Smart English Coach

If you don't have an English teacher, you can still learn English successfully - with a clear plan and the right approach.

In this episode, I share three essential strategies that help you learn independently and see real progress - even if you don't have much time.

I also share details of the new Advanced English Academy - an online program which combines structure, flexibility and personalised help. Join the wait list for the Academy and get the Advanced Vocabulary Booster for free!

Advanced English Academy Wait List

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Advanced English confidence training
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What can you do if you feel you haven't made the progress you want in English this year?

In this episode, I talk about how November is the perfect time to reset your goals, and I share some strategies to do this, so that you end the year feeling strong and motivated!

I also talk about the new Advanced English Academy, and how it can help you make consistent progress in English.

The Academy opens later this month - join the waiting list to be the first to know.

You'll also receive a special bonus (The Advanced Vocabulary Booster) when you join the list:

Advanced English Academy Waiting List

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Do you use the same simple English grammar all the time? Maybe you avoid using certain grammar because you're not sure how to use it. You've learnt the rules, but you don't know how to apply them.

This keeps you in a 'grammar comfort zone', where you're stuck with basic English. When you get out of this zone, you'll be able to  speak with more precision, fluency - and sophistication.

In this episode, I share some examples of the grammar you may be avoiding, and five steps to help you move out of your comfort zone to use a greater range.

I also give an example of how a student used one of the most difficult English conditionals completely naturally and effectively!

Link in this episode

The English Fluency Club - a place where you can get more confident using advanced English grammar in conversations.

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When you're in an English conversation and you know there's a perfect word - but you can't find it - you either 'freeze' and stop talking, or you use the same word as always.

Both these situations are frustrating and they can reduce your confidence.

In this episode I share two strategies: one strategy for when you're in that situation; and the other strategy for helping you remember the perfect word in the future!

Link in this episode

The English Fluency Club is a no-stress monthly program, where you can speak English regularly with other people who want to build their fluency. In the group lessons you have all the time you need to remember the perfect word!

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Do you find listening to fast spoken English difficult? If so, this episode is for you!

Some of my students came over to the UK recently for an intensive summer program, and there were four 'listening' situations which they found difficult. I explain why the conversations were hard, and share some tips and strategies to help you understand fast spoken English.

This episode is for you if you travel to English-speaking countries, or if you have conversations with native English speakers.

Link in this episode

International Dialects of English Archive - listen to how people from different countries and regions speak English

The English Fluency Club - join our community to get more fluent in English!

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When you know the most important reason for learning English, you can make progress faster - even when you have 'bad' days with English!

In this episode I share the three reasons why it's so powerful, and an easy way to discover your 'big why'.

Links from this episode

Contact me to book individual English sessions

Join the English Fluency Club to speak English regularly and improve your general English level

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Your English teacher is supposed to help you feel more confident with English - but what should you do if the opposite happens?

In this podcast episode, find out:
- why a teacher can make you feel less confident
- three things you can do to regain your motivation and confidence

 Links in this episode

English Fluency Club  (regular English speaking in a fun atmosphere)
3-word story (deadline for the competition - 21 August 2025)

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In this episode, guest Ruth Pringle invites you to win a gorgeous brooch (piece of jewellery) in her 3-word story competition.

Ruth is an English teacher who runs language holidays in Scotland which don't feel like English classes.

In the episode we talk about how to feel more confident in English through connecting your experiences to your English - and why it's important to have fun and pleasure using English.

Listen to the episode for your chance to win a beautiful, unique piece of Scottish jewellery!

Vocabulary notes

jaded with = tired of (social media)
itchy = when your skin is uncomfortable and you have to scratch it to make it feel calm
handstand = when you 'stand' on your hands (with your legs vertically in the air)

Links in this episode
Blue Noun - Ruth's website
Alone With English - A 6-part audio guide to learning English

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We have templates to help us write reports and emails - and we can also use them to help us speak with more confidence and fluency.

In this episode, I show you how 'speaking templates' (or 'fluency phrases') help us to structure sentences. These templates are flexible and they help you to focus on your message - rather than worrying about every word.

If you'd like to practise some speaking templates with my full support, check out my new two-week fluency program: Confident Summer Speaking.

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You can have great grammar and vocabulary - and still 'freeze' when you speak English. It can happen at all levels of English, and even when you've prepared.

In this episode, I look at some reasons why you freeze when you speak, and some strategies to reduce it!

Link in the episode

Join the English Fluency Club to speak English regularly without stress.

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Advanced English confidence training
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