
The InFluency Podcast
The InFluency podcast is your go-to resource for learning, speaking and teaching English.
Hadar Shemesh is a pronunciation expert and fluency coach with thousands of students around the world, though she herself was an intermediate speaker of English once.
In this podcast she will share her best strategies for learning English, speaking English with confidence and mastering the American accent.
Discover how becoming fluent has everything to do with acquiring the right mindset, setting goals and learning how to overcome challenges.
Hadar will also share her teaching philosophy and techniques to support English teachers looking to help their students become fluent.
Latest episodes

Aug 30, 2024 • 24min
426. 10 Things You Should Stop Doing if You Want to Speak English Fluently [Revisiting favorite episodes]
Discover key habits that hinder your English fluency and learn the importance of letting go of procrastination and excessive content consumption. Embrace active practice and engage more with non-native speakers to boost your confidence. Breaking free from your comfort zone is essential, and you'll find practical tips to enhance self-expression. Lastly, beware of comparisons with others – focus on your own journey for the best results!

Aug 23, 2024 • 40min
425. The Schwa: How One TINY Sound Can Make a HUGE Difference [Revisiting favorite episodes]
Discover the fascinating world of the schwa, a tiny vowel with a huge impact on American English pronunciation. Learn why this short, relaxed sound is crucial for non-native speakers to master clarity and ease when speaking. Explore techniques to articulate the schwa and its role in unstressed syllables, making communication smoother and less energy-consuming. Tune in for insights that could transform your English skills!

Aug 16, 2024 • 43min
424. How to effectively practice your intonation in English [Revisiting favorite episodes]
Discover the vital role intonation plays in English communication. Learn how it can change the meaning of sentences—from questions to jokes. Get insights on mastering intonation for an authentic American accent and explore practical strategies, like using TED Talks and movie dialogues, to enhance your speaking skills. Dive into various intonation patterns, including upspeak and sarcasm, and find out how to effectively integrate these techniques into your daily conversations for clearer and more impactful communication.

5 snips
Aug 13, 2024 • 12min
423. Why you can’t pronounce the R in English and how to REALLY practice it
Struggling with the R sound in English? This episode dives into the challenges faced by non-native speakers and shares effective strategies for practice. Discover how repetition and self-assessment can turn frustration into success. Plus, uncover tips to make R sound exercises a part of your daily routine. You'll also explore fascinating variations of the R sound across languages, making pronunciation a fun and intriguing journey!

Aug 6, 2024 • 10min
422. Pronounce the 10 Most Popular Olympic Sports
Get ready for the Olympics with this fun guide to pronouncing ten popular sports! Dive into the phonetic details and stress patterns to nail each term like a pro. Enjoy a special focus on 'triathlon', tackling its tricky sounds. Plus, there's an invitation for listeners to share their favorite sports, creating a vibrant community around these thrilling games!

Aug 2, 2024 • 27min
421. Why pronunciation is important when learning a language [Revisiting favorite episodes]
Unlocking the power of pronunciation is key to mastering spoken English. Clear pronunciation fosters confidence and effective communication, helping you make an impact. The discussion emphasizes that accents shouldn't be viewed negatively; they reflect your identity. Embracing accent training enhances clarity without losing who you are. Ultimately, it’s about feeling great while expressing yourself in English.

Jul 30, 2024 • 38min
420. Improve Your Writing in English | Interview with Fabio Cerpelloni
In this discussion, Fabio Cerpelloni, a dedicated teacher and author, shares invaluable insights on writing in a second language. He highlights the personal journey of embracing language learning and the empathy needed in teaching. Fabio encourages innovative approaches, advocating reading and listening over video courses, while emphasizing the balance between grammar and effective communication. He also explores how AI tools can enhance writing skills while preserving one's unique voice, and shares strategies for overcoming self-doubt through a positive mindset.

Jul 26, 2024 • 33min
419. Why I Quit Acting and Became an Accent Coach [Revisiting favorite episodes]
Hadar Shemesh, a pronunciation expert and fluency coach, shares her inspiring journey from a timid English speaker to running a successful online business. She discusses her transition from aspiring actress to accent coach, detailing her struggles in New York City. Hadar emphasizes resilience and the unexpected turns in life that led her to embrace her purpose. Listeners will find motivation in her empowering message about believing in one's potential and the joy of teaching students from around the globe.

Jul 19, 2024 • 20min
418. Weddings, road trips, and summertime and thoughts about home | My Relocation Diaries
Navigating summer life with work challenges, unique Spanish wedding experiences, upcoming road trips in Portugal, and the emotional rollercoaster of feeling at home in new places

Jul 16, 2024 • 19min
417. I sound like a robot! How to sound more expressive when reading out loud
Learn how to sound more expressive when reading out loud with tips on intonation, rhythm, stress, and emotions. Discover techniques to enhance your reading skills and practice with scenes for better expressiveness in speech.