Hello Reader, This week I read a post on LinkedIn that got me thinking about AI, and this week's podcast is based on what I've been thinking about. We hear things like, "AI is coming for this or that position" which means it's going to replace someone's job. Maybe you've heard stuff like that too? And I sometimes find myself wondering the same about the work I do. Could I get replaced? Sesame Street No GIF by Muppet Wiki Here's the thing: AI IS having a deep impact in our world. It IS taking...
4 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, One of the top mistakes CELPIP test takers make with speaking task 3 is trying to talk about everything in the image. This is a trap! Do this instead. Animated GIF Where are my die hard Star Wars fans? From the GIF above, if you know who this character is and what movie he's from - hit reply and let me know. I will set up a free 30 minute CELPIP strategy call with the first person to get both answers right. Back to the speaking task 3 trap... If you try talking about EVERYTHING...
7 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, I've been thinking (and praying!) about doing this episode for well over a year now - it dropped this week - Wednesday morning, and I can't wait to get it to you: 👉 Where is your strength coming from? What is it? I've been thinking about doing something like this for a year or more, but kept hesitating because of fear, because of not wanting to come across in the wrong way, or somehow push you away. But what I couldn't stop thinking about? The deeply challenging experiences of...
9 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, The tip? Get to the point. Quickly. and you will notice your speaking and writing scores begin to improve. How's that for getting to the point? Want a podcast episode on the topic? Try this: How to increase your CELPIP speaking scores. Getting to the point matters far more than you may realize for both speaking and writing. When you take too long to make your point, you say goodbye to precious seconds that you plain and simple don't get a lot of! And you need to use as much of your...
11 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Freezing in mid sentence because you forget how to say what you want to say in English is one of THE WORST feelings, isn't it? I know exactly what that feels like. It happens to me. In English. (Promise!) It's especially happens to me with my Spanish - that's my second language. It SUCKS! But here's the thing: it. happens. to. everyone. Did you read that? Forgetting how or what to say next happens in your first and second language - the embarrassing experience is not reserved JUST...
18 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I've been doing a lot of thinking around CELPIP practice and busy schedules. Here are a few resources I worked on this week that might help if your schedule keeps working against you and your prep. A few articles and podcasts you might enjoy: From my blog: Surprising, Unexpected but Powerful Advice for Effective CELPIP Practice. and from my podcast, just in case you missed it: Coffee, Routines, and CELPIP: Transforming daily life into study time. **** From around the web: I found...
28 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, In case you missed it: a new podcast episode dropped this week: Coffee, Routines, and CELPIP: Transforming daily life into study time. An insider take on this episode: I was so excited making this episode because I'm trying something new: recording without following a script, and breaking some of my self-imposed rules at the same time. Rules? Yep. I broke two of them. One on purpose, which was including sounds from around me. (You'll hear it if you listen. I loved how it turned...
30 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, Ever feel like you don't have time to really practice for your CELPIP exam? Like you keep telling yourself, tomorrow or on the weekend when I have more time - THAT'S when I'll practice. If that's the way you think about your practice, I bet you don't get many opportunities because it's just super hard to find lots of free time to devout to getting ready for your test. Here's a secret: start looking for and engaging in the opportunities that are happening all the time all around...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Before we get to AI, I want to tell you that it's been a long time since I have read a book for fun. My wife gave me "Out Of The Silent Planet" by C.S. Lewis for Christmas this year, and I've finally settled in to reading it. I love C.S. Lewis' writing, but I have to admit, I found the book hard to get into at first. Maybe it was the noise of my persistent sore back, or maybe it's just been so long since I read for long periods of time that I'm a little out of practice - not sure....
about 1 month ago • 2 min read