Smart English Coach

Understanding fast conversations can be difficult - even at advanced level. In this episode, listening expert Cara Leopold shares some strategies for improving your listening. Highlights include:- why listening can be difficult (and how basic words can 'disappear' from speech)- the different types of spoken English- listening activities & resources for advanced level- when to use subtitles- Movie Club (& how it helps you develop your listening with a community of movie fans)Plus, a couple of myth-busters!- why accent isn't always the problem- why 'Ted Talks' and lists of 'movies to watch' may not helpLinksIDEA (international database of English accents)Contact meSend us a textSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.

A passion for learning English will keep you going through the 'ups and downs' of learning a language. But how do you find your passion, and how can you keep it alive? Highlights from this episode:- School - the 'passion killer'- Your real reason for learning- 3 ways to feed your passion Contact me at Smart English CoachTED Talk Grit: The power of passion and perseverance  (6 minute talk)Send us a textSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.

We all experience times when progress slows or even stops. How can you get 'unstuck' so that you continue to make progress in English? Highlights in this episode:- three things you can do when progress feels slow- how you can apply 'strategic mindset' to your English- four practical ideas to shake up your learning so you feel motivated- how 'stretch goals' can give you inspirationIf you need help with your English, contact me:https://smartenglishcoach.com/contactSend us a textSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.

It isn't always possible to work with an English teacher or coach. So how can you continue to make progress and get feedback? Highlights in this episode:- the people who can help you improve your English- four important communication factors to consider- a 3-step process to improving your English without a teacher- the areas of English you can easily improve- how to get feedbackGet in touch with me!https://smartenglishcoach.com/contactSend us a textSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.

At advanced level, your grammar is already good. But there are some areas which can cause problems. In this episode:-  three areas of English to work on at advanced level- how these areas can help you speak more accurately, naturally and elegantlyFor podcast listeners! Get a special discount on 'The 10 Steps For Advanced English'https://smartenglishcoach.com/grammarSend us a textSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.

If you're worried about making mistakes in English, you're not alone. Nobody wants to be judged on their English. But you can change the way you think, so you worry about them less. Highlights of this episode:- the accuracy versus fluency question- the four types of mistake (and the one which is the most important)- three ways to stop worrying about mistakesNeed more help with your English? Contact me here:https://smartenglishcoach.com/contactSend us a textSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.

Remembering new vocabulary so that you can use it when you speak is one of the  hardest things about learning a language. In this episode, I interview Paul, a learner from Slovakia, who uses a special method for remembering new vocabulary. Highlights from this episode are:- some of the things he does differently to get results- the importance of a 'whole sentence' method (and learning 'fluency phrases')- the spaced repetition method, and the system he uses- the effect of the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve - how long the method takes him every dayFor more help getting an advanced English vocabulary, check out my course "Advanced English Vocabulary In 30 Days". You also get a special discount:https://smartenglishcoach.com/vocabularySend us a textSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.

You're probably an expert in 'technical' English vocabulary - the vocabulary you need to do your job. But often what's more difficult is everyday English vocabulary for conversations.In this episode, get TWO ways to expand your vocabulary- a 'systematic' approach which builds on the words you already know- a 'more spontaneous' approach with three ideas for you to try- a special offer to help you increase your English vocabularyhttps://smartenglishcoach.com/vocabularySend us a textSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.

What personal characteristics will help you to move beyond intermediate level to advanced level?In this episode:- 5 characteristics that help you succeed in your English journey (apart from 'hard work')- How to avoid self-criticism- Why finding English to be 'fun' is a sign you're already there!Send us a textSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.

To get to advanced English level, you need a different approach from what you've used before.In this episode, find out some typical goals at advanced level, why following a coursebook might not be your best choice; and what you can do instead to make the most impact on your English.Send us a textSubscribe to the podcastNever miss an episode! Get free weekly coaching tips here.