Hello Reader,

I've been experimenting with using an open source podcast recording tool called Audacity. I used it before many years ago, but I've forgotten much about how it works.

So it's felt like using it for the first time.

When the episode went live, I noticed a constant, annoying 'hiss' in the background. It sounded unprofessional, and it frustrated the heck out of me to hear! But it was already live!

To be honest, it bothered me the entire day, so when I got home after work, I spent an hour on YouTube, learned a new skill, patched the audio, and replaced the poor sounding one. Then I moved on.

I think there's a lesson in there somewhere for you too.

If you make a mistake using your English today or this week - see if you can quickly fix it, try again, and then move on. Don't get hung up on trying to get it perfect!

And on the CELPIP, if you realize you made a mistake in the middle of a speaking task, try your best not to freeze and stop talking. Instead, quickly try to correct your mistake and keep going!

📖 Reading practice anyone?

Your relationships matter! They can transform the trajectory of your life here in Canada for good or can hold you back for years. Find out how in this post on LinkedIn by Sindhu Mahadevan.

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🎧 Podcasts you might enjoy

Front Burner is a returning favourite of mine. Here's why I like it, and why I think it's a great CELPIP practice opportunity for you:

1. It's Canadian content which means you'll hear (but not exclusively) Canadian accents.
2. The host speaks clearly - you likely will be able to follow along.
3. They cover current events in the news, which means it's likely relevant to you in some way. (See the next point!)
4. Great conversation starters: if you listen, you'll likely find ideas you can contribute to conversations happening around you. (Today I had 2 opportunities with coworkers!)

Here is one of the episodes I listened to this week: Mark Carney and "The Speech." ​

Turn this podcast episode into serious practice for your CELPIP exam:

1. Listening skills: Take notes around the 5W’s (Who, What, Where, When, Why) of the episode without hitting pause.
2. Speaking skills: After you listen to an episode, record a 60 second summary of what you heard.
3. Bonus speaking skills: Record a 60 second response where you give your opinion about something you heard. Try this: Do you agree with the Prime Minister's ideas? Why or why not?

I hope these ideas will help you as you get ready for your speaking task responses.

Over to you: If you make a mistake with your English, do you find it hard to try and correct it and then keep moving?

Aaron