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...
7 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,...
10 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,...
14 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, The worst CELPIP mistake you can make, is made one day at a time, and it can cost you years, and even your PR status. Are you making it? There's only one way to break free from this costly mistake. It also happens one day at a time. And it begins when you decide to use your English every day. No matter what. CELPIP Speaking Skill Tip: This week a client I've been working with reminded me how powerful the way you express your ideas is! (You know who you are!) A strong speaking task...
24 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, In last week’s podcast, I talked about two things: I shared what I learned from a CELPIP webinar on Speaking Task 4, and I talked about using French to boost your PR application. Speaking Task 4: Making Predictions You can safely use “going to” or “will” — both are accepted Starts at minute 1:41 You might just boost your score if you describe where people/objects are — clearly and confidently. Starts at minute: 3:10 Short, natural-sounding conclusions are enough (no need to overdo...
26 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I was scared, but I did it anyway. <-- here's the proof! I have never posted videos or pictures of myself on LinkedIn. Way to far out of my comfort zone. As an introvert(ish) person, it feels far safer to hide behind text based posts and emails like this one. But that changed yesterday. Why? Because it's what I'm challenging you to do pretty frequently in here and on my podcast: if you want to see your English and CELPIP skills get stronger, you must take more risks with your...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, “He who dares to teach must never cease to learn.”― Richard Henry Dana was an American librarian and museum director. This week I learned something from a CELPIP webinar about speaking task 4, where you make predictions about what you think will logically happen next in an image. Before the webinar, I was teaching students to try and not overly rely on 'going to' or 'will' in their answers. I felt that variety was important, and that you should work at also using modal verbs like...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, When you choose vague words on the CELPIP, your vocabulary choices will work against you! It's easy to default to words like “place,” “thing,” “people,” “good”, which weakens your impact. But I've got great news for you: it's often possible to use powerful and more specific words that are unique to the situation you're working with. For example: If you're talking about travel, instead of using 'place' try 'destination.' Other travel related words might include, excursion, day trip,...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I've heard more than one person say they just can't take any more prep time. They're done. All their energy and drive to get ready for the CELPIP has evaporated as they try and focus on an already packed work schedule, loved ones, and just having a life themselves. Add to that mix trying to get ready for the CELPIP, and everything just seems to melt down. Burnout is real. It can hit anywhere in our lives where we add more than what we can handle to ourselves and attempt to do it...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read