Let's dive into the common struggle of feeling like you need perfect conditions to practice, because guess what? That’s a total myth.

I share how I turned an everyday routine—like grinding my morning coffee—into an effective practice opportunity without needing hours of uninterrupted time.

We will explore how even the smallest moments can be transformed into valuable practice sessions, allowing you to weave preparation into your busy life seamlessly.

It’s all about recognizing those everyday experiences and using them to boost your skills for the CELPIP, so let’s jump in and start finding those chances to practice!

Takeaways:

- Preparing for the CELPIP exam often involves battling the doubts and fears within yourself, especially regarding your practice conditions.

- We often convince ourselves that perfect practice spaces are essential, but we can actually practice effectively in our everyday environments.

- Embracing our daily routines as practice opportunities can transform mundane tasks into valuable preparation for the CELPIP exam.

- Short bursts of practice, even just two to five minutes, can be incredibly effective and fit easily into our busy lives.

- Familiarizing ourselves with the specific speaking tasks on the CELPIP exam allows us to recognize and seize practice moments throughout the day.

- Including practice into existing activities without requiring extra time can lead to a more productive and less stressful preparation experience.

Get even more helpful strategies to get ready for your CELPIP exam - grab my free weekly newsletter here 👉 https://www. celpipsuccess.com/

Takeaways:

• Finding time for English practice can be tough, especially when juggling multiple jobs and family responsibilities.
• It's crucial to integrate English learning into daily activities rather than adding it as an extra task on your plate.
• Utilizing commute time to engage with English content can transform dead time into valuable practice moments.
• Active listening is key: mentally engage with content by asking the five W's to deepen understanding and retention.
• Lunch breaks present a unique opportunity to practice conversation skills in English, even if it's just sharing one thought.
• Starting with just two minutes of practice can help build a sustainable habit of learning English throughout the day.

Takeaways:

1. When preparing for the CELPIP speaking exam, focus on actual conversation practice instead of passive activities.
2. Avoid spending excessive time on reading or writing; prioritize speaking with native speakers instead.
3. One-on-one conversations can be short yet effective; even brief interactions build your speaking skills.
4. Practice often and in small doses; frequent short conversations are more beneficial than infrequent long sessions.
5. Engaging with people helps you think on your feet, mirroring the exam's quick-response nature.
6. Stepping outside your comfort zone is crucial; don’t shy away from speaking just because you're an introvert.

But here’s the deal: if you keep doing the same thing, expecting different results, you're probably just going to wind up in the same stuck spot where you are now.

It’s crucial to stop and evaluate your approach—what’s working, what’s not, and what changes you can make to your study system.

Today, I’m sharing my 5 (almost 6) year journey of fighting chronic back pain, and the many failed treatment plans I've been trying to follow that seem to work at the start, and then end of as a fail.

The lesson: don't keep doing what you're currently doing if the results you're getting aren't what you need to be getting!

Need help checking on your CELPIP preparation process? Hit me up for a free 30 minute consult. We'll check out your current prep plan, and I'll do my best to help you make sure you're doing the right things, and that you're stopping doing the wrong things to get you the score you need. To take advantage of this offer, just go here. (Yes, it's totally free!)

So before you dive back into that exam, let’s chat about how to revamp your strategy and set yourself up for success.

Setbacks can be tough to navigate, especially when they involve something as crucial as the CELPIP exam. I recently heard about a Reddit user who faced the daunting challenge of taking the exam seven times without the success they were hoping for. Their perseverance is commendable, but it raises an important question: Are we effectively using our time and resources? If you find yourself preparing for an exam over and over again without improvement, it’s time to reassess your approach.

What is your current system, and how is it working for you? In my own experience dealing with chronic back pain, I realized that sticking to the same treatment methods was not yielding any significant improvement. I had to switch from general physiotherapy to more specialized care focused on my specific issues.

This change not only provided relief but also made me reconsider the importance of adapting my strategies based on the results I was seeing. For anyone preparing for the CELPIP exam, this could mean exploring different study methods, seeking specialized help, or immersing yourself in English to build your skills more naturally.

Need help figuring out what might not be working right in your CELPIP prep system? Set up a free 30 minute chat with me, and I'll help you focus on the right things in your CELPIP prep.

As you prepare to take the exam again, I encourage you to pause and critically analyze your preparation strategies. Are they truly effective, or are you simply repeating the same behaviors that led to previous outcomes? If you keep receiving the same scores, it might be an indication that it’s time for a change in your system. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance in evaluating your current methods. Together, we can identify what’s not working and find new ways to help you succeed.

Takeaways:

1. Persisting through multiple attempts, like our Reddit friend, showcases incredible grit and determination.
2. Before retaking the CELPIP exam, take a moment to reassess your preparation strategies and approach.
3. Changing your preparation system is crucial if you're not seeing improvements in your CELPIP scores.
4. Surrounding yourself, and engaging with English speakers is essential for improving your language skills effectively.
5. Consider seeking out specialized help for your specific challenges rather than general advice.
6. Understand that your current CELPIP score reflects your present level of English, not your potential.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. Cambridge dictionary meaning of system: A way of doing things.
2. Get personalized help with your CELPIP prep. Book your no cost 30 minute consult right here.

Today you'll learn how to build a quick map of the text using skimming and scanning techniques, which will guide you in finding answers more efficiently.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical tools to power up your reading skills, so you can approach task three and four of the CELPIP with confidence.

It's not about trying to read everything.

It's not about rushing to try and answer the questions!

In order to succeed on this section of the CELPIP you need to learn how to quickly build a map of the text you're working with. Today's podcast will show you how.

Struggling with time management during the reading section of the CELPIP exam is a common issue. Many test-takers find themselves overwhelmed, particularly in the more challenging tasks three and four, where the complexity of the texts increases significantly. This episode dives deep into an actionable strategy designed to help you navigate this hurdle effectively. By focusing on the randomness of the text and its questions, we highlight the importance of adjusting your approach to reading. Instead of diving straight into the questions or attempting to read every word, I recommend building a 'map' for your reading. This involves quickly skimming paragraphs to identify key themes or keywords and taking careful (but quick!) note of them, so they can guide you in answering questions efficiently.

With only ten minutes to tackle nine questions, every second counts, and honing your skimming, scanning and note taking skills can make a world of difference on your reading task results.

It's crucial to be strategic in where you focus your attention, ensuring that you don’t waste precious time searching for answers scattered throughout the text.

Takeaways:

1. Managing time effectively on the CELPIP reading section is crucial, so strategize your approach to ensure you don't run out of time before answering all questions.
2. Avoid jumping straight into the questions or reading the entire text first; instead, build a map of the paragraphs for better navigation during the exam.
3. Focus on skimming for keywords in the text rather than reading every word; this saves time and helps in finding answers efficiently.
4. Practice reading a variety of materials to broaden your vocabulary and comprehension skills; this prepares you for diverse topics on the CELPIP exam.
5. Use your notepaper wisely to jot down keywords and ideas that summarize each paragraph; this will guide you during the question-answering phase.
6. Understanding the structure of paragraphs and identifying topic sentences can significantly aid in grasping the main ideas quickly during the exam.

Over the past couple of years, I've had the chance to work closely with many individuals prepping for their CELPIP exam, and let me tell you, I've seen some patterns emerge. A few common mistakes pop up time and again, alongside some golden strategies that really shine through. In today’s talk, I’m diving into three of the biggest pitfalls I’ve noticed, plus one standout technique that can set you apart. First off, let’s chat about timing. A major blunder I see is students not wrapping up their speaking tasks correctly—either they finish too soon or they run over the time limit. Each speaking task has a specific time frame, and it’s crucial to nail that sweet spot right at the end. For instance, if you have 60 seconds, aim to conclude your answer in the final 10 seconds. I advise practicing with a voice memo app on your phone. Record yourself answering mock questions and pay close attention to the time. This practice can help you get comfortable with pacing your responses without going over or finishing too early.

Next, let’s tackle the issue of specificity in your responses. Too often, I hear vague statements lacking the necessary depth. To avoid this, remember to formulate your answers with a clear structure: make a statement, provide a reason or example, and repeat this three times. This formula not only boosts the quality of your responses but also helps you articulate your thoughts more clearly. If you say something like “Taking a cruise is the best budget travel option,” follow it up with “because it allows you to see multiple destinations without the extra travel costs.” This way, you’re substantiating your statements, making them richer and more compelling.

Finally, let’s not forget that mistakes happen. It’s perfectly normal to stumble during your speaking tasks. The key is how you handle those slips. Instead of panicking, if you catch yourself making an error, simply correct it on the fly and keep moving forward. I’ve seen students recover seamlessly from small mistakes, and it doesn’t typically result in point deductions as long as they’re minor and infrequent. Remember, the examiners are looking for your overall ability to communicate, not just a flawless performance. So, don’t be discouraged by slip-ups; quickly adjust and carry on. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to acing your CELPIP exam!

Takeaways:

• Always finish your speaking task within the last 10 seconds of the time limit to avoid penalties.
• When answering questions, provide three statements supported by reasons or examples to show depth.
• If you make a mistake during your speaking test, quickly correct it and continue without losing confidence.
• Practice using a voice memo app to time your responses and improve your speaking accuracy.
• Avoid rushing your answers by pacing yourself and using the full allotted time wisely.
• Prepare for the exam by simulating the test conditions and focusing on clarity and structure.

I found myself in that exact situation with juice, thinking I had purchased some on my last grocery trip. But when I went to get it for breakfast a day later...it was nowhere to be found!

Turns out, my juice was merely hiding in plain sight, just like the information you may need for Reading Task 2 on the CELPIP exam. This episode dives into the importance of previewing diagrams and emails before diving into questions. I’ll share actionable strategies to help you avoid the common pitfall of rushing in and missing critical information. Join me as we unravel the ins and outs of this reading task to boost your effectiveness during the test!

Takeaways:

• Understanding the importance of previewing diagrams can significantly improve your performance on reading tasks.
• Don't rush into answering questions; take a moment to identify key information first.
• Building your vocabulary daily through diverse reading can help you recognize paraphrasing in exam questions.
• Recognizing keywords in both the diagram and the email is crucial for accurately answering questions during the exam.

I’ve spent years sticking to scripted, well planned episodes for this podcast, but I’ve realized that this comfort zone has kept me from growing. I’ve decided to challenge myself by ditching the script and embracing a more spontaneous approach.

By using bullet points instead and committing to shorter episodes, I’m aiming to reduce my workload while also modeling a crucial lesson: stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for growth.

As I work my way through this new style, I encourage you to reflect on your own habits. If speaking English makes you nervous, you might be avoiding it altogether. Let’s change that together. This month, I invite you to engage in one short, spontaneous conversation in English each day.

By practicing these small interactions, you’ll gradually build confidence and improve your skills while also learning to embrace the imperfect nature of real conversations. Remember, confidence in speaking comes from practice, not from textbooks or classes. Let’s take this challenge on together and see how we can grow! Are you in?

Takeaways:

• Improving your English speaking skills, particularly for the CELPIP exam, requires stepping out of your comfort zone.
• Engaging in spontaneous conversations, even for short durations, builds confidence and fluency in speaking.
• Avoiding opportunities to speak English due to fear can limit your progress and language learning.
• Setting achievable goals, like daily 5 minute conversations, can significantly improve your English proficiency over time.
• Don't be afraid of mistakes while speaking! They will help you develop a confident, natural speaking style.

It got me thinking about those warning signs we often ignore in our lives—just like I ignored the alarm on my dashboard. I realized that burnout can sneak up on us when we least expect it, and it’s crucial to pay attention to those early indicators before we stall completely. In this episode, I dive into some of the signs of burnout, share personal experiences about a time I burnt out as well as a far more serious example of a colleague who burnt out and could not return to work.

Listen to hear some practical ways to recharge and find balance before you reach a breaking point. So, let’s chat about how to keep our emotional batteries charged and avoid those dead ends.

Takeaways:

• It's crucial to pay attention to the warning signs in our lives, much like we would with a car's dashboard indicators. Ignoring them can lead to serious consequences.
• Experiencing burnout often looks like exhaustion and disengagement from activities we used to enjoy, signalling that something needs to change in our routine.
• Reducing unnecessary pressures in our lives can be a huge help for your mental health, allowing you to recharge and focus.
• Finding simple activities that can uplift your spirit, like walking or spending time with loved ones, can be incredibly helpful for combating feelings of burnout and exhaustion.

Put these ideas to work!

If you are getting some of these warning signals in your life, what are you going to do about them?

Ignoring them won't make them go away! I hope you'll find an activity that helps you recharge, and that you're able to reduce the load you are carrying, and if needed: that you find someone you can talk to about this.

Deeper, more engaging conversations challenge us to use (and learn!) new words and phrases which is exactly what you need to have happening often if you want to see your speaking and vocabulary skills improve.

Takeaways:

• Practice your English daily, but ensure that your conversations go beyond surface-level exchanges. Aim for deeper discussions that challenge your vocabulary and fluency.
• If you're feeling stuck in your English speaking, take a moment to identify the types of practice you engage in every day. Are they meaningful or just routine?
• Don't let nerves hold you back from speaking. Embrace opportunities to express yourself, even if it feels uncomfortable at first, and push through your comfort zone.
• Develop a vocabulary journal to track new words and phrases. Write them down and commit to using them in conversation multiple times to reinforce your learning.
• Challenge yourself to initiate conversations on topics you usually avoid. This pattern interruption can help you break free from predictable dialogue and foster growth in your language skills.
• Recognize that making mistakes is a part of learning. Every time you struggle to find the right word, you're identifying areas for improvement and growth in your vocabulary.

Takeaways:

• To confidently aim for a CLB 7 on the CELPIP exam, assess your English proficiency realistically before the exam date.
• Being able to engage in spontaneous conversations with strangers indicates a solid intermediate level of English skills.
• Understanding and expressing your opinions clearly is crucial for reaching a CLB 7 on the CELPIP exam.
• Regularly using English in daily situations shows you're likely at an intermediate level, preparing you for the CELPIP exam.
• Practice handling unexpected phone calls in English to boost your confidence for the CELPIP exam.
• Set aside one to three months for targeted preparation to familiarize yourself with the CELPIP exam format and expectations.

Today, I’m diving into how to keep your motivational fires burning when all you want to do is hide under a blanket and binge-watch your favourite shows. I'm going to be sharing some insightful strategies to tackle those low-energy days, with a focus on the fact that motivation isn’t a magical feeling that just hits you out of nowhere. Instead, it’s about taking action—yep, just getting started is often the key.

I’ll also touch on the importance of creating simple routines that pull you into practice, and how breaking down your goals can help you push through the inevitable dips we all face. So, if you've been struggling to stay on track with your English practice or CELPIP prep, listen in to today's episode—I've got some practical tips that you can put into action right away!

The struggle of motivation is something we can all relate to. Whether you're preparing for the CELPIP exam or just trying to maintain your English skills, there are moments when picking up that textbook or logging into a practice app feels like an impossible task. I've been there too, and it's a universal challenge. Today, I want to dive deep into understanding where that lack of motivation comes from and, more importantly, how we can actively combat it.

A key insight I've discovered is from James Clear, who suggests that motivation often follows action rather than precedes it. This means that instead of waiting for that spark of enthusiasm to hit, we should just get started. Even the smallest action can spark that motivation we thought was lost. Think of it as a snowball effect; once we begin, it’s much easier to keep the momentum going.

Another practical takeaway is the importance of establishing a simple pre-game routine. This could be as easy as setting out your study materials or even putting on your headphones to listen to English podcasts. The key is to make this routine effortless so that you can begin your practice without needing to muster up motivation each time.

We'll also look into the concept of the dip, that author Seth Godin writes about in a book that goes by the same name, The Dip!

The dip refers to those inevitable periods when progress feels stagnant. Understanding that these dips are normal and part of the learning process can help us push through and continue working towards our language goals.

In wrapping up, I want to encourage you to embrace the idea that motivation is not a magical feeling we wait for. Instead, it’s something we create through action. So, let’s not wait; let's set those simple routines and begin our practice today! If you have a pre-game routine or plan in mind, I’d love to hear about it. Share your thoughts with me!

Takeaways:

• Motivation isn't some magical spark that appears; it's actually a byproduct of taking action.
• To overcome the slump or lack of motivation, just getting started can create the momentum needed to keep going.
• Creating a simple pre-practice routine can help trigger your study sessions and make them easier to start.
• Don't focus on the end goal alone; break it down into smaller, manageable tasks to keep yourself engaged.
• Physical movement is crucial; get up, move around, and your mental energy will follow suit during study sessions.
• Monitor your progress regularly to stay motivated, especially after achieving milestones in your learning journey.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• By James Clear: How To Get Motivated When You Don't Feel Like it. , | Motivation: The scientific guide on how to get and stay motivated.
• Seth Godin: The Dip (Here's a helpful book summary.)
• Dr. Ayelet Fischbach: How to set the right goals and stay motivated

The key takeaway?

It's all about shaking things up in your conversations. We’ll discuss actionable strategies like using pattern interrupt questions to spark deeper conversations, using specific details in your responses, and ensuring your tone reflects genuine emotion. Get ready to level up your speaking skills and connect more meaningfully with others!

Stuck at a speaking score of 8? You're not alone. In today's episode, I'll be helping someone over on Reddit - Kitchenbaby8812 - who shared a relatable struggle that many face when preparing for the CELPIP exam, particularly in speaking.

It’s frustrating when you feel like you’re putting in the effort—conversing with coworkers, studying diligently—but the results just don’t match.

In this discussion, I'll dive into actionable strategies that can help break you free from that 8.

I'll explore the power of deeper connections in conversations, emphasizing that surface-level chats often fail to encourage the growth you need to improve speaking skills. I'll encourage you to introduce 'pattern interrupt' questions into your discussions to move conversations from mundane to meaningful, unlocking new vocabulary and expressions in the process.

Moreover, we address the importance of detail in responses—encouraging you to move beyond bland answers. When expressing your thoughts, being specific is key; instead of saying “the park is nice in the fall,” try “the bright orange and yellow colours of the leaves in Stanley Park are amazing.”

This not only improves your responses but also makes them more engaging for the listener. I stress that practice is essential: make sure you're using your cell phone's voice recorder to hear and check your tone and detail in responses.

Additionally, I discuss the role of emotion in speaking. A monotone voice can detract from your message, so make sure you fill your responses with appropriate feeling, adapting your tone to match the content of your speech. This vibrancy can be the difference between a score of 8 and a higher mark. By combining these strategies—asking engaging questions, providing detailed answers, and expressing emotion—you can work toward breaking through that speaking barrier and achieving the scores you desire.

Takeaways:

• To improve your speaking skills, focus on using details! Avoid bland and boring!
• Incorporate pattern interrupt questions into your conversations to encourage deeper conversations.
• Make sure you use emotion in your voice.
• Practice recording your speaking responses to evaluate your tone and detail for improvement.
• When possible, personalize your answers as if talking to a friend to sound more natural.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Join the premium version of this podcast: celpipsuccess.com/prices

First up, let's tackle clock anxiety, that nerve-wracking moment when the timer starts and your mind goes blank. I suggest a simple yet effective practice routine: time yourself as you respond to speaking tasks and record your answers. This way, you’ll become familiar with the pressure of the ticking clock, allowing you to keep your cool on test day.

Next, I address the common issue of noise interference, where external sounds can disrupt your focus. Incorporating background noise during practice sessions can simulate exam conditions and enhance your ability to concentrate despite distractions. By putting in the reps and practicing these strategies, you’ll walk into your CELPIP exam feeling confident and prepared.

A Deeper Look

Diving into the world of CELPIP exam preparation, today I discuss two crucial topics that often plague test-takers: clock anxiety and distractions during the speaking exam. Many students experience that moment of panic when the timer starts—their minds go blank, and they struggle to articulate coherent thoughts.

To tackle clock anxiety, I emphasize the importance of practicing under timed conditions well in advance. It’s not just about knowing the language; it's about getting comfortable with the pressure of time.

I recommend using your smartphone's timer to simulate exam conditions. Set a timer for 30 seconds for brainstorming, followed by 60 or 90 seconds to deliver your response. This practice helps you become accustomed to managing your thoughts while keeping an eye on the clock, thus reducing anxiety significantly.

I also suggest wrapping up your responses in the last ten seconds to ensure you make a strong conclusion and finish within the time limit. This method not only calms the nerves but also enhances your overall performance on test day.

Shifting gears, I address another common challenge: staying focused amidst distractions. Many candidates report losing concentration when they hear others speaking or environmental noise during the exam.

To prepare for this, we recommend practicing your speaking tasks in noisy environments. Instead of avoiding noise, embrace it! Play talk radio or a TV program in the background while you practice. This strategy trains your brain to filter out distractions, allowing you to focus on your speaking task, even when it gets chaotic.

The goal is to create a cognitive load that prepares you for the real exam scenario. By continuously working with distractions, you’ll build resilience and improve your ability to concentrate, ensuring you deliver your best performance when it counts.

The essence of both strategies lies in repetition; the more you practice, the more natural it becomes to handle the pressure of the exam. It's all about building familiarity with the conditions you’ll face. As you integrate these practices into your study routine, you'll find that what once seemed daunting becomes manageable. Remember, the key to conquering the CELPIP exam lies in preparation and practice. With dedication and these practical tips, you’ll approach test day with confidence and clarity, ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way.

Takeaways:

• Practicing against the clock months before your exam helps reduce clock anxiety effectively.
• Use your phone's timer app to practice CELPIP speaking tasks in real-time conditions.
• Incorporate noise into your practice sessions to prepare for distractions during the exam.
• Focus on keeping your ideas flowing while glancing at the timer to manage your time well.
• Set aside time to brainstorm before speaking; it's crucial for organizing your thoughts.
• Utilize background noise during practice to build resilience against distractions on test day.

Links I mention today:

My previous podcast episode: How do I overcomer distractions on my CELPIP exam day?

• The lesson from the photography experiment emphasizes quantity over perfection when learning English.
• Frequent practice and making mistakes lead to improved skills in speaking English effectively.
• Understanding and following task instructions is crucial for achieving high scores on the CELPIP exam.
• Avoid unnecessary introductions in your responses; get straight to the point to save time.
• Regularly using English, even imperfectly, will significantly enhance your overall speaking abilities.
• Focus on the number of times you engage in speaking rather than the duration of each speaking opportunity.

The Links I mentioned:

My LinkedIn video experiment.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the CELPIP Success Podcast

00:49 If you want a habit to improve, practice it frequently!

02:03 The power of frequency vs quality in your practice

03:14 Learning from Bad Podcast Experiences

04:46 What you can learn from a bad podcast episode?

07:32 Make sure you quickly get to the point!

09:13 Embracing Experiments for Personal Growth

14:19 The trends I'm noticing

Takeaways:

• Getting stuck at a CELPIP score of six or seven doesn't mean failure; it's a signal of your current English proficiency level.
• To truly improve your CELPIP scores, focus on enhancing your overall English skills over time rather than solely cramming for the exam.
• Surrounding yourself with English speakers and actively engaging in conversations is crucial to breaking out of your first language bubble.
• Joining clubs or groups related to your interests provides a fun way to practice English and build social connections in your new community.

Links referenced in this episode:

Track These Numbers To Improve Your CELPIP Scores I also share about why studying harder for the CELPIP likely won't bump up your score. But this is what will!

• celpipsuccess.com/premiumpodcast Join the premium podcast! It's free in September.

In this episode, I dive into my own struggles with two very different habits: stretching, which is crucial for my chronic back pain, and writing, something I’m passionate about but have trouble committing to.

I’ve recently discovered a simple but effective method that’s really helped me stick to my daily stretching routine: setting a reminder on my phone and tracking my progress.

This approach can easily be adapted for anyone looking to make time for CELPIP prep or any other practice.

So, if you’ve been finding it tough to incorporate those important habits into your life, stick around and listen to today's episode—I'm sharing practical strategies that can help you take real steps forward!

Takeaways:

• Building a new habit can feel overwhelmingly hard, even when it's something you want to do.
• Setting a daily reminder can effectively help you stay consistent with your practice.
• Start small with your practice; even dedicating just two minutes can lead to significant progress.
• Tracking your habits can keep you motivated and help you see your improvement over time.
• Don't be discouraged by setbacks; simply pick up your habit where you left off and keep going.
• Finding a way to make your practice enjoyable or meaningful can boost your commitment to it.

Takeaways:

• Repetition in language use can be a comfort zone trap; breaking free requires conscious effort.
• Utilizing pre-thinking strategies helps prepare for spontaneous speaking tasks and reduces repetition.
• Practicing vocabulary in everyday situations can increase fluency and minimize the urge to repeat phrases.
• Engaging in real-world conversations forces you to adapt and expand your language skills effectively.
• Identifying gaps in your vocabulary is essential for improving fluency and avoiding repetitive language use.
• Stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial for language development; take risks with your English regularly.

Links referenced in this episode:

Gretchen McCulloch's post mentioning "Pre-Thinking." - 12 Ways to stop freezing up when you try to speak a second language

Previous Podcast Episode: How To Stop Overusing Words and Phrases in English To Get A Higher CELPIP Score

My LinkedIn video post where I take a giant risk and post my first video.

One of the key takeaways is that it's totally acceptable to rely on "going to" and "will" when making predictions about what’s happening in the picture.

I also emphasize the importance of providing clear location details to help the test rater and your listeners in general, visualize the scene better.

Additionally, I'll explore how short, natural conclusions are perfectly fine, as they can add a nice touch to your responses.

Lastly, I will discuss the value of connecting elements together in the image you are describing, illustrating how one action can lead to another, creating a more engaging narrative in your description.

Takeaways:

• Using 'going to' and 'will' frequently is perfectly acceptable for making predictions in speaking task four.
• Specifying the location of subjects in your description helps the listener understand your context better.
• Short conclusions are valid as long as they feel natural and not rushed in the speaking task.
• Connecting elements in the picture can create a narrative, showing how actions impact each other.
• It's crucial to be aware that learning French for immigration requires substantial time and effort, not a quick fix.
• Maximizing your English proficiency before considering French is essential for a successful immigration strategy.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Speaking Task 4 Webinar (From the official CELPIP YouTube channel.)
• Rattandeep Singh, RCIC post about French as your immigration pathway.
• Dr. Veronica Sepher's comment
• How long it takes to learn French: AllianceFrancaise and Create Career College.

After 17 years of teaching, I've seen time and again that the folks who dare to engage in conversations—mistakes and all—are the ones who progress the fastest.

I’m also sharing my own journey of stepping out of my comfort zone, from changing the name of this podcast to trying new formats and interview styles. So, if you’re ready to challenge yourself and see real improvement, let’s get into it and explore how taking risks can lead to significant strides in your English journey!

Takeaways:

• Stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial for improving your English skills.
• Making mistakes in conversation is a sign of progress and should be embraced.
• Engaging with English speakers is scary, but it can significantly transform your English skills.
• Why I changed the name of this podcast. (Stepping out of MY comfort zone.)
• Why I'm trying an experiment: Publishing episodes bi-weekly.
• Taking breaks is vital; it helps you recharge and improves your ability to use your English.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Take my 3 question survey and share your feedback with me.
• My previous episode: first interview in over a year with Ana Canseco

This episode dives deep into the emotional and practical readiness required for immigration, emphasizing that it’s not just about paperwork but also about preparing for the reality of starting over in a new country. Ana stresses the importance of community and connection, as well as the necessity of letting go of preconceived notions about how things should be.

You will gain insights on overcoming the loneliness that often accompanies this journey and learn how to strategically approach your immigration goals, ensuring you stay informed and adaptable in the face of change.

Takeaways:

• Immigration often humbles you, requiring emotional and practical resilience.
• Underestimating the need to adapt professionally can lead to significant delays in achieving your career goals.
• Building a support network is crucial when navigating the challenges of a new country, especially for immigrants.
• Letting go of preconceived notions about success can open doors to unexpected opportunities in life and work.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Read Ana's post on LinkedIn: Emotional vs Practical Readiness to immigrate
• Check out Ana's website and book a consultation!
• Follow Ana on LinkedIn

Takeaways:

• Many candidates struggle with managing their time during the CELPIP reading section, leading to unfinished questions.
• Reading every word in the CELPIP reading section may actually hinder your ability to complete the exam.
• Scanning is a crucial skill that allows you to quickly find key information in texts without reading everything.
• To improve your scanning skills, focus on identifying keywords from the questions to streamline your reading process.

Links referenced in this episode:

Join the CELPIP Success School - 70% off deal: celpipsuccess.com/listener

• Butte College A skimming and scanning tip sheet.
• Podcast Episode on Skimming and Scanning
• CELPIP Success School

Focusing solely on chasing a specific number can lead to frustration and disappointment. Instead, you should be concentrating on building your English skills through real-life use and conversation.

By tracking how often you engage in English each day, you can see real progress that will ultimately reflect in your test scores.

Stop aiming for a perfect score on the CELPIP! Instead of fixating on the elusive numbers like 9s and 10s, you should be focusing your energy on something much more impactful: your everyday English usage.

The CELPIP exam is designed to measure your current level of English, and no amount of cramming will magically elevate your score if your skills aren’t up to par.

It’s not about how hard you study; it’s about how effectively you use English in real-life situations.

A practical takeaway? Start tracking the number of times you engage in conversations in English daily. When you shift your focus from worrying about test scores to actively using our language skills, you will also be, over time, improving your scores on the CELPIP too.

Takeaways:

• Chasing a specific score on the CELPIP exam can lead to frustration; focus on improving your English skills instead.
• To increase your CELPIP score, prioritize using English in daily conversations rather than just studying harder.
• Track the number of times you use English each day; this metric is crucial for improvement.
• Adding details, examples, and personal stories to your conversations will enhance your responses on the exam.
• Pay attention to your tone of voice while speaking; conveying emotion is essential during the CELPIP exam.
• Break away from relying on crutch words; using varied expressions will make your speaking more dynamic.

Chapters

00:00 Chasing the Wrong Metrics

02:55 Building English Skills for Success

04:25 The Metrics You SHOULD be tracking

05:58 Practical Strategies for Everyday English Use

08:30 Expressing Emotion and Tone in English

10:56 Avoiding Crutch Words for Better Communication

14:00 The Importance of Consistent Practice

Ready for a surprise? The answer is not more study time!

The real secret to stronger speaking skills that will give you stronger CELPIP test results come from more time connecting with others in real conversations!

Today I also tackle a FAQ from a reader about how long you should dedicate to studying for the CELPIP exam to see real progress.

Spoiler alert: cramming for the CELPIP won't help you. Listen to find out what will!

Takeaways:

• Improving speaking skills involves real interactions, not just studying from notes or books.
• Consistency in daily practice for two to three months is key for CELPIP preparation.
• A CELPIP prep course prepares you for exam format but won't drastically improve your English level.
• Stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for growth in language proficiency.
• Learn how to notice and celebrate your small achievements as you are using your English.

Join the CELPIP Success School, and we'll work together to get you ready for your exam.

We'll explore how negative experiences—like embarrassing mistakes or awkward moments—can really knock us down and make us hesitate to use our English again. I share some personal stories, drawing from my own struggles, to emphasize that you're not alone in feeling this way.

We’ll also discuss two actionable strategies to help you recover from those tough moments: expressing what you feel and a zero pressure strategy that will ease you back into speaking English in no time - no matter how bad an experience you've just had.

Takeaways:

• Building self-confidence in speaking English is a gradual process! It takes time and persistence.
• Negative speaking experiences can deeply affect your confidence, but they don’t define you.
• It's crucial to express feelings of embarrassment or shame related to speaking mistakes. Don't bottle them up!
• Engaging passively in conversations is a helpful step to rebuild confidence after a big failure.
• Talking about negative experiences can provide perspective, helping you to move on.
• Having a supportive buddy can make it easier to join conversations and regain your confidence.

Links referenced in this episode:

Join the CELPIP Success School - and let's work on your CELPIP prep together! celpipsuccess.com/listener

Quote:

Social confidence can be developed by practicing in social settings. Individuals can observe the structure and flow of any conversation before jumping in, and they can prepare questions or topics to discuss ahead of time. - Psychology Today

In this episode, we dive deep into how a lack of confidence can hold you back from using your English effectively, ultimately stalling your progress.

Research indicates that a staggering 70% of students often struggle with self-confidence when it comes to their English skills. Today, we're exploring practical strategies to boost your confidence, emphasizing the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people who encourage you.

As we'll discuss, taking action and practicing your English consistently creates a kind of positive feedback loop, where increased use leads to improved confidence, and vice versa.

Takeaways:

• Building confidence is essential for improving your fluency skills and achieving higher CELPIP scores.
• A significant majority of learners struggle with self-confidence in their English skills, which hinders progress.
• Positive influences from supportive people can dramatically boost your confidence and willingness to practice English.
• Taking action and using your English skills regularly is key to building confidence and fluency in the language.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Psychology Today: Confidence.
• Where Does Self-Confidence Come From? Dr. Glass.
• That New Yorker quote from Liza Donnelly
• School of Podcasting
• The epic 289 university student study!

If you need help with your CELPIP skills, and need some more positive support in your life as you do it, then look no further. Join me in the CELPIP Success School.

I’ve been reflecting on my own experiences as an introvert learning Spanish, and I’ve noticed that without making a conscious decision to participate, I often find myself lingering on the outskirts of discussions.

This tendency of not participating in conversations happening around us can hinder our progress and limit our opportunities for practice. By setting a simple intention before each interaction—like sharing at least one idea or opinion—we can break down those barriers and start building momentum. It’s all about taking that first step, which can lead to greater confidence and more meaningful interactions in English.

Takeaways:

• Your mindset significantly influences how you engage in conversations, especially in a second language.
• Choosing to contribute even once in a conversation can boost your confidence immensely.
• Introversion doesn't have to hinder your language learning journey; it can even offer unique advantages.
• Taking the initiative to speak, even just once, helps to create momentum for future interactions.
• Focusing on sharing one idea or opinion opens the door to more meaningful conversations.
• Every small step taken in using your language skills counts as progress, no matter how minor it seems.

Would you like to get even more tips and strategies for your CELPIP prep? Sign up for my free weekly newsletter, and I'll send them directly to your inbox! (It's free!)

I'll be talking about how small actions like a brief 2 or 3 minute conversation, can help you get moving forward again.

It’s all about starting small. By following a few actionable steps, you can shift your mindset from inaction to progress,

Listen to today's episode and discover how just five minutes can spark a wave of momentum in your life.

Takeaways:

• Feeling overwhelmed often leads to inaction, but just five minutes of simple action can start momentum.
• Engaging in short conversations can lead to powerful results!
• Effective practice for language learning can happen in brief, focused sessions.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• LinkedIn post by James Clear

This episode dives into the harsh realities of the CELPIP exam and will help you think carefully about the claims of people who "seem" to succeed effortlessly on the test, while most others have to work hard for good results.

We explore the importance of proper preparation, highlighting the skills necessary to deal with distractions and improve listening abilities effectively. By immersing ourselves in practice that simulates real test conditions, you'll be able to handle any disturbance that comes your way!

Join us as we unpack practical tips to boost your CELPIP performance.

Takeaways:

• It's crucial to have a solid preparation strategy that focuses on real test conditions.
• Practice in noisy environments can help you improve your concentration and listening skills.
• Using the 5W's method for note-taking will improve your listening comprehension significantly.
• Don't fall for scams that promise high CELPIP scores without effort or preparation.
• Consistent short practice sessions are far more effective than occasional long study marathons.
• Remember, comparing yourself to others can lead to unnecessary stress and hinder your progress.

Links referenced in this episode:

Join the CELPIP Success School with this 70% special podcast listener discount: celpipsuccess.com/listener

CBC.ca

Entrepreneur Article: I Was Promoted 5 Times in 6.5 Years at LinkedIn. The Secret to My Success Was This 3-Step Meeting Prep Strategy

Not the golf article I was referencing, but it's similar.

Today, I dive into some solid strategies to help you break through those barriers and improve your fluency.

The key takeaway? Embrace the discomfort of stepping outside your comfort zone, even if it’s just a mini step. I share practical tips to engage in more conversations, like asking open-ended questions and sharing your experiences, which can make a significant difference in your speaking skills. By pushing yourself to use English in everyday situations, you’ll find that those frustrating moments of drawing a blank happen less often, ultimately boosting your confidence and performance on the exam and in your day-to-day useage of English.

Takeaways:

• To enhance your English speaking fluency, embrace discomfort by engaging in conversations regularly.
• Drawing a blank while speaking English is normal; everyone experiences it, so don't stress too much. Instead, take small steps to begin improving your fluency skills.
• Practicing speaking requires more than just studying; you must actively engage in real conversations.
• Start small by asking open-ended questions in casual conversations to build confidence in your speaking.
• Daily mini steps out of your comfort zone can lead to significant improvements in your fluency.
• Remember, the more you practice speaking English in everyday situations, the better prepared you'll be for the CELPIP exam.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Cambridge Dictionary definition of fluency.
• Join the CELPIP Success School and we'll work on taking those mini, small and big steps towards your CELPIP goals together.

We all have the same 24 hours, yet how we fill them varies significantly, impacting our outcomes. In this episode, we'll dive deep into the challenge of competing priorities—balancing responsibilities like work, family, and personal goals while ensuring we carve out time for important tasks, such as exam preparation.

We explore practical strategies for taking responsibility for our time management and recognizing which "quadrant" of our lives we spend the most time in. By understanding where our focus lies, we can make intentional shifts that lead us closer to our objectives and help us invest in what truly matters.

Takeaways:

• We all have the same 24 hours each day, but how we utilize them varies widely. And so do our results!
• Competing priorities often challenge our ability to focus on what matters most to us.
• Recognizing and taking responsibility for our time management is crucial for achieving our goals.
• Assessing which quadrant of time we're operating in can significantly impact our productivity and focus.

Links mentioned today:

Franklin Covey Website: Habit 3

From Purdue University: Prioritizing Your To-do's

John Maxwell: You Cannot Manage Time

Need help with your CELPIP Prep? Join the CELPIP Success School. (Get a special 70% off subscriber only deal with this link!)

Think about your commute, breaks, or even what you watch on TV.

In today's episode, we’re diving into how you can turn those moments into opportunities for practice without the stress of traditional studying. By shifting your mindset, you can find ways to improve your skills while enjoying your day-to-day activities. Let’s explore how to make English a natural part of your life!

Takeaways:

• Are your daily activities moving your closer to or further from your English goals?
• Transforming your English and CELPIP skills doesn't require adding more to your busy schedule. Think differently about what you're already doing!
• Incorporate English practice into your daily routines instead of trying to add to your already busy schedule.
• Using commute time for audiobooks can help you learn without extra effort or time.
• Engaging in conversations over meals can significantly boost your English fluency and confidence.
• Reflecting on your weekly accomplishments can boost your motivation while helping you track your progress.

Previous Episode Mentioned today: Track your CELPIP Prep Progress

Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter right here.

Writing things down not only makes our achievements visible but also helps frame our challenges in a more constructive light. It’s a reminder that even small progress is worth celebrating, and that recognizing your wins can lead to a more positive mindset.

Takeaways:

• Recognize and document your achievements: you'll be surprised when you start noticing what you are actually doing to develop your language skills.
• Implementing the see-think-move method can make a big difference in your English skills by minimizing the gap between what you learn and how you apply what you learn.
• You have a unique writing voice when you write that needs to come out! Don't let AI tools turn your voice down.
• Focusing on a single task at a time is more productive than multitasking, especially when preparing for exams like CELPIP.

Links referenced in this episode:

To subscribe to my free newsletter just go to: celpipsuccess.com .

• Previous Podcast Episode: Speed Listening: How Fast Is Too Fast For Learning?
• From Psychology Today: The Power of Single Tasking
• From Entrepreneur.com: How to Get A Promotion Using A 3-Step Meeting Prep Strategy

This episode dives deep into practical strategies to help you overcome that anxiety and start brainstorming effectively. We’ll explore three engaging activities to boost your creativity and quick-thinking skills, ensuring you're ready for any topic that comes your way on the CELPIP.

So, if you often find yourself drawing a blank under pressure, stick around for some straightforward and fun tips that will make your speaking practice a lot more enjoyable.

Takeaways:

• Time management is crucial for exam success, especially when under pressure during tasks.
• Generating ideas quickly can be challenging, especially when faced with a ticking timer.
• It's important to focus on quantity of ideas over quality; don't judge them while brainstorming.
• Using personal experiences can significantly improve your answers and provide depth to your responses.
• Engaging in fun games like Story Tag can improve your creative thinking skills for speaking tasks.
• Practicing prediction skills through activities can help prepare you for various speaking tasks effectively.

Links referenced in this episode:

Grab your free guide mentioned in today's episode.

celpipsuccess.com/resources

Today, we dive into practical strategies that can help you make that happen.

One of the most crucial things we discuss is the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone. We all know it can feel intimidating to take risks, whether it’s speaking up in meetings or volunteering for presentations, but these moments are essential for growth.

Additionally, we explore how to make use of your smartphone as a tool for practice, encouraging you to record yourself and analyze your responses for improvement. So, if you’re ready to embrace challenges in order to transform your English speaking skills, then let's get this episode started!

Takeaways:

• To increase your speaking skills from an 8 to a 10, stepping out of your comfort zone is essential.
• You can't wait for someone to do this for you. You need to.
• Regularly recording yourself speaking on various topics helps you identify areas to improve and improves your confidence for the CELPIP exam.
• Engaging actively in conversations and taking risks in English will lead to significant improvements in your speaking abilities over time.
• Embrace the idea that there are no quick hacks for language learning; consistent practice and developing good habits are key to achieving your goals.

Are you a member of the CELPIP Success School yet? You can join for 50% off with this link.

The main takeaway? Focus on your weakest skill, especially if speaking is where you struggle the most.

Instead of compartmentalizing your English practice, integrate it into your daily life—whether through hobbies, work, or conversations with native speakers.

I also emphasize the importance of deepening your conversational skills by asking thoughtful follow-up questions, which can transform routine exchanges into meaningful dialogue. By prioritizing speaking practice and making it a regular part of your life, you set yourself up for success, both in everyday interactions and on the CELPIP exam.

Takeaways:

• Engaging with English daily, like Ximena, can lead to significant improvement in fluency.
• To enhance speaking skills, practice asking deeper questions during conversations rather than sticking to routine exchanges.
• Focus your study time on your weakest skills, especially if speaking is your main challenge.
• Creating space for longer conversations helps simulate the exam conditions you'll face during the CELPIP.
• Routine interactions may not challenge your speaking; seek to make them deeper and more varied.
• Remember that feeling uncomfortable in speaking is a sign of growth; embrace the challenge for improvement.

Links referenced in this episode:

If you're not already, subscribe to my free weekly newsletter. Subscribers can send me questions that I feature right here in the podcast by simply sending me an email. Aside from that, my newsletter is packed with ideas and strategies to help you improve your English and get ready for your CELPIP exam. Best of all, it's totally free. Signup here.

Join the CELPIP Success School:

If you liked today's podcast, then you'll love the CELPIP Success School. Join for weekly live group coaching calls where you can get all of your CELPIP prep questions answered live! Join right here: celpipsuccess.com/listener

Takeaways:

• Recognizing that 75% of people fear public speaking can help you feel less isolated.
• Engaging in daily conversations with native speakers significantly reduces fear and builds confidence.
• Using notes during the CELPIP exam is crucial for staying organized and focused on your answers.
• Drawing from personal experiences strengthens your responses and makes them more relatable during exams.
• Regularly recording and reviewing your speaking practice can reveal mistakes and promote learning effectively.
• Overcoming the fear of speaking requires consistent practice and interaction, especially with others.

Links mentioned today:

Public Speaking: Getting beyond the fear through the three P's. (University of Florida.)

To Speak English Fearlessly, Maybe You Need To Take More Risks

This episode dives right into the nitty-gritty of listening speed, encouraging you to experiment with speeds like 1.5x to see if it helps you stay focused on what you're listening to.

I'll explore a study that shows students who listened to lectures at faster speeds were more engaged and less likely to let their minds wander.

I also talk about an article I came across on entrepreneur.com about tracking your wins. It has a big deal to do with your English learning success. Don't believe me? Listen in to find out how!

Grab your headphones, pick a speed, and let's dive in!

Takeaways:

• Listening to podcasts at 1.5x speed can improve your focus and retention of information.
• Conducting a personal experiment with playback speed could improve your ability to focus too!
• Tracking your wins in English practice helps shift focus from negatives to positives, boosting motivation.
• Speed listening above 2x may hinder information retention.
• Focusing on positive outcomes in language learning can improve your overall progress and mindset.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Buzzcast episode about speed listening. *Segment begins at 8:32.
• The CBC article: This is why you like to speed up podcasts, movies and music
• From Entrepreneur.com: How to Get a Promotion Using a 3-Step Meeting Prep Strategy
• Get my free weekly newsletter.

In today's episode, we'll dive into the differences between passive and active listening, emphasizing how the latter demands your full attention and focus on the details being communicated. While passive listening helps you grasp general ideas, it often leaves you floundering when it comes to specifics, which can be a real challenge in noisy settings. I share some personal experiences of trying to maintain focus amidst distractions and offer practical strategies to help you stay engaged when you're in a similar situation. By asking for repetitions, repositioning yourself closer to the speaker, and practicing persistence, you can significantly improve your listening skills and enjoy more meaningful interactions.

Takeaways:

• Active listening requires intense focus and attention to detail, which is crucial for language learning.
• Don't hesitate to ask someone to repeat themselves if you missed something important during a conversation.
• Moving closer to your conversation partner can significantly improve your ability to hear and understand them better.
• Persistence is key; when distractions happen, gently redirect your focus back to the conversation at hand.
• Take notes during listening exercises to enhance your overall comprehension skills and improve focus during conversations.
• Practicing note-taking techniques can help you stay engaged and better retain the information you hear in conversations.

Links referenced in this episode:

• celpipsuccess.com/resources

Today I dive into why this skill not only improves your test performance but also transforms your overall ability to listen and understand English. It’s not just about jotting down words; it’s about bridging the gap between what you hear and what you write, all while keeping pace with the audio. Today, we’ll explore three practical strategies that will help you develop these crucial skills, so you can tackle that listening section with confidence and clarity. Let’s jump right into it!

Takeaways:

• Mastering effective note-taking can elevate your CELPIP listening score from a six to a nine.
• Prioritize establishing your own note-taking language before attempting any practice sessions.
• Focus on the five W's: who, what, when, where, and why to capture key details.
• Organize your notes by speaker to enhance clarity and retrieval when answering questions.
• Practice simultaneous listening and writing to develop your note-taking skills effectively.
• Regular practice, even for short sessions, significantly boosts your listening abilities over time.

Links referenced in this episode:

To grab your free note taking guide, just go here:

• celpipsuccess.com/resources

Would you like to work together on your CELPIP prep? Join the CELPIP Success School today for unlimited one-on-one support, weekly live group classes, and courses you can work on at your own pace - all to help you achieve the score you need on the CELPIP. Join today!

Today, we're diving into three practical strategies that you can start using right now to sharpen your focus and improve your listening skills. These tips will not only help you in your exam prep but also in everyday listening situations as well. Let’s get into it!

Takeaways:

• Create dedicated time blocks for practice, free from distractions like your phone or people.
• Stop multitasking during your listening practice to improve focus and retention of details.
• Consume long-form content intentionally, aiming for 15 to 30 minutes daily for skill improvement.
• While preparing for CELPIP, practice listening to audio lengths of 1.5 to 10 minutes.
• Taking notes while listening to long-form content will help you build your attention span and comprehension.
• Use your phone's calendar to remind you of your practice sessions and stay committed.

Links referenced in this episode:

Grab this week's free note taking guide: celpipsuccess.com/resources

• Mayo Clinic Article on Cognitive Overload

That powerful question, shared by a fifth-grade teacher who transformed her students' reading skills from a second-grade level to a fifth-grade level in just one year, resonates deeply with me.

This episode dives into the importance of keeping promises to ourselves, not just to others. We explore the journey of overcoming procrastination and facing challenges head-on, like, in my case, tackling an annoying rust problem in my bathtub!

By reflecting on our commitments and taking actionable steps, we can empower ourselves to achieve any goal we set out to accomplish.

Takeaways:

• The powerful question 'How did you show up for yourself today?' encourages self-reflection and accountability for your actions.
• Showing up for yourself means following through on commitments you make to yourself, not just to others.
• Procrastination often stems from fear or uncertainty; tackling tasks head-on can lead to personal growth and satisfaction.
• Long-term goals, such as language learning or personal projects, require consistent effort and patience over time.
• It's essential to celebrate small victories along the way to keep motivation high during challenging journeys.

Let's work on your CELPIP skills together! Listeners to this podcast get a special discount in their monthly membership. Find out more here.

Links mentioned today:

91% Proficiency: How One Teacher Transformed Reading Outcomes in Just One Year

Mentioned in this episode:

Let's work together to prepare for the CELPIP Exam

If you're tired of working on your own to prepare for the CELPIP Exam, and if you're looking for friendly personal support - then you need to check out this opportunity! You'll get weekly assignments that will help you practice each of the 4 skills tested on the CELPIP. You'll also get weekly group coaching calls with me. By following this link, you'll also get a 25% discount for as long as you remain a member.

This episode will give you effective strategies to improve your listening skills and ensure you capture important information while you take notes during the test.

You'll discover practical tips, such as using the five W's—who, what, when, where, and why—to structure your notes for clarity and efficiency. Regular practice is a must! To do so, listen to podcasts or local Canadian news while taking notes to build your confidence. Remember, speed is crucial, so focus on jotting down key points and abbreviations rather than complete sentences to keep pace with the audio.

Preparing for the listening section of the CELPIP exam can be daunting, but mastering the art of note-taking can significantly improve your performance. The episode emphasizes the importance of not only listening but also actively engaging with the material through effective note-taking strategies. The episode concludes with practical advice on how to structure notes efficiently and the necessity of daily practice to hone these skills, ensuring that listeners are well-prepared for the exam.

Takeaways:

• Taking notes during the CELPIP listening section is essential for success, regardless of your listening skills.
• Practice listening and note-taking simultaneously using various English audio resources to improve.
• Organize your notes effectively using methods like tables or bullet points to enhance clarity.
• Use the 'five W's' method to structure your notes: who, what, when, where, and why.
• Speed is crucial in note-taking; avoid writing full sentences and utilize abbreviations instead.
• Your notes are personal and should only make sense to you, not the examiners.

Previous Episode Mentioned on how to improve your listening skills in English. (#90)

Get Your Free Note-taking Resource:

• To download your free note-taking template mentioned in the episode, just go to: celpipsuccess.com/resources

Takeaways:

• Using the English you already know regularly with native speakers strengthens your skills.
• Don't isolate yourself; engage with others to enhance your English language experience.
• Embrace mistakes while learning a new language; they are essential for growth and development.
• Feeling self-conscious about your English is common, but don’t let it hold you back.
• Active participation in community events can significantly improve your comfort with speaking English.
• Seek out opportunities for practice and connection to avoid making the common mistake of isolation.

Links referenced in this episode:

Join the CELPIP Success School Today: Special listener only deal at celpipsuccess.com/listener

Choosing the right English proficiency exam is crucial for those navigating the Canadian immigration landscape. The CELPIP and IELTS exams serve different purposes, and understanding these differences can significantly impact your immigration journey. If your primary goal is to secure permanent residency (PR) or citizenship in Canada, the CELPIP exam is tailored to meet those needs, focusing on everyday English used in daily life.

On the other hand, if you aim to pursue higher education or study opportunities, the IELTS may be the better choice, as it is widely recognized by academic institutions around the world. This episode explores the essential factors to consider when selecting between these two exams.

Takeaways:

• Choosing between the CELPIP and IELTS depends on your immigration goals and objectives.
• If you aim for academic studies in Canada or globally, prefer the IELTS exam.
• CELPIP is ideal for those focusing solely on Canadian immigration and everyday English.
• Consider your comfort level with accents when selecting between CELPIP and IELTS exams.
• For effective preparation, engage with Canadian English content for the CELPIP exam.
• Both exams require a wide exposure to English, but target different language skills.

This episode will help you with practical strategies to manage negative self-talk, such as discussing your feelings with someone you trust and writing down your thoughts to gain perspective.

By questioning the validity of your thoughts, you can break free from the cycle of negativity that often follows setbacks. Embrace the idea that failure is an event, not who you are, and take actionable steps to foster a more supportive and encouraging mindset moving forward.

Takeaways:

• Negative self-talk can be detrimental to your confidence and progress in language learning.
• Discussing your negative thoughts with someone you trust can provide perspective and support.
• Writing down your negative thoughts can help you process and challenge their validity.
• Learning English may not come easily for everyone, and that's completely normal.
• Challenge your negative thoughts by replacing them with positive affirmations about yourself.
• Remember that failure is an event, not a reflection of your worth as a person.

Links in this episode:

I want to invite you to join me for a free 30 minute call. We’ll focus on you and your prep strategies - or on working through your mindset as you get ready for the exam. Sometimes having someone to talk to is all we need. To take advantage of this free 30 minute call - and yes, it’s totally free. No strings attached. Just go to celpipsuccess.com/call

Takeaways:

• Staying focused while reading can be challenging, but it’s a common struggle.
• To improve reading concentration, try reading aloud to engage more senses.
• Thinking each word as you read can help keep your mind from wandering.
• Using your finger to trace words can enhance focus and comprehension while reading.
• Don't feel obligated to read boring materials; choose topics that interest you.
• Practicing a variety of reading materials will prepare you for the CELPIP exam.

Links referenced in this episode:

• celpipsuccess.com/reading

In short, yes!

AI can significantly assist you in working on and improving your writing skills, especially as you prepare for the CELPIP exam, but it won't do all the work for you.

While AI tools can help generate ideas, provide quick summaries, and offer feedback on your writing, you still need to refine and personalize the finished product to make sure it reflects your voice and style.

Being specific in your prompts to AI will lead to better results, as the more detailed your instructions, the more tailored the feedback will be.

Remember that real learning occurs when you actively use the language and receive instant feedback from interactions, not just from studying rules. Embrace AI as a helpful resource, but continue to apply your growing knowledge and expertise to develop your writing skills fully.

Takeaways:

• AI can assist with writing tasks, but it won't produce perfect results every time.
• Being specific in your prompts to AI tools often yields better and more relevant responses.
• Real learning occurs when you actively use the language, not just study it in isolation.
• AI tools can help summarize content, but you still need to refine the output yourself.
• Feedback from real interactions helps improve your language skills more than AI can.
• Experimenting with AI can enhance your writing process, but it requires your personal touch.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Get friendly, encouraging human support to help you prepare for the writing section of the CELPIP exam -join my 4 week writing program today! celpipsuccess.com/writing
• Using chatGPT to Prepare for the CELPIP - from the Official CELPIP YouTube channel.

The episode delves into practical strategies for improving English listening skills, particularly for learners preparing for the CELPIP exam. You'll learn why you need to find engaging audio materials that are not only educational but also enjoyable! Your goal should be to create a listening habit.

As you listen, you'll discover several podcasts that might just grab your attention and become a new favourite!

Takeaways:

• Listening to engaging content in English is essential for improving your listening skills.
• Explore podcasts that feature Canadian content to prepare effectively for the CELPIP exam.
• Finding enjoyable resources will motivate you to practice your listening skills consistently.
• Diverse audio resources help expose you to different speaking styles and accents.
• Consider a variety of topics and genres to keep your listening practice enjoyable and engaging.

Links referenced in this episode:

CBC world report - What I like about it: It’s Canadian content which is something you have to be listening to on a daily basis if you’re getting ready for the CELPIP exam.

World Report with Marcia Young, John Northcott | Live Radio | CBC Listen

The Secret Life of Canada - from the podcast description: it’s about the country you know, but the stories you don’t.

The Secret Life of Canada | CBC Podcasts | CBC Listen

The CBC podcast directory:

CBC Podcasts | CBC Listen

Not Canada based, but useful to help you practice:

Redacted: Declassified Mysteries. I recently listened to and enjoyed the episode called Operation Paperclip: America’s Secret Nazi Scientists. What I liked about it: It’s not Canadian focused content, but I do like how easy it was to listen to. I think this show can offer you interesting stories to follow from speakers who are not too difficult to understand.

REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamana

I recently listened to and enjoyed the episode called Operation Paperclip: America’s Secret Nazi Scientists. What I liked about it: It’s not Canadian focused content, but I do like how easy it was to listen to. I think this show can offer you interesting stories to follow from speakers who are not too difficult to understand.

REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamana

99% Invisible. I really enjoyed the hosts. Their voices are easy to understand, and there’s a wide variety of stories there for you to check out. (It’s also not likely going to be Canadian focused, but you’ll get great practice here too. The episode I listened to the other day is called: The 15 Minute City. Give it a listen, and see what you think!

99% Invisible

Grab your free listening guide: The CELPIP Listening Skills Made Easy: A mini guide celpipsuccess.com/guide The CELPIP listening skills made easy mini guide will teach you how to take that English podcast or Netflix show you’re listening to and transform it into a powerful listening practice activity.

The episode delves into the concept of systems in language learning, drawing parallels between everyday routines and preparation strategies for the CELPIP exam. It reinforces the idea that learners often unconsciously develop systems that may not serve their current needs, such as focusing on reading skills while neglecting speaking practice. The narrative encourages listeners to reflect on their own preparation strategies and consider whether they are effectively addressing their language learning goals. Two critical questions are posed: What are your strengths and weaknesses in relation to the CELPIP exam? And how are you addressing your weaknesses in your daily practice? By exploring these questions, learners can recalibrate their study techniques and ensure they are actively working toward improving their speaking skills, which are essential for success in the CELPIP exam.

Takeaways:

• Identify your strengths and weaknesses regarding the CELPIP exam to improve effectively.
• Focus on practicing your weaker language skills daily, rather than sticking to your strengths.
• Creating a balanced study system is essential for overall improvement in language proficiency.
• Recognize that reading alone isn't enough; speaking practice is crucial for the CELPIP exam.
• Evaluate your current preparation system to ensure it addresses your specific areas of weakness.
• Stay aware of the tendency to avoid challenging areas in your learning journey.

Would you like to build an effective CELPIP reading prep system? Join my four week program right here. You'll learn to master some of the most important skills you'll need to ace the reading section of the CELPIP exam.

Many test takers overlook this essential step, leading to missed points and lower scores.

Today you'll learn that you don't always need to be focused on big broad topics like grammar and vocabulary in order to improve your test scores. Instead, begin by learning to focus on the specific requirements of each writing task which will significantly improve your performance. By identifying the scenario, key points to address, and any additional sub-answers required, you can align your responses more closely with what the exam expects. This episode invites you to closely examine just one part of your CELPIP writing preparation system by focusing on the careful reading of instructions, which will help you achieve greater success on the exam.

Honestly, working through the challenges of preparing for the CELPIP exam can often feel impossible for many English learners. In this episode, we're also going to draw from insights from James Clear's book, Atomic Habits.

Rather than doubling down on your efforts, you should critically examine the systems you have in place for your exam preparation because 'your system is perfectly designed to give you the results that it has been giving you,' which is a quote from W. Edwards Deming.

You will learn that there are two fundamental reasons for underperformance in the CELPIP writing section: insufficient English proficiency and a broken preparation system.

Takeaways:

• The system you currently use to prepare for the CELPIP is designed to give you the results you are achieving.
• Improving your writing scores requires a focused examination of your current preparation strategies.
• Reading and understanding the instructions carefully is a crucial part of writing success on the CELPIP exam.
• Many students fail to include necessary details from the instructions, leading to lower scores.
• To enhance your writing skills, concentrate on smaller aspects of your preparation, like instruction reading.
• Implementing a structured writing program can provide you with unlimited support and targeted practice.

Links referenced in this episode:

Join my 4 week writing program right here: celpipsuccess.com/writingprogram

This episode emphasizes the importance of seeking feedback, whether from native speakers or through self-assessment.

You will learn two key methods: engaging in conversations with native speakers and recording yourself to evaluate your speaking skills.

By asking for honest feedback, you can gain insights that will enhance your clarity and coherence in speech. Additionally, recording and reviewing your own voice will help you improve your tone, vocabulary, and your overall ability to express yourself, which will help you be well-prepared for the exam.

Takeaways:

• Engaging in conversations with native speakers can significantly enhance your English speaking skills.
• Seeking feedback from trusted friends can help you identify and correct your speaking mistakes.
• Recording yourself speaking allows you to actively listen for areas of improvement in your speech.
• Understanding the importance of tone and emotion will help you speak more naturally and effectively.
• Coherence in your speech is crucial; ensure your ideas flow logically and completely.
• Practicing with feedback and self-recording can help you prepare for the challenges of the CELPIP exam.

Links Mentioned:

Build your reading skills for the CELPIP - enrol today!

We'll focus on the importance of having the right system in place to achieve the results you're wanting to achieve.

I'll be answering a question from one of my listeners as she shares her frustration with trying various prep methods without success.

I'll be talking about the need for consistent and effective practice, because simply studying for the exam won't automatically improve your English skills which is what you need to have happen if you want your CELPIP score to increase!

Key recommendations include documenting your preparation process and analyzing what is and isn’t working.

Remember: Progress takes time! You can do this!

Takeaways:

• Trying various methods for CELPIP preparation can be frustrating, but progress is being made.
• It's essential to analyze and document your study habits to identify areas for improvement.
• Understanding that building English skills takes time can help maintain motivation and focus.
• Consistency in practicing speaking, listening, reading, and writing is crucial for exam success.
• Recognizing the importance of having a tailored preparation system can lead to better results.
• If you feel stuck, consider seeking guidance from someone with experience in CELPIP prep.

Links and Resources Mentioned

Get the help you need to prepare for the CELPIP. (Podcast listeners get a 25% discount!)

Previous podcast I mentioned.

Forget About Setting Goals. Focus On This Instead - Article by James Clear.

I'll highlight practical strategies to help you improve your brainstorming skills, such as keeping a journal to boost creativity and vocabulary.

Engaging in new experiences and conversations with native English speakers can also help you adapt to thinking on your feet. By embracing these techniques, you can improve your quick thinking abilities and feel more confident during the CELPIP exam.

Takeaways:

• Many test takers struggle with brainstorming during the CELPIP exam, so you're not alone.
• The pressure of the CELPIP exam can lead to overthinking, making it harder to brainstorm.
• Writing by hand improves memory and creativity, which can help brainstorming skills.
• Engaging in spontaneous conversations with native speakers can enhance quick thinking abilities.
• Regularly putting yourself in new situations can boost your creative thinking skills.
• Keeping a journal can be a practical way to develop creativity and language skills.

Links Mentioned Today

Why Writing By Hand Beats Typing For Thinking and Learning (NPR.org)

Other links of interest:

Three ways that handwriting with a pen positively affects your brain. (Forbes.com)

Why writing by hand is better for your brain. (Psychology Today)

And here's a big spoiler: memorizing grammar rules isn't the best way to do this!

Key Takeaways:

• Use grammar books as reference guides rather than just memorization tools for effective learning.
• Reading frequently allows you to notice and understand grammar rules in context naturally.
• Pay attention to spoken English around you to learn grammar without formal study.
• Applying grammar rules immediately after learning them helps to solidify your understanding and memory.
• Notice sentence structures in your reading and aim to replicate them in your writing.
• Use your grammar book to clarify any confusion about how native speakers use certain phrases.

Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter for more helpful tips!

Today I'll be answering a listener's question that revolves around some of her major obstacles that has her feeling stuck. If you want some friendly supportive encouragement to get you moving again, then this episode is for you!

We're going to talk about:

• How to sound natural when you speak in English and for the exam
• How to deal with anxiety with preparation
• And how to learn new words, phrasal verbs and connecting words

Takeaways:

• Practice speaking into a microphone or recording device to feel more natural during the exam.
• Use personal experiences in your answers to sound more authentic and relatable.
• Don’t stress over your accent; focus on clear expression of your ideas instead.
• Regularly write down new vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and connectors to build your language skills.
• Engage with English conversations around you to discover new words organically in context.
• Prepare thoroughly for the CELPIP exam to build self-confidence and reduce anxiety on test day.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Grab your free checklist to help you remember and practice what we've talked about today.
• E-mail me if you'd like me to feature your question in a future episode: aaron(at)celpipsuccess.com
• celpip.ca Go to celpip.ca and signup for a free account. This will give you access to two free practice exams.

This podcast episode offers a practical five-step process to help you tackle this challenge with confidence.

Today's episode will guide you through essential strategies to help you respond to this task with ease, including:

• Providing an initial overview,
• Dividing the image into manageable parts, and
• Maintaining variety in your descriptions

By following these steps, you'll be better equipped to convey your thoughts clearly, which will help your listener to visualize what you're describing, even if they aren't present. Listen to learn how to improve your speaking skills and ace this important task!

Takeaways:

• The board game Cranium uniquely challenges players to use imagination and creativity in fun ways.
• Describing an object requires a clear overview and detailed descriptions of distinct sections.
• Utilizing variety in descriptive language is vital to keep your listener engaged and informed.
• Practicing timed responses helps in managing speaking tasks effectively during the CELPIP exam.
• Imagining dividing the object into sections can help streamline your description process.
• The importance of flexibility in communication during the exam cannot be overstated for success.

Links Mentioned:

Your 5 Strategy Checklist: Grab your free cheat sheet here so you can follow along with me.

Podcast episodes mentioned:

• Master the Essentials for CELPIP Speaking Tasks 3 and 4
• 3 Strategies To Succeed On CELPIP Speaking Task 3: Describing An Image

Today I'll introduce you to some of the critical skills needed for CELPIP Speaking Task 7, Expressing Opinions.

You'll learn about the importance of honesty paired with creativity, and why you should draw from personal experiences while also being imaginative when necessary.

We'll also talk about the essential strategies for tackling this speaking task, including the importance of staying on topic, using time effectively, and ensuring responses are well-structured with clear arguments.

To finish off, we'll talk about transition words that can help you improve the flow of your responses.

Takeaways:

• Practice expressing your opinion on various topics to prepare for speaking task seven.
• Use your brainstorming time wisely to organize thoughts before recording your answer.
• Support your opinion with at least three reasons and specific examples for clarity.
• Transition words are essential to connect ideas and create a cohesive response.
• Stay on topic throughout your response to avoid getting sidetracked during the exam.
• Be honest in your opinion and don't worry about whether your answer is right or wrong.

Links referenced in this episode:

Enroll in the CELPIP Success school! Listeners to my podcast get a 25% discount for as long as they remain a member.

• celpipsuccess.com/resources

Mentioned in this episode:

Let's work together to prepare for the CELPIP Exam

If you're tired of working on your own to prepare for the CELPIP Exam, and if you're looking for friendly personal support - then you need to check out this opportunity! You'll get weekly assignments that will help you practice each of the 4 skills tested on the CELPIP. You'll also get weekly group coaching calls with me. By following this link, you'll also get a 25% discount for as long as you remain a member.

First, the importance of persistence is highlighted; many learners give up too soon, forgetting that proficiency comes with time and practice.

Next, consistency is emphasized; even short, daily study sessions can lead to substantial improvements. Lastly, focusing on activities that align with your language goals will keep you motivated and help you make the most of your practice time.

Join me to hear some insights from a fascinating interview with a polyglot, offering practical tips to conquer the challenges of learning English and preparing for the CELPIP exam.

Takeaways:

• Learning a new language takes time and persistence; giving up too soon hinders progress.
• Consistency in your study routine, even in small increments, yields significant long-term results.
• Focus on activities that directly contribute to your language goals for better motivation.
• Adapting to a new culture while learning a language can be a challenging journey.
• Surrounding yourself with speakers of your target language helps to improve fluency.
• Utilizing daily activities to practice English can fit language learning into your busy life.

I will address the common struggle of language learners who seek quick solutions to improve their English skills. I will begin by acknowledging the frustration that many feel when progress seems slow and you'll discover that while there are no shortcuts, there are effective strategies that can enhance the learning process.

Links referenced in this episode:

• cellpipsuccess.com/resources Grab today's free resource worksheet.
• The 3 secrets of adult language learning with Elisa Polese From the Story Learning podcast that I referenced.
• You cannot manage time - by John Maxwell. (Youtube.)
• Time Flies - by John Maxwell. (Blog post).

Mentioned in this episode:

Let's work together to prepare for the CELPIP Exam

If you're tired of working on your own to prepare for the CELPIP Exam, and if you're looking for friendly personal support - then you need to check out this opportunity! You'll get weekly assignments that will help you practice each of the 4 skills tested on the CELPIP. You'll also get weekly group coaching calls with me. By following this link, you'll also get a 25% discount for as long as you remain a member.

In this episode of the Speak English Fearlessly podcast, I'll share my recent struggles with transitioning course platforms for the CELPIP Success School, detailing the challenges and frustrations faced.

I'll emphasizes the importance of acknowledging feelings of discouragement, seeking support from others, and taking small, consistent steps toward goals.

I'll conclude with encouragement from personal experiences, practical advice for overcoming obstacles, and a spiritual perspective to uplift you.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles

02:08 Welcome to Speak English Fearlessly

02:49 Understanding Your Frustration

05:33 The Importance of Support

08:59 Taking Small Steps Forward

12:49 Spiritual Encouragement

17:22 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

In this episode, you will learn about:

• The importance of shortening the time between your practice sessions and,
• Varying your learning context to expose yourself to different environments and people which will force you to use different vocabulary and phrases in English.

Each tip is explained with examples and backed by research from Cambridge University, aiming to help you improve your language skills more effectively.

Links mentioned today:

Make sure you subscribe to my free weekly newsletter - I'll help you review what we covered in this week's podcast, and point you to resources that I don't mention anywhere else.

How long does it take to learn a language? - Ben Knight.

Cambridge University Study Knight references.

Our Chemical Senses: Olfaction - learn a little more about Olfactory Fatigue. *Yes, it's a real thing! :)

Take my quick survey.

00:00 Introduction: The Quest to Learn English Faster

01:29 Welcome to Speak English Fearlessly

02:11 Understanding Motivated Learners

03:14 Behavior 1: Shorten Time Between Practice Sessions

07:45 Behavior 2: Change Your Learning Context

13:09 Conclusion and Recap

In this mini episode of the Speak English Fearlessly podcast, I'm going to talk about one of the most frequently asked questions that I get: how to increase one's speaking score on the CELPIP exam.

• You'll learn if it's possible to increase your score from a 6 to a 9 in a short period of time.
• Is there a realistic period of time it would take?
• What you should be doing to see significant improvement in your speaking skills in English.

Get my free weekly newsletter where you'll get a deeper look at what I covered in the podcast, as well as extra tips and strategies to help you develop your English skills. Go here to subscribe - it's free!

Links mentioned:

it takes a motivated adult aprox 180-260hrs of study to move from a lower intermediate to upper intermediate level of English. (Or to go from B1 to B2, if you are familiar with the CEFR) - Ben Knight

https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2018/10/11/how-long-learn-language/

00:00 Introduction: Improving Your CELPIP Speaking Skills

02:09 Understanding Your Current English Level

02:52 The Time Commitment for Improvement

07:31 Practical Tips for Daily English Practice

10:42 Avoiding Common Pitfalls

13:00 Conclusion: Setting Realistic Expectations

Freezing in an English conversation or during the CELPIP exam can be nerve-racking and can totally bring your confidence down to zero.

In this episode of the Speak English Fearlessly podcast, you'll learn practical tips and strategies to overcome one of the most commonly held fears: speaking in front of someone else.

I'll share a time that I froze in public while I was learning Spanish, and pass on the lessons that I Iearned from it - and yes, you do survive such embarrassing moments! (I have plenty I could tell you about!)

Listen to get three introvert-approved techniques to handle those awful moments when you freeze and forget everything you thought you knew about English!

Links mentioned today:

Sign up for my free weekly newsletter right here.

The National Social Anxiety Center - Public Speaking Anxiety

University of Florida - Public Speaking: Getting beyond the fear through the three P's

00:00 Introduction: The Fear of Freezing in English Conversations

01:59 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

03:54 Personal Story: Overcoming Freezing Moments in Spanish

08:24 Practical Tips to Overcome Freezing in English

17:24 Bonus Tip: Handling Shyness in English Conversations

18:37 Conclusion and Encouragement

In this episode of the Speak English Fearlessly podcast, focus on the power of feedback in the learning process.

You will learn from my own personal experiences and lessons from my attempts at improving this podcast

Learn how to target specific areas for improvement, implement actionable changes, and reduce the time between feedback and action. This episode offers practical strategies to help you develop your skills and excel in the CELPIP exam.

Links to check out:

"Effective feedback is specific, which means it is tangible and transparent, actionable, and user-friendly" Effective and Appropriate Feedback for English Learners

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflection

01:12 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

01:52 Challenges of Creating a Video Podcast

03:31 Understanding and Utilizing Feedback

07:11 Daily Feedback in Language Learning

09:15 Targeted, Specific, and Timely Feedback

14:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Speak English Fearlessly podcast, I'll be talking about the common fear of making mistakes while speaking English.

I'll be looking at a great interaction and an experience in an open air theatre that I had recently to help me drive home a few key points with you:

• Manage expectations.
• Keep going even when you make a mistake.
• People don't focus on your mistakes nearly as long or as much as you do!

Listen in to find out what you can do when you make a mistake with your English.

Links mentioned:

All Eyes on Us: The Spotlight Effect

00:00 Introduction: The Fear of Making Mistakes in English

01:44 Understanding the Spotlight Effect

02:08 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

02:47 Story 1: The Ukrainian Refugee

04:56 Story 2: Community Theatre and Embracing Mistakes

06:36 Lessons Learned: Overcoming the Spotlight Effect

09:42 Practical Strategies for English Learners

14:29 Conclusion: Keep Building Your English Skills

Have you tried and failed to achieve your desired score on the CELPIP? (Again!)

If you're facing a persistent or difficult to overcome failure or mistake with your English skills, then please listen to today's episode.

I'll be sharing some of my own setbacks from the week and what I've been learning from them. I firmly believe that mistake making = progress.

If you're not making any mistakes with your English, it's because you're not trying to use it enough and in new and challenging ways.

And if you find yourself in the middle of the frustration and discouragement that mistakes can often bring - then I hope today's episode will bring you hope and heart felt encouragement to keep going!

Join CELPIP Success School! Go to www.celpipsuccess.com/listener - join today for a 25% discount in your membership for as long as you stay with us.

In this episode of the Speak English Fearlessly podcast, we'll dive into mistake making and how mistakes can be powerful learning opportunities if you see them in the right way.

We'll also talk together about how to develop a healthier mindset toward mistake-making: embracing errors, rather than avoiding them, can help you make faster progress with your English skills!

We'll discuss the significance of continuous practice, realistic expectations, and the growth that stems from imperfections.

00:00 Introduction: Admitting My Mistakes

01:10 The Importance of Mistakes in Learning

01:30 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

02:11 Common Mistakes and Their Impact

03:32 Revealing My Podcast Mistakes

04:45 Reflecting on My Mistakes

06:46 Learning from Mistakes

09:34 Embracing Imperfection

15:03 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

17:15 Subscribe for More Tips

Links mentioned today:

If you liked today's episode, you'll love my weekly newsletter. (It's free!) Every Tuesday I pull out something from the podcast and take a closer look at it to help you review what we've been talking about. I also share additional tips and strategies to help you develop your English and CELPIP skills. You can subscribe here.



The quote by Jeffrey S. Nevid, Ph.D., ABPP

The road of life is strewn with disappointing, frustrating experiences and outright failures (my pitiful attempts at tennis come to mind). But losing does not make one a loser, and even a pitiful performance on a tennis court does not render one pitiful. A failure is just that, a failure; it does not make a person a failure unless the person labels themself a failure. Life experiences, whether positive or negative, are not statements about personhood—not unless we apply these words to ourselves and permit them to pierce the veil of our personhood.

This episode discusses the importance of avoiding repeated words and phrases in your CELPIP answers and provides practical strategies on how to break this habit.

Key takeaways:

• You will learn about the listability and vocabulary filters used by CELPIP raters to score your answers.
• How and why you should be recording yourself to identify overused phrases,
• As well as how to change those overused phrases by finding alternative expressions, and seeking supportive feedback.

Link Mentioned: Grab your free checklist of the process I described today at www.celpipsuccess.com/resources

00:00 Introduction: Recognizing Overused Phrases

02:21 Understanding the Impact on CELPIP Scores

02:42 Welcome to Speak English Fearlessly

03:20 The Problem with Repetition

06:34 Strategies to Break the Habit

06:58 Recording Yourself: The First Step

09:56 Finding New Ways to Express Yourself

12:15 Getting Supportive Feedback

15:44 Encouragement and Resources

Spending too much time on polite, flowery introductions with your speaking task answers will steal valuable time from you - and they are just not necessary!

Instead, you need to do what I share in today's episode! Get straight into the main content of your answer!

You'll also learn about

• Why building momentum with your answer matters so much.
• Being loud and proud with your answers.
• Efficient 'in the middle of things' openings for various CELPIP speaking task types.

Key Link: Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter where you'll get additional tips and strategies to help you develop your English skills.

00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Starting Right

02:03 Welcome to Speak English Fearlessly

03:29 Why Politeness Can Be a Pitfall

05:36 Get to the Point: Strategies for Effective Answers

07:42 Practical Examples and Tips

10:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

11:05 Subscribe for More Tips

It might just be because you're not using one or all of these three simple, but not always easy, strategies.

1) Going where the action is,

2) Engage!

3) Put in the reps.

I will tell you an inspiring story that has been happening at my workplace that will help you see how you can apply these three steps in your own life.

Don't forget to subscribe to my free weekly newsletter where you'll get a recap of this podcast + additional tips and strategies to help you develop your English skills. Go to: https://celpipsuccess.com/subscribe/

00:00 Introduction: Transform Your English Skills

00:45 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

02:26 A Story from Work: Building Community

05:04 Strategy 1: Go Where the Action Is

06:41 Strategy 2: Engage Actively

11:15 Strategy 3: Put in the Reps

12:24 Conclusion and Newsletter Invitation

If you know you are working hard to improve your English skills, but you're still not getting the results you want to be getting, then this episode is for you.

Together we're going to talk about the power of systems and specifically, we're going to talk about how your system is the problem AND your system is the solution to helping you start making progress again with your English or CELPIP prep.

If you're stuck right now, even though you're working harder than you ever have to make progress: then you need to hear this!

It's not about working harder.

It's not about setting better and more goals.

It's not about blaming a lack of people you can practice with.

Progress with English is completely under your control - and today you're going to learn what you need to actually be working on in order to get yourself and your English unstuck!

You are invited to join a three-month book club program to work on developing effective systems for language improvement.

Links Mentioned Today:

Forget About Setting Goals. Focus On This Instead. - By James Clear. This is the article I quote in the podcast. Please do take a moment to read through it if you are at all interested in what you can do to begin transforming your results with your English or CELPIP prep.

Join my new bookclub! We're going to study James Clear's book: Atomic Habits - as mentioned in the episode. Together we'll work on developing your English and CELPIP learning system so that it produces the results you need.

00:00 Introduction: Struggles with Practicing English

01:38 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

03:06 Common Challenges in Practicing English

04:39 The Danger of Excuses and Obstacles

06:45 A Realization: The System is the Problem

09:35 Changing the System for Better Results

20:16 Invitation to Join the Book Club

23:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you know that you need to be practicing for the Speaking section of the CELPIP exam, but you have no idea how to even get started, then listen closely and follow along with this episode. My personal guarantee for you is if you follow these four simple steps, you'll find yourself actually starting to make progress with your practice!

• Pick a task. (Today we're going to focus on Speaking Task One!)
• Write down the problem.
• Notice how you gave that advice.
• Use English and record your answer.

00:00 Introduction: Overcoming the Speaking Section Struggle

01:23 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

02:51 The Pain of Feeling Stuck

05:02 The Batman Analogy: Climbing Out of Despair

08:52 Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Unstuck

09:20 Step 1: Pick One Task

14:22 Step 2: Write the Problem Down

17:54 Step 3: Notice Your Answer

20:33 Step 4: Use English

21:38 Step 5: Record Your Answer

23:39 Conclusion: Keep the Momentum Going

Links Mentioned Today

Follow along with me by using this free cheat sheet.

In this episode, you will get a walk through of CELPIP Speaking Task 2, which involves sharing a personal experience.

You'll learn about the importance of brainstorming, we'll focus on the past tense, as well as practical tips for practicing the past tense which include journaling and discussing daily activities with family.

I also discuss using your voice memo app for practice and reviewing your answers to strengthen your responses. How? Stay tuned for that too - I'll give you an insider's look at some of the key filters used by CELPIP raters, including content, listenability, vocabulary, and task fulfillment.

00:00 Introduction to CELPIP Speaking Task 2

01:08 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

01:48 My own Personal Experience in Canada

04:59 Tips for CELPIP Speaking Task 2

06:28 Practicing Past Tense Verbs

10:17 Using Voice Recorders for Practice

18:04 Understanding CELPIP Raters' Lenses

37:48 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

39:18 Subscribe for More Resources

Important links mentioned:

Get your free class on speaking task one.

Previous episode: How to Master Brainstorming for The CELPIP Exam

If brainstorming is hard for you, know that you're not alone! Many test takers report this as being one of their pain points!

The episode revisits key concepts from a previous discussion on mindset and creativity and offers practical tips to improve brainstorming under pressure.

We'll also cover the importance of generating multiple ideas, avoiding the pursuit of the perfect idea, and using strategies like bullet points, shorthand, and symbols during brainstorming.

I also talk about a fun game that you can play that will help you practice your brainstorming and quick thinking skills.

00:00 Introduction to Brainstorming Challenges

00:56 Mindset and Creativity in Brainstorming

01:00 Overcoming the Pressure of Perfection

02:23 Generating Sparks and Idea Flow

04:14 Practical Tips for Brainstorming

04:42 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

06:29 Common Brainstorming Problems

08:19 Developing Your Creative Muscle

09:49 Class Clip: Strategies for Speaking Task 1

13:08 Effective Brainstorming Techniques

18:23 Fun Game to Boost Creativity: Scattergories

22:29 Conclusion and Resources

Links Mentioned:

Go to my free resource section to watch the class and clip I shared in the podcast about brainstorming and CELPIP Speaking Task One.

Previous Episode where I talked about brainstorming and overthinking.

This episode of the Speak English Fearlessly podcast discusses the pitfalls of using templates for CELPIP exam preparation.

You've likely heard or read about templates before - they are easily available online.

But just because you can easily get one, does that mean you should use it?

NO!

Templates may offer an easy way out, but they are not what CELPIP test raters look for, which are original, unassisted, and spontaneous responses.

Using templates can risk having your answers voided and can misrepresent your actual language abilities, potentially harming your job search or success in the job you currently have.

Instead, learn useful transition words and phrases, and engaging with English speakers around you to adopt new expressions in a natural and effective manner. This episode will show you how to do that.

00:00 Introduction to CELPIP Preparation

01:38 The Temptation of Templates

03:25 Risks of Using Templates

05:28 Effective Strategies for CELPIP Success

06:58 Engage with English Around You

08:22 Conclusion and Final Tips

Helpful Links:

Grab your free list of 39 common transition words and phrases right here.

From celpip.ca:

Using CELPIP Sample responses in the classroom.

Preparing for the CELPIP test: Test Integrity

Key strategies include:

• Using a voice recorder to review and critique performance,
• Understanding the timing for brainstorming and recording responses, and creating outlines for answers.

I'll also talk about the importance of using varied vocabulary, adding emotions, and ensuring responses are interesting and on-topic.

A free checklist is available right here.

What I talk about:

00:00 Introduction and Listener's Question

00:53 Host Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:35 Challenges of Practicing Speaking Alone

02:29 Skiing Story: Overcoming Fear and Learning

08:02 Practical Tips for Self-Feedback

16:22 Detailed Feedback Checklist

25:48 Conclusion and Resources

Links mentioned:

Grab your free checklist right here.

The "Um" and "Uh" episode.

"Um" and "Uh" can seriously hurt your CELPIP scores if you use them too much. Don't let that happen to you!

00:00 Frustration with Filler Words

01:58 Introduction to the Podcast

03:14 Understanding Filler Words

03:57 Why We Use Filler Words

06:03 Strategy 1: Notice Your Filler Words

10:26 Strategy 2: Allow Pauses

12:12 Strategy 3: Practice Regularly

15:14 Bonus: Join the CELPIP Success School

Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter to build your skills in English and prepare for the CELPIP Exam.

Have you joined the CELPIP Success School yet? Get 25% off for as long as you remain a member with this link.

Learn the importance of practicing with the five Ws (who, what, when, where, and why) while watching English TV shows and listening to various audio content.

Discover how to set yourself up for success by paying attention to the intro sections of each listening task. They offer you valuable clues as to how to organize your notes.

You'll learn about the importance of mixing your audio practice with video as well.

00:00 Mastering Note Taking for CELPIP: An Introduction

00:59 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

01:40 Practical Tips for Effective Note Taking

03:59 Setting Yourself Up for Success on CELPIP

05:17 Advanced Note Taking Strategies for CELPIP

08:13 Expanding Your Listening Skills Beyond the Exam

09:25 Summing Up: How to Excel in Note Taking for CELPIP

10:17 Exclusive Resources for CELPIP Success

10:53 Farewell and Next Steps

Links Mentioned In Today's Episode:

Last week's episode: Do this to effectively practice for the CELPIP

Grab your free cheat sheet on the tips I mentioned today about note taking on the CELPIP.

To sign up for my free weekly newsletter, just go here. Every Tuesday I'll send you helpful tips and strategies - things you heard right here on the podcast - to help you develop your skills in English.

I'll be sharing one of the most important things you need to be doing to prepare for the exam. We all tend to avoid doing it because we're kind of hard wired in this way, but it's seriously a mistake to leave this out of your practice.

To find out, listen in to today's episode.

What I'll cover:

00:00 Introduction: Your Busy Life and CELPIP Preparation

02:33 The Dilemma of Effective CELPIP Preparation

04:24 A Personal Anecdote: Learning from Weaknesses

06:03 The Key to CELPIP Success: Focus on Weaknesses

10:12 Conclusion and Invitation to CELPIP Success School

Links mentioned today:

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter.

Join CELPIP Success school here.

If you struggle with the clock as you brainstorm, then you absolutely need to listen to today's podcast.

The dreaded clock - that timer that ticks away at you as you frantically try to develop your answer before the recording begins on the speaking section of the CELIP - is one of the most feared aspects of the exam.

Many fear it, and many avoid using the clock as a tool to help them practice.

That's a mistake that I'll be chatting with you about today, because those who fail to practice against the clock, will struggle to beat the clock when their exam day rolls around.

Don't let that be you!

What I talk about:

00:00 Introduction

02:10 Challenges of Time Management in CELPIP Prep

05:07 Lessons from World Class Coaches

Helpful Links

What if you could work with someone that could help you develop your speaking skills for the CELPIP? Wait...you can! Come and work with me in the CELPIP Success School. I combine practical training and assignments that you can work on at your own pace with friendly, encouraging support through weekly live coaching calls. Join CELPIP Success School today - let's work together to conquer the CELPIP. (Join with this link for a 25% discount - my special treat for my awesome podcast listeners.)

Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter. I talk all about CELPIP prep, as well as how you can build your fluency skills in English.

Mentioned in this episode:

Let's work together to prepare for the CELPIP Exam

If you're tired of working on your own to prepare for the CELPIP Exam, and if you're looking for friendly personal support - then you need to check out this opportunity! You'll get weekly assignments that will help you practice each of the 4 skills tested on the CELPIP. You'll also get weekly group coaching calls with me. By following this link, you'll also get a 25% discount for as long as you remain a member.

What you'll learn today:

• Brainstorming is a tool for creating a 'map' to organize your thoughts efficiently under exam conditions.

• I'm going to challenge you to practice brainstorming in your day-to -day activities, such as during your commute time (even if you're driving!) by practicing a simple strategy that you can begin using right now.

00:00 Welcome to Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

01:23 Overcoming CELPIP Speaking Challenges

02:01 A Real-World Organizing Challenge

04:38 Applying Organizational Strategies to CELPIP Preparation

06:25 Practical Brainstorming Exercises for Busy Lives

09:11 Conclusion and Homework Challenge

Links You Should Check Out

Register for my upcoming brainstorming workshop: Saturday, May 11 at 6:00 p.m. PST. It's just $25 Canadian.

Join CELPIP Success school to learn how to brainstorm effectively and follow a clear pathway to help you prepare for the CELPIP exam.

I'll talk about the number one challenge CELPIP test takers face when it comes to brainstorming, and what you can do about it.

You'll learn the mindset you need to adapt in order to brainstorm effectively.

You'll learn that it's more important to have many ideas to work with instead of trying to come up one one great one.

And you'll learn that often times, effective brainstorming happens as you just start writing. (As you write, more ideas will begin to come. No writing = no ideas!)

00:00 Introduction to Overcoming Overthinking for CELPIP Success

01:07 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

02:32 The Struggle with Overthinking and Brainstorming

04:41 A Writer's Perspective on Generating Ideas

08:40 Transforming Your Brainstorming Strategy

11:43 Practical Tips for Effective Brainstorming

17:37 Conclusion and Farewell

Quote from today:

“Overthinking is when what you think gets in the way of what you want….it leads to a tsunami of stuckness.” - Jon Acuff

Links:

Sign up for the CELPIP brainstorming workshop on Saturday, May 11, at 6:00p.m. PST

Sign up for my free weekly newsletter to help you develop skills for the CELPIP exam and your English skills in general.

Join the CELPIP Success School and we'll work together to help you get ready for the CELPIP exam.

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn How To Brainstorm on The CELPIP Exam: Join the May 11th Workshop

Learn How To Brainstorm For The CELPIP Exam

Did you know AT LEAST 1 IN 4 English language learners struggle with anxiety around learning English?

You're not alone if you struggle with this common challenge.

In today's episode, I will:

• Talk about practical tips and strategies to overcome anxiety and prepare effectively for the CELPIP exam.

• You'll learn why you should be practicing under pressure to help you prepare, and reduce anxiety on test day.

• You'll also learn why you should schedule your CELPIP Exam with LOTS of time before your visa runs out.

00:00 The Impact of Emotions on CELPIP Exam Performance

02:01 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

02:48 Overcoming Anxiety and Fear in Language Learning

06:13 Aaron Nelson's Personal Journey with Podcasting

26:08 Practical Tips for CELPIP Exam Preparation

39:34 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

Links Mentioned Today

How to deal with Negative Self-talk. (Previous Jon Acuff mention.)

Official CELPIP YouTube channel.

The CELPIP Podcast

Subscribe To My Newsletter. To take a deeper dive on today's podcast topic, or explore other topics around the CELPIP and learning English in general.

If you're tired of working alone on the CELPIP, join the CELPIP Success School to get friendly support on your CELPIP Journey.

Mentioned in this episode:

Let's work together to prepare for the CELPIP Exam

If you're tired of working on your own to prepare for the CELPIP Exam, and if you're looking for friendly personal support - then you need to check out this opportunity! You'll get weekly assignments that will help you practice each of the 4 skills tested on the CELPIP. You'll also get weekly group coaching calls with me. By following this link, you'll also get a 25% discount for as long as you remain a member.

If you struggle with your speaking skills in English and for the CELPIP exam, then this episode will be an important encouragement for you!

This episode dives into the importance of actually getting outside of your comfort zone and using your English - even if you feel like your skills are not very advanced, as the best way of improving.

This is true for you especially if you are preparing for the CELPIP!

I'll talk about how fear can stand in your way, and how it works against you to keep you from making progress with your English... if you let it.

You'll be encouraged to confront your fears, actively seek out conversation opportunities, and take specific steps that will help you develop your English fluency.

To help you get moving on this, I've got a simple (but challenging) mission for you! Listen in to find out more!

00:00 Unlocking Your Speaking Potential: A Real-Life Conversation

02:14 The Key to Improving Your CELPIP Speaking Score

02:25 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

04:24 Overcoming Language Learning Challenges: My Personal Journey

13:33 Identifying and Confronting Your Fears in Language Learning

28:59 Your Mission: Engage in English Conversations

33:23 Join the Community: Subscribe for More Tips

Links I Talked About!

Please subscribe to my free newsletter.

Join CELPIP Success School with this link, and you'll save 25% on your subscription for as long as you remain as a member. Let's work together to get your ready for the CELPIP exam!

Mentioned in this episode:

Let's work together to prepare for the CELPIP Exam

If you're tired of working on your own to prepare for the CELPIP Exam, and if you're looking for friendly personal support - then you need to check out this opportunity! You'll get weekly assignments that will help you practice each of the 4 skills tested on the CELPIP. You'll also get weekly group coaching calls with me. By following this link, you'll also get a 25% discount for as long as you remain a member.

Listen to today's episode to learn how!

00:00 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast!

01:33 The Struggle of Speaking English Authentically

02:51 A Personal Journey: From Fear to Fearlessness

10:15 Embracing Your Unique Approach to English

10:44 Practical Tips for Using English in Your Own Way

11:55 Conclusion: Be Fearlessly You in English

Join CELPIP Success School today! You'll save 25% with that link.

I'll share a simple to use strategy that will remove all the pressure from you to carry the conversation, AND, as a bonus get the person you're talking with to actually think you're pretty cool!

The quotes I mentioned:

“The royal road to a person's heart is to talk about the things he or she treasures most. If we talk to people about what they are interested in, they will feel valued and value us in return.” Dale Carnegie.

A single question that could make a huge difference in your conversational skills is “Tell me more.” Or “Tell me more about [something the person was just saying.].”

Here's what we cover:

00:00 Unlocking the Art of Engaging Conversations

00:38 Welcome to Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

02:08 April's Theme: Speaking English Fearlessly

03:14 The Challenge of Speaking Without Fear

03:58 Strategies to Overcome Conversation Freezing

08:23 Mastering the Art of Asking Questions

24:17 Avoiding Conversation Stoppers: Don't use "Do" or "Does" questions!

29:08  Listener Q&A Segment

31:54 Closing Remarks and Invitation to Subscribe

Links mentioned today:

Dale Carnegie quote: Become a more interesting person.

From upworthy.com "Stanford expert shares the number one phrase that people who are good at small talk always use."

From the Listener Q & A session: A link to the Canadian Immigration Website talking about visitor visas.

If you haven't already, please subscribe to my free weekly newsletter for deep dives into podcast topics and tips and strategies to help you speak English fearlessly and prepare for the CELPIP exam.

Mentioned in this episode:

Let's work together to prepare for the CELPIP Exam

If you're tired of working on your own to prepare for the CELPIP Exam, and if you're looking for friendly personal support - then you need to check out this opportunity! You'll get weekly assignments that will help you practice each of the 4 skills tested on the CELPIP. You'll also get weekly group coaching calls with me. By following this link, you'll also get a 25% discount for as long as you remain a member.

If all you have is 5 minutes, you can still practice for the reading section of the CELPIP exam! Stop using a lack of time as the excuse that keeps you from preparing for this all too important exam! It's too important to keep pushing back!

Instead, listen to today's episode and learn how you can take advantage of the 'fringes of your life' to get ready for the CELPIP exam!

Today, I'm taking a closer look at how you can prep for the Reading Section of the exam.

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• You REALLY don't have to read the entire article. (So don't!)
• How to skim: only read titles, subheadings, first lines of each paragraph.
• How to scan: use keywords from the questions on the CELPIP exam. (Or use the 5W's if you're practicing on your own!)
• How to create a short skeleton outline of the article you are practicing with.

With just 5 to 6 minutes of time, and using the ideas I share in today's episode, you'll be able to have a solid and effective practice session that will help prepare you for the Reading Section of the CELPIP exam.

Get the weekly CELPIP success newsletter:

If you haven't subscribed yet, join my free weekly newsletter. Every Tuesday you'll get more tips and strategies to help you conquer the CELPIP exam. Go to: www.celpipsuccess.com/subscribe

Today you'll learn how to maximize short study sessions to help you prepare for the Writing section of the CELPIP Exam. If you've only got 5 to 10 minutes, you can use today's practice challenge!

• You'll learn that short, consistent study segments are effective practice,
• I'll challenge the misconception that only lengthy study sessions count.
• I'll share a short story about how I've been applying this in my own writing life and the result: a 60k word novella!

You'll get practical advice for utilizing brief moments for targeted CELPIP writing practice, alongside an invitation to join the CELPIP Success School for accountability and support.

Helpful Quotes mentioned today:

I realized a way forward in the midst of motherhood with no time to write: I seized tiny moments. I learned that a single sentence or well-crafted phrase composed in five minutes could lay the foundation for a future manuscript. -Ann Kroeker

and

In her book The Right to Write, Julia Cameron says:

The ‘if-I-had-time’ lie is a convenient way to ignore the fact that novels require being written and that writing happens a sentence at a time. Sentences can happen in a moment. Enough stolen moments, enough stolen sentences, and a novel is born–without the luxury of time…Yes, it is daunting to think of finding time to write an entire novel, but it is not so daunting to think of finding time to write a paragraph, even a sentence. And paragraphs, made of sentences, are what novels are really made of. (Cameron)

Both of these quotes are at: No time to write? Make solid progress in just 5 minutes

00:00 Maximizing Short Practice Sessions for CELPIP Success

03:25 Introducing the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

05:41 The Power of Small Writing Sessions: A Personal Journey

13:40 Joining Forces: The CELPIP Success School & Writing Group Insights

18:17 Daily Writing Challenges: Transforming Listening into Writing

24:29 Join the CELPIP Success School & Weekly Newsletter Benefits

LINKS Mentioned Today:

Anne Kroeker's website + blog article I'm referring to today.

Previous episode where I talk about the listening challenge you can do in just 2 minutes.

The CBC listening resource I mentioned.

Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter + get a free CELPIP workout guide that will help you stay consistent with your exam prep.

Join the CELPIP Success School for weekly study assignments that will help you prepare for the CELPIP Exam. You'll also have unlimited access to me for friendly and encouraging support, as well as weekly live group coaching calls. Join today!

I want to help you bust a common myth that says something like this: in order to practice for teh CELPIP exam or practice English in general and do it well - then you need to devout large amounts of time in immersive experiences.

That's a myth.

What I want to help you realize today is this: consistent practice, no matter the length, is vital and better than not practicing at all.

• It's not always possible to work extensively on your English.
• Sometimes you need to practice small to maintain consistency.
• Learning English is very much about consistency and very little about intensive immersive experiences that you don't do frequently.

Here's what I'll cover:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:27 The Importance of Consistency in Learning

02:17 Personal Story: Overcoming a lingering cough

03:27 Inspirational Quote by James Clear and Its Application

05:23 I've been podcasting for 50 weeks already!

07:37 Effective Practice in the Fringes of Your Life

09:17 Two-Minute Listening Practice for CELPIP Exam

13:40 Consistency matters more than irregular Immersive Learning

14:23 Invitation to Subscribe and Conclusion

The quote I mentioned:

In theory, consistency is about being disciplined, determined, and unwavering. In practice, consistency is about being adaptable. Don't have much time? Scale it down. Don't have much energy? Do the easy version. Find different ways to show up depending on the circumstances. Let your habits change shape to meet the demands of the day.Adaptability is the way of consistency. - James Clear

The 2 minute(ish) CELPIP Listening Workout

First: Go here and choose a news segment.

Then follow these simple steps for your listening workout:

What to do

• Get ready to listen with 🖊️ and 📜
• Write the 5W’s with space between each one. (Who, What, When, Where, Why.)
• Listen to one of these stories and try to write in the answers to 5Ws as you listen.
• Repeat until you get all 5.

Important Links:

The previous episode where I mention James Clear.

The link to CBC NEWS that I mentioned.

To get the free 5 day CELPIP workout I mentioned that you can be working on with just 2 to 10 minutes of time each day, please go here.

Work with me! If you would like to work with me to get ready for the CELPIP exam, then you need to go here! Because you're a podcast listener, you'll get a 25% discount if you sign up.

Mentioned in this episode:

Let's work together to prepare for the CELPIP Exam

If you're tired of working on your own to prepare for the CELPIP Exam, and if you're looking for friendly personal support - then you need to check out this opportunity! You'll get weekly assignments that will help you practice each of the 4 skills tested on the CELPIP. You'll also get weekly group coaching calls with me. By following this link, you'll also get a 25% discount for as long as you remain a member.

If you've ever found yourself stuck and not knowing how to move forward with your CELPIP or English prep, then this is the episode for you!

I'll be talking about something that happened to me this week during a group activity at my workplace where I found myself falling behind everyone else in a challenging group activity I was helping out in.

We're also going to talk about:

09:14 The Importance of Asking for Help

12:02 Six Lessons I learned from my Origami Experience

20:52 The Power of Teaching and Learning

Links Mentioned:

My special invite for you to Join the CELPIP Success School today!

00:00 Introduction and Leap Year Origami Party

00:57 The Struggle with Origami and Lessons Learned

01:33 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

02:17 Origami Experience: The Struggle and the Breakthrough

09:14 The Importance of Asking for Help

12:02 Six Lessons from the Origami Experience

20:52 The Power of Teaching and Learning

24:50 Invitation to the CELPIP Success School

Have you subscribed to the CELPIP Success Newsletter Yet? Do it today!

In this episode of the Speak English Fearlessly podcast, we'll discusses the concept of invisible injuries in language learning.

Specifically, we'll be talking about the secret power that failure and the embarrassment that often comes with it, can have over us and our ability to learn English.

-Learn how the embarrassment experienced after making a pronunciation or grammar mistake can be similar to a physical injury except they aren't immediately apparent.

-You'll learn about your 'Affective Filter', a psychological barrier to language acquisition coined by linguist Stephen Krashen. This filter can lead to a fall in motivation, increased anxiety, fear of judgment, and avoidance of opportunities to practice.

- You'll learn how to take practical steps to begin lowering your affective filter so that it stops STOPPING you from moving forward with your English.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:48 Understanding Failure and Invisible Injuries

03:51 Personal Story of Invisible Injury

08:14 Identifying Invisible Injuries in Language Learning

11:41 Understanding the Affective Filter

13:24 Strategies to Lower the Affective Filter

22:44 Conclusion and Invitation to Subscribe

If you liked today's episode and want to learn more about your Affective Filter and what you can be doing to lower it if you feel like it has been blocking your progress, then please subscribe to my free weekly newsletter. A new edition comes out every Tuesday.

Go to: www.celpipsuccess.com/subscribe

Links Mentioned Today

Lower the Affective Filter Literacy Minnesota

In this episode of the Speak English Fearlessly podcast, we're going to talk about strategies to help you break free from being stuck with your English skills - you know: when you can't seem to make progress any more!

I'm going to reinforces the importance of venturing out of your comfort zone!

We're going to accomplish this by listening to new podcasts, watching a different genre of movies, or speaking with new people in English.

It's vital to expose yourself to new sources of English! This will lead to growth in vocabulary and language skills and break the learning plateau.

Don't forget to subscribe to my weekly newsletter! I often will take a closer look at a topic I covered here in the podcast, or a deep dive on a prep strategy for the CELPIP exam, or something else that will help you develop your English skills. All free! Just go to celpipsuccess.com/subscribe to start getting your copy each week.

00:09 Introduction and Welcome

02:15 Understanding Language Learning Plateau

06:05 Personal Experience with Language Learning Plateau

11:20 Strategies to Overcome Language Learning Plateau

20:06 Connecting with New People in English

26:32 Conclusion and Invitation to Subscribe

Links:

The Be Afraid Podcast

Previous episodes in this series. (A handy playlist is waiting for you!)

If you're feeling stuck with your English, you'll want to listen to this week's episode. Here's what we'll cover to give you practical ideas you can try today to get your English moving again:

In this episode, I'm going to discusses language learning plateaus and how routines and habits play a crucial role in language learning.

I'll share insights from James Clear's book 'Atomic Habits' and we'll talk about the importance of changing habits and systems to achieve desired results.

We'll talk about the importance of analyzing your English learning system and making necessary changes, such as engaging more with native English speakers, changing English inputs, and joining clubs or interest groups. By changing routines and incorporating English into daily life, you'll be able to break free from learning plateaus and see progress in your language skills.

Takeaways

• Language learning plateaus are a normal part of the learning process and can be overcome.
• Routines and habits are powerful tools for achieving language learning goals.
• Changing habits and systems is key to breaking free from learning plateaus.
• Engaging with native English speakers, changing English inputs, and joining clubs or interest groups can enhance language learning.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction

01:25

Language Learning Plateau

02:46

The Power of Routines

06:11

Changing Habits and Systems

14:20

Breaking Free from a Learning Plateau

20:54

Analyzing Your English Learning System

28:26

Changing Your System

33:47

Changing English Inputs

36:22

Joining Clubs or Interest Groups

39:15

Changing Routines for New Results

40:15

Conclusion and Invitation

Key message: Embrace the small adjustments in routines to achieve big results, and use the power of habits to break through language learning barriers.

Remember to subscribe to 'Speak English Fearlessly' and join our newsletter for the exclusive language snapshot tool!

Quote Mentioned:

Achieving a goal only changes your life for the moment. That’s the counterintuitive thing about improvement. We think we need to change our results, but the results are not the problem. What we really need to change are the systems that cause those results. When you solve problems at the results level, you only solve them temporarily. In order to improve for good, you need to solve problems at the systems level. Fix the inputs and the outputs will fix themselves. - James Clear.

Links Mentioned In Today's Episode

Forget About Setting Goals. Focus On This Instead. The article I mention by James Clear.

Subscribe to my newsletter and get your free language snapshot tool.

In today's episode:

I hope that I'll be able to help you steer away a little from the traditional course book and classroom setting.

We'll explore the surprising places where real growth occurs and how everyday life can become your most valuable learning resource. I'll share stories from my time running an English teaching company in Mexico—illuminating the pros and cons of relying on structured course materials—and how truly immersing yourself in the language can make all the difference.

Now, whether you're in Canada, Mexico, or anywhere else in the world, there are endless opportunities to absorb and practice English in a way that course books can't prepare you for. And remember, slow and steady wins the race. By staying patient and aware of the English around you, growth is not only possible but inevitable.

So buckle up, and let's get ready to transform the way you approach your English learning journey—right after this quick break.

Breakdown of what we cover today:

00:00 Be patient, keep learning, and break plateau.

05:41 English classes focused on individual student needs.

08:58 Initially excited, switched to course books for structure.

11:18 Coursebooks can give false sense of progress.

15:26 Immigrants in Canada find comfort in community.

18:19 Develop English skills through real-life experiences.

20:37 Encouraging active listening for learning English.

24:30 Victoria bus announcements lead to missed stop.

27:38 Continuous daily effort leads to language growth.

Links Mentioned:

The episode where I talk with my wife, Ana Nelson: Dealing with employment challenges and seasonal depression immigrating to Canada feat. Ana Nelson

My interview with Dozie, where we talk about his immigration journey to Canada from Nigeria - you'll hear him share about the importance of community: How to find work, housing and deal with racisim immigrating to Canada feat. Nnadozie Anyaegbunam

The article by Karen Otavalo I referenced: Here’s what it was like for me to transition from ESL to mainstream classes

To Subscribe to my newsletter, Go here.

By listening in today, you'll learn 3 practical things you can begin doing today to help you create momentum with your English.

I want to begin by sharing a quote from a great article I read a few weeks ago. It's by Karen Otavalo, a young immigrant from Ecuador who immigrated to the United States.

During those initial months of transition, words eluded me. When they did surface, that all-too-familiar fear rippled through me. Speech used to be one of the things I was strongest at, and seeing myself fail at something so essential — not only to get my ideas across but also to be taken seriously — was disheartening. It didn’t help that despite hours of practice sometimes it seemed like I wasn’t getting better.

I learned quickly that impatience doesn’t help things along. Language acquisition is rarely a linear path. More effort doesn’t always translate into more progress. Instead, I had to learn to be patient, and that isn’t an overnight transformation either. 

I love that quote, and enjoyed reading the article. (I suggest you give it a read.) Karen highlights something that everyone experiences in their English learning journey, and that maybe you are experiencing now: A language learning plateau.

A fast beginning, and then all of a sudden, everything slows down and it feels like no matter how hard you push, you just can't seem to make progress anymore.

If that feels like you today, then this episode, and the following episodes in through February, will be for you. We'll be talking all about language learning plateaus and what you can do to break through them.

Today: Getting momentum back.

First things first: Let's get real.

• No instant fixes.
• No language hacks.
• No 'Ah-ha' moment will come to your rescue.

But this is what we often look for. A silver bullet. To repeat myself, there isn't one.

Here are 3 things you can do today to begin building momentum again:

1. Realize where you are. You are experiencing a normal part of learning and language learning. (You're not broken!)
2. Don't look for those instant fixes. You need to put in the work. But it doesn't have to hurt! Look for and engage with, English that you enjoy. (Movies, TV shows, Books, Friends etc.)
3. Who are you connecting with in English every day. Make a point of building a relationship with someone who you can talk to in English beyond, "Hi, how are you doing?"

Next week: Breaking free from depending on class, course book, and safe vocabulary.

Links:

Here's what it was like for me to transition from ESL to mainstream classes.

Dozie is a Content strategist, storyteller, budding documentary filmmaker, and immigrant. He hosts The Newcomers Podcast and writes a newsletter about wine for normal folks.

Why you should listen to today's episode:

In this episode of "Speak English Fearlessly," Dozie Anyaegbunam, a Nigerian immigrant to Canada, talks about his transition and the challenges he faced while settling into his new life.

Dozie discusses his proactive networking approach and the importance of storytelling and communication skills for immigrants seeking employment. He shares the difficulties of finding housing due to a lack of credit history and facing discrimination, including outright rejection based on his nationality.

Despite these hurdles, Dozie eventually secures a home, emphasizing that such biases are individual rather than racial. He also touches on the pressure to adjust his accent and the significance of building a supportive community.

The episode highlights the resilience and determination required for immigrants to overcome obstacles and integrate into a new society.

Dozie's Journey to Canada (00:05:09) Dozie shares his decision to move from Lagos, Nigeria, to Canada in 2021 and the reasons behind his immigration.

Career Transition and Networking (00:07:16) Dozie discusses his career transition from marketing in Lagos to content strategy in Canada and the networking and preparation he did before immigrating.

Informational Interviews and Job Search (00:10:18) Dozie explains how he conducted informational interviews and utilized networking on LinkedIn to find job opportunities in Canada.

Honing Your Story for Job Search (00:12:55) Dozie emphasizes the importance of refining one's story and skills for job interviews as an immigrant in a new country.

Challenges and Adjustments (00:17:12) Dozie reflects on the challenges and support he encountered during his family's landing in Canada.

The timestamps indicate the progression of the conversation and the topics covered in the podcast episode transcription segment.

Job Hunting and Housing Challenges (00:17:24) Dozie discusses the challenges of job hunting and finding housing as an immigrant in Canada.

Landlord Discrimination (00:19:35) Dozie recounts discriminatory experiences with landlords, including biased questions and rejections based on race.

Finding a Home (00:23:49) Dozie shares the process of finding and moving into his first home in Canada, detailing the challenges and delays.

Rental Competition (00:25:51) The discussion touches on the competitive rental market and the challenges of finding a place to live in Canada.

Immigration and Family (00:29:01) Dozie reflects on his greatest accomplishment in Canada, emphasizing the positive impact on his family life.

Family Bonding (00:31:49) The conversation shifts to a lighthearted discussion about family bonding over activities like playing Minecraft.

Language and Accent Challenges (00:34:23) Dozie discusses the unexpected experiences related to his use of English and his accent in Canada.

Immigrant challenges (00:34:46) Dozie discusses demoralizing workplace experiences due to his accent and feeling demotivated to speak up.

Overcoming self-doubt (00:36:31) Dozie shares how he initially stopped talking at work and felt invisible due to self-doubt and struggles with accent adaptation.

Perception and biases (00:39:22) The discussion touches on how accents can shape listener perceptions, affecting how seriously immigrants are taken at work.

Establishing a new life (00:42:43) Dozie emphasizes the importance of informational interviews and the need for a supportive community for immigrants in a new country.

You won't want to miss Dozie share about:

• Job hunting strategies before and after arriving in Canada. You'll hear Dozie's excellent job hunting strategy that you can and should be using for your own search!
• Challenges in finding housing and how Dozie overcame them.
• Dealing with racism and accents: Dozie shares about his struggle with people who told him things like, 'Oh, what an interesting accent you have." "Maybe you should learn how to speak English properly - slow down so I can understand you better."
• The importance of building community around you because the truth is, you can't immigrate to Canada successfully (and survive) without the help and support of others.

• Important advice for new immigrants - from one immigrant to another.

Links I Referenced In The Episode

How much do Canadians judge people for their accents? Experts say it starts early on (From cbc.ca)

Follow Dozie Online:

The Newcomers Podcast - Dozie's excellent podcast that tells the story of newcomers as they make their life in Canada. If you're a newcomer to Canada, or about to be one, you need to check this podcast out!

Dozie's newsletter about wine.

Follow Dozie on Twitter

Follow Dozie on LinkedIn

Follow Dozie on YouTube

Free Newcomer Support Resources

You'll hear some of the complexities of her journey including:

• The initial challenges of relocation.
• Restrictions on employment.
• The emotional toll of seasonal depression.
• You'll hear her share about how, despite facing these difficulties, she was able to gradually adjust and embrace her new life in Canada.

If you're new to Canada and struggling to find work in your field, then you need to listen to today's episode!

If you're struggling with feeling sad, especially during the winter months here in Canada, then you need to listen to today's episode!

We'll also share tips that are based on actual experience that can help you succeed as you work to establish yourself in Canada.

If you're a newcomer to Canada - this episode is for you!

How to Connect with Ana

If you'd like to connect with Ana over on her instagram, you can find her at:

@bold.bee.creations

Links mentioned today:

The CBC article I pointed out last week: They came to Canada for their dreams. Instead they found a mental health nightmare.

By listening to today's episode I want you to come away feeling prepared for what it is like when you arrive in Canada, I want you to be aware of the mental health struggles new comers often face, and I want you to have some practical ideas that will help you keep going.

The Inspiration:

Article on CBC: They Came To Canada for their dreams. Instead they found a mental health nightmare.

The byline says it all: "Process of rebuilding a life can lead to frustration and loss of self-esteem, experts say"

Short summary: Among other things, article highlights the mismatch between a newcomer's expectations about coming to Canada and the reality they find.

The result: mental health challenges you never thought you would have to deal with, like great frustration, depression, and isolation.

When I read this article over break, it made me feel so sad and like I we, as a country, can do so much better to help our immigrant population succeed.

If you're struggling today, I hope this episode resonates with you, and gives you hope.

Important Quotes from article:

The stresses caused by the upheaval of moving to a new country — and the often huge chasm between what immigrants are led to expect about life in Canada and the reality — can lead to depression, frustration and a loss of self-esteem, according to experts.

My Reactions:

• My wife and I have seen this happening first hand.
• One set of friends: Certified electrician in his home country, but here could not find work in his field. Had to re-certify. Ended up moving.
• Another set of friends: both are engineers in their home country, but here they cannot work in their field. Thankfully, they are pushing ahead.

Diminishing self-worth:

"[One of the causes of a deteriorating mental health is ...] diminishing self-worth. As part of the immigration process, people are considered based on their training and employment history in their country of origin, and they have the expectation of getting a similar job in Canada. But once they arrive, they often find it very hard to use their previous experience and educational credentials." - Iqbal Chowdhury 

Personal Experience

• I know it's not the same as being a new immigrant. I had great advantage because Canada is my home country, but the length of time it took me to find work after arriving in Canada again totally knocked my self-esteem down and often made us question our choice to move to Canada. It was a very difficult, dark, and discouraging time.

How To Deal With This

• First, you're not alone! if you're struggling right now, please know you're not alone. Important to know because this experience tends to make you feel alone, isolated and like you're the only one dealing with it. You're not!
• Second: Relationships Matter! Focus on developing relationships. Your friendships can help you make it in Canada, and a lack of them can hold you back or make it so you give up. But building relationships is something under your control! So step out and connect at every opportunity you can.
• Third: Look for employment agencies! If you're struggling to find work, don't go at it alone.

Helpful Link: Worklink Employment Society

Mentioned in this episode:

Free Newcomer Support Resource Page

Find a growing list of resources designed to help newcomers to Canada find work, develop skills, and become an established member of their community. Totally free. No e-mail required to view and use this resource.

Free Newcomer Support Resources

What you'll get from today's episode:

1. A crash course in micro-learning and how it will help you developing your English skills.
2. Inspiration to break through imposter syndrome.
3. Extra inspiration as you hear about the obstacles and setbacks Talita faced as she developed her fluency in English.
4. Great tips and strategies that Talita recommends to help you develop your English skills.

How To Find Talita Online

If you've enjoyed listening to Talita, please connect with her on Instagram: @talita.learn Let her know you heard about her from this podcast! She'd love to hear from you!

Why Listen Today:

If you're working to learn English and find your life to be jam packed with...well, life, and you find it hard to find time to practice your English - this episode is for you.

If you have years of experience learning English but find yourself feeling like an imposter, like your English skills really aren't that good and you have no business trying to use your English in your day-to-day life - then this episode is for you!

If you are like me and just love hearing other people's journey towards becoming fluent in English, then this episode is for you!

Free Resources For You!

I've got a growing bank of free resources that will help you develop your English skills - you can get instant access to them by signing up for my free weekly newsletter. To find out more, just go here.

If you're new to this podcast, this will give you a way to catch some episodes you might have missed.

If you're a regular listener, thanks for being here! Please treat these as a refresher. It's been said many times: repetition is the mother of learning!

Today, I'll be looking at a powerful - likely one of the most powerful - weapons you have available to you that will make a huge difference in the way you speak and write on the CELPIP exam. If used well, it will also help you attain a higher score! Best of all, it's something you're already an expert at - you just need to tap into it. Find out more in today's episode.

Free Resources Are Waiting For You!

I've got a growing bank of free resources waiting for you at www.celpipsuccess.com/resources

Everything is free for you - grab one or all of the tools you like. My favorite one: A language snapshop tool that will help you instantly see if you have a 1st language bubble working against you.

Having a 1st language bubble will set your English skill development back years if you don't stop it. You can find out more by going to www.celpipsuccess.com/resources - and yes, it's totally free.

Each week I'll be rereleasing episodes that were top performers over the year. If you're new to the podcast, you might just discover material you haven't heard yet. And if you've heard it before, treat it like a refresher for you!

Today: I'm sharing my best tips to help you improve your reading skills in English. This episode actually comes from one of my listeners who asked if I could help him with his reading skills. I hope these ideas help you too!

Free Resources Are Waiting For You!

I've got a growing bank of free resources waiting for you at www.celpipsuccess.com/resources

Everything is free for you - grab one or all of the tools you like. My favorite one: A language snapshop tool that will help you instantly see if you have a 1st language bubble working against you.

Having a 1st language bubble will set your English skill development back years if you don't stop it. You can find out more by going to www.celpipsuccess.com/resources - and yes, it's totally free.

If you're new to the podcast, this will be a great way for you to catch up on some of the most important content that I've shared.

Today we're taking a look at how 'sunken cost fallacy' can be working against you and your English skill development.

If you're feeling stuck with your progress in English, you must listen to today's episode. It might give you the push you need to make important changes in 2024 that will transform your English progress.

Free Resources For You!

Today's episode is brought to you by my free resource bank of tools that will help you grow and develop your English skills. One of my favorite resources in there, totally free to you, is a language snapshot tool.

It will help you see if you are stuck in a 1st language bubble that is actually working against you and slowing your progress in English down. Download it and anything else you find of interest by going to: www.celpipsuccess.com/resources

I'm taking the month of December off from this podcast, but don't worry: I've got you covered with weekly episodes that feature some of my best or most dowloaded content from my first season.

It's not just a replay - I'll intro each session to let you know a little more about it.

Today, we're dropping back to my first ever episode of this podcast! Episode 1, which is one of my favourites.

This is a vitally important episode because it talks about a habit that every language learner needs to have in their life if they want to see their English skills grow and develop.

Not practicing this habit will set your English development back years!

This episode is brought to you by my free English Snapshot resource.

This tool is a simple but powerful way for you to get a picture of your contact with each day. It will show you if you have a 1st language bubble around you that is working against your goal of becoming fluent in English. Grab it free here: www.celpipsuccess.com/resources (You can grab as many resources as you like once you get inside.)

If you have been going through a difficult time, and you're struggling to get by, struggling to make ends meet, struggling to just simply make your life work right now, then this message is for you.

IT has nothing to do with the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast, other than it's me - Aaron - who has recorded this for you.

But these past weeks and months I've needed encouragement. I've felt like giving up. I've felt like I didn't know how to keep going, and this has been what has helped me - and has been helping me.

I work as a Chaplain with Senior Citizens. My job is walk with them through their difficult and painful moments. I often talk with them about deep things like God, faith, hope...and just how to keep going. Not all is down and difficult. I also am blessed with very happy moments and lovely people who I learn a great deal from - but many times, the people I visit with are just going through a hard time.

This podcast episode is a message I shared at a chapel service a few weeks ago, and I wanted to share it with you today if you are needing to be encouraged, and if you are looking for hope to hold on to.

If you listen and like it, or if you want to respond in some way to it, I'd love to hear from you. You can write me directly at aaron@celpipsuccess.com - I will write you back. You can also use the contact form on my website - www.celpipsuccess.com

I hope it helps you.

Have a wonderful week, and see you on Tuesday.

In today's episode you'll learn about three strategies you can use to help you answer CELPIP Speaking Task 6: Dealing With A Difficult Situation.

I'll share a great response one of my students gave that completely blew me away with her creativity.

From her response, we'll focus on three strategies that will help you with your own answers.

1. Being firm - not changing your mind even though you feel the pressure to.
2. Being kind - you can be firm but you can (and should) also be kind.
3. Be empathetic - if the exam situation allows for it, show empathy with your response - this will strengthen your answer.

You can follow along with today's episode, and find the helpful tips fully explained, here: www.celpipsuccess.com/speakingtask6

In this part of the episode, I'll be working off of a real image which I'm linking to here. I'll walk you through the most important steps to take to answer Task 3 like a pro!

During the first half of the episode We'll cover:

CELPIP Speaking Task 3: Describing An Image

Brainstorming Will Help You Answer Two Important Questions: What are you looking at? Where should You begin?

We'll also cover:

1. Setting the scene: Letting your audience (the test rater)know YOU know what you're looking at!
2. Focus: You don't have to talk about everything!
3. Unleash the Power of Details - you'll never run out of things to say again if you follow this step! (You'll also get a better score on the CELPIP.)

The Second Half: A Masterclass on CELPIP Speaking Task 4: Making Predictions.

I've got a great surprise for you! You'll be working with the same image as Speaking Task 3 - so that takes a lot of work off your shoulders.

You'll still need to cover these points:

Brainstorming: What are you looking at? Where should You begin?

We'll also cover:

1. Setting the scene: Letting your audience (the test rater)know YOU know what you're looking at!
2. Focus: You don't have to talk about everything!
3. Unleash the Power of Details - you'll never run out of things to say again if you follow this step! (You'll also get a better score on the CELPIP.)

But now we're making predictions about what will happen next - logically - from what you see in the image.

You'll need to use words like: may, might, likely, probably, will, going to.

Episode Links:

Masterclass: Speaking Task 3 You'll find the image I'm talking about during this week's episode.

Masterclass Speaking Task 4 You'll find the image and the text from today's episode here.

Would you like to get live practice with this? Join me for a live masterclass on CELPIP Speaking Tasks 3 and 4.

Brainstorm!

You'll have 30 seconds to think about your response. Use this time wisely! I'll give you two ideas how!

 Next, you’re going to have just 60 seconds to describe the scene you’re looking at. 

Here’s a quick tip: pretend you’re talking to your best friend on the phone! (I'll explain why.)

How To Succeed In Task 3: Describing An Image.

1. Set The Scene

If you've used your prep time well, you'll know where this picture is taking place. That's the first thing you can talk about. "I'm looking a picture of a beautiful city park." 

2. Focus: You Don't Need To Describe Everything!

Don't feel like you have to talk about everything. Feel free to focus on one specific section of the picture once you've set the scene. 

3. Use The Power of Details

Talk about details - this is your secret weapon! Using details well will not only help you fill out your time, but it will also help you to get a higher score. 

Make sure you talk about the following kinds of details:

• Talk about who you see in the picture. (But in detail: middle aged man, a teenager, an old woman, etc.) 
• Talk about how you think they feel: (He or she looks happy, sad, worried, angry, etc.) 
• Can you invent logical reasons why they feel the way they feel? Talk about it! 
• Talk about what the people are wearing. Use colors and specific items of clothing. 
• Talk about where the people are in the image. Be specific! 

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the CELPIP Success Lab

Where Motivated English Learners Come to Conquer the CELPIP Exam- Together. Find Direction. It's not easy to figure out where to begin when you start studying for the CELPIP exam. There are so many places to begin! And so many different thins you need to practice. How do you know where to start? By joining the CELPIP Success Lab, I'll help you focus on exactly the right skills that will help you achieve the CELPIP score you need. I'll show you what to study and how to study it so you are ready for your exam day. Find Friendly Support and Feedback. Isn't it frustrating to not be sure you're doing a good job as you practice? Could you have said that differently? Should I have used a different word or phrase to explain my idea? Join the CELPIP Success Lab, and you won't have to wonder anymore about your work. I'll give you personal and friendly feedback on your work. One of my super powers is encouragement! That means I'll kindly show you where your making mistakes, and I'll help you get moving in the right direction again. And where you're doing great already, I'll make sure you know about it. Find Community. Join a friendly, supportive community of motivated English learners who are working towards the same goal as you: conquering the CELPIP. You'll never have to work on this alone again!

If you're getting ready for the CELPIP exam, you need to be working on Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing skills. In other words, you must focus on each skill without leaving one out!

Today, I want to help you focus on unleashing the power of description to help you improve your writing (and speaking) scores on the CELPIP exam.

I Share Two Stories:

1. The Story of the JuJubes that Tasted Like...Poo!

2. The moisturizing hand soap that made my wife's hands bleed.

Here are some ways to unlock the power of details! 

1. Don’t just state what’s wrong. Add adjectives and other sensory details.
2. Don’t just say the situation you’re experiencing is disappointing, let the reader know what you were expecting, and then what you got instead. 
3. If you’re describing an image, like you’ll need to do on the CELPIP exam, don’t just say you see a woman walking with her dog in the park. Give the listener details!

Why Details Matter:

Details help your writing and speaking become more interesting to the reader/listener. 

Details help you express your ideas in more influential ways. 

Details will help you get a higher score on the CELPIP exam - so make sure you’re using them. 

For every topic sentence - the sentence that conveys the most important idea of the paragraph, you should have two or three sentences that include details that back up or reinforce the topic sentence. 

Listen through the two stories again. Can you pick out some of the detail words I shared with you? 

How did it help you understand our problem or what was wrong with the products? (Did it help or make it more difficult?) 

Make sure you always use the power of details to strengthen your writing and speaking - both in real life and when you write the CELPIP exam. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the CELPIP Success Lab

Where Motivated English Learners Come to Conquer the CELPIP Exam- Together. Find Direction. It's not easy to figure out where to begin when you start studying for the CELPIP exam. There are so many places to begin! And so many different thins you need to practice. How do you know where to start? By joining the CELPIP Success Lab, I'll help you focus on exactly the right skills that will help you achieve the CELPIP score you need. I'll show you what to study and how to study it so you are ready for your exam day. Find Friendly Support and Feedback. Isn't it frustrating to not be sure you're doing a good job as you practice? Could you have said that differently? Should I have used a different word or phrase to explain my idea? Join the CELPIP Success Lab, and you won't have to wonder anymore about your work. I'll give you personal and friendly feedback on your work. One of my super powers is encouragement! That means I'll kindly show you where your making mistakes, and I'll help you get moving in the right direction again. And where you're doing great already, I'll make sure you know about it. Find Community. Join a friendly, supportive community of motivated English learners who are working towards the same goal as you: conquering the CELPIP. You'll never have to work on this alone again!

You will learn that failure can be a good learning experience that will help you develop your English skills if you learn how to respond to that failure correctly. 

You will learn 3 things you can do to deal with and reframe failure to position you for success.

How Failure Frames You:

If left alone, failure leads you places. Can you think of a few places where, if you allow it to, failure will take you? 

• To quit
• To not take risks anymore. To protect yourself, you stop using English so you don't face embarrassment again.

In short: it stops or severely limits your progress in English. 

How You Should Reframe Failure

Reframe, according to the Oxford dictionary, means:

to change the way something is expressed or considered:

(https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/reframe)

Instead of allowing failure to drive you to give up on your English, or instead of allowing failure to keep you cautious, let's think about some different ways to look at it....in other words, let's reframe failure to make it work for us.- here are 3 ways you can do that:

Three Strategies to Help You Deal with and Reframe Failure  Open Journal of Social Sciences by Ruihong Huang. The article points out some important strategies to help you move past failure:

Acknowledge Your Failure 

But don't live in it. According to an Edutopia article I read by Rusul Alrubail, you should fully express how frustrated, embarrassed, upset you feel, but give yourself a time limit as to how long you're allowed to sit there with it. When that time is up, move on. Move on by picking another activity to do, even if it's not in English, to get your mind off of what happened. As you do, you'll noticed that your negative emotions will begin to quiet down.

Reflect On Your Failure.

According to an Edutopia article I read by Rusul Alrubail, take time to consider what you can learn from what happened and what went wrong. What went right? What can you do to have a better outcome next time? Take some time to think about it, and also take some time to process what happened. 

Acknowledge Your Failure 

But don't live in it. According to an Edutopia article I read by Rusul Alrubail, you should fully express how frustrated, embarrassed, upset you feel, but give yourself a time limit as to how long you're allowed to sit there with it. When that time is up, move on. Move on by picking another activity to do, even if it's not in English, to get your mind off of what happened. As you do, you'll noticed that your negative emotions will begin to quiet down

Use the Power Of 'Alternative Experience.' 

•  Open Journal of Social Sciences by Ruihong Huang.  

The article smartly points to the value of taking some time to watch and learn from others who have attained what you're trying to attain. What can you learn from their examples? What can you learn from their failures? Mentors have great things to share and teach us if we take the time to connect with them or follow them. (They don't even need to know you are following!)

My previous podcast episode with Masha Honcharova is a great example of this, by the way. She openly shared some of her journey with us. You can learn a great deal from what she has experienced and shared.

https://celpipsuccess.com/podcast/reframefailure

Take A 1 minute Survey

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the CELPIP Success Lab

Where Motivated English Learners Come to Conquer the CELPIP Exam- Together. Find Direction. It's not easy to figure out where to begin when you start studying for the CELPIP exam. There are so many places to begin! And so many different thins you need to practice. How do you know where to start? By joining the CELPIP Success Lab, I'll help you focus on exactly the right skills that will help you achieve the CELPIP score you need. I'll show you what to study and how to study it so you are ready for your exam day. Find Friendly Support and Feedback. Isn't it frustrating to not be sure you're doing a good job as you practice? Could you have said that differently? Should I have used a different word or phrase to explain my idea? Join the CELPIP Success Lab, and you won't have to wonder anymore about your work. I'll give you personal and friendly feedback on your work. One of my super powers is encouragement! That means I'll kindly show you where your making mistakes, and I'll help you get moving in the right direction again. And where you're doing great already, I'll make sure you know about it. Find Community. Join a friendly, supportive community of motivated English learners who are working towards the same goal as you: conquering the CELPIP. You'll never have to work on this alone again!

Masha will share her own story of how she became fluent in English, and the many MANY challenges she overcame in order to achieve that goal.

We Talk About How To Use Reading To Build Your English Skills

We'll also take a close look at how to use reading in English to help you build your fluency skills.

How To Connect With Masha

If you'd like to connect with Masha, you can find her here:

On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@english2freedom

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masha.english2freedom/

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the CELPIP Success Lab

Where Motivated English Learners Come to Conquer the CELPIP Exam- Together. Find Direction. It's not easy to figure out where to begin when you start studying for the CELPIP exam. There are so many places to begin! And so many different thins you need to practice. How do you know where to start? By joining the CELPIP Success Lab, I'll help you focus on exactly the right skills that will help you achieve the CELPIP score you need. I'll show you what to study and how to study it so you are ready for your exam day. Find Friendly Support and Feedback. Isn't it frustrating to not be sure you're doing a good job as you practice? Could you have said that differently? Should I have used a different word or phrase to explain my idea? Join the CELPIP Success Lab, and you won't have to wonder anymore about your work. I'll give you personal and friendly feedback on your work. One of my super powers is encouragement! That means I'll kindly show you where your making mistakes, and I'll help you get moving in the right direction again. And where you're doing great already, I'll make sure you know about it. Find Community. Join a friendly, supportive community of motivated English learners who are working towards the same goal as you: conquering the CELPIP. You'll never have to work on this alone again!

But how should you go about choosing what you read if you're doing this on your own? Today's podcast will show you how.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Reading Material:

• Selecting engaging reading materials for effective self-study matters more than you can imagine! It can literally make or break you!
• What you read should capture your interest and keep you motivated.

My Story: The Power of Choosing Engaging Material:

• How I accidentally picked up a book on podcasting. (After returning a book that failed - previous episode: Are You Feeling Stuck With Your CELPIP Prep? Don't make this mistake!
• Remember: select reading material that genuinely interests you.

Key Ingredients for Effective Self-Study:

• The critical element of a self-paced reading plan is choosing material you're genuinely interested in.
• The reading material should be something you look forward to and have a hard time putting down.

Solutions for Uninspiring Reading Material:

Request Change/Provide Feedback:

• Kindly communicate your dissatisfaction to teachers or your school.
• A good school values student feedback and may offer alternative reading options.

Practice Skimming and Scanning:

• If changing the material isn't possible, practice skimming and scanning to make reading less tedious.

Creating a Reading Habit:

• A reading habit can be as great as my coffee habit!
• Reading in English can - and should be - enjoyable and is an effective way to enhance vocabulary and language skills.

Finding the Right Reading Material:

1. Follow Your Interest:

• Look for material that genuinely interests you.
• Check the book cover and blurb for initial interest.

Check the Table of Contents:

• Look at the table of contents to ensure the topics align with your interests and goals.

Get Random:

This great idea come from ontesol - How to Plan Extensive Reading Lessons

• Randomly open the book to read a few pages to assess comprehension and vocabulary level.
• Repeat this test in different sections of the book.

Beware of Being Too Easy:

• Don't rely on material that is too easy, as it may not help in vocabulary growth.

Conclusion:

• Follow your interest in reading materials.
• If a book loses your interest, feels overwhelming, or becomes a chore, it's essential to switch to something new.

This approach is crucial not only for building an enjoyable reading habit but also for effective vocabulary building for the CELPIP exam.

Thank you for listening!

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the CELPIP Success Lab

Where Motivated English Learners Come to Conquer the CELPIP Exam- Together. Find Direction. It's not easy to figure out where to begin when you start studying for the CELPIP exam. There are so many places to begin! And so many different thins you need to practice. How do you know where to start? By joining the CELPIP Success Lab, I'll help you focus on exactly the right skills that will help you achieve the CELPIP score you need. I'll show you what to study and how to study it so you are ready for your exam day. Find Friendly Support and Feedback. Isn't it frustrating to not be sure you're doing a good job as you practice? Could you have said that differently? Should I have used a different word or phrase to explain my idea? Join the CELPIP Success Lab, and you won't have to wonder anymore about your work. I'll give you personal and friendly feedback on your work. One of my super powers is encouragement! That means I'll kindly show you where your making mistakes, and I'll help you get moving in the right direction again. And where you're doing great already, I'll make sure you know about it. Find Community. Join a friendly, supportive community of motivated English learners who are working towards the same goal as you: conquering the CELPIP. You'll never have to work on this alone again!

What should you do?

Changing strategies seems like the easy answer, but as you'll see in today's episode: sometimes those 'obvious changes' are not as easy to make as we think. We'll explore why, and what you can do about it!

Why Listen to This Episode?

-If you're feeling stuck with your English or your CELPIP prep, then you absolutely need to hear this episode. We're talking about the Importance of Getting Unstuck

-I share about Recognizing When Your Current Approach Isn't Working

Story 1: My Failed Book Reading Endevour

- Struggling with a Book

- The Dilemma of Continuing vs. Quitting

- The Sunk Cost Fallacy in Reading

Story 2: The Chiropractor that Helped Me Walk - but Couldn't Take The Pain Away.

- Dealing with a Back Problem

- Loyalty to the Chiropractor

- The Sunk Cost Fallacy in Healthcare

Story 3: What happened when we tried to sell our home in Mexico

- Selling an Apartment in Mexico

- Balancing Friendship and Business

- The Sunk Cost Fallacy in Real Estate

The Sunk Cost Fallacy Explained

- What Is the Sunk Cost Fallacy?

- How It Applies to Language Learning and Exam Preparation

You Might Need to Make A Difficult Decision

- The Importance of Recognizing When to Cut Losses

- Don't Get Trapped in the Sunk Cost Fallacy

- Embracing Change for Progress and Improved Results

Sponsor: Stop Working On The CELPIP Alone!

Join the CELPIP Success Lab.

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the CELPIP Success Lab

Where Motivated English Learners Come to Conquer the CELPIP Exam- Together. Find Direction. It's not easy to figure out where to begin when you start studying for the CELPIP exam. There are so many places to begin! And so many different thins you need to practice. How do you know where to start? By joining the CELPIP Success Lab, I'll help you focus on exactly the right skills that will help you achieve the CELPIP score you need. I'll show you what to study and how to study it so you are ready for your exam day. Find Friendly Support and Feedback. Isn't it frustrating to not be sure you're doing a good job as you practice? Could you have said that differently? Should I have used a different word or phrase to explain my idea? Join the CELPIP Success Lab, and you won't have to wonder anymore about your work. I'll give you personal and friendly feedback on your work. One of my super powers is encouragement! That means I'll kindly show you where your making mistakes, and I'll help you get moving in the right direction again. And where you're doing great already, I'll make sure you know about it. Find Community. Join a friendly, supportive community of motivated English learners who are working towards the same goal as you: conquering the CELPIP. You'll never have to work on this alone again!

Improving reading skills can be a real challenge because it is largely an activity that you do on your own. 

Unless you’re reading out loud for someone, or reading to answer questions at school for a test or project, your reading skills are largely something that are hard to see developing because feedback on your progress is well..mostly invisible. 

Invisible unless you start using this strategy... 

One of the best things you can do to grow your reading skills is to become an active reader. 

• That means you are interacting with the material you are reading. 
• As you read, underline and circle ideas you like. 
• Underline new words that you find. 
• Talk back to the writer/author in your notes - imagine you’re having a conversation with them. 

Practice Summarizing!

And finally, related to my story today, at the end of each section or chapter - take a moment and write a brief summary of what you just read. 

This will help you organize the ideas you took in as you were reading. It will also help you figure out how well you were understanding what you are reading. 

If you notice a section is hard, maybe go back and reread it. Pay attention to the parts that are more difficult for you. 

Pay attention to any new words that might be making it hard for you to follow. 

Think of summaries as an opportunity to check in with yourself to see if you’re following the main ideas of the writer. 

NOTE: this is not a tip for the actual CELPIP exam day. You won’t have time to write summaries and engage with the text in the way I am describing here. This is a tip for developing your skills over time. 

Helpful Links

I’ve created several podcast episodes and blog posts about how to develop your reading skills:

A playlist from my podcast around developing reading skills.

From My Blog:

Improve your reading skills. (A group if blog posts that I have created around reading skill development.)

Thank you for listening to today’s podcast episode. If you’ve enjoyed it, please subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast app. See you next Tuesday! 

Help me out by sharing your opinion with me. (Would you please take a minute - that's about as long as you'll need - to fill out a quick feedback survey for me?)

Thanks and see you next Tuesday!

They weren't as high as you hoped they would be! I bet you're feeling awful about yourself. You might even want to give up!

But hang in there! There is a way forward.

Here are 6 reasons why your CELPIP test scores weren't as high as you wanted them to be. (Listen to the episode to find out what you can do about it!)

What might have caused your low CELPIP score:

6. Negative Mindset.

5. You didn't study/ prepare long enough.

4. Your level of English wasn't high enough.

3. You weren't ready to face the pressure of THE CLOCK!

2. You missed easy to fix points.

1. You froze in the speaking section: You weren't ready to talk to a computer screen! (Like most humans aren't ready!)

Listen to the episode to discover what YOU can do about these 6 points.

I need your help!

Take A 1 minute Survey

Goal Of This Episode:

By listening to this episode you will learn the importance of making English a part of your everyday life, and you will have some practical ways to do so.

Story Time

This week I went on a retreat through my work. We traveled off Vancouver Island, where I live, and then drove about 2.5 hours inland to a beautiful camp/retreat center that is nestled in a wooded valley right under several mountains.

During our time together, the team I am a part of has spent a great deal of time on work related topics and training sessions.

But the best parts have been what happens after those often intense times of work and learning: we talk. We listen. We laugh together. We eat together. Then we have time a part - where we can do whatever we want.

What does this have to do with you, you might be wondering. We'll - here's what I was thinking about today as I was enjoying an hour long hike through a mountain trail.

All my thinking time was in English. So was all the other activities that I just mentioned to you. One thing bled or led into the other - it was a free flow of language. English was everywhere.

This can be your story as well.

Allow English Into All Parts Of Your Life.

• Compartmentalizing your English practice is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.
• When you compartmentalize, you are separating or isolating one thing from another.

Dictionary Meaning:

Compartmentalize:  to separate into isolated compartments or categories

“Compartmentalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compartmentalize. Accessed 14 Sep. 2023.

Are You Compartmentalizing Your English?

• The quick and easy way to find out is to simply ask yourself this question: when and where do I use English each day?
• If you answer: I only use English when I have to. I only use English when I'm in English class. Then you're compartmentalizing.

This is a huge problem!

If you want to see your English fluency grow and develop you have to start bringing English into everything you do.

You have the same opportunity if you live here in Canada already. (And if you don't live in an English speaking location, you sill have the ability to bring English into your life - it will just take a little more creativity on your part.)

One Practical Step For You Today:

What language do you think in? That's what I was specifically thinking about today on my hike. I saw this amazing tree that was growing out of a tree that had fallen over across our path. There's a picture of it on my blog.

Your challenge today: set a timer on your cellphone so that every hour you get a reminder to practice thinking in English.

Try to give yourself 5 -10 minutes at first. During that time, make it your goal to switch the language you're thinking in, which I bet is your first language, to English.

Repeat this challenge every hour daily. As you get good at it, try increasing the time from 5-10 minutes to 10-15 minutes and so on. See if you can bring yourself up to a full hour!

This is just one example of how you can be making English a part of your day-to-day life.

You can check out today's episode on my blog:

https://celpipsuccess.com/mistakeinenglish/

I need your feedback!

Could you take 1 minute and help me with your feedback today? I want to make sure this podcast is helping you. Please fill out my quick 1 minute survey here: https://celpipsuccess.com/survey/

Thank you!

To combat negative self-talk, here's what you can do:

1. Recognize that everyone experiences self-talk, whether positive or negative.
2. Challenge negative self-talk by stopping it when it occurs.
3. Use imaginative techniques to visualize overcoming negative thoughts.
4. Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations that reflect reality and encourage growth.

In conclusion, addressing negative self-talk is so important! It can significantly impact your personal and professional development, including your ability to learn and improve your English language skills.

Book mentioned in the podcast:
Jon Acuff's book: Soundtracks (Not an affiliate link.)

Can You Share Your Opinion With Me?
It will likely take you less than 1 minute, but it would mean the world to me if you'd share your opinion with me about the podcast. Please go to celpipsuccess.com/survey
**Fill in the entire survey, including your e-mail address, by September 30th, and I'll write you back personally to thank you.  I'll also schedule a free 30 minute zoom session with you to talk about your English learning goals or challenges. We'll work together for 30 minutes on general English stuff, or something you need help with on the CELPIP exam. 

Thank you for listening! I've got some totally free resources - along with the ones mentioned in today's episode to help you continue to build your English skills and prepare for the CELPIP exam. Find out more here: https://celpipsuccess.com/resources/

I stopped reading just for the fun of reading - because I was involved in a Master’s degree program through my work. I’ve shared that with you before, but because I had to do so much reading for that degree program, I totally had to give up reading for fun books. 

In fact, once I had finished my studies, I have to confess that I sort of walked away from reading all together. I had had enough reading, I felt, to fill a lifetime! 

But recently I’ve found that I’ve missed picking up a good book and curling up on my favourite chair to read it. 

What I Read and Am Reading

I’ve just finished reading a book that you might enjoy, actually. It’s called Hollow Fires by  Samira Ahmed.  It’s based on a true story,  but deals a lot with racism, hatred, being an immigrant, and how the main character - an immigrant herself - tries to solve a murder.  I really enjoyed it - maybe you will too. 

And now I’m reading a new book. It’s called The Ruinous Sweep by Tim Wynee-Jones. 

I’m only a few chapters in, but I’m liking it so far.

Why A Podcast Episode About Reading and Vocabulary?

Reading this book today is what inspired me to share this podcast episode with you. 

Why? Because I learned a brand new word from reading this book today. Me! A 47 year old book worm!  I was so excited by it, that I took a picture of the page from the book, and thought: I've gotta share this with you!

How To Use Reading To Build Your English Vocabulary

Today we’re going to take a few minutes to talk about why you should consider reading as a way to build your vocabulary. 

1. Read what you enjoy reading!  (Learn from my studies story - I was reading things I SOMETIMES enjoyed. But many times it was because I had to in order to meet course requirements. Don’t do that! Look for material you enjoy reading so that you will want to keep doing it. 

2. Look for material that is not too easy, but also not too hard!  You need something that will challenge you a little - but not totally overwhealm you, or you’ll likely not want to keep going! 

3. When you come to a new word: follow your curiosity.  Some suggest that you shouldn’t stop in the middle of your reading in order to pull out the dictionary to learn what your new word means, but instead wait until you’re done the chapter so that you don’t interrupt the flow of reading.   That makes sense, but I suggest that instead you follow your curiosity! If the word looks interesting to you, and it pokes your curiosity - go ahead and look it  up.  (First though, see if you can guess what it means by looking at the context.)

Please help me out on this quick survey! (During the month of September 2023, if you share your e-mail address in the feedback form you'll get a free 30 minute class with me on whatever you need help with in your English when you sign up. )

Thank you for listening! I've got some totally free resources - along with the ones mentioned in today's episode to help you continue to build your English skills and prepare for the CELPIP exam. Find out more here: https://celpipsuccess.com/resources/

Thank you for listening! I've got some totally free resources - along with the ones mentioned in today's episode to help you continue to build your English skills and prepare for the CELPIP exam. Find out more here: https://celpipsuccess.com/resources/

Thank you for listening! I've got some totally free resources - along with the ones mentioned in today's episode to help you continue to build your English skills and prepare for the CELPIP exam. Find out more here: https://celpipsuccess.com/resources/