In this episode of 20 Minutes a Day, we kick off a new series focused on business language skills, starting with networking!

Sarah and Erin discuss how to navigate networking events with confidence, from finding the right people to practicing a solid introduction. Learn the essentials of making professional connections in a second language, whether at formal events or casual coffee meetups.

Tune in to explore practical tips on how to prepare, approach, and follow up with new contacts—all while building your language skills. Don’t miss out on this episode if you’re looking to boost your confidence in business settings. For the self-guided course, check out this link: https://verbatum.ca/en/cours-auto-guides/

Credits:

Kitchen Timer by maphill -- https://freesound.org/s/204103/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Sunny Serenity by ViraMiller -- https://freesound.org/s/746546/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

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Join us for an inspiring episode as Verbatum’s language coaches, Paul and Sarah, share their unforgettable travel experiences.

Paul, a seasoned globetrotter, recounts heartwarming encounters in places like Croatia, where kindness transcended language barriers.

Sarah, meanwhile, takes us on her solo journey to the Philippines and Japan with her two young children, offering tips on embracing flexibility and making lasting memories abroad.

Tune in for stories of adventure, resilience, and the deep connections that language can foster.

For FREE resources to help you on your learning adventure, click here: https://verbatum.ca/en/aides-memoire-et-exercices/

Credits:

Kitchen Timer by maphill -- https://freesound.org/s/204103/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Sunny Serenity by ViraMiller -- https://freesound.org/s/746546/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this lively episode, Sarah and Erin dive into personal travel adventures, sharing memorable souvenirs and amusing mishaps along the way. They provide practical advice for navigating transportation, focusing on key steps like checking in at airports, handling security protocols, catching taxis, and making smooth connections between flights. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or preparing for your first trip abroad, this episode offers essential language tips for mastering travel conversations.

Listen closely for three useful vocabulary words: conveyor belt, chit chat, and hail a taxi—and jot them down to practice later. Plus, learn how to ask important questions, make polite requests, and respond confidently in everyday travel scenarios.

For even more practical tips and exercises to enhance your travel experience, check out their curated YouTube playlist on navigating transportation with ease: Watch here.

Sound Attribution:

Sunny Serenity by ViraMiller -- https://freesound.org/s/746546/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Kitchen Timer by maphill -- https://freesound.org/s/204103/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

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In this playful and informative episode, Sarah and Erin role-play a hotel check-in and dining scenario, teaching key travel vocabulary along the way.

They focus on terms such as continental breakfast, rare steak, a popular dinner choice; and double room. Through their role-play, they cover typical questions travelers might ask, from directions to dining recommendations, ensuring listeners are well-equipped for their next adventure.

Don't forget to check out this cheat sheet for even more useful phrases! https://verbatum.ca/en/aides-memoire-et-exercices/

Credits:

Kitchen Timer by maphill -- https://freesound.org/s/204103/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Sunny Serenity by ViraMiller -- https://freesound.org/s/746546/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this first in a series of 4 episodes covering traveling skills, Sarah and Erin delve into essential restaurant vocabulary for ordering food in a second language.

They discuss useful phrases like asking about menu items, substitutions, and handling food allergies.

Keep your ears open to hear three key terms: shellfish, surf and turf, and house dressing. Be sure to jot them down with their meanings.

From appetizers to dessert, your hosts walk through the dining experience, sharing personal stories and tips for making your restaurant visit smoother, no matter what language you’re using.

Get your free Restaurant Cheat Sheet and Exercise here: https://verbatum.ca/en/aides-memoire-et-exercices/

Credits:

Kitchen Timer by maphill -- https://freesound.org/s/204103/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Sunny Serenity by ViraMiller -- https://freesound.org/s/746546/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this fourth episode, Sarah and Erin interview each other, exploring such topics as their favorite guilty pleasure songs, their language learning experiences, and the importance of trust in language coaching.

The three vocabulary words listeners should focus on are:

1. Fair game
2. Softball question
3. Guilty pleasure

As they interview each other, Sarah and Erin explore topics ranging from adapting to a new culture to deep personal reflections on confidence, balance, and their passion for language coaching.

Now it's YOUR turn! Share with us your language learning story! [email protected]

For more language learning resources: www.verbatum.ca/resources

Credits:

Kitchen Timer by maphill -- https://freesound.org/s/204103/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Sunny Serenity by ViraMiller -- https://freesound.org/s/746546/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this third episode of their engaging podcast, Erin and Sarah dive into the world of low-cost language learning resources. From speaking with native speakers on Tandem and HelloTalk to discovering podcasts and apps that cater to your interests, this episode is packed with practical tools to help you excel in your language journey.

They also share their personal experiences, recommend excellent reading materials, and discuss how AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance your writing and pronunciation. Get ready to supercharge your language learning without spending a dime!

Don't forget to listen for the expressions "get the best of both worlds," "the other side of the coin," and "boiled down to the essentials" to improve your language understanding! Be sure to write them down in your vocabulary notebook.

Get your own Vocabulary Notebook and the "20 Minutes a Day: Tips and Resources" PDF here: https://verbatum.ca/en/aides-memoire-et-exercices/

Credits:

Kitchen Timer by maphill -- https://freesound.org/s/204103/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Sunny Serenity by ViraMiller -- https://freesound.org/s/746546/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

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In Episode 2 of "20 Minutes a Day," Sarah and Erin reveal some of their favorite tips and tricks for making language learning more effective—and fun! They share personal stories about overcoming the trap of perfectionism while encouraging listeners to engage with their target language in ways that appeal to them (watching shows and movies, listening to music, reading a great book).

This episode is packed with practical advice to help you stay engaged and make progress every day. Plus, Sarah and Erin introduce three new vocabulary words to add to your growing list: make a mistake, wean off, and figure out. Don't forget to jot them down for the season's big vocabulary challenge!

Join Sarah and Erin as they guide you through the world of language learning, offering encouragement, humor, and actionable tips to keep you motivated on your journey.

For the Vocabulary Notebook and other great resources, click here: https://verbatum.ca/resources/

Credits:

Kitchen Timer by maphill -- https://freesound.org/s/204103/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Sunny Serenity by ViraMiller -- https://freesound.org/s/746546/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this enjoyable and informative debut episode, co-hosts Sarah and Erin from Verbatum share the WHY of the show. They dive into what "20 Minutes a Day" is all about and their language learning approach: consistency and fun.

Tune in to discover why dedicating just 20 minutes a day to language practice can transform your skills and keep you motivated on your journey. From habit-building to boosting confidence, Erin and Sarah highlight the benefits of consistent practice, sprinkle in some personal stories, and kick off the first of many vocabulary challenges for listeners. Get ready to learn with a smile on your face!

Here are the 3 expressions to keep your ear out for: nitty-gritty, rely on and housework.

Find your English level here: https://verbatum.ca/en/quiz/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.