Hello Reader,

Something unwelcome happens when many people who take the CELPIP.

Maybe it has even happened to you.

The moment you sit down for the speaking section of the exam, and see the microphone, and the faceless computer in front of you waiting to record your every word, your nerves and anxiety shoot through the roof.

Then the timer begins. And something worse happens: your ability to think quickly in English vanishes.

Poof.

Gone.

And you sit there frozen.

It's a terrible feeling, isn't it?

And it's very common, so no my friend, if you struggle with this you are not the only one.

The problem?

To put it bluntly, the problem is the exam.

As soon as you put the word 'exam' in the picture, nerves are almost guaranteed to go up. Then attach 'this exam is linked to your future in Canada' and the nerves and anxiety and potential for 'English brain freeze' in the worst possible moment, goes up even more.

The problem before that problem.

There is an even deeper problem that comes before the big one I just talked about. But there is good news with this one. You can actually do something about it.

That problem?

Putting yourself into more conversations with native English speakers. Now, before you dismiss this, I want you to hear me out.

I've been an English teacher for nearly 18 years now. Over those years, I have worked with hundreds...perhaps thousands of adults. The number one thing I've noticed that holds them back from making progress with their English is this: not getting enough face-to-face practice with native English speakers in day-to-day situations.

Not enough real world conversations.

That's it.

It's not studying more. It's not going to more classes. It's not memorizing more grammar rules or vocabulary lists.

It's using the English you have in the very real pressures of a conversation.

The vast majority of clients that I've worked with over the years simply don't get enough.

More conversations will make a difference for you.

A conversation with a native English speaker, in my humble opinion, can be similar to or tougher than what you'll face on the CELPIP.

1. You get zero prep time.
2. Topics are random and two way - it's not just you speaking. You also have to respond. Instantly.
3. Stakes are high. In real life conversation, a vocabulary mistake or grammar mixup in front of your boss or coworkers or simply in front of anyone is often embarrassing. You actually sometimes want to disappear after making such mistakes. (I've been there many times with my second language - Spanish.)

Yes, the CELPIP DOES have a lot riding on it. I totally get that, and I'm not trying to dismiss that load of pressure that comes with the exam.

But I do want you to walk away with this truth today: What you do with your English every single day, at work, at home, in the grocery store or while riding the bus, can have a huge impact on your ability to deal with and manage the pressure you face on exam day.

The more you put yourself into the pressures of day-to-day conversations, the more you'll be able to handle the pressures of your CELPIP exam.

And that, my friend, is a promise.

Do you need help with having more opportunities to practice your English? Have you been wanting to prepare for the CELPIP but you're not sure if you're making any progress at all? Then come work with me! The CELPIP Success School IS the most introvert friendly spot on the internet to help you get ready for your CELPIP exam. Join today!

Have a great weekend.

Aaron