AEE: Mortifying Moments that Create Connection

How do you talk about people in English? Is the word “people” plural or singular? Read the full notes for this episode Today, in #5 of the Top 15 Fixes, we discuss a mistake you might be making when you translate your native language into English – and how to fix it! In some languages, the word for “people” is singular. But it’s important to remember that, in English, this word is plural. People are interesting. NOT: People is interesting.   The singular term for “people” is “person.” This is similar to the situation with the words “children” and “child.” The children are good. The children are energetic. The child is good. The child is energetic.   Other Entries in the 15 Fixes Series: Episode 165: Listen or Hear? Episode 169: Speak, Talk, Tell and Say? Episode 173: Wish vs. Hope Episode 177: Talking About Age in English Episode 181: Future Tense in English Episode 185: Interested or Interesting? Episode 189: Talking About the Past Episode 193: How to Borrow Money Episode 197: Who Pays for Lunch? Episode 201: Will vs. Going To   Have you had trouble with the plural and singular of these words? Does it come from translating from your own language? Let us know in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

21 Okt 201414min

Would you like advice from an expert English teacher? Today, we talk with Tony from italki.com about 3 outside-the-box ways to improve your English!   Come back to our site to learn more   Are you taking the IELTS Exam? Get our free IELTS video training course now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

20 Okt 201420min

Do you take time to reflect on your English learning? Today we talk about how spending 15 minutes on one specific action could save you hours of work later! Come back to our site for more   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

16 Okt 201415min

Come back to our site for more Can you use your body to increase your confidence in English speaking? Today, learn what poses can make you more comfortable and powerful!   Social psychologist Amy Cuddy says body language affects how we think, and how others think about us. When people are slouched and closed-in on themselves, they not only feel less powerful, but they appear less powerful to others. Consider: Are your shoulders slouched? Or are they back, with your chest open? Are you spreading yourself out physically? Are you smiling? Is your body upright?     Tips for power-posing your way to confidence: Stand with your arms up, legs spread out, shoulders back and chest out. Take up space and breathe deeply! If you can't do this at the moment, imagine you’re doing it, or do it in the bathroom before your important interview or presentation. You can even do it while talking on the phone. Yawn! By yawning, we are naturally bringing oxygen to our brain, which makes us feel more alert and confident.   Have you tried power posing? Has it worked for you? Tell us your story in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

15 Okt 201416min

Read the full episode summary When you’re talking about the future in English, should you use “will” or “going to”? Today, in #6 of the Top 15 Fixes, we discuss the correct way to tell others what you want to do, whether in the immediate future or many years from now!   "Will" and "going to" are interchangeable in meaning, but native English speakers tend to use them for slightly different purposes.   Will is often used in the context of a big plan or dream, often in the far future: I will get married, eventually. “Someday, people will live on Mars.”   However, Will can also be used if you have just spontaneously made a decision, at this very moment, or for promises: “Maybe I will go out to lunch.” “I will always love you.”   Going to is used for more specific decisions about your immediate future: “I’m gonna (going to) go biking tomorrow.” “She’s going to call later tonight.” These rules are general. Remember, there are exceptions, and native speakers can be inconsistent. The best way to learn is to get out and hear native English speakers, and use the language the way you hear it spoken.   Other Entries in the 15 Fixes Series: Episode 165: Listen or Hear? Episode 169: Speak, Talk, Tell and Say? Episode 173: Wish vs. Hope Episode 177: Talking About Age in English Episode 181: Future Tense in English Episode 185: Interested or Interesting? Episode 189: Talking About the Past Episode 193: How to Borrow Money Episode 197: Who Pays for Lunch?   What will you do in the future? What are you going to do? Tell us about it in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

14 Okt 201415min

How should you talk about money in American culture? Today, we discuss what you should and shouldn't ask Americans about money! Go here to read the full episode summary Americans tend to think it rude to discuss personal finances and financial decisions. This may be due to the basic American value of faith in an egalitarian society. But whatever the reason, money is a touchy subject, and questions about it alienate or even upset an American.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

13 Okt 201413min

Are you a perfectionist when it comes to learning English? If you are, then you are not alone! Today we have an awesome guest! Today Jun from Hapa Eikaiwa is here to talk about how you can beat this problem. Do you feel like you are afraid of making mistakes or that everything that you say has to be perfect? Jun has found that a lot of his students rehearse their sentences in their heads and can’t jump into a conversation and express themselves because of perfectionism. Do you think more than you talk? Come back to our site for more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

9 Okt 201414min

Are you an English amateur or a pro? Today we talk about the work from author Steven Pressfield and what it means for your English learning. Go here to read the full episode summary Who’s a Pro? The pro artist or English learner or entrepreneur will show up every day and will do the work. He will move past the thoughts that tend to make him get side-tracked. The pro is present in his studies and his work. He doesn’t repeat negative thoughts or make excuses. Are you a pro when it comes to learning English?   Who’s an Amateur? He might make excuses for not being fluent in English. The amateur might decide that his lack of English skills is because he doesn’t have a good teacher, or good resources, or the right opportunities. Are you an amateur English learner? Tell us in the comments! Are you an English amateur or an English pro? Why? Can you share a strategy to help other AEE listeners “turn pro”?       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

8 Okt 201414min