You’re in for a treat with this speech nugget.
It crushed a whopping 30,000 competitors to snatch the crown at the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking.
Bow down to the speech champ, Mohammed Qahtani. Mohammed, a Saudi Arabian engineer! 🏆
Podcasts make mastering English a walk in the park.
Yet, some learners might overlook podcasts as a learning tool, thinking they’re just for entertainment.
In reality, podcasts are a goldmine of language-rich content that can boost your listening skills, expand your vocabulary and refine your pronunciation.
Look at the advantages in more detail:
Podcasts can transform mundane moments into vibrant language-learning opportunities, enriching your skills without making them feel like a chore.
So, as you plug in your headphones, remember you’re not just listening—you’re investing in your English journey! 🌟
Do you have a favourite podcast you’d like to recommend?
How do you express your surprise in English?
Want to have more ideas? Look here:
Remember, how you say it and the look on your face are important to show surprise well. Change your voice to fit how surprised you are.
Very few people are good listeners. A good listener listens slowly to what is being said. He does not jump ahead nor does he rush to judge nor does he sit there formulating his own reply. He focuses directly on what is being said. He listens to more than is being said …
Edward de Bono
Ever felt like you’re nodding along in a conversation, yet your thoughts are already miles ahead?
We’ve all been there! Few are outstanding listeners.
A good listener resists the urge to jump ahead, judge or formulate their reply.
They’re tuned into every word, extracting more meaning than meets the ear.
In this post, I’m here to nudge you—next time you’re in a conversation:
👂 Be curious, soak in every word.
🤐 Hold back the urge to respond hastily.
🤝 Show presence, even when you differ.
Active listening takes practice, but it’s worth it.
Let’s fine-tune our listening skills and open up the door to true understanding.
P.S. Writing this reminded me too! Let’s work together to become better listeners!
Here’s an example of a dialogue containing idiomatic expressions.
See if you can rewrite it using plain language.
Original Dialogue:
Tom: Hey Lisa, how’s it going? You look like you’re on cloud nine today!
Lisa: Hi Tom, I’m in seventh heaven. I nailed my presentation this morning.
Tom: That’s great! By the way, have you heard about the new project our boss is cooking up?
Lisa: Yes, I’m all ears. I heard it’s going to be a game-changer for the company.
Tom: Definitely. And it’s right up your alley, given your expertise.
Lisa: Thanks, Tom. I’m excited to dive in. I’ve been burning the midnight oil lately to stay ahead.
Tom: Well, your hard work is paying off. You’re a real go-getter.
Lisa: Thanks for the support, Tom. I just hope I can keep up the momentum.
Tom: No doubt you will. Just remember, slow and steady wins the race.
Rewritten Dialogue:
Tom: Hi Lisa, how are you? You seem really happy today!
Lisa: Hi Tom, I’m feeling great. I did really well in my presentation this morning.
Tom: That’s great! By the way, have you heard about the new project our boss is working on?
Lisa: Yes, I’m ready and eager to hear what you have to say. I heard it’s going to make a big difference for the company.
Tom: Definitely. And it’s perfect for you, given what you know.
Lisa: Thanks, Tom. I’m excited to get started. I’ve been working late recently to stay ahead.
Tom: Well, your hard work is being rewarded. You’re a real achiever.
Lisa: Thanks for the support, Tom. I just hope I can maintain the pace, energy and enthusiasm.
Tom: I have no doubt you will. Just remember that taking your time and being consistent will lead to success.
Was the original dialogue easy for you to understand? Probably not.
Understanding idiomatic expressions can be tough for English learners.
To make matters worse, there are even differences in these expressions between American and British English.
These differences can cause confusion or misunderstandings, not just for non-native speakers.
I thought it important to tell you.
