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...
4 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...
11 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...
21 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...
23 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...
25 days 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
Hi Reader, I've been an English teacher for 17 years. A certified CELPIP trainer for 2+ years, and I see a lot of people struggling with: trying to find time to practice. Do this instead. **** Want to go a little deeper? Check out my latest YouTube video on How to find time to practice (My latest YouTube video!) My experiment with YouTube continues! What I'm learning? The more I do it, the less scary it gets. (It's still intimidating to talk to the camera, if I'm being totally honest.) And...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I'm experimenting on YouTube, and it's scary. I'm an introvert! Just recording audio podcasts took me a LONG time to feel comfortable with. Stepping into video podcast versions of my podcast...well friend, that's next level scary and way out of my comfort zone. And that's exactly why I'm doing it. I don't care about going viral or becoming a famous YouTuber. Not at all. But I talk with you a lot about taking more risks with your English, and pushing yourself to step out of your...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Being an introvert isn't doesn't have to be a weakness as you work towards the CELPIP speaking score you need. Lean into your natural strengths...small groups. One-on-one conversations. Like this. **** Hey, I need your help! Looking for work and need some help updating your LinkedIn? Make sure you're not making these common mistakes. (Via Daria Lysenko.) I need your questions! 👉 will be interviewing Daria for an upcoming podcast episode. Do you have any LinkedIn job hunting or...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read