Have you ever tried explaining a fax machine to a teenager? (I did yesterday!) It’s like describing a world without smartphones: ‘We used to scan documents and send them through phone lines. No, not as an email attachment…‘

Once upon a time, we used telephone books to find numbers, watched films on video cassette recorders (VCRs) and recorded messages on answering machines (because voicemail wasn’t a thing).

Families proudly displayed their encyclopaedias on their shelves—giant books that Google replaced overnight. We typed on clunky typewriters, rewound cassette tapes with pencils and walked around with a Walkman (a prehistoric version of Spotify, but chunkier) clipped to our jeans, feeling invincible.

Now? These words are disappearing faster than the last bag of popcorn at a Friday night film marathon.

As technology sprints ahead, our vocabulary shifts too.

What’s next? Will “email” sound ancient in 20 years?

Let’s take a moment to appreciate these forgotten gems. Tell me about your favourite “extinct” word—bonus points if you memorised phone numbers before mobile phones saved them. 

There are two types of people at holiday pools: those who dive in gracefully and Brits.

Just ask British comedian Michael McIntyre.

In Michael’s sketch, you’ll learn that Europeans dive in looking amazing. But Brits make a big deal out of getting into the pool. They shout, “I’m going in!” to everyone around, then spend ages testing the water and complaining that it’s too cold.

And don’t even mention British children at the pool.

While local kids swim easily, British children are covered in sunscreen, wearing full flotation suits, and struggling with goggles that are much too tight.

Want to laugh? Watch the 5-minute sketch. 😄 And enjoy some real British English.

P.S. This is just a bit of fun—no offence meant to anyone. We all have our quirky holiday habits, and that’s what makes us, well, us. Enjoy the laugh! 😄

We all have our quirks when learning a language—especially when it comes to Business English.

On my website, I’ve created 14 playful, exaggerated learner types that many professionals will recognise (with a wink, of course!).

Why?

✔ Fun, not pressure – Learning should be motivating, not frustrating.
✔ Self-awareness – Do you see yourself in one of these types? Great! Now you know where to focus.
✔ A sense of community – “Oh wow, I’m not the only one who struggles with this!“

Maybe you’re a Perfectionist Peter, always double-checking your grammar? Or a Freeze-up Fiona, who blanks out when it’s time to speak?

Explore the Business English learner types and see if you recognise yourself.

So, I’d love to know. Who are you?

Ever found yourself in a conversation where you completely disagree with someone?

It’s tempting to say, “That’s not right!” or “I disagree.” But that often leads to frustration.

Instead, try these five simple words:
👉 “I have a different perspective.”

This phrase does something powerful. It removes the personal challenge and keeps the conversation open. No one feels attacked or ‘wrong.’ Instead, it invites curiosity: “Oh? Tell me more.”

Next time you feel an argument coming on, pause and give it a try—you might be surprised.

After all, the best way to change minds is to show you’re open to different perspectives.

Do tell me if you give it a try!