Building a new habit can feel like a monumental challenge, even when it comes to things we know are good for us, like exercise or improving our English skills.

In this episode, I dive into my own struggles with two very different habits: stretching, which is crucial for my chronic back pain, and writing, something I’m passionate about but have trouble committing to.

I’ve recently discovered a simple but effective method that’s really helped me stick to my daily stretching routine: setting a reminder on my phone and tracking my progress.

This approach can easily be adapted for anyone looking to make time for CELPIP prep or any other practice.

So, if you’ve been finding it tough to incorporate those important habits into your life, stick around and listen to today's episode—I'm sharing practical strategies that can help you take real steps forward!

Takeaways:

• Building a new habit can feel overwhelmingly hard, even when it's something you want to do.
• Setting a daily reminder can effectively help you stay consistent with your practice.
• Start small with your practice; even dedicating just two minutes can lead to significant progress.
• Tracking your habits can keep you motivated and help you see your improvement over time.
• Don't be discouraged by setbacks; simply pick up your habit where you left off and keep going.
• Finding a way to make your practice enjoyable or meaningful can boost your commitment to it.

Struggling with repetition in your speech? You're not alone, and today we're diving deep into how to tackle this common issue. We’ll explore practical strategies to help you break free from overusing certain words and phrases, especially when it comes to speaking tasks in the CELPIP exam. One standout technique we discuss is "pre thinking," a method that encourages you to anticipate situations you might need to talk about and rehearse your responses in advance. This way, you’ll not only expand your vocabulary but also boost your confidence in expressing your ideas more fluidly. So, if you're ready to minimize repetition and maximize your speaking effectiveness, tune in for some actionable insights that might just change the way you communicate!

Takeaways:

• Repetition in language use can be a comfort zone trap; breaking free requires conscious effort.
• Utilizing pre-thinking strategies helps prepare for spontaneous speaking tasks and reduces repetition.
• Practicing vocabulary in everyday situations can increase fluency and minimize the urge to repeat phrases.
• Engaging in real-world conversations forces you to adapt and expand your language skills effectively.
• Identifying gaps in your vocabulary is essential for improving fluency and avoiding repetitive language use.
• Stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial for language development; take risks with your English regularly.

Links referenced in this episode:

Gretchen McCulloch's post mentioning "Pre-Thinking." - 12 Ways to stop freezing up when you try to speak a second language

Previous Podcast Episode: How To Stop Overusing Words and Phrases in English To Get A Higher CELPIP Score

My LinkedIn video post where I take a giant risk and post my first video.

In this episode I'm breaking down some key takeaways from a CELPIP webinar I watched recently about Speaking Task 4: Making Predictions.

One of the key takeaways is that it's totally acceptable to rely on "going to" and "will" when making predictions about what’s happening in the picture.

I also emphasize the importance of providing clear location details to help the test rater and your listeners in general, visualize the scene better.

Additionally, I'll explore how short, natural conclusions are perfectly fine, as they can add a nice touch to your responses.

Lastly, I will discuss the value of connecting elements together in the image you are describing, illustrating how one action can lead to another, creating a more engaging narrative in your description.

Takeaways:

• Using 'going to' and 'will' frequently is perfectly acceptable for making predictions in speaking task four.
• Specifying the location of subjects in your description helps the listener understand your context better.
• Short conclusions are valid as long as they feel natural and not rushed in the speaking task.
• Connecting elements in the picture can create a narrative, showing how actions impact each other.
• It's crucial to be aware that learning French for immigration requires substantial time and effort, not a quick fix.
• Maximizing your English proficiency before considering French is essential for a successful immigration strategy.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Speaking Task 4 Webinar (From the official CELPIP YouTube channel.)
• Rattandeep Singh, RCIC post about French as your immigration pathway.
• Dr. Veronica Sepher's comment
• How long it takes to learn French: AllianceFrancaise and Create Career College.

Stepping out of your comfort zone is what you need to be doing to improve your English and CELPIP. In this episode, I talk about why pushing past that familiar bubble of safety is crucial for your growth.

After 17 years of teaching, I've seen time and again that the folks who dare to engage in conversations—mistakes and all—are the ones who progress the fastest.

I’m also sharing my own journey of stepping out of my comfort zone, from changing the name of this podcast to trying new formats and interview styles. So, if you’re ready to challenge yourself and see real improvement, let’s get into it and explore how taking risks can lead to significant strides in your English journey!

Takeaways:

• Stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial for improving your English skills.
• Making mistakes in conversation is a sign of progress and should be embraced.
• Engaging with English speakers is scary, but it can significantly transform your English skills.
• Why I changed the name of this podcast. (Stepping out of MY comfort zone.)
• Why I'm trying an experiment: Publishing episodes bi-weekly.
• Taking breaks is vital; it helps you recharge and improves your ability to use your English.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Take my 3 question survey and share your feedback with me.
• My previous episode: first interview in over a year with Ana Canseco

Immigration can be a humbling experience, as Ana Canseco shares in our episode today. She reflects on her journey of moving to Canada, where despite having a law degree from Mexico, she found herself navigating unexpected challenges, from working as a telemarketer to realizing that she needed to go back to school.

This episode dives deep into the emotional and practical readiness required for immigration, emphasizing that it’s not just about paperwork but also about preparing for the reality of starting over in a new country. Ana stresses the importance of community and connection, as well as the necessity of letting go of preconceived notions about how things should be.

You will gain insights on overcoming the loneliness that often accompanies this journey and learn how to strategically approach your immigration goals, ensuring you stay informed and adaptable in the face of change.

Takeaways:

• Immigration often humbles you, requiring emotional and practical resilience.
• Underestimating the need to adapt professionally can lead to significant delays in achieving your career goals.
• Building a support network is crucial when navigating the challenges of a new country, especially for immigrants.
• Letting go of preconceived notions about success can open doors to unexpected opportunities in life and work.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Read Ana's post on LinkedIn: Emotional vs Practical Readiness to immigrate
• Check out Ana's website and book a consultation!
• Follow Ana on LinkedIn

If you've ever found yourself racing against the clock during the reading section of the CELPIP exam, you're definitely not alone. Today, we dive into the essential skill of scanning, which can be a game-changer for your test performance. Instead of getting bogged down by every word, we’ll explore how to effectively hunt for key details like names, dates, and statistics that the questions specifically ask about. Scanning isn't just a skill; it's a mindset shift that will help you save precious time and enhance your score. So, grab a comfy seat and get ready for some practical strategies that will help you tackle the reading section with confidence!

Takeaways:

• Many candidates struggle with managing their time during the CELPIP reading section, leading to unfinished questions.
• Reading every word in the CELPIP reading section may actually hinder your ability to complete the exam.
• Scanning is a crucial skill that allows you to quickly find key information in texts without reading everything.
• To improve your scanning skills, focus on identifying keywords from the questions to streamline your reading process.

Links referenced in this episode:

Join the CELPIP Success School - 70% off deal: celpipsuccess.com/listener

• Butte College A skimming and scanning tip sheet.
• Podcast Episode on Skimming and Scanning
• CELPIP Success School

Stop stressing about that CELPIP score!

Focusing solely on chasing a specific number can lead to frustration and disappointment. Instead, you should be concentrating on building your English skills through real-life use and conversation.

By tracking how often you engage in English each day, you can see real progress that will ultimately reflect in your test scores.

Stop aiming for a perfect score on the CELPIP! Instead of fixating on the elusive numbers like 9s and 10s, you should be focusing your energy on something much more impactful: your everyday English usage.

The CELPIP exam is designed to measure your current level of English, and no amount of cramming will magically elevate your score if your skills aren’t up to par.

It’s not about how hard you study; it’s about how effectively you use English in real-life situations.

A practical takeaway? Start tracking the number of times you engage in conversations in English daily. When you shift your focus from worrying about test scores to actively using our language skills, you will also be, over time, improving your scores on the CELPIP too.

Takeaways:

• Chasing a specific score on the CELPIP exam can lead to frustration; focus on improving your English skills instead.
• To increase your CELPIP score, prioritize using English in daily conversations rather than just studying harder.
• Track the number of times you use English each day; this metric is crucial for improvement.
• Adding details, examples, and personal stories to your conversations will enhance your responses on the exam.
• Pay attention to your tone of voice while speaking; conveying emotion is essential during the CELPIP exam.
• Break away from relying on crutch words; using varied expressions will make your speaking more dynamic.

Chapters

00:00 Chasing the Wrong Metrics

02:55 Building English Skills for Success

04:25 The Metrics You SHOULD be tracking

05:58 Practical Strategies for Everyday English Use

08:30 Expressing Emotion and Tone in English

10:56 Avoiding Crutch Words for Better Communication

14:00 The Importance of Consistent Practice

If you're on the hunt for the best way to improve your speaking skills for the CELPIP, this episode is just what you need.

Ready for a surprise? The answer is not more study time!

The real secret to stronger speaking skills that will give you stronger CELPIP test results come from more time connecting with others in real conversations!

Today I also tackle a FAQ from a reader about how long you should dedicate to studying for the CELPIP exam to see real progress.

Spoiler alert: cramming for the CELPIP won't help you. Listen to find out what will!

Takeaways:

• Improving speaking skills involves real interactions, not just studying from notes or books.
• Consistency in daily practice for two to three months is key for CELPIP preparation.
• A CELPIP prep course prepares you for exam format but won't drastically improve your English level.
• Stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for growth in language proficiency.
• Learn how to notice and celebrate your small achievements as you are using your English.

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

This episode tackles the deep connection between our self-confidence and your ability to speak English fluently.

We'll explore how negative experiences—like embarrassing mistakes or awkward moments—can really knock us down and make us hesitate to use our English again. I share some personal stories, drawing from my own struggles, to emphasize that you're not alone in feeling this way.

We’ll also discuss two actionable strategies to help you recover from those tough moments: expressing what you feel and a zero pressure strategy that will ease you back into speaking English in no time - no matter how bad an experience you've just had.

Takeaways:

• Building self-confidence in speaking English is a gradual process! It takes time and persistence.
• Negative speaking experiences can deeply affect your confidence, but they don’t define you.
• It's crucial to express feelings of embarrassment or shame related to speaking mistakes. Don't bottle them up!
• Engaging passively in conversations is a helpful step to rebuild confidence after a big failure.
• Talking about negative experiences can provide perspective, helping you to move on.
• Having a supportive buddy can make it easier to join conversations and regain your confidence.

Links referenced in this episode:

Join the CELPIP Success School - and let's work on your CELPIP prep together! celpipsuccess.com/listener

Quote:

Building self-confidence is crucial for improving your fluency skills and achieving better CELPIP scores.

In this episode, we dive deep into how a lack of confidence can hold you back from using your English effectively, ultimately stalling your progress.

Research indicates that a staggering 70% of students often struggle with self-confidence when it comes to their English skills. Today, we're exploring practical strategies to boost your confidence, emphasizing the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people who encourage you.

As we'll discuss, taking action and practicing your English consistently creates a kind of positive feedback loop, where increased use leads to improved confidence, and vice versa.

Takeaways:

• Building confidence is essential for improving your fluency skills and achieving higher CELPIP scores.
• A significant majority of learners struggle with self-confidence in their English skills, which hinders progress.
• Positive influences from supportive people can dramatically boost your confidence and willingness to practice English.
• Taking action and using your English skills regularly is key to building confidence and fluency in the language.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Psychology Today: Confidence.
• Where Does Self-Confidence Come From? Dr. Glass.
• That New Yorker quote from Liza Donnelly
• School of Podcasting
• The epic 289 university student study!

If you need help with your CELPIP skills, and need some more positive support in your life as you do it, then look no further. Join me in the CELPIP Success School.