Fluent English Pro

Have you ever wondered what it takes to deliver a captivating presentation? In this episode, we talk about presentation techniques and audience engagement in professional settings, for people who use English as a second or foreign languageThe conversation starts with a focus on the importance of preparation and understanding your audience. We learn that techniques, such as structuring your content and knowing your purpose, are fundamental. Visual aids are emphasized as powerful tools, and adapting to your audience's needs is highlighted.We share anecdotes about handling challenging situations during presentations. We stress the significance of acknowledging mistakes and having the confidence to adapt in real-time. The conversation touches on the value of improvisation, but with a caveat: it's best done when you are a master of your subject.Key Takeaways:Preparation, including understanding your audience and purpose, is fundamental to effective presentations.Visual aids are powerful tools to complement your message.Adaptability, acknowledging mistakes, and mastering your subject enable successful presentations.Practice helps overcome the fear of public speaking.Storytelling can deeply engage your audience.Focus on how you make your audience feel, as it is as important as the information you convey.Resources:  Want to continue improving your professional English skills ? Join our Conversation Club for Professionals, where you'll practice work English, business English, and English for professional development with other professionals.Contacts us now:🌐 Text us: WhatsApp ✉️ Contact us: Website Contact Form 📧 Email: info [at] fluentenglishpro.comDon't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your language proficiency and networking skills. Join the conversation today!Instagram: @fluentenglish.pro https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@fluentenglishpro  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/2YQdd1hmEHDp9yGV/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h  Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460 

In this episode, we explore the importance of effective self-introduction and communication skills in both workplace and presentation scenarios in English. We begin by discussing the need to change the narrative around shyness and introversion, emphasizing that these traits should not limit our ability to communicate. We delve into the concept of building an "alter ego" for public speaking, allowing individuals to manage different personas for different situations.Moving on, we highlight the significance of small talk in establishing rapport and initiating conversations. Small talk acts as a low-risk entry point, facilitating connections with colleagues and peers. We also touched on the value of body language, stressing the importance of open and confident posture, alongside maintaining an audible yet kind tone of voice.It's crucial to challenge limiting beliefs about shyness and introversion. Building an "alter ego" for public speaking can help manage nerves and enhance communication. Small talk is an effective way to initiate conversations and build rapport. Positive body language and tone of voice play a vital role in effective communication.Key Takeaways:Challenge limiting beliefs about shyness and introversion.Practice and exposure are essential for improving communication skills.Human relationships are at the core of success in various environments.Resources:  Want to continue improving your professional English skills ? Join our Conversation Club for Professionals, where you'll practice work English, business English, and English for professional development with other professionals.Contacts us now:🌐 Text us: WhatsApp ✉️ Contact us: Website Contact Form 📧 Email: info [at] fluentenglishpro.comDon't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your language proficiency and networking skills. Join the conversation today!Instagram: @fluentenglish.pro https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@fluentenglishpro Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/2YQdd1hmEHDp9yGV/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460  

Have you ever wondered why teachers don’t recommend using translation for learning English? Are there words or expressions that we can’t accurately?In this episode, we delved into the intricacies of language translation and its limitations for learning English as a foreign language. While some of the words might be translated literally, the cultural nuances, emotions, and historical contexts they carry often remain elusive in translation. We explore examples like "estrenar" in Spanish, a word that signifies wearing something for the first time, along with the concept of "el sereno," which embodies a chilly night breeze in Colombia. These examples highlight the challenge of capturing the cultural layers of meaning in different languages. Moreover, we discuss the struggle to translate terms like "homesick" or sensitive expressions that carry racial implications, showcasing the difficulties faced by translators.We discovered that translation can be a double-edged sword. While it can help convey basic meanings between languages, it often falls short when attempting to transmit the deep-rooted emotions and cultural connotations attached to certain words and expressions. The episode highlighted the gap between the literal translation and the underlying cultural and emotional dimensions.The key lesson here is that language is more than words—it's about cultural context, history, and emotions. Relying solely on translation tools can hinder true understanding and effective communication. A balanced approach, including learning in context and appreciating the unique facets of a language, is essential for genuine language proficiency.Key Takeaways: Translation struggles to capture cultural nuances and emotional depth. Certain words and expressions have no direct equivalents in other languages. Language learning is more than just vocabulary—it's about embracing the cultural essence.Avoid direct translations from english to spanish. 0:06Words and expressions that cannot be translated into English. 3:50One word in spanish for example can have multiple translations into English.5:15Will we ever be able to tell a human translation from a computer generated :translation? 7:10Examples of things that can and cannot be translated from Spanish to English. 9:15A cultural thing, too. 11:30The use of words like spoiler in Spanish. 13:10Translating words in spanish. 15:30Bridging Vocabulary Gaps, but Context is Key for Non-Verbal Communication. 18:20Resources:  Want to continue improving your professional English skills ? Join our Conversation Club for Professionals, where you'll practice work English, business English, and English for professional development with other professionals.Contacts us now:🌐 Text us: WhatsApp ✉️ Contact us: Website Contact Form 📧 Email: info [at] fluentenglishpro.com Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your language proficiency and networking skills. Join the conversation today!Instagram: @fluentenglish.pro https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@fluentenglishpro  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/2YQdd1hmEHDp9yGV/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h  Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460  

Is it OK to speak English with an accent? Is having an accent a good thing or does it limit my communication in English? But what exactly is an accent, and why does it matter? To explore everything related to having an accent when speaking English as a foreign language, we’ve invited Anne Maki, an expert in a topic that often concerns English learners: accents. Anne has a background in speech language pathology and sheds light on the significance of a clear and comprehensible accent. We will discuss what an accent is, how an accent can benefit you and affect you, and how native Spanish speakers can improve their accent when speaking in English. Stay tuned as we explore the challenges faced by Spanish speakers when speaking English, with a focus on common accented Spanish sounds and how word length and consonants influence pronunciation in both languages. Plus, we'll dive into the intricacies of vowel pronunciation and much more. It's a conversation you won't want to miss! · What is an accent and why is it important? 1:55· Maki explains his background in speech language pathology. 3:10· The importance of a clearly understood accent. 4:40· If someone begins avoiding you, they are not disliking you. 6:25· There are some accents that are hard to understand for native speakers. 8:35· Difficulties of accented Spanish speakers speaking English. 10:30· Examples of common accented Spanish sounds. 13:00· Pronunciation of vowels. 17:05· We get ourselves into some sticky situations in Spanish. 19:30· Pronouncing Cop, Cup, Bald Cap, and Body Buddy. 22:25· What is a standard American accent? 25:15· The core of what makes us human is being able to understand messages. 27:15· Any movie is a pretty good sampling of the neutral accent. 28:55· The importance of casual English, reducing words, simplifying words. 31:15· Fluency and accuracy of speech. 32:55· Prioritizing Pronunciation Precision in Speaking. 34:55· The proof is in the actor, and the proof is always in the voice. 37:30· What is an accent reduction class? 39:50· Benefits of speaking with ease and confidence. 42:40· How to get feedback on pronunciation. 44:05 Resources:  Want to continue improving your professional English skills ? Join our Conversation Club for Professionals, where you'll practice work English, business English, and English for professional development with other professionals.Contacts us now:🌐 Text us: WhatsApp ✉️ Contact us: Website Contact Form 📧 Email: info [at] fluentenglishpro.comDon't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your language proficiency and networking skills. Join the conversation today!Instagram: @fluentenglish.pro https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@fluentenglishpro  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/2YQdd1hmEHDp9yGV/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h  Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460  

Ever wondered what to be aware of when discussing current events? Or perhaps you've struggled with expressing your thoughts without knowing specific jargon? Well, fear not! We're diving into the art of spontaneous conversations and sharing tips on how to enrich your language skills. Plus, we'll be exploring tips and strategies to improve your capacity to talk about news, recent events, and hot topics that are part of everyday conversations and that you see on TV and social media. What to be aware of when talking about current events? 1:20There are always ways for you to express what you want to say with even words, even if you don't know a particular term. 3:10The skill of spontaneous conversations. 5:20How to learn more about the language? 7:00Example of a hot topic: exploring Affirmative Action in US University Admissions. 8:50How to read the news? 10:45Resources:  Want to continue improving your professional English skills ? Join our Conversation Club for Professionals, where you'll practice work English, business English, and English for professional development with other professionals.Contacts us now:🌐 Text us: WhatsApp ✉️ Contact us: Website Contact Form 📧 Email: info [at] fluentenglishpro.comDon't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your language proficiency and networking skills. Join the conversation today!Instagram: @fluentenglish.pro https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@fluentenglishpro  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/2YQdd1hmEHDp9yGV/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h  Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460  

Have you ever wondered how to enhance your English listening skills and vocabulary effectively as a foreign language learner?In this episode, we delved into the world of podcasts and audiobooks as powerful tools for improving language skills. We discussed strategies to optimize your learning experience through audio content. We explored topics such as dealing with unfamiliar words, selecting the right podcasts, and the benefits of audiobooks. So, let's break down the key ideas.First, we addressed the challenge of encountering unfamiliar words while listening to podcasts. Whether you choose to pause and look up words or continue based on context, both approaches have their merits. David emphasized the importance of understanding the main idea, even if you don't grasp every word.Next, we ventured into the vast realm of podcasts and audiobooks. We emphasized the need to choose content that genuinely interests you, aligning your learning with your passions and goals. The example of podcasts on parenting and mindset illustrated this well.Moving on, we discussed the value of exposure to diverse accents. Podcasts that feature various English accents can help you adapt to different linguistic styles and cultural nuances, enriching your listening experience.Here are some key takeaways from our discussion:Don't be discouraged by unfamiliar words; focus on understanding the main idea.Select podcasts and audiobooks aligned with your interests and goals.Seek content that exposes you to diverse English accents to improve comprehension.Key Takeaways:Embrace the challenge of unfamiliar words – context is your friend.Choose podcasts and audiobooks that align with your interests and goals.Exposure to diverse accents enhances comprehension and cultural awareness.Resources:  Want to continue improving your professional English skills ? Join our Conversation Club for Professionals, where you'll practice work English, business English, and English for professional development with other professionals.Contacts us now:🌐 Text us: WhatsApp ✉️ Contact us: Website Contact Form 📧 Email: info [at] fluentenglishpro.comDon't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your language proficiency and networking skills. Join the conversation today!Instagram: @fluentenglish.pro https://www.instagram.com/fluentenglish.pro/  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@fluentenglishpro  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/2YQdd1hmEHDp9yGV/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4svKh6w8nUtdFwV9CzVG6h  Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460