh-reyt ] Deteriorate. Deteriorate. Deteriorate. 4. Explicit Don’t worry. Almost everyone sounds a little funny when they pronounce the word “explicit.” Let’s practice it! [ ik-splis-it ] Explicit. Explicit. Explicit. 5. Exponentially Yes, I understand you perfectly. Sometimes exponentially gets exponentially harder to say the more you try to say it. 🙂 Let’s practice this word. Listen and repeat after me: [ ek-spoh-nen-shuh-lee ] Exponentially. Exponentially. Exponentially. [ ek-spuh-nen-shuh-lee ] Exponentially. Exponentially. Exponentially. That’s all for today; I hope you had a good time practicing these complex words. Next week we will practice more of these difficult words in English. By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my five golden rules to speak English fluently. And it’s completely free. Ok! Now it’s time for you to learn grammar in context with a point of view story. (END OF THE EXTRACT) Resources: Audio MP3 (right-click to save the audio) DOWNLOAD PDF (right-click to save the TEXT) Speak English Now Podcast with Georgiana

199 Learning English and Musical Instruments Get the transcript here: https://Speakenglishpodcast.com Please join me on Telegram:https://t.me/speakenglishpodcastcom/podcast Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Do you play a musical instrument? Well, today we will learn some benefits of playing a musical instrument and whether it will also help you with learning English. And with a mini-story, you will improve your fluency. I will tell you a story while asking many questions that you will need to answer as quickly as possible. It's like having a conversation with another person in English. Before we get started, visit my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get the transcript for free. Ok, let's start. #1 You'll be smarter One of the great reasons to learn to play music is to increase your cognitive ability. In other words, to be smarter. Playing music is a way to activate your brain in a way that helps you with memory retention, and you can learn new things quickly. #2 Improves your memory Like I just said, playing an instrument improves your memory. So learning to play an instrument can be very beneficial for those not so young, those with memory problems. If you never know where you leave your keys, it may be a good idea to stimulate your brain by learning to play a musical instrument. Because learning to play music involves learning a lot of new things, your brain will become more accustomed to learning, which will make a big difference to your memory in the future. #3 You'll have better concentration Improving your musical skills forces you to use all the parts of your brain involved inconcentration, making you more capable of focusing in other life situations. #4 It builds your confidence Do you want to feel more confident? If you can play an instrument well, it will make you feel more self-confident. Feeling comfortable playing music in front of others is essential and will extend to other aspects of your life. For example, if you get nervous about public speaking, playing an instrument in front of a crowd can be a big help. #5 You'll feel proud And not only will you feel more confident, but you will also feel proud of yourself. Because mastering a musical instrument can make you feel an enormous sense of accomplishment, this will have a substantial positive impact on your life, and you will feel happier. #6 Improves our mood Playing an instrument can help with stress, and depression because it acts as an outlet for difficult emotions. It can be a way to calm down in difficult situations and a healthy distraction on a stressful day. In short, playing an instrument has all kinds of positive benefits on our mood. #7 It makes you creative And one of the most obvious benefits of learning a musical instrument is creativity. Being creative is essential for many aspects of life, and you can extend this idea to other areas, such as art, writing, or cooking. And finally, learning to play a musical instrument can also help you… #8 Learn a foreign language. When we learn to play an instrument, we also develop our listening skills. And it has been proven that students with musical training pronounce the sounds of a second language better and pick up the relevant contrasts between the sounds of that new language. On the other hand, although I'm fluent in several languages, I must confess that I haven’t yet had the opportunity to play any musical instrument. However, I intend to learn to play the piano because it's my favorite musical instrument. How about you? Do you know how to play an instrument? Leave me a comment on my website or social media. I would like to know if it has helped you in your English learning. By the way, if you want to know how tospeak Englishusing the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list.I will send you my 5 golden rules to speak English fluently. And it’s completely free. Ok! Now it’s time for you to practice your speech with a mini-story. Speak English Now Podcast with Georgiana

#198 Types of Humor in English Get the transcript here: https://Speakenglishpodcast.com Please join me on Telegram:https://t.me/speakenglishpodcastcom/podcast/ Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively. Transcript: Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Today we will talk about humor in English. There are many different ways that a person can be funny, and I will give you some examples of different types of humor in English. And with a mini-story, you will improve your fluency. I will tell you a story while asking many questions that you will need to answer as quickly as possible. It’s like having a conversation with another person in English. Before we get started, visit my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get the transcript for free. Ok, let’s start. First, let’s talk about what we call a funny person, or at least someone who tries to be funny. 1) A goofy person For example, we have the typical goofy person or goofball who does silly things, including funny dances and dressing up in ridiculous costumes. Sometimes they make funny mistakes, although those are usually on purpose. Clowns are usually considered goofy. 2) A prankster A prankster is someone who plays practical jokes on people. Practical jokes are tricks that confuse or frighten others for a short period. I, personally, don’t enjoy pulling pranks, let alone being pranked. However, many people have a great time watching videos on the internet containing these practical jokes. 3) A self-deprecating person If you watch stand-up comedy, you will often find this type of self-deprecating person who makes jokes that make them look bad. They joke about their shortcomings and problems, although sometimes I find that they can even go too far with their storytelling, and I find their performance humiliating. 4) A witty person A witty person says funny and brilliant things. Witty people are also quick with their jokes. An example of witty humor would be: “Too many people run out of ideas long before they run out of words.” Now let’s look at the different types of humor in English. Quirky sense of humor Someone with a quirky sense of humor tells strange, unpredictable jokes, and they frequently use improvisation. Dry or Deadpan sense of humor Someone with a dry or deadpan sense of humor usually says funny things with a serious, calm expression. They don’t smile, laugh, or make silly faces. This type of humor is my favorite, and the people who tell these types of jokes are usually very intelligent. Warped sense of humor Having a warped or twisted sense of humor means making fun of things that many people find scary or offensive. We’re talking about jokes about illness and tragic events. And, of course, this kind of humor can go wrong in so many ways. The truth is that there are types of humor that rarely make you laugh, such as, for example, corny humor. Corny or cheesy jokes Cheesy or corny jokes are supposed to be funny, but they’re not. They’re too silly or too predictable. For example, jokes involving two words that sound alike are too corny. Another type of jokes that don’t make me laugh are lame jokes. Lame jokes Lazy jokes just aren’t funny. A “lame” joke is actually worse than a “corny” joke. For instance, you might laugh at a corny joke even if you think it’s awful, but trust me, a lame joke just isn’t funny. (END OF THE EXTRACT) Get the transcript here: https://Speakenglishpodcast.com Please join me on Telegram:https://t.me/speakenglishpodcastcom/podcast Speak English Now Podcast with Georgiana

197 Popular Idioms in English, 2022 Get the transcript here: https://Speakenglishpodcast.com Please join me on Telegram:https://t.me/speakenglishpodcastcom/podcast Listen to a new episode of Speak English Now Podcast, your favorite material for practicing your spoken and heard English. You will also learn about lifestyle and culture, language, vocabulary, and how to improve your English more effectively. Transcript: Today, let’s learn some popular idioms in English. And with a point of view lesson, you will learn grammar in context without memorizing any boring rules. I’ll tell you the same story from different grammar points. I can change the tense or the person. And like that, you will learn grammar in context. Please visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast to get the transcript. It’s free. Ok. Let’s get started! 1. NO-BRAINER: this is basically an easy decision. It’s something that requires little or no mental effort. Example: “Do you think I should propose to my girlfriend? That’s a no-brainer. She is such a fantastic woman!” 2. SIT ON THE FENCE: staying neutral and not taking sides. For example, if you have two friends, and they have a fight, you will try not to take sides. You’ll sit on the fence. Example: “Don’t you think I’m right? He hasn’t been nice to me lately, has he? I’m sitting on the fence with this one; you’re both my good friends.” 3. FREAK OUT: to become very angry, scared, or excited. Example: “Mum, don’t freak out! But I have to tell you something that I did last weekend. Tom and I got married! “Last week, my sister won the lottery, and she freaked out about it.” 4. BE A CATCH: Telling someone that others would be lucky to have them around, or even marry them. Example: “Dad, I’m taking Jessica out tonight. She is such a catch!” 5. COSTS AN ARM AND A LEG: when something is very expensive. Examples: “My son wants a new computer for his birthday, but it’ll cost an arm and a leg!” “This new smartphone cost me an arm and a leg.” 6. YOU ROCK: it means that you are great. Example: “I can’t believe you got the tickets for today’s game. You rock!” That’s all for now; let’s practice these expressions in the next section. By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my 5 golden rules to speak English fluently. And it’s completely free! Now let’s learn some English grammar in context with a point of view lesson. (END OF THE EXTRACT) Speak English Now Podcast with Georgiana

#196 House Vocabulary in English Get the transcript here: https://Speakenglishpodcast.com Please join me on Telegram:https://t.me/speakenglishpodcastcom/podcast Today we will talk about finding the perfect home and what you should consider before you rent or buy a house. In the second part of this show, you will improve your fluency with a mini-story. I will ask you many questions that you need to answer as quickly as possible. It’s like having a conversation with another person in English. Ok, let’s start! Looking for a new home is an important decision, and many people are unprepared for the occasion. But today, I will help you find your perfect home in English. When you want to buy or rent a house, make sure you try everything. Open and shut the cupboards, flush the toilets, and use a measuring tape. Here are a few key things to look for on each home tour: First of all, you will need to consider the location, and the number of floors of the property—also, the size of bedrooms, bathrooms, closets, and storage space. If the house is furnished and includes all electrical appliances, make sure you check out the age and condition of the appliances. Pay attention to the light switches and the number of sockets in each room, and check the plumbing and water pressure in the kitchen and bathrooms. Another thing that many people don’t take into account is the house’s orientation. This will determine the amount of natural light your house gets. For example, facing East, a house is heated in the morning and cooled during the rest of the day. So, make sure you pay attention to this important factor. Although there are so many things you need to take into account, don’t overlook any other vital aspects like the noise levels inside or outside the home. Living in a noisy neighborhood can drastically deteriorate your lifestyle. Another suggestion would be that you walk around the entire home and property and pay attention to the age and condition of the roof and siding. Siding is the protective material placed on the exterior side of a house or other building wall. Take a few minutes after the home visit to look around the neighborhood. Pay attention to details. Are there any stores, or restaurants nearby? If the property has a garage or parking capacity, make sure you scrutinize it as well. And during the home tour, make sure to take notes and photos. Why do I say this? It is mainly because we can get overexcited during the home visit, and it’s hard to think clearly. That’s why it is essential to review the notes and photos taken. Ok, so you have already visited the place and collected a great deal of housing information. Now it’s time to give the agent a call. Here are some basic questions you can ask the real estate agent: Is the price right? How old is the home? Why is it for sale? Are any repairs needed? When were the floors last refinished? What types of heating and cooling systems are available? How old is the electrical and plumbing? After you have collected as much information as possible, take some time to relax before making the decision, especially if you’re buying. The bottom line is that buying a home requires a great deal of commitment and patience. My advice is to avoid falling in love with a house at first sight and do your research. Ok, so you have learned plenty of new vocabulary today. By the way, if you want to know how to speak English using the right techniques, visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and subscribe to my mailing list. I will send you my 5 golden rules to speak English fluently. Speak English Now Podcast with Georgiana