Hello Reader, Getting started in any speaking task can feel tough. But 9 times out of 10, getting straight to the point is your best option. Here's how that applies to talking about a past experience on CELPIP speaking task 2. Forrest Gump GIF by GrayDuckDent **** Immigration News: Just submitting your PR application doesn't give or protect your status in Canada. Here's what will. (LinkedIn post by Barbara Kolvenkova, RCIC.) Remember: I don't get anything from sharing these or other posts...
6 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, I'm running several experiments in my business. One of them is pushing me HARD out of my comfort zone. When I say it's pushing me hard, I mean the experiments usually leave me feeling breathless with fear and nervousness. And in case you don't know: Hi. I'm Aaron, and I'm an introvert. (Most of the time.) Doing things in front of other people, talking to people I don't know, and just public things in general, often feel very difficult for me to do. Making video content? That's...
9 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, Do you want stronger speaking responses on the CELPIP? This week on LinkedIn, I posted two of my favourite strategies that are guaranteed to help you! Don't leave out brainstorming. You'd be shocked (cus I am!) to hear how many test takers I know consider brainstorming a waste of time. Don't fall for this! You skip or ignore brainstorming at your peril on the CELPIP. Always ask and answer this simple question for every point you make in your responses. *Works for your writing...
16 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, Are you making this mistake when it comes to working on your English skills? Here's an exciting hint: it has nothing to do with grammar, course books or English classes. But it has everything to do with transforming the way you practice, because working on your English doesn't have to be painfully boring! My newest podcast comes out on Tuesday, September 2. I'm going to be tackling a frequently asked question: how can I break out of a CELPIP score that just doesn't leave me...
18 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, In just 49 seconds, you will learn the "secret" to getting better with your English skills. All from a guy teaching you how to make better videos for content. Don't believe me? (Bonus: you might also get a laugh or two out of it! Not a bad combo for a 48 second time investment!) The takeaway: "You get better at making videos by making crappy ones and sharing them." "You find your voice by using it." -Ed Oyama. Why that matters for you? If you want to get better with your fluency...
20 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, What if I told you that freezing in the middle of your CELPIP responses because you are nervous or shy is normal? (Because it is. It means you're human.) And here's what you can do to start dealing with it: take small steps forward. (Blog post.) If you are an introvert like me, and you find speaking on the CELPIP to be one of the hardest parts of the exam to deal with, then 8 days starting September 1st, could change everything for you. Will you take a safe, introvert friendly...
23 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, Negative self-talk is brutal. Do your thoughts beat the crap out of you because of a mistake you made with your English, or maybe because you didn't get the score you needed on the CELPIP....again? Low self-esteem is just one of the ways negative self-talk hurts you. But there are other ways it kicks you when you're down...and here's what you can do about it. **** Today's newsletter is brought to you by Jimmy Fallon Rap GIF by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon It's also...
27 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, I took another giant step out of my comfort zone this week, and shared another video on LinkedIn. I did it all in one single take - zero editing, and made a few cringe worthy mistakes. But I published it anyway. Why? Because I want to get better. Want to see it? It's right here. **** Listening and taking notes can be tough. That's why I made this 23 minute video for you. Here's what I cover: Listening for Specific Information and Details - 00:30 - 01:03 The Five W’s (Who, What,...
30 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, I found this picture of me, and wanted to share it with you: Football Stretching GIF by FC Schalke 04 I'm learning how to build a new stretching habit while testing my poor physiotherapist's patience. (This gif above is me. HA! NOPE. If I attempted that move, I think I would break.) My physiotherapist is so good at consistently encouraging me to do the stretches that will help me fight the chronic back pain that I've been dealing with for the past four years. Believe it or not,...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read