The Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

Struggling with brainstorming ideas for the CELPIP exam is a common challenge faced by many test takers. This episode addresses the importance of recognizing that you already have the ability to think quickly and respond in conversations, even if it feels daunting in an exam setting. I'll highlight practical strategies to help you improve your brainstorming skills, such as keeping a journal to boost creativity and vocabulary. Engaging in new experiences and conversations with native English speakers can also help you adapt to thinking on your feet. By embracing these techniques, you can improve your quick thinking abilities and feel more confident during the CELPIP exam.Takeaways: Many test takers struggle with brainstorming during the CELPIP exam, so you're not alone. The pressure of the CELPIP exam can lead to overthinking, making it harder to brainstorm. Writing by hand improves memory and creativity, which can help brainstorming skills. Engaging in spontaneous conversations with native speakers can enhance quick thinking abilities. Regularly putting yourself in new situations can boost your creative thinking skills. Keeping a journal can be a practical way to develop creativity and language skills. Links Mentioned TodayWhy Writing By Hand Beats Typing For Thinking and Learning (NPR.org)Other links of interest:Three ways that handwriting with a pen positively affects your brain. (Forbes.com) Why writing by hand is better for your brain. (Psychology Today)

IF you've ever wondered how to learn English grammar, then this is the episode for you. I will take you through 3 practical tips that will help you begin developing your grammar skills painlessly and naturally. And here's a big spoiler: memorizing grammar rules isn't the best way to do this! Key Takeaways: Use grammar books as reference guides rather than just memorization tools for effective learning. Reading frequently allows you to notice and understand grammar rules in context naturally. Pay attention to spoken English around you to learn grammar without formal study. Applying grammar rules immediately after learning them helps to solidify your understanding and memory. Notice sentence structures in your reading and aim to replicate them in your writing. Use your grammar book to clarify any confusion about how native speakers use certain phrases. Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter for more helpful tips!

Have you ever felt like you've got so many challenges to overcome in your CELPIP prep that you feel stuck? Today I'll be answering a listener's question that revolves around some of her major obstacles that has her feeling stuck. If you want some friendly supportive encouragement to get you moving again, then this episode is for you! We're going to talk about: How to sound natural when you speak in English and for the exam How to deal with anxiety with preparationAnd how to learn new words, phrasal verbs and connecting wordsTakeaways: Practice speaking into a microphone or recording device to feel more natural during the exam. Use personal experiences in your answers to sound more authentic and relatable. Don’t stress over your accent; focus on clear expression of your ideas instead. Regularly write down new vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and connectors to build your language skills. Engage with English conversations around you to discover new words organically in context. Prepare thoroughly for the CELPIP exam to build self-confidence and reduce anxiety on test day. Links referenced in this episode:Grab your free checklist to help you remember and practice what we've talked about today. E-mail me if you'd like me to feature your question in a future episode: aaron(at)celpipsuccess.comcelpip.ca Go to celpip.ca and signup for a free account. This will give you access to two free practice exams.

Are you preparing for CELPIP speaking task 8 and feeling uncertain about how to describe unusual images or objects? This podcast episode offers a practical five-step process to help you tackle this challenge with confidence. Today's episode will guide you through essential strategies to help you respond to this task with ease, including:Providing an initial overview, Dividing the image into manageable parts, and Maintaining variety in your descriptions By following these steps, you'll be better equipped to convey your thoughts clearly, which will help your listener to visualize what you're describing, even if they aren't present. Listen to learn how to improve your speaking skills and ace this important task!Takeaways: The board game Cranium uniquely challenges players to use imagination and creativity in fun ways. Describing an object requires a clear overview and detailed descriptions of distinct sections. Utilizing variety in descriptive language is vital to keep your listener engaged and informed. Practicing timed responses helps in managing speaking tasks effectively during the CELPIP exam. Imagining dividing the object into sections can help streamline your description process. The importance of flexibility in communication during the exam cannot be overstated for success. Links Mentioned:Your 5 Strategy Checklist: Grab your free cheat sheet here so you can follow along with me. Podcast episodes mentioned: Master the Essentials for CELPIP Speaking Tasks 3 and 43 Strategies To Succeed On CELPIP Speaking Task 3: Describing An Image

Effective communication is an art, particularly when it comes to expressing opinions in a way that resonates with others. Today I'll introduce you to some of the critical skills needed for CELPIP Speaking Task 7, Expressing Opinions. You'll learn about the importance of honesty paired with creativity, and why you should draw from personal experiences while also being imaginative when necessary. We'll also talk about the essential strategies for tackling this speaking task, including the importance of staying on topic, using time effectively, and ensuring responses are well-structured with clear arguments. To finish off, we'll talk about transition words that can help you improve the flow of your responses. Takeaways: Practice expressing your opinion on various topics to prepare for speaking task seven. Use your brainstorming time wisely to organize thoughts before recording your answer. Support your opinion with at least three reasons and specific examples for clarity. Transition words are essential to connect ideas and create a cohesive response. Stay on topic throughout your response to avoid getting sidetracked during the exam. Be honest in your opinion and don't worry about whether your answer is right or wrong. Links referenced in this episode:Enroll in the CELPIP Success school! Listeners to my podcast get a 25% discount for as long as they remain a member. celpipsuccess.com/resourcesMentioned in this episode:Let's work together to prepare for the CELPIP ExamIf you're tired of working on your own to prepare for the CELPIP Exam, and if you're looking for friendly personal support - then you need to check out this opportunity! You'll get weekly assignments that will help you practice each of the 4 skills tested on the CELPIP. You'll also get weekly group coaching calls with me. By following this link, you'll also get a 25% discount for as long as you remain a member.

Are you looking for effective ways to enhance your English learning journey? This episode reveals three key strategies that can significantly accelerate your progress. First, the importance of persistence is highlighted; many learners give up too soon, forgetting that proficiency comes with time and practice. Next, consistency is emphasized; even short, daily study sessions can lead to substantial improvements. Lastly, focusing on activities that align with your language goals will keep you motivated and help you make the most of your practice time. Join me to hear some insights from a fascinating interview with a polyglot, offering practical tips to conquer the challenges of learning English and preparing for the CELPIP exam.Takeaways: Learning a new language takes time and persistence; giving up too soon hinders progress. Consistency in your study routine, even in small increments, yields significant long-term results. Focus on activities that directly contribute to your language goals for better motivation. Adapting to a new culture while learning a language can be a challenging journey. Surrounding yourself with speakers of your target language helps to improve fluency. Utilizing daily activities to practice English can fit language learning into your busy life. I will address the common struggle of language learners who seek quick solutions to improve their English skills. I will begin by acknowledging the frustration that many feel when progress seems slow and you'll discover that while there are no shortcuts, there are effective strategies that can enhance the learning process.Links referenced in this episode:cellpipsuccess.com/resources Grab today's free resource worksheet. The 3 secrets of adult language learning with Elisa Polese From the Story Learning podcast that I referenced. You cannot manage time - by John Maxwell. (Youtube.) Time Flies - by John Maxwell. (Blog post).Mentioned in this episode:Let's work together to prepare for the CELPIP ExamIf you're tired of working on your own to prepare for the CELPIP Exam, and if you're looking for friendly personal support - then you need to check out this opportunity! You'll get weekly assignments that will help you practice each of the 4 skills tested on the CELPIP. You'll also get weekly group coaching calls with me. By following this link, you'll also get a 25% discount for as long as you remain a member.

If you find yourself feeling down and discouraged about your CELPIP score or your slow immigration process here in Canada, then this episode is for you...In this episode of the Speak English Fearlessly podcast, I'll share my recent struggles with transitioning course platforms for the CELPIP Success School, detailing the challenges and frustrations faced. I'll emphasizes the importance of acknowledging feelings of discouragement, seeking support from others, and taking small, consistent steps toward goals. I'll conclude with encouragement from personal experiences, practical advice for overcoming obstacles, and a spiritual perspective to uplift you. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles02:08 Welcome to Speak English Fearlessly02:49 Understanding Your Frustration05:33 The Importance of Support08:59 Taking Small Steps Forward12:49 Spiritual Encouragement17:22 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Listen to today's episode for two practical ideas that will help you develop your English skills faster. In this episode, you will learn about: The importance of shortening the time between your practice sessions and,Varying your learning context to expose yourself to different environments and people which will force you to use different vocabulary and phrases in English. Each tip is explained with examples and backed by research from Cambridge University, aiming to help you improve your language skills more effectively.Links mentioned today:Make sure you subscribe to my free weekly newsletter - I'll help you review what we covered in this week's podcast, and point you to resources that I don't mention anywhere else. How long does it take to learn a language? - Ben Knight.Cambridge University Study Knight references.Our Chemical Senses: Olfaction - learn a little more about Olfactory Fatigue. *Yes, it's a real thing! :)Take my quick survey.00:00 Introduction: The Quest to Learn English Faster01:29 Welcome to Speak English Fearlessly02:11 Understanding Motivated Learners03:14 Behavior 1: Shorten Time Between Practice Sessions07:45 Behavior 2: Change Your Learning Context13:09 Conclusion and Recap

FAQ: How Can I Improve My Speaking Skills in English - and for the CELPIP?In this mini episode of the Speak English Fearlessly podcast, I'm going to talk about one of the most frequently asked questions that I get: how to increase one's speaking score on the CELPIP exam. You'll learn if it's possible to increase your score from a 6 to a 9 in a short period of time. Is there a realistic period of time it would take? What you should be doing to see significant improvement in your speaking skills in English. Get my free weekly newsletter where you'll get a deeper look at what I covered in the podcast, as well as extra tips and strategies to help you develop your English skills. Go here to subscribe - it's free! Links mentioned:it takes a motivated adult aprox 180-260hrs of study to move from a lower intermediate to upper intermediate level of English. (Or to go from B1 to B2, if you are familiar with the CEFR) - Ben Knighthttps://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2018/10/11/how-long-learn-language/00:00 Introduction: Improving Your CELPIP Speaking Skills02:09 Understanding Your Current English Level02:52 The Time Commitment for Improvement07:31 Practical Tips for Daily English Practice10:42 Avoiding Common Pitfalls13:00 Conclusion: Setting Realistic Expectations

What To Do After You Freeze And Forget What To Say In EnglishFreezing in an English conversation or during the CELPIP exam can be nerve-racking and can totally bring your confidence down to zero. In this episode of the Speak English Fearlessly podcast, you'll learn practical tips and strategies to overcome one of the most commonly held fears: speaking in front of someone else. I'll share a time that I froze in public while I was learning Spanish, and pass on the lessons that I Iearned from it - and yes, you do survive such embarrassing moments! (I have plenty I could tell you about!) Listen to get three introvert-approved techniques to handle those awful moments when you freeze and forget everything you thought you knew about English! Links mentioned today:Sign up for my free weekly newsletter right here.The National Social Anxiety Center - Public Speaking AnxietyUniversity of Florida - Public Speaking: Getting beyond the fear through the three P's00:00 Introduction: The Fear of Freezing in English Conversations01:59 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast03:54 Personal Story: Overcoming Freezing Moments in Spanish08:24 Practical Tips to Overcome Freezing in English17:24 Bonus Tip: Handling Shyness in English Conversations18:37 Conclusion and Encouragement

One of the best things you can be doing to develop your CELPIP and English skills is to effectively use the feedback that comes your way each day. Today's episode will help you to start doing that! In this episode of the Speak English Fearlessly podcast, focus on the power of feedback in the learning process. You will learn from my own personal experiences and lessons from my attempts at improving this podcast Learn how to target specific areas for improvement, implement actionable changes, and reduce the time between feedback and action. This episode offers practical strategies to help you develop your skills and excel in the CELPIP exam.Links to check out:"Effective feedback is specific, which means it is tangible and transparent, actionable, and user-friendly" Effective and Appropriate Feedback for English Learners00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflection01:12 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast01:52 Challenges of Creating a Video Podcast03:31 Understanding and Utilizing Feedback07:11 Daily Feedback in Language Learning09:15 Targeted, Specific, and Timely Feedback14:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Overcoming the Spotlight Effect: Embrace Your English MistakesIn this episode of the Speak English Fearlessly podcast, I'll be talking about the common fear of making mistakes while speaking English. I'll be looking at a great interaction and an experience in an open air theatre that I had recently to help me drive home a few key points with you:Manage expectations. Keep going even when you make a mistake. People don't focus on your mistakes nearly as long or as much as you do! Listen in to find out what you can do when you make a mistake with your English.Links mentioned: All Eyes on Us: The Spotlight Effect00:00 Introduction: The Fear of Making Mistakes in English01:44 Understanding the Spotlight Effect02:08 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast02:47 Story 1: The Ukrainian Refugee04:56 Story 2: Community Theatre and Embracing Mistakes06:36 Lessons Learned: Overcoming the Spotlight Effect09:42 Practical Strategies for English Learners14:29 Conclusion: Keep Building Your English Skills

Have you found yourself face to face with another mistake with your English? Have you tried and failed to achieve your desired score on the CELPIP? (Again!) If you're facing a persistent or difficult to overcome failure or mistake with your English skills, then please listen to today's episode. I'll be sharing some of my own setbacks from the week and what I've been learning from them. I firmly believe that mistake making = progress. If you're not making any mistakes with your English, it's because you're not trying to use it enough and in new and challenging ways. And if you find yourself in the middle of the frustration and discouragement that mistakes can often bring - then I hope today's episode will bring you hope and heart felt encouragement to keep going! Join CELPIP Success School! Go to www.celpipsuccess.com/listener - join today for a 25% discount in your membership for as long as you stay with us.

3 Lessons I Learned from 3 Mistakes in front of 230 people.In this episode of the Speak English Fearlessly podcast, we'll dive into mistake making and how mistakes can be powerful learning opportunities if you see them in the right way.We'll also talk together about how to develop a healthier mindset toward mistake-making: embracing errors, rather than avoiding them, can help you make faster progress with your English skills! We'll discuss the significance of continuous practice, realistic expectations, and the growth that stems from imperfections. 00:00 Introduction: Admitting My Mistakes01:10 The Importance of Mistakes in Learning01:30 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast02:11 Common Mistakes and Their Impact03:32 Revealing My Podcast Mistakes04:45 Reflecting on My Mistakes06:46 Learning from Mistakes09:34 Embracing Imperfection15:03 Final Thoughts and Encouragement17:15 Subscribe for More TipsLinks mentioned today:If you liked today's episode, you'll love my weekly newsletter. (It's free!) Every Tuesday I pull out something from the podcast and take a closer look at it to help you review what we've been talking about. I also share additional tips and strategies to help you develop your English and CELPIP skills. You can subscribe here.The quote by Jeffrey S. Nevid, Ph.D., ABPPThe road of life is strewn with disappointing, frustrating experiences and outright failures (my pitiful attempts at tennis come to mind). But losing does not make one a loser, and even a pitiful performance on a tennis court does not render one pitiful. A failure is just that, a failure; it does not make a person a failure unless the person labels themself a failure. Life experiences, whether positive or negative, are not statements about personhood—not unless we apply these words to ourselves and permit them to pierce the veil of our personhood.

How To Stop Overusing Words and Phrases in English To Get A Higher CELPIP ScoreThis episode discusses the importance of avoiding repeated words and phrases in your CELPIP answers and provides practical strategies on how to break this habit. Key takeaways: You will learn about the listability and vocabulary filters used by CELPIP raters to score your answers. How and why you should be recording yourself to identify overused phrases, As well as how to change those overused phrases by finding alternative expressions, and seeking supportive feedback.Link Mentioned: Grab your free checklist of the process I described today at www.celpipsuccess.com/resources00:00 Introduction: Recognizing Overused Phrases02:21 Understanding the Impact on CELPIP Scores02:42 Welcome to Speak English Fearlessly03:20 The Problem with Repetition06:34 Strategies to Break the Habit06:58 Recording Yourself: The First Step09:56 Finding New Ways to Express Yourself12:15 Getting Supportive Feedback15:44 Encouragement and Resources

If you struggle with just getting your CELPIP Speaking task answers started, you need today's episode. Spending too much time on polite, flowery introductions with your speaking task answers will steal valuable time from you - and they are just not necessary! Instead, you need to do what I share in today's episode! Get straight into the main content of your answer!You'll also learn aboutWhy building momentum with your answer matters so much.Being loud and proud with your answers.Efficient 'in the middle of things' openings for various CELPIP speaking task types.Key Link: Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter where you'll get additional tips and strategies to help you develop your English skills. 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Starting Right02:03 Welcome to Speak English Fearlessly03:29 Why Politeness Can Be a Pitfall05:36 Get to the Point: Strategies for Effective Answers07:42 Practical Examples and Tips10:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts11:05 Subscribe for More Tips

Have you been wondering why your English skills are not developing as quickly as you'd like them to be? It might just be because you're not using one or all of these three simple, but not always easy, strategies. 1) Going where the action is, 2) Engage! 3) Put in the reps. I will tell you an inspiring story that has been happening at my workplace that will help you see how you can apply these three steps in your own life. Don't forget to subscribe to my free weekly newsletter where you'll get a recap of this podcast + additional tips and strategies to help you develop your English skills. Go to: https://celpipsuccess.com/subscribe/00:00 Introduction: Transform Your English Skills00:45 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast02:26 A Story from Work: Building Community05:04 Strategy 1: Go Where the Action Is06:41 Strategy 2: Engage Actively11:15 Strategy 3: Put in the Reps12:24 Conclusion and Newsletter Invitation

Don't Try To Set More Goals To Improve Your English. Do This Instead!If you know you are working hard to improve your English skills, but you're still not getting the results you want to be getting, then this episode is for you. Together we're going to talk about the power of systems and specifically, we're going to talk about how your system is the problem AND your system is the solution to helping you start making progress again with your English or CELPIP prep. If you're stuck right now, even though you're working harder than you ever have to make progress: then you need to hear this! It's not about working harder. It's not about setting better and more goals. It's not about blaming a lack of people you can practice with. Progress with English is completely under your control - and today you're going to learn what you need to actually be working on in order to get yourself and your English unstuck! You are invited to join a three-month book club program to work on developing effective systems for language improvement.Links Mentioned Today:Forget About Setting Goals. Focus On This Instead. - By James Clear. This is the article I quote in the podcast. Please do take a moment to read through it if you are at all interested in what you can do to begin transforming your results with your English or CELPIP prep. Join my new bookclub! We're going to study James Clear's book: Atomic Habits - as mentioned in the episode. Together we'll work on developing your English and CELPIP learning system so that it produces the results you need. 00:00 Introduction: Struggles with Practicing English01:38 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast03:06 Common Challenges in Practicing English04:39 The Danger of Excuses and Obstacles06:45 A Realization: The System is the Problem09:35 Changing the System for Better Results20:16 Invitation to Join the Book Club23:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Are you struggling to just get started with your CELPIP Speaking practice? Then this episode is for you! If you know that you need to be practicing for the Speaking section of the CELPIP exam, but you have no idea how to even get started, then listen closely and follow along with this episode. My personal guarantee for you is if you follow these four simple steps, you'll find yourself actually starting to make progress with your practice! Pick a task. (Today we're going to focus on Speaking Task One!)Write down the problem. Notice how you gave that advice. Use English and record your answer.00:00 Introduction: Overcoming the Speaking Section Struggle01:23 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast02:51 The Pain of Feeling Stuck05:02 The Batman Analogy: Climbing Out of Despair08:52 Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Unstuck09:20 Step 1: Pick One Task14:22 Step 2: Write the Problem Down17:54 Step 3: Notice Your Answer20:33 Step 4: Use English21:38 Step 5: Record Your Answer23:39 Conclusion: Keep the Momentum GoingLinks Mentioned TodayFollow along with me by using this free cheat sheet.

How To Master CELPIP Speaking Task 2: Tips and StrategiesIn this episode, you will get a walk through of CELPIP Speaking Task 2, which involves sharing a personal experience. You'll learn about the importance of brainstorming, we'll focus on the past tense, as well as practical tips for practicing the past tense which include journaling and discussing daily activities with family. I also discuss using your voice memo app for practice and reviewing your answers to strengthen your responses. How? Stay tuned for that too - I'll give you an insider's look at some of the key filters used by CELPIP raters, including content, listenability, vocabulary, and task fulfillment. 00:00 Introduction to CELPIP Speaking Task 201:08 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast01:48 My own Personal Experience in Canada04:59 Tips for CELPIP Speaking Task 206:28 Practicing Past Tense Verbs10:17 Using Voice Recorders for Practice18:04 Understanding CELPIP Raters' Lenses37:48 Encouragement and Final Thoughts39:18 Subscribe for More ResourcesImportant links mentioned:Get your free class on speaking task one.Previous episode: How to Master Brainstorming for The CELPIP Exam