Smart English Coach

If you feel that your English isn't good enough, or that you can't do your job as well as an English native speaker, this episode is for you! I show you why you might have 'Imposter Syndrome', why it can stop your progress in English - and four things you can do to deal with it.Link in this episodeEpisode 66 of the Smart English Coach podcast - How to beat impos

Is English more difficult to understand than other languages?This was one of the questions I asked Tree Blackmore. We talked about:- the reasons why listening is difficult - particularly in English- why English vocabulary makes listening difficult- some activities and ideas for improving listening and understanding (including one related to pronunciation)This podcast was recorded o

In this episode, listen to Luke Thompson (host of Luke's English Podcast) talk about how to really learn vocabulary - and not just stare at word lists.We talk about the importance of learning vocabulary for advanced level, the mistakes to avoid when you try to learn vocabulary, and the tools and resources you can use to make it easier.We're both great fans of dictionaries

If you use English for your work, "disfluencies" in English are something you should avoid.In this episode, I interview Craig Wealand, an English teacher and podcaster, who specialises in fluency, disfluency and advanced communication skills.Craig explains how disfluencies stop you from sounding professional, and gives several examples of what they are.If you want to find

A simple, but very powerful thing when you learn English is finding happiness from it - because this will help you get quicker results.It isn't just because feeling happy gives you more motivation. There are other benefits that you get when you enjoy speaking or using English.In this episode, discover:- the three extra benefits of feeling happy when you learn English- three pr

To choose the right English learning activities, there's one question you need to ask yourself first.Your answer will help you to avoid spending hours on the wrong activities, and not making the progress you want.Your answer will also help you to create the best learning plan for you, and to develop the right habits which will get you to your goals more quickly.So, what is thi

If I told you that there are an estimated 25,000 idioms in English, would you want to learn them?It seems an impossible task, but idioms are a fantastic and imaginative way to explain your feelings and thoughts in a concise - and often funny - way.They aren't just for speaking, either. You'll see them everywhere: in articles, news stories - and on the sides of UK buses! I

Getting to an advanced English level can change your life. It's a really useful goal to have - but what does it mean?In this episode, find out:- how you can define 'advanced English'- three ways to improve your English when you already know a lot- why English development is personal developmentMy students are achieving amazing career and life goals - and confident En

How can you sound professional and confident when you speak English? What makes your sentences beautiful, powerful and impressive?In this episode (inspired by one of my students), I share three tips for making beautiful English sentences! I've also got some more advanced tips for you to try.Say 'bye-bye' to boring, 'adios' to uninspiring, and 'au revoi

There are obvious advantages for learning languages - particularly for your brain.And of course, learning English has lots of other benefits too. A better-paying job, greater study opportunities, international networking are all examples.But then there are the life-changing advantages of learning English.These are things that I'm seeing more and more with my students. In this