Many test-takers find themselves frustrated when they struggle to achieve the CELPIP scores they desire, especially when it seems like others breeze through without any preparation.

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.

Feeling mentally blocked or freezing when speaking English can be so discouraging, especially during the CELPIP exam.

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.

Finding enough time in our busy lives to prepare for the CELPIP exam can feel like an uphill battle, but you're not alone in this struggle.

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!)

You gotta focus on making the most of your time, not just cramming more into your already packed schedule. It’s all about finding ways to combine your English and CELPIP prep into what you're already doing each day, so you don’t feel like you're adding to your plate.

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.

This episode dives into the importance of actively recognizing your accomplishments, especially when it comes to language learning and preparing for the CELPIP exam. We explore how taking the time to jot down what went well this week, what you're currently working on, and any new ideas you'll try to use in the coming week, can transform your perspective and offer some badly needed encouragement when you realize you're doing more than you think!

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

Feeling the pressure of generating ideas on the CELPIP speaking tasks? You’re not alone! A lot of test takers freeze up when the clock starts ticking, struggling to come up with something to say in just 30 seconds.

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

If you're working to increase your CELPIP speaking skills from an 8 to a 10, then you’re in the right place!

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.

Today, I'll tackle a crucial question from a listener about the best way to prepare for the CELPIP exam.

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

Fear of public speaking is a common struggle, with around 75% of people experiencing it at some point. If you're feeling anxious about using your English, you're definitely not alone in this—many share this fear. In today’s podcast, I’m diving into four practical strategies to help you tackle that fear head-on and boost your confidence for speaking, especially when it comes to the CELPIP exam. We’ll explore the importance of regular practice, the use of notes during your speaking tasks, how to draw from your personal experiences, and the benefits of recording yourself. By implementing these strategies, you'll not only prepare for your exam but also develop your English skills in a meaningful way. So, let’s get into it and start turning that fear into confidence!

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

Did you know that listening to podcasts at faster speeds might actually help you pay attention better?

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.