Hello Reader, Speaking Task 6—dealing with a difficult situation—can feel like one of the tougher speaking task questions you'll face on the CELPIP exam. The challenge? How to stay firm without sounding rude? Here are some ideas from one of my most downloaded speaking skills focused podcast episodes, with over 6,000 downloads. In it, I share how one of my clients handled a challenging speaking task question. She had to refuse a customer's request, and she nailed it by following these three...
3 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, But first, I wanted to quickly reach out and say how much I appreciate you. Thank you for being a part of my newsletter community, and for letting me pop into your inbox each week. I pray that you are able to have some time off over the next few weeks, and that you are able to enjoy some time with your loved ones. My prayer for you is that you sense God's perfect peace, His great comfort, and joy. Being on your own or away from family during this time of year can be especially...
7 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, I read it again this week over on Reddit: how do I stop myself from saying "Um" and "Uh" all the time when I'm giving my speaking task responses on the exam. Here's the short answer: Notice your habit: You can’t fix what you don’t hear. In this podcast I share a simple exercise using your phone to catch those sneaky “ums” (and reveal my own weird “filler” habit that my wife had to point out!) - by the way, don't feel bad about having filler words. We all use them! Embrace the...
14 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, Last week my van broke down in the middle of the night as I was on my way home from, get this, helping my son jumpstart his car because his had broken down. That's a double break down, if you're keeping score! (I felt a little like this gif 👇 ) and you get huge bonus points if you know what movie this gif is from. star wars no GIF The crazier part? My van was sending me warning signals that something was wrong, but I was ignoring them. Our body can also be talking to us, and it...
21 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, We had back to back - two nights in a row - major Christmas events in the two locations where I work in my day job. We served nearly 200 meals, and did all the dishes - God bless high speed industrial dishwashers! But each and every dish had to be carried and set, picked up, cleaned and put away. It's been a crazy week. A crazy past two days. I still work on Sunday for part of the day, leading special Advent services for residents of one of the facilities where I work, but I'm...
24 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, I had a few people reach out to say they were struggling with burn out, so I know this is a hot topic. And if you are dealing with it right now, know that you're not alone. I've continued to research on the topic - I think it might turn into a podcast episode - but here's one take away from today's learning that I hope will help you: If you're struggling with burnout, give your spouse, your significant other, your child, a friend - someone you trust and care about - a good hug....
28 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, This time of year is THE BUSIEST season where I work, and it's only going to get busier as we enter December - which I still can't believe is just a few days away as I write this, can you? Holy fast! I know you're busy, too. I know some of you are working multiple jobs. I know some of you are working on learning French while keeping your English skills going at the same time. I know some of you are chasing your PR, trying to do everything humanly possible to get your points...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, It can feel impossible to improve your speaking and vocabulary skills in English sometimes, can't it? Like no matter how hard you try, you stay stuck (or feel like you do) at the same place, with you using the same words and expressions you're always using. Is there any way out of this? Good news: Feeling stuck like this is normal. It happens to everyone. (And if anyone tells you they've never felt stuck like this before, they are lying my friend.) Getting stuck is normal....
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, Would you like a workout for your ears? If AI Is A Bubble, What Happens When it Pops? You might enjoy this podcast episode that I listened to this week. Why I think you might like it? Everyone seems to be talking about AI or using it these days. But few people are talking about how it's all being paid for. (Or not!?) This podcast from CBC's Frontburner, will likely surprise you. Bonus: if you'd like to practice listening to financial info, like huge numbers for example, this...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read