Improve Your English

This video provides 3 illustrated examples of how the word DESPAIR can be used. Take a moment to look at the picture, then listen and read the sentence example. Then make sure you understand the sentence. Look up in a dictionary any other words you do not understand.

Here is a transcript of the video: “The Definition of DESPAIR”

Slide 2:
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Slide 3:
DESPAIR
Pronounced desPAIR
with stress on the second syllable.
Definition:
Noun: complete loss of hope
Verb: to lose or give up hope

The clipart shows a person burying their head in their hands in a state of hopelessness.

Let’s look at 3 illustrated sentence examples.

Slide 4:
The picture shows the home page of the SHOUT organization’s web site.

The sentence reads: Shout is a UK based, free text messaging service for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or feelings of despair.

A person may be tempted to consider suicide if they have lost all hope that their lives will improve. In other words, they are in absolute despair.

Here’s another example:

Slide 5:
In the picture we see a man standing in the road with a worried look on his face.

Sentence: After searching for his dog for over two hours, he was about to give up in despair.

In other words, he was losing all hope that he would find his dog.

Here is a third example:

Slide 6:
The picture shows two friends lying on the grass head to head. The girl on the left looks positive, optimistic.

Sentence: She encouraged her friend by saying: “Things may look bad at the moment. But don’t despair!”

In other words, the girl on the left is telling her friend not to give up, not to lose hope.

Slide 7:
So let’s recap:
DESPAIR: Noun: complete loss of hope
Verb: to lose or give up hope

Synonyms include:
desperation
gloominess
discouragement
desolation
bleakness
hopelessness
defeat
abandon

Slide 8:
Here are some common collocations:

give in to despair
give up in despair
feelings of despair
don’t despair
level of despair
moment of despair
sense of despair
growing despair

Slide 9:
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Slide 10:
Build A Powerful English Vocabulary with my FREE course on Udemy
Go to: http://goodenglish.online

Now you understand clearly the meaning of DESPAIR, check other words in The Illustrated Dictionary such as:
The Meaning of ATTITUDE

Image Credits

Slide 4 – Shout
Fair Use
https://giveusashout.org/get-help/

Slide 5 – man in road
Royalty Free
Courtesy James Garcia at unsplash
https://unsplash.com/photos/man-standing-in-middle-of-road-at-daytime-WuaC3i1g6sI

Slide 6 – two women opposite each other
Royalty Free
Courtesy nikolapeskova at pixabay
https://pixabay.com/photos/blonde-brown-hair-girls-women-826027/

Regarding the use of illustrations and photographs used in this video:

Fair Use
Section 107 of the Copyright Act provides the statutory framework for determining whether something is a fair use and identifies certain types of uses—such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research—as examples of activities that may qualify as fair use.
https://copyright.gov/fair-use/more-info.html

Royalty Free
The image may be used for almost any business, personal, educational or charitable purpose as long as a credit is published to the creator of the image.

To improve your English fluency and confidence when speaking, use the Synchronized Reading Method. Be sure to watch the Introduction video in the link above first, to understand the methodology. These English reading exercises will dramatically improve your English fluency.

These exercises are designed for intermediate to advanced students who want to sound like a native speaker. By reading along with the teacher at the same time, with the teacher’s voice superimposed over their own, students start to self-correct in the areas of pronunciation and fluency, learning to read and speak in natural word groups.

If you find the pace is too slow, go to the Advanced version, and repeat until you are fluent in sync with the teacher’s reading.

Here is a transcript of the video: ENGLISH Reading Exercise #34 (Intermediate) Presentation Skills 12 of 28

Be sure to watch the introductory video to this playlist before doing this exercise.
Click on the link below in the Description . . .
(https://youtu.be/IOeaBha6dUU)

Accuracy & Clarity: Watch What You Say!
Effective public speaking convinces the audience and moves them to action because they are persuaded to believe the information or reasons given. Hence, credibility is an essential ingredient for anyone who stands up in front of an audience. How can you establish credibility? Here are six suggestions:

Use Specifics For Credibility
Use specifics rather than generalities. When referring to an incident, provide the date, names, places, figures. Although the audience may not remember these details, the fact you mention them adds real weight to your message.

The audience is far more likely to believe a speaker that has obviously carefully researched his subject.

Ensure Accuracy of Statements
Ensure what you are saying is accurate. Use reliable sources when doing research. Do not be taken in by sensational statistics or stories from dubious sources. They can completely blow your credibility if someone in the audience is knowledgeable about the subjectk, and knows that what you are saying is exaggerated or inaccurate.

How To Use Statistics
Effective public speaking involves using statistics skillfully. Express percentages in round numbers for greater impact. Instead of saying 12.2%, say ‘one in eight’.

With very large numbers, round off to the nearest hundred or thousand. Few remember an 8 digit number. For example, instead of saying 3,566,314 say, ‘Well over three and a half million’.

Avoid Universal Words
Be cautious when using universal words such as ‘everyone’, ‘always’, ‘never’, as frequent use can negate the force of your presentation.

It is rare that ‘everyone’ is doing such and such a thing, or that a person ‘always’ does this or that. Better to tone down the level by using words such as “some, usually, often, infrequently, probably, many, in some cases.” These words don’t overstate matters or raise serious questions about your credibility.

Eliminate Meaningless Words
Avoiding meaningless words and phrases to ‘fill’ gaps or thinking time as you put a thought together, will greatly contribute to effective public speaking.

Using expressions such as ‘and-uh’ through your presentation, or regularly tacking ‘you know’ on the end of most of your sentences can irritate an audience.

Avoid Irrelevant Material
Avoid the danger of irrelevant material. You may come across an interesting fact or anecdote and because you like it, you try to force it into your presentation. Unless it directly relates to the subject and is serving the purpose of elaborating on or enhancing a main point, throw it out.

Your presentation will lose focus if you include items that are not relevant. Keep it on the back burner for another time when you might use it in a more appropriate context in a different presentation.

In conclusion, while not suggesting a public speaker should be pedantic over word use and choice, it is important to watch what you say in front of an audience. Inaccurate statements, exaggerations, lack of specifics, can leave an audience very unimpressed.

On the other hand, effective public speakers who pay attention to detail, know how to phrase statistics and specifics for powerful effect, and deliver solid, substantial, proven information, will enjoy a high credibility rating and have an audience ready to act on their recommendations.

Next: What To Do Before And After You Open Your Mouth

To improve your English fluency and confidence when speaking, use the Synchronized Reading Method. Be sure to watch the Introduction video in the link above first, to understand the methodology. These English reading exercises will dramatically improve your English fluency.

These exercises are designed for intermediate to advanced students who want to sound like a native speaker. By reading along with the teacher at the same time, with the teacher’s voice superimposed over their own, students start to self-correct in the areas of pronunciation and fluency, learning to read and speak in natural word groups.

If you find the pace is too fast, go to the Intermediate version, and repeat until you are fluent in sync with the teacher’s reading.

Here is a transcript of the video: ENGLISH Reading Exercise #34 (Advanced) Presentation Skills 12 of 28

Be sure to watch the introductory video to this playlist before doing this exercise.
Click on the link below in the Description . . .
(https://youtu.be/IOeaBha6dUU)

Accuracy & Clarity: Watch What You Say!
Effective public speaking convinces the audience and moves them to action because they are persuaded to believe the information or reasons given. Hence, credibility is an essential ingredient for anyone who stands up in front of an audience. How can you establish credibility? Here are six suggestions:

Use Specifics For Credibility
Use specifics rather than generalities. When referring to an incident, provide the date, names, places, figures. Although the audience may not remember these details, the fact you mention them adds real weight to your message.

The audience is far more likely to believe a speaker that has obviously carefully researched his subject.

Ensure Accuracy of Statements
Ensure what you are saying is accurate. Use reliable sources when doing research. Do not be taken in by sensational statistics or stories from dubious sources. They can completely blow your credibility if someone in the audience is knowledgeable about the subjectk, and knows that what you are saying is exaggerated or inaccurate.

How To Use Statistics
Effective public speaking involves using statistics skillfully. Express percentages in round numbers for greater impact. Instead of saying 12.2%, say ‘one in eight’.

With very large numbers, round off to the nearest hundred or thousand. Few remember an 8 digit number. For example, instead of saying 3,566,314 say, ‘Well over three and a half million’.

Avoid Universal Words
Be cautious when using universal words such as ‘everyone’, ‘always’, ‘never’, as frequent use can negate the force of your presentation.

It is rare that ‘everyone’ is doing such and such a thing, or that a person ‘always’ does this or that. Better to tone down the level by using words such as “some, usually, often, infrequently, probably, many, in some cases.” These words don’t overstate matters or raise serious questions about your credibility.

Eliminate Meaningless Words
Avoiding meaningless words and phrases to ‘fill’ gaps or thinking time as you put a thought together, will greatly contribute to effective public speaking.

Using expressions such as ‘and-uh’ through your presentation, or regularly tacking ‘you know’ on the end of most of your sentences can irritate an audience.

Avoid Irrelevant Material
Avoid the danger of irrelevant material. You may come across an interesting fact or anecdote and because you like it, you try to force it into your presentation. Unless it directly relates to the subject and is serving the purpose of elaborating on or enhancing a main point, throw it out.

Your presentation will lose focus if you include items that are not relevant. Keep it on the back burner for another time when you might use it in a more appropriate context in a different presentation.

In conclusion, while not suggesting a public speaker should be pedantic over word use and choice, it is important to watch what you say in front of an audience. Inaccurate statements, exaggerations, lack of specifics, can leave an audience very unimpressed.

On the other hand, effective public speakers who pay attention to detail, know how to phrase statistics and specifics for powerful effect, and deliver solid, substantial, proven information, will enjoy a high credibility rating and have an audience ready to act on their recommendations.

Next: What To Do Before And After You Open Your Mouth

Here is a transcript of the video: “The Meaning of TURN OVER A NEW LEAF”

Slide 2:
Continually IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH
Click the subscribe button
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Slide 3:
The meaning of:
TURN OVER A NEW LEAF

to change behaviour in a positive, better, more acceptable way; to start over

Synonyms:
reform
improve
change
amend

The clipart shows an arrow going in one direction, and then going in the opposite direction, a change in course.

Slide 4:
Note: the leaf in the idiom is NOT the leaf of a tree.

Rather, it refers to the page of a book. One of the definitions of the word ‘leaf’ is: a sheet of paper bound in a book.

Slide 5:
So the sense is that of turning a page in a book, to a new blank page.

In other words, making a fresh start, changing course.

Let’s look at 2 illustrated sentence examples.

Slide 6:
In the picture, we see a young man handcuffed, being escorted by a police officer.

The sentence reads: After being arrested by the police, he promised his family he would turn over a new leaf, and stay out of trouble.

In other words, the young man promised his family he would change his behaviour in a positive way. He would start over.

Slide 7:
In the picture we see a young man smiling and greeting his friend who is habitually late.

Sentence example: When his friend showed surprise that he arrived on time, he said: “I’ve decided I’m going to try not to be late anymore. I’ve turned over a new leaf.”

In other words, the friend is going to start over and change his behaviour in order to be more punctual.

Slide 8:
So remember, if you change your habits or behaviour in a positive way, you can say: “I’ve turned over a new leaf!”

Slide 9:
Has this video helped you?
LIKE | SHARE | COMMENT NOW!

Slide 10:
Build A Powerful English Vocabulary
with my FREE course on UDEMY
Go to: http://goodenglish.online

Image Credits

Slide 6 – young man with police officer
Royalty Free
Courtesy of Breedstock at Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-arrest-police-security-8701423/

Slide 7 – young man smiling
Royalty Free
Courtesy of Frank_Reppold at Pixabay
https://unsplash.com/@good_funeral_guide

Regarding the use of illustrations and photographs used in this video:

Royalty Free
The image may be used for almost any business, personal, educational or charitable purpose as long as a credit is published to the creator of the image.

If you are interested in the meaning of TURN OVER A NEW LEAF, and seeing TURN OVER A NEW LEAF in a sentence, be sure to check another entry in the English Idioms dictionary:
Idiom: The Meaning of THROUGH THICK AND THIN

ENGLISH SPEAKING & PRONUNCIATION PRACTICE PLAYLIST
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7LFrjIsjhMlEZCxVn8CBAGNScI5ARwB1

ENGLISH READING PRACTICE – CLICK HERE
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7LFrjIsjhMlgrwrdTaeifxmuXwX7Ofv8

English speaking practice and pronunciation practice is an invaluable method for improving fluency and confidence when speaking English. The student repeats a phrase or sentence after hearing the native speaker say it. The student repeats the phrase or sentence 3 times. This repetition is crucial. Turn the teacher’s voice up loud, and then repeat with a loud voice.

Persistence and perseverance are keys to success. At first it may seem a little monotonous but soon you will get used to repeating each phrase or sentence 3 times. Soon your self-confidence will grow and you will be able to read with much more certainty which will then filter through to speaking English fluently in conversation, which accurate pronunciation.

Here is ENGLISH SPEAKING & PRONUNCIATION PRACTICE
Exercise 2: Mind Maps

Slide 2:
A quick reminder, Get new additions to THE ILLUSTRATED DICTIONARY
Click the subscribe button
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Slide 3:
Be sure to watch the introductory video to learn how to use the echo speaking method.
See the link in the Description . . .
(https://youtu.be/IOeaBha6dUU)

Slides 4 onwards
The Reading

Mahatma Gandhi, was an Indian lawyer, and anti-colonial nationalist, who employed nonviolent resistance to lead the successful campaign for India’s independence from British rule. In turn he inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. The honorific Mahatma (Sanskrit: “great-souled”, “venerable”), first applied to him in 1914 in South Africa, is now used throughout the world.

Born and raised in a Hindu family in coastal Gujarat, western India, Gandhi trained in law at the Inner Temple, London, and was called to the bar at age 22 in June 1891. After two uncertain years in India, where he was unable to start a successful law practice, he moved to South Africa in 1893 to represent an Indian merchant in a lawsuit. He went on to stay for 21 years. It was in South Africa that Gandhi raised a family, and first employed nonviolent resistance in a campaign for civil rights.

In 1915, aged 45, he returned to India. He set about organising peasants, farmers, and urban labourers to protest against excessive land-tax and discrimination. Assuming leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1921, Gandhi led nationwide campaigns for easing poverty, expanding women’s rights, building religious and ethnic amity, ending untouchability, and above all achieving self-rule.

The same year Gandhi adopted the Indian loincloth, or short dhoti and, in the winter, a shawl, both woven with yarn hand-spun on a traditional Indian spinning wheel, as a mark of identification with India’s rural poor. Thereafter, he lived modestly in a self-sufficient residential community, ate simple vegetarian food, and undertook long fasts as a means of self-purification and political protest.

Bringing anti-colonial nationalism to the common Indians, Gandhi led them in challenging the British-imposed salt tax with the 400 km (250 mi) Dandi Salt March in 1930, and later in calling for the British to Quit India in 1942. He was imprisoned for many years, upon many occasions, in both South Africa and India. Gandhi’s vision of an independent India based on religious pluralism was challenged in the early 1940s by a new Muslim nationalism which was demanding a separate Muslim homeland carved out of India.

In August 1947, Britain granted independence, but the British Indian Empire was partitioned into two dominions, a Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. As many displaced Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs made their way to their new lands, religious violence broke out, especially in the Punjab and Bengal. Eschewing the official celebration of independence in Delhi, Gandhi visited the affected areas, attempting to provide solace.

In the months following, he undertook several fasts unto death to stop religious violence. The last of these, undertaken on 12 January 1948 when he was 78, also had the indirect goal of pressuring India to pay out some cash assets owed to Pakistan. Some Indians thought Gandhi was too accommodating. Among them was a Hindu nationalist, who assassinated Gandhi on 30 January 1948 by firing three bullets into his chest.

Gandhi’s birthday, on October 2, is commemorated in India as a national holiday, and worldwide as the International Day of Nonviolence. Gandhi is commonly, though not formally, considered the Father of the Nation in India, and was commonly called Bapu (Gujarati: a term of endearment for father, papa).

That is the end of the exercise.
Now you have finished this English speaking and pronunciation exercise, focus on improving your fluency. Read this text in Exercise 1 again, using the
Synchronized Reading method.
Go to the DESCRIPTION below for the link to the playlist.
ENGLISH READING PRACTICE – CLICK HERE

Has this video helped you?
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Build A Powerful English Vocabulary with my FREE course on Udemy
Go to: http://goodenglish.online

Learn how to pronounce SPONTANEOUS correctly by understanding the syllables. Then see SPONTANEOUS in a sentence along with an illustration as a memory aid.

Here is a transcript of the video: “How to Pronounce SPONTANEOUS”

Slide 2:
A quick reminder before we start:
Continually IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH
Click the subscribe button
the Bell icon and then All

Slide 3:
The word SPONTANEOUS is an adjective.

It has 4 syllables.

Stress the 2nd syllable.

It’s pronounced spon◦TAY◦nee◦us

Slide 4:
SPONTANEOUS
Definition:
happening because of a sudden impulse, not from preparation or forethought

The clipart shows a warning sign for combustible material which can easily burst into flame.

Let’s look at an illustrated sentence example.

Slide 5:
In the picture we see a little girl with a delighted expression on her face, putting her hand over her mouth.

The sentence reads: The wonderful thing about children is that their reactions are often so spontaneous.

In other words, a child’s natural reaction is often due to impulse rather than a prepared response.

Slide 6:
Has this video helped you?
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Slide 7:
Build a powerful English vocabulary with my FREE course on Udemy. Just go to:
http://goodenglish.online

Image Credit:

Slide 5 – Child laughing
Royalty Free
Courtesy jupilu at Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/photos/child-kid-laughing-toddler-smiling-6610447/

Regarding the use of illustrations and photographs used in this video:

Royalty Free
The image may be used for almost any business, personal, educational or charitable purpose as long as a credit is published to the creator of the image.

Examples of SPONTANEOUS from news items:

Unlike older generations’ curated albums and carefully written letters, though, the digital scraps now left behind are often spontaneous and unedited.
Source: New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/15/technology/personaltech/digital-artifacts-death.html

Darmanin said the Paris Champs Elysees – a 70-metre-wide avenue that is often the focal point for spontaneous sports celebrations as well as demonstrations – will not be closed on Wednesday.
Source: Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/article/soccer-worldcup-fra-mar-france-security-idUSKBN2SY0O8

They’ve also been spreading their wings, collaborating with artists from South America, Jamaica and Africa on a number of spontaneous sessions earlier this year.
Source: BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdx6ld55xnzo

The process also resulted in underlying problem-salience — the spontaneous evocation of the food waste problem in consumers’ minds as soon as they need to buy or prepare food.
Source: Salon
https://www.salon.com/2024/04/29/how-marketing-classes-can-rescue-ugly-produce-from-becoming-waste_partner/

The lab’s findings were published in Nature Microbiology in the paper, “Multiple sclerosis patient derived spontaneous B cells have distinct EBV and host gene expression profiles in active disease.”
Source: Science Daily
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240528174344.htm

If you are interested in how to pronounce SPONTANEOUS, and seeing SPONTANEOUS in a sentence, be sure to check other words in The Punctuation Guide such as:
Learn How to Pronounce CONTEMPORARY – CONTEMPORARY in a Sentence

Learn how to pronounce CONTEMPORARY correctly by understanding the syllables. Then see CONTEMPORARY in a sentence along with an illustration as a memory aid.

Here is a transcript of the video: “Learn How to Pronounce CONTEMPORARY – CONTEMPORARY in a Sentence”

Slide 2:
A quick reminder before we start:
Continually IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH
Click the subscribe button
the Bell icon and then All

Slide 3:
The word CONTEMPORARY is an adjective.

In British English it has 4 syllables.

Stress the 2nd syllable.

It’s pronounced con◦TEMP◦er◦ee

Slide 4:
In American English, it has 5 syllables.

Again, stress the 2nd syllable.

It’s pronounced con◦TEMP◦or◦air◦ee

Slide 5:
CONTEMPORARY
Definition:
living or occurring at the same time; current, modern

Let’s look at an illustrated sentence example.

Slide 6:
The sentence reads: Henry Ford and Thomas Edison were contemporaries. Here we see them on a camping trip in 1921.

In other words, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison lived at the same time.

Slide 7:
Has this video helped you?
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Slide 8:
Build a powerful English vocabulary with my FREE course on Udemy. Just go to:
http://goodenglish.online

Image Credit:

Slide 6 – Ford & Edison
Public Domain
https://www.thehenryford.org/collections-and-research/digital-collections/expert-sets/101111/

Regarding the use of illustrations and photographs used in this video:

Public Domain
Public domain works are not restricted by copyright and do not require a license or fee to use. Public domain status allows the user unrestricted access and unlimited creativity. These are typically very old works.

Its temporary foreign worker programs are “a fertile ground for contemporary forms of slavery,” according to the United Nations Special Rapporteur.
Source: Salon
https://www.salon.com/2024/06/05/local-systems-need-to-prioritize-job-quality-alongside-ethical-production_partner/

Musically, 90s Bollywood soundtracks were incredibly exciting as they not only blended traditional Indian melodies with western orchestras, but audiences began to hear more electronic instrumentation and contemporary pop blends.
Source: BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2xx180j302o

Those deals strengthened its roster of contemporary novelists and nonfiction writers, giving it more intellectual property that could be turned into films or TV series.
Source: New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/20/business/dealbook/blinken-china-beijing-business.html

There’s no chance for those old twin staples of Olympics: exploration and contemporary.
Source: Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2021/07/27/tokyo-olympics-by-bus/

He’s often been asked why he didn’t cycle off overseas and chase the money or new experience like many contemporaries.
Source: Washington Times
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/sep/16/slippers-versatility-and-resilience-gets-him-to-fo/

If you are interested in how to pronounce CONTEMPORARY, and see CONTEMPORARY in a sentence, be sure to check other words in The Punctuation Guide such as:
Learn How to Pronounce SPONTANEITY – SPONTANEITY in a Sentence

To improve your English fluency and confidence when speaking, use the Synchronized Reading Method. Be sure to watch the Introduction video in the link above first, to understand the methodology. These English reading exercises will dramatically improve your English fluency.

These exercises are designed for intermediate to advanced students who want to sound like a native speaker. By reading along with the teacher at the same time, with the teacher’s voice superimposed over their own, students start to self-correct in the areas of pronunciation and fluency, learning to read and speak in natural word groups.

If you find the pace is too slow, go to the Advanced version, and repeat until you are fluent in sync with the teacher’s reading.

Here is a transcript of the video: ENGLISH Reading Exercise #33 (Intermediate) Presentation Skills 11 of 28

Be sure to watch the introductory video to this playlist before doing this exercise.
Click on the link below in the Description . . .
(https://youtu.be/IOeaBha6dUU)

Why Keeping it Simple is Not So Stupid!
Do you really want to improve in your communication skills? Then apply KISS!
What’s KISS? Organizing genius Kelly Johnson who took a leading role in the design of 40 aircraft, first coined the acronym KISS – “Keep it simple stupid.”

Once Johnson set a team of jet aircraft design engineers a challenge. Handing them a set of tools, he asked them to design the aircraft so that an average mechanic in the field, equipped solely with this set of tools, could carry out the necessary repairs. Oh, and it also had to be possible under combat conditions!
The KISS acronym has been used widely since, with various interpretations.

When it comes to your public speaking, for your presentation to have the desired effect, it must be simple.

Here are 2 guidelines for keeping it simple:

So Remember…
Avoid the tendency to drown excellent information in a sea of words.
Use a variety of sentences, long and short, but make sure they are uncomplicated.
Be sure to explain unfamiliar terms or avoid jargon altogether.
Keeping the KISS principle in mind in the preparation stage of your presentation will make sure your own mind is sharp and focused. Then you can be sure your presentation will come over that way to your listeners also.
Remember to add the “Keep It Simple” principle to your list of communication skills. As Leonardo Da Vinci is quoted as saying: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

Next: Accuracy & Clarity: Watch What You Say!

To improve your English fluency and confidence when speaking, use the Synchronized Reading Method. Be sure to watch the Introduction video in the link above first, to understand the methodology. These English reading exercises will dramatically improve your English fluency.

These exercises are designed for intermediate to advanced students who want to sound like a native speaker. By reading along with the teacher at the same time, with the teacher’s voice superimposed over their own, students start to self-correct in the areas of pronunciation and fluency, learning to read and speak in natural word groups.

If you find the pace is too fast, go to the Intermediate version, and repeat until you are fluent in sync with the teacher’s reading.

Here is a transcript of the video: ENGLISH Reading Exercise #33 (Advanced) Presentation Skills 11 of 28

Be sure to watch the introductory video to this playlist before doing this exercise.
Click on the link below in the Description . . .
(https://youtu.be/IOeaBha6dUU)

Why Keeping it Simple is Not So Stupid!
Do you really want to improve in your communication skills? Then apply KISS!
What’s KISS? Organizing genius Kelly Johnson who took a leading role in the design of 40 aircraft, first coined the acronym KISS – “Keep it simple stupid.”

Once Johnson set a team of jet aircraft design engineers a challenge. Handing them a set of tools, he asked them to design the aircraft so that an average mechanic in the field, equipped solely with this set of tools, could carry out the necessary repairs. Oh, and it also had to be possible under combat conditions!
The KISS acronym has been used widely since, with various interpretations.

When it comes to your public speaking, for your presentation to have the desired effect, it must be simple.

Here are 2 guidelines for keeping it simple:

So Remember…
Avoid the tendency to drown excellent information in a sea of words.
Use a variety of sentences, long and short, but make sure they are uncomplicated.
Be sure to explain unfamiliar terms or avoid jargon altogether.
Keeping the KISS principle in mind in the preparation stage of your presentation will make sure your own mind is sharp and focused. Then you can be sure your presentation will come over that way to your listeners also.
Remember to add the “Keep It Simple” principle to your list of communication skills. As Leonardo Da Vinci is quoted as saying: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

Next: Accuracy & Clarity: Watch What You Say!

In this video learn the meaning of THROUGH THICK and THIN, and see THROUGH THICK and THIN in a sentence so you can gain confidence to use this idiom in your own conversation.

Also, be sure to check this playlist on YouTube:
ENGLISH IDIOMS You Should Know

Here is a transcript of the video: “The Meaning of THROUGH THICK AND THIN”

Slide 2:
Continually IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH
Click the subscribe button
the Bell icon
All

Slide 3:
The meaning of:
THROUGH THICK AND THIN

To support or stay with someone under all circumstances, regardless of the problems or difficulties

The clipart shows a person giving comfort and support to someone.

Let’s look at 3 illustrated sentence examples.

Slide 4:
In the picture, we see an elderly couple walking through the woods.

The sentence reads: They were a devoted couple who stuck with each other through thick and thin.

In other words, through their long life together, they always supported each other through good times and bad.

Slide 5:
In the picture we see friends comforting each other at a funeral.

Sentence example: In times of grief, it’s good to have friends who will stick with you through thick and thin.

Slide 6:
The picture shows a moment from a football game between Arsenal and Fulham, two London teams.

Sentence example: Arsenal F.C., with over 40 million followers on Facebook, has an army of loyal, passionate fans who stick with the club through thick and thin.

In other words, the Arsenal Football Club has many fans who continue to support them when they are winning and when they are losing.

Slide 7:
Notice from the examples, the verb “to stick” is usually used with the idiom through thick and thin.

So in summary, you can describe the support someone gives through all kinds of circumstances as ‘sticking with someone through thick and thin’.

Slide 8:
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Image Credits

Slide 4 – elderly couple
Royalty Free
Courtesy of EddieKphoto at Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/photos/couple-elderly-walking-fall-trail-6653517/

Slide 5 – funeral
Royalty Free
Courtesy The Good Funeral Guide on Unsplash
https://unsplash.com/@good_funeral_guide

Slide 7 – Arsenal
Creative Commons
Courtesy Ronnie McDonald at Flickr
https://flic.kr/p/2LKmqP

Regarding the use of illustrations and photographs used in this video:

Creative Commons Attribution Licence
Others are allowed to copy, distribute, display, and perform copyrighted work – and derivative works based upon it if they give credit to the creator or source.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

Royalty Free
The image may be used for almost any business, personal, educational or charitable purpose as long as a credit is published to the creator of the image.

As you are interested in the meaning of THROUGH THICK AND THIN, and seeing THICK AND THIN in a sentence, here is another idiom you may wish to check out:
GET OUT OF HAND – Meaning in a Sentence