Smart English Coach

What do the phrases "I'd like to ...". "You wouldn't .... would you?" and "Can I just say..?" have in common?

Answer: They're all examples of 'signalling' phrases that we can use to show the other person what we're going to say.

Signalling phrases are a type of 'fluency phrase' (a block of language) that helps us speak more easily and automatically. In this podcast episode, find out:

- the three types of fluency phrase
- four reasons why they help you speak more fluently
- how to learn them

Episode links
The Quickest Way To Get Fluent In English (Part 1)
The English Fluency Club (where you can get 'The Fast Phrase Finder')

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My #1 tip for English fluency is to use 'fluency phrases' when you speak.

Fluency phrases are the 'building blocks' of conversation, because very often, all you need to do is just fill in the details to create sentences easily and quickly.

In this episode, I look at one type of fluency phrase: collocations.

- six common types of collocations that help you with fluency
- the two main reasons why they're so useful

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If you say things to yourself like "I should be better at English by now", or if you're always searching for more grammar or vocabulary courses, then this episode is for you!

Mindset coach Rhiannon Carter helps you feel more positive about your English. She can help you overcome negative thoughts so that you reduce anxiety and become  more confident.

This is a truly eye-opening episode! In it you'll learn:

- how to trust your English
- how to go beyond the intermediate plateau
- the question to ask yourself if you want another grammar or vocabulary course
- two coaching tools that you can use now to change the way you think about your English!

Links in this episode
Rhiannon's Instagram profile
Rhiannon's website - get her mindset challenge

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We're often better at one area of a language than another. So maybe your speaking skills are better than your writing, or your grammar knowledge is better than your listening ability.

But when one area of English is less strong than another, it makes sense to focus on that area. One reason is that it gives you a great opportunity to see progress - which is motivating! (It's often harder to see progress at advanced levels.)

In this episode:

- two reasons why upgrading all your skills is important
- fluency activities for five different areas of English

Links in this episode
The English Fluency Club - to improve your speaking fluency
10 Steps To Advanced English - to improve your grammar and writing

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What happened when a British English teacher and an American English teacher got together to talk about games?

We didn't always understand each other - and those weren't the only differences!

But, American teacher Vickie Kelty showed how playing games can help you develop your English and reduce speaking anxiety. Of course, games are also fun, and they allow you to explore the English you know in new and challenging ways!

Episode highlights
- Three types of games to play in English
- Some surprising differences in common games

Episode links
Visit Vickie's page: Get fluent in English with games

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One of the biggest fears about speaking English is that people won’t understand you. This could be because of your pronunciation, or because you use English that other people don't understand.

"Intelligibility" -  how easy it is for people to understand you - is really important, obviously. In this podcast, I show you two ways to be more easily understood, through pronunciation and "rescue" English.

There are lots of suggestions for you - as well as an invitation to join the English Fluency Workshop.

Links
Minimal Pairs For Pronunciation - exercises for better pronunciation
English Fluency Workshop - 7 ways to get more fluent in English

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It's no secret. Repeated practice helps you get better at most things - including English!

But the 'secret' is in how you use repetition. In this episode I show you how you can use it for vocabulary, speaking and pronunciation. Try out some of the activities to improve your fluency, accuracy and confidence. Even choosing just one or two can make a big difference.

Links in this episode
How to remember new vocabulary (episode 4, with Paul)

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You don't need lots and lots of practice to get more fluent in English. You don't even need a speaking partner, either!

In this episode, I show you four activities that will help you become more fluent. These activities are all quite quick, and - best of all - they get you almost immediate results! When you do them, you'll hear yourself speaking more fluently, and this will give you extra confidence in your English.

Link in this episode
4-3-2 Speaking Activity

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When you feel powerful speaking English, you feel more in control of what you say. You can avoid panic and minimise anxiety about speaking - even if you make mistakes.

In this episode I show you ways that you can become more powerful, through physical and mindset tips. Find out how
- breathing, standing and using your voice can make you feel stronger
- making mistakes helps you get to the next level in English

Link
How to stop worrying about mistakes

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In this episode, I show you three ways that will help you speak more naturally and more fluently in English. They will help you to:

- avoid using the 'wrong' word
- speak more concisely (so you can show your meaning quickly and simply)
- add interest when you speak so that other people want to talk with you

When you start using these techniques, you'll feel more confident in how you speak English, and I think you'll have more fun speaking!

Link in this episode
If there's something you'd like me to talk about in future podcast episodes, get in touch! You can contact me from this page:
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