In this episode, I'm talking about how you can improve your brainstorming skills.

If brainstorming is hard for you, know that you're not alone! Many test takers report this as being one of their pain points!

The episode revisits key concepts from a previous discussion on mindset and creativity and offers practical tips to improve brainstorming under pressure.

We'll also cover the importance of generating multiple ideas, avoiding the pursuit of the perfect idea, and using strategies like bullet points, shorthand, and symbols during brainstorming.

I also talk about a fun game that you can play that will help you practice your brainstorming and quick thinking skills.

00:00 Introduction to Brainstorming Challenges

00:56 Mindset and Creativity in Brainstorming

01:00 Overcoming the Pressure of Perfection

02:23 Generating Sparks and Idea Flow

04:14 Practical Tips for Brainstorming

04:42 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

06:29 Common Brainstorming Problems

08:19 Developing Your Creative Muscle

09:49 Class Clip: Strategies for Speaking Task 1

13:08 Effective Brainstorming Techniques

18:23 Fun Game to Boost Creativity: Scattergories

22:29 Conclusion and Resources

Links Mentioned:

Go to my free resource section to watch the class and clip I shared in the podcast about brainstorming and CELPIP Speaking Task One.

Previous Episode where I talked about brainstorming and overthinking.

Why You Should Avoid Using Templates for CELPIP Preparation

This episode of the Speak English Fearlessly podcast discusses the pitfalls of using templates for CELPIP exam preparation.

You've likely heard or read about templates before - they are easily available online.

But just because you can easily get one, does that mean you should use it?

NO!

Templates may offer an easy way out, but they are not what CELPIP test raters look for, which are original, unassisted, and spontaneous responses.

Using templates can risk having your answers voided and can misrepresent your actual language abilities, potentially harming your job search or success in the job you currently have.

Instead, learn useful transition words and phrases, and engaging with English speakers around you to adopt new expressions in a natural and effective manner. This episode will show you how to do that.

00:00 Introduction to CELPIP Preparation

01:38 The Temptation of Templates

03:25 Risks of Using Templates

05:28 Effective Strategies for CELPIP Success

06:58 Engage with English Around You

08:22 Conclusion and Final Tips

Helpful Links:

Grab your free list of 39 common transition words and phrases right here.

From celpip.ca:

Using CELPIP Sample responses in the classroom.

Preparing for the CELPIP test: Test Integrity

In this episode of the Speak English Fearlessly podcast, you will learn a practical process for self-study that will transform the way you prep for the CELPIP!

Key strategies include:

• Using a voice recorder to review and critique performance,
• Understanding the timing for brainstorming and recording responses, and creating outlines for answers.

I'll also talk about the importance of using varied vocabulary, adding emotions, and ensuring responses are interesting and on-topic.

A free checklist is available right here.

What I talk about:

00:00 Introduction and Listener's Question

00:53 Host Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:35 Challenges of Practicing Speaking Alone

02:29 Skiing Story: Overcoming Fear and Learning

08:02 Practical Tips for Self-Feedback

16:22 Detailed Feedback Checklist

25:48 Conclusion and Resources

Links mentioned:

Grab your free checklist right here.

The "Um" and "Uh" episode.

Do you struggle with saying "Um" and "Uh" too much? If so, listen to today's episode where you'll learn 3 strategies that will help you kick these pesky filler words out of your vocabulary!

"Um" and "Uh" can seriously hurt your CELPIP scores if you use them too much. Don't let that happen to you!

00:00 Frustration with Filler Words

01:58 Introduction to the Podcast

03:14 Understanding Filler Words

03:57 Why We Use Filler Words

06:03 Strategy 1: Notice Your Filler Words

10:26 Strategy 2: Allow Pauses

12:12 Strategy 3: Practice Regularly

15:14 Bonus: Join the CELPIP Success School

Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter to build your skills in English and prepare for the CELPIP Exam.

Have you joined the CELPIP Success School yet? Get 25% off for as long as you remain a member with this link.

Struggling with note-taking on the CELPIP exam? This episode dives into practical strategies to enhance your note-taking skills.

Learn the importance of practicing with the five Ws (who, what, when, where, and why) while watching English TV shows and listening to various audio content.

Discover how to set yourself up for success by paying attention to the intro sections of each listening task. They offer you valuable clues as to how to organize your notes.

You'll learn about the importance of mixing your audio practice with video as well.

00:00 Mastering Note Taking for CELPIP: An Introduction

00:59 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

01:40 Practical Tips for Effective Note Taking

03:59 Setting Yourself Up for Success on CELPIP

05:17 Advanced Note Taking Strategies for CELPIP

08:13 Expanding Your Listening Skills Beyond the Exam

09:25 Summing Up: How to Excel in Note Taking for CELPIP

10:17 Exclusive Resources for CELPIP Success

10:53 Farewell and Next Steps

Last week's episode: Do this to effectively practice for the CELPIP

Grab your free cheat sheet on the tips I mentioned today about note taking on the CELPIP.

To sign up for my free weekly newsletter, just go here. Every Tuesday I'll send you helpful tips and strategies - things you heard right here on the podcast - to help you develop your skills in English.

If you've ever wondered if you're doing the right thing...the real right thing... to be preparing for the CELPIP exam, then this episode is for you.

I'll be sharing one of the most important things you need to be doing to prepare for the exam. We all tend to avoid doing it because we're kind of hard wired in this way, but it's seriously a mistake to leave this out of your practice.

To find out, listen in to today's episode.

What I'll cover:

00:00 Introduction: Your Busy Life and CELPIP Preparation

02:33 The Dilemma of Effective CELPIP Preparation

04:24 A Personal Anecdote: Learning from Weaknesses

06:03 The Key to CELPIP Success: Focus on Weaknesses

10:12 Conclusion and Invitation to CELPIP Success School

Links mentioned today:

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter.

Join CELPIP Success school here.

If you struggle with the clock as you brainstorm, then you absolutely need to listen to today's podcast.

The dreaded clock - that timer that ticks away at you as you frantically try to develop your answer before the recording begins on the speaking section of the CELIP - is one of the most feared aspects of the exam.

Many fear it, and many avoid using the clock as a tool to help them practice.

That's a mistake that I'll be chatting with you about today, because those who fail to practice against the clock, will struggle to beat the clock when their exam day rolls around.

Don't let that be you!

00:00 Introduction

02:10 Challenges of Time Management in CELPIP Prep

05:07 Lessons from World Class Coaches

What if you could work with someone that could help you develop your speaking skills for the CELPIP? Wait...you can! Come and work with me in the CELPIP Success School. I combine practical training and assignments that you can work on at your own pace with friendly, encouraging support through weekly live coaching calls. Join CELPIP Success School today - let's work together to conquer the CELPIP. (Join with this link for a 25% discount - my special treat for my awesome podcast listeners.)

Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter. I talk all about CELPIP prep, as well as how you can build your fluency skills in English.

Mentioned in this episode:

Let's work together to prepare for the CELPIP Exam

If you're tired of working on your own to prepare for the CELPIP Exam, and if you're looking for friendly personal support - then you need to check out this opportunity! You'll get weekly assignments that will help you practice each of the 4 skills tested on the CELPIP.

If you are short on time, but still need to prepare for the Speaking section of the CELPIP, then listen to today's episode.

• Brainstorming is a tool for creating a 'map' to organize your thoughts efficiently under exam conditions.

• I'm going to challenge you to practice brainstorming in your day-to -day activities, such as during your commute time (even if you're driving!) by practicing a simple strategy that you can begin using right now.

00:00 Welcome to Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

01:23 Overcoming CELPIP Speaking Challenges

02:01 A Real-World Organizing Challenge

04:38 Applying Organizational Strategies to CELPIP Preparation

06:25 Practical Brainstorming Exercises for Busy Lives

09:11 Conclusion and Homework Challenge

Register for my upcoming brainstorming workshop: Saturday, May 11 at 6:00 p.m. PST. It's just $25 Canadian.

Join CELPIP Success school to learn how to brainstorm effectively and follow a clear pathway to help you prepare for the CELPIP exam.

If you struggle with brainstorming on the CELPIP exam, then this episode is for you!

I'll talk about the number one challenge CELPIP test takers face when it comes to brainstorming, and what you can do about it.

You'll learn the mindset you need to adapt in order to brainstorm effectively.

You'll learn that it's more important to have many ideas to work with instead of trying to come up one one great one.

And you'll learn that often times, effective brainstorming happens as you just start writing. (As you write, more ideas will begin to come. No writing = no ideas!)

00:00 Introduction to Overcoming Overthinking for CELPIP Success

01:07 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

02:32 The Struggle with Overthinking and Brainstorming

04:41 A Writer's Perspective on Generating Ideas

08:40 Transforming Your Brainstorming Strategy

11:43 Practical Tips for Effective Brainstorming

17:37 Conclusion and Farewell

Sign up for the CELPIP brainstorming workshop on Saturday, May 11, at 6:00p.m. PST

Sign up for my free weekly newsletter to help you develop skills for the CELPIP exam and your English skills in general.

Join the CELPIP Success School and we'll work together to help you get ready for the CELPIP exam.

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn How To Brainstorm on The CELPIP Exam: Join the May 11th Workshop

Learn How To Brainstorm For The CELPIP Exam

Dealing with Anxiety on the CELPIP Exam

Did you know AT LEAST 1 IN 4 English language learners struggle with anxiety around learning English?

You're not alone if you struggle with this common challenge.

In today's episode, I will:

• Talk about practical tips and strategies to overcome anxiety and prepare effectively for the CELPIP exam.

• You'll learn why you should be practicing under pressure to help you prepare, and reduce anxiety on test day.

• You'll also learn why you should schedule your CELPIP Exam with LOTS of time before your visa runs out.

00:00 The Impact of Emotions on CELPIP Exam Performance

02:01 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast

02:48 Overcoming Anxiety and Fear in Language Learning

06:13 Aaron Nelson's Personal Journey with Podcasting

26:08 Practical Tips for CELPIP Exam Preparation

39:34 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

How to deal with Negative Self-talk. (Previous Jon Acuff mention.)

Official CELPIP YouTube channel.

The CELPIP Podcast

Subscribe To My Newsletter. To take a deeper dive on today's podcast topic, or explore other topics around the CELPIP and learning English in general.

If you're tired of working alone on the CELPIP, join the CELPIP Success School to get friendly support on your CELPIP Journey.

Mentioned in this episode:

Let's work together to prepare for the CELPIP Exam

If you're tired of working on your own to prepare for the CELPIP Exam, and if you're looking for friendly personal support - then you need to check out this opportunity! You'll get weekly assignments that will help you practice each of the 4 skills tested on the CELPIP.