The Just Start Talking Podcast

Today’s episode is all about How to Practice Speaking Skills Using AI. Speaking can feel like the toughest part of learning English, but with the right tools and strategies, it’s totally doable—and even fun!   We’re diving into five sections today to make this super actionable: First, we’ll explore how AI voice assistants can help you practice speaking. Then, we’ll look at speech-practice apps for instant feedback. Next, we’ll talk about using AI voice mode for real conversations. After that, we’ll cover language exchange platforms to connect with real people. And finally, we’ll dive into the shadowing technique to boost your fluency. So, grab a glass of water to keep those vocal cords happy, and let’s get talking!  

Today, we’re diving into a super practical topic: How to Learn Vocabulary Effectively. Whether you’re just starting or brushing up on your skills, this episode is packed with tips to help you grow your word bank in a smart, sustainable way.  So, grab a notebook, a cup of tea—or coffee, no judgment here—and let’s get started! We have four sections today to break it all down: First, we’ll discuss why context is king when learning vocabulary. Then, we’ll explore spaced repetition and how it can supercharge your memory. Next, we’ll dive into using AI tools, such as flashcards and ChatGPT, to make learning more interactive. And finally, we’ll cover the 80/20 rule and why focusing on the right words saves you time. Ready? Let’s do this! 

If you speak a language like Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or Turkish, you might notice something interesting: those languages don’t really use articles. You can talk perfectly fine without them. Today’s episode is about a topic that seems small but is actually a huge part of speaking English clearly: articles. You know them—a, an, and the. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: Why articles exist in English. What purpose do they serve in communication? Why they’re important for fluency and clarity. The rules for using “a” versus “an.” And the key grammar rules for when to use a, an, or the. #EnglishLanguage #GrammarRules #LanguageLearning #EnglishLesson #PodcastForLearners

Today’s topic is one I'm frequently asked about: Past Simple vs. Past Continuous in Business Communications. We’re going to break it down so you can understand not just the grammar rules, but also the why—why we choose one tense over the other, and how that choice changes the way people hear your message in a business setting. In professional communication, small details make a big difference. The tense you choose affects clarity, credibility, and how your message is understood. Think about it: when you write an email, give a presentation, or share an update with your team, you’re not just sharing information. You’re also shaping how people perceive you—your reliability, professionalism, and leadership. That’s why using the right tense isn’t just about grammar; it’s also about strategy. #JustStartTalkingPodcast #BusinessEnglish #EnglishForWork #PastSimple #PastContinuous #ProfessionalCommunication #EnglishGrammar #CareerGrowth #ClearCommunication #EnglishLearning

Today we’re focusing on a really useful topic: pairs of phrases that look similar, sound similar, but actually mean different things. These are the kinds of small details that can confuse learners. And when you mix them up, sometimes people still understand you — but it doesn’t sound quite right. So, in this episode, we’re going to look at: On time versus In time At the end versus In the end By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how to use these four phrases in conversations, at work, and in everyday life.

Today we will discuss 5 polite ways to say Hello and 5 polite ways to say Goodbye in English. By the end of this episode you will be able to greet people warmly and politely, and you will be able to leave the conversation on a positive note.

Now, many of you are learning English because you want to use it in everyday life. And what’s more everyday than ordering food? Especially pizza! Ordering a pizza might sound simple, but when you’re on the phone—without seeing the person—it can feel stressful. Don’t worry. By the end of today’s episode, you’ll feel confident making a pizza order in English over the phone for delivery. I’ll teach you five important vocabulary words, five key phrases, and we’ll even practice a short role-play together. Ready? Let’s get started.

Our topic today? How to know what to say when you need to make small talk in social situations. Now, I know for some of you, hearing the words “small talk” makes you want to run the other way. You might think: Ugh, it feels fake. Or maybe you freeze and have no idea what to say. Or you’re just not a fan of talking to strangers. But here’s the truth: small talk isn’t magic. It’s not something you’re born knowing how to do. It’s a skill. And like any skill, you can learn it, you can practice it, and you can get better at it. Today, we’re going to break down this topic step-by-step. I’ll explain what “small talk” means in American English, some easy topics to use, and a few fun vocabulary words to try out.

What does the past continuous even mean? Today’s episode breaks it all down with tips and tricks to help you understand and use the past continuous more often in your daily conversations.

Whether you are visiting a new place or need a convenient way to get around, knowing how to communicate with ride-share drivers in English can make your travels so much smoother. In this episode, we will discuss essential phrases and vocabulary that you can use when ordering and riding in a ride share. #English for travel #ESL #LearnEnglish

Today we’re going to talk about idioms in English— what they are and how to use them. Idioms make conversations more colorful, more natural, and often more fun!

In this episode, we’re talking about how to keep the conversation going after you’ve introduced yourself in a business setting in English. We will discuss practical phrases, vocabulary, and strategies to help you keep talking.

The Present Simple is one of the building blocks of English. Today we will talk about how we use it, why it matters and how you can start using it better right away.

Today we’re talking about something that’s on every learner’s mind— how do I speak better English?? There’s no magic trick. No overnight fix. But there are strategies. In this episode, we’re talking about 8 solid tips to help you level up your spoken English. #EnglishSpeakingTips #ESLPodcast #EnglishFluency

What does “Survival English” actually mean? It’s exactly what it sounds like: the essential English you need to get by in everyday situations—buying food, asking for help, finding your way, or dealing with an emergency. You may not be fluent yet, but if you have these survival phrases, you can communicate when it matters most. It’s not about perfect grammar or long sentences—it’s about being clear, direct, and understood.

Today, we’re getting into something really practical: how to give directions in English. And no—this isn’t one of those boring grammar lectures. We’re talking about real-life, "Hey, how do I get to the train station?" kind of English. So, if you’ve ever felt that mini panic when someone asks you for directions in English, or maybe you want to ask but don’t know how—that ends today. Let's dive into it! 

In this episode we will learn about how to speak up if something goes wrong when you are in a restaurant. We will cover the key phrases you need to complain politely, clearly, and confidently in English.

Let’s talk about what it means to think in English, why it matters for you— and how to make it a natural part of your day. When you translate every sentence in your head before speaking, you slow yourself down. In this episode we will walk through some practical strategies you can use to start thinking in English and building fluency.

Today we’re talking about something everyone knows about— the weather! The weather is small talk gold. And if you are learning English- the weather is a simple, safe, and easy topic. Why do people always talk about the weather? Simple. Because everyone experiences it. And this topic easily opens the door to more conversations. What are some common things native English speakers say about the weather? Tune in and let’s talk about it!!!

Today we’re diving into something simple but super important— greetings. If you’re learning English or planning a trip to an English speaking country, knowing how to say “hello” in the right way can make a huge difference. In this episode, I’ll walk you through 10 of the most common greetings you’ll hear in American English. I’ll explain how to use them, how casual or formal they are, and how to reply. Let’s jump in!!