TEDX Talk on ESL and Accents

“How To Speak Bad English Perfectly” Interesting commentary on the business of ESL (English as a Second Language) including fixing ‘bad English’ grammar and pronunciation mistakes.  Native English speakers are greatly outnumbered in the world, yet many non-natives are striving for ‘perfect’ English skills. I’ve always believed we can help ESL speakers speak ‘through’ or […]

Repeat Favourite Phrases to Improve Conversation

One of the things to remember when you are looking to improve conversation skills, especially if you are using English as a second language and you really want to speak English better, is that English is just one part of language, and language is just one part of communication. A quick way to build rapport […]

Are You Coming or Going? (Exploring Related Phrasal Verbs)

COMING OR GOING? 1. a)  to come across = to find by chance                                    I came across a beautiful antique vase in a 2nd hand shop in Kensington Market. 1. b)  to come across = to appear He comes across as reserved, but actually he’s very outgoing once you get to know him. 2. […]

Shame, Shameless and Shameful

Let’s look at the root word ‘shame’ and explore its common uses. Shame = sad feeling, guilt, or embarrassment. I’m ashamed (of you/us/myself) = I’m embarrassed and perhaps dishonored. “I’m ashamed to admit that it was me who stole the winning lotto ticket from you.” Shame on you!  = Scolding another person for a shameful […]

Why Teaching Idioms (Slang, Expressions) is Important in Business English

Like many of you I have a profile on the networking site LinkedIn. (You can find me at http://www.linkedin.com/in/communicationcoach )  One of the benefits of LinkedIn is becoming a member of a group related to our fields or interests.  I subscribe to a number of groups, and sometimes feel compelled to add my two cents […]

English Language Pronunciation Class Description

Here is a good description of what is involved in a typical English pronunciation (or accent reduction) class or coaching program.  Things are usually tailored to the particular English level, industry or work etc. but the main idea is explained clearly here: English language pronunciation includes all the mechanical functions and skills of language sound […]

Do You Have “A News” or “Some News”?

I hear this mistake all the time, so I thought I should put it down here. In English we say “news” not “a news”. It is uncountable. Eg. Vanesa:  “I have some (good/bad/strange) news to tell you/share with you/for you!” Rob:  “Really?  What’s the (good/bad/strange) news?” Vanesa:  “I’m pregnant!!!” Rob:  (Faints…) So please do not […]

Mingle with Myngle to Learn Language

Hello everyone, I have had a request to introduce to you Myngle, a cool online language-learning company. I will now let a representative from Myngle describe their company: Myngle is a pioneer of live online language learning. Based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Myngle removes the physical dimension for language learning, allowing students and teachers to […]

English Idiom Ebook, If You Like

Hello my friends, Someone emailed me and asked where I got the “Dead Idioms” from (previous post). I sell a downloadable ebook called “Everyday English Idioms”, and that is where they came from.  I would be happy if you wish to purchase this ebook. Click here to see it, preview a few pages, and then […]