Speak English Now Podcast: Learn English | Speak English without grammar.

Today, let's keep talking about words related to trials. And to help you improve your English fluency, I have created a fun mini-story. As usual, I will ask you many simple questions you must answer quickly. It's just like having a conversation with someone in real life. Okay! Let's start! #1 Expert witness An expert witness is someone who, in a trial, gives their professional and impartial opinion on a specific topic related to the trial. Sometimes they may prepare a report or testify. Example: The expert witness gave his professional opinion on the box. It was indeed an empty box of chocolate chip cookies. #2 Witness A witness is someone who has direct knowledge of the facts on trial. Witnesses are essential because they can help determine a defendant's guilt. For example, a witness can provide key information about the crime's circumstances and help confirm whether the defendant was present at the crime scene. Example: The witness testified with horror that he saw the defendant eating and tasting the last chocolate chip cookie in the box. #3 Cross-examination In trials, an attorney asks the defendant and others questions to find out more about what happened. For example, imagine this cross-examination between the prosecutor and the defendant: - So, why did you lick your fingers? - Because they were covered in chocolate. - There are no further questions, Your Honor. #4 Judge The judge is the most influential person in the courtroom. They preside over the trial and pass sentences. 'Your Honor' is a respectful form to address a judge. Example: The judge ruled that the defendant was guilty of eating the last cookie without sharing it with his friends.   Get the transcript on my website:  https://SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Transcript: This week is a bit special because it is Spring Offer, and all my premium courses have a 60% discount. I've received several messages with questions about the courses. I will try to answer some frequently asked questions in this short episode. By the way, you can get the offer at: speakenglishpodcast.com/courses Hurry up because the offer is only available until this Sunday at midnight. Let's start with the most frequently asked question: 1) What is the difference between the podcast and the premium courses? That's a great question! In the podcast, I talk about very diverse topics to improve your vocabulary. It's a great listening practice.  I also give a small example of a lesson in each podcast episode. It can be a mini-story of questions and answers or a point of view. Because of time limitations, I can barely develop these lessons, yet they allow you to test the method that I use in my premium courses in an easy and fun way. Instead, the premium courses are complete programs designed to improve your spoken English dramatically. These are conversation courses. You start speaking from DAY ONE with the conversation simulator. They are audio lessons that "simulate" conversations. I call them Q&A mini-stories. Unlike the podcast, the premium courses contain hours and hours of questions and answers. Imagine for a moment a podcast episode multiplied by 100. Also, the courses allow you to work much better on grammar aspects such as the plural, singular, all kinds of verb tenses, and certain common expressions of English. All of this unfolds in an interactive way, following one or more stories that provide a rich and entertaining context. For example, the Fluency Course (level II) contains more than 8 hours of audio, thousands of questions and answers (mini-stories), and almost 200 pages of transcription text. Of course, there are also many point-of-view lessons that allow you to work very intensely on aspects of grammar. One rule I always follow is to create lessons with complex characters and funny stories with unexpected endings. That way, you'll never forget what you learn best and, of course, it's a lot more fun. Another question: 2) Can I use the premium courses on the iPhone, iPad, Android, and so on? Yes, of course. You can use them without problems. It is important to keep in mind that the courses are not apps. That is, you don't install them. It's much more flexible. The courses consist of mp3 audio and text (PDF). This is much simpler and prevents technical problems. Transferring the content to any device is quite easy. However, when you buy one of the courses, I send you detailed steps to know what to do. In any case, you can contact me by e-mail with any questions. 3) Is there a monthly payment for the premium courses? No, there is no such thing. They are yours for personal use and forever when you buy the courses. 4) How many premium courses are there, and what is the difference? There are currently four courses. I will describe them briefly: 1) 30-Day Crash Course (level 1): This course is for beginners with no knowledge of English. It is a course that works very well, and I am happy with the result because it helps a lot to start with English. In your case, I don't recommend it because if you are a follower of this podcast, you are no longer a beginner. 2) The Fluency Course (level 2):  The level of this course is a bit easier than this podcast, but there is almost no difference. This program will help you automate the most common structures when speaking. It consists of 20 units with 20 unique and fun stories. I recommend this course if you're trying to stop mentally translating when you speak English, even with relatively easy expressions.   3) The Magic Course (level 3): This course is very ambitious because it goes one step beyond the Fluency Course. The aim is to practice all the verb tenses in the context of a long and well-developed story. There is plenty of vocabulary, and grammar points are very useful. When you finish this course, you will have an advanced level of English. 4) The Business Course (Job Interview Course) With this course, you will master the 30 most common questions asked at a job interview, learn specific vocabulary, and when to use it. You will get examples of how to answer the questions. And the exclusive mini-stories will help you speak English more confidently at a job interview. 5) Georgiana, what if I don't like them or I don't adapt to the courses? That's all right. If during the first 30 days, you are not convinced by the program, you can request a refund without any problem. 6) Are there any free samples of the courses? Yes, of course. You can get some samples at: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/samples Very well, I think I have answered the most frequently asked questions. I hope you found this helpful. Remember that you can benefit from the Spring offer promotion at: speakenglishpodcast.com/courses If your goal is to improve your fluency, my courses can really help you. I repeat for the last time: speakenglishpodcast.com/courses Only until this Sunday at midnight. All right. That's all for today. I will see you next week! Bye! Bye!

"Now that I’m all by myself, I’m going to indulge in this last cookie. I don’t think anyone will notice!” Today I’ll explain some words related to trials. While I’m hoping you’ll never have to use these words in real life, becoming familiar with this language will help you better grasp the subject and engage in conversation on the topic. Come on, let’s start! #1 The Accused or Defendant The person who is accused of breaking the law is called the accused or defendant. They have the right to tell their side of the story and present evidence to the judge.  For example: The police arrested the defendant. He is accused of having eaten the last cookie in the box. #2 Courtroom A courtroom is a place where legal cases are heard and decided. People go there when they are accused of doing something illegal or have a disagreement that needs to be settled by a judge or jury. Example: The trial of the defendant will take place in the courtroom. Okay, next word: #3 Crime A crime is an act or omission against the law punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both. For example, stealing is a crime.  Example: – I just committed a crime! – What crime did you commit?  – I ate the last cookie without sharing – that’s an unforgivable crime! In this case, legally, it would not be a crime, but it is unforgivable to eat the last cookie without sharing it! #4 Accomplice An accomplice is a person who helps another to commit a crime or offense. There could be more than one person helping with the crime. Example: – I can’t believe we did this. – Me neither. But no one saw how we ate the cookie. Now we are accomplices. #5 Lawyer or attorney What’s the difference between a lawyer and an attorney? What is a lawyer? A lawyer is someone who has been educated in the law and has completed law school. They can provide legal advice, but cannot represent clients in court because they still need to pass the bar exam. What is an attorney? An attorney has graduated from law school and passed the bar exam in their state of practice; therefore, they can represent clients in court. Let me tell you a joke about lawyers: – Good morning, How much do you charge for a quick consultation? – 500 dollars for three questions. -Wow, isn’t that a bit expensive? – Yes. And what is your third question? #6 Presumption of innocence This is important. The presumption of innocence means we should consider the defendant innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. One example: The judge reminded the audience that the presumption of innocence must always be maintained. It hasn’t been determined if the accused ate the last cookie in the box.   Get the transcript on my website: http://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

Are you planning a trip to the U.S.? In that case, this episode is for you because I will talk about how to get a visa to enter the United States of America. And with a point-of-view story, you will learn grammar in context without memorizing any boring rules. Hi! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher. Thanks for joining me for a new episode of the Speak English Now podcast. If you want to help, please share the podcast on social media. That would mean a lot. Thanks! Before we start, visit my website: Speakenglishpodcast.com, and subscribe to my FREE mini-course. Over the next five days, you will discover the 5 secrets to speaking English fluently. Okay, let's start! If you’re planning to visit the U. S., you must first obtain a visa. And even if the process can be complicated and time-consuming, you still need a visa to enter the U.S. Therefore, it is essential to understand the different types of visas and the information you need to provide.  For today's episode, I have put together some general tips about getting a visa to enter the U.S. First, you must determine which type of visa you require. Depending on your purpose for visiting, you may need a business or a tourist visa. Once you have determined the type of visa you need, you will gather the necessary documents. These may include proof of identity, evidence of financial stability, and a letter of invitation from a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. After all the necessary documents, you must fill out the visa application form and submit it to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. This form requires personal information, such as your name, date of birth, address, and additional information related to your trip. After applying, you'll schedule an in-person interview with a consular officer. You will likely need to provide additional information about your trip and answer questions about your eligibility for a visa. Once your visa application is approved, you will receive the document with an expiration date. It is vital to keep track of the expiration date of your visa, as staying within the timeline of your visa is essential. Otherwise, you may be required to apply for a new one. Read the TEXT on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

Healthcare insurance in the U.S. has a long history. However, the earliest forms of healthcare insurance in the U.S. were largely private plans that covered hospital and medical care for individuals or employers.  Today, most Americans obtain health insurance through their employers or government plans such as Medicare and Medicaid. In today's episode, I will start by talking about the private healthcare system. Private care in the U.S. allows individuals to purchase health insurance coverage from private companies instead of relying on public insurance sources like Medicaid or Medicare.  Most private health insurance plans are offered through employers and are known as employer-sponsored health insurance.   Private health insurance usually covers a wide range of healthcare services, such as doctor visits, prescriptions, mental health care, hospitalization, and emergency care. Depending on the plan, private health insurance might include coverage for vision and dental care, alternative medicine, and other services. These plans can vary significantly in cost and coverage, from basic plans that cover essential services like doctor visits and prescription drugs to more comprehensive plans that can cover costly treatments like surgery.    Other options In addition to health insurance, there are several other options for accessing healthcare. You can access healthcare through community health centers or free or low-cost clinics if  uninsured.    Health Marketplace For instance, the Health Marketplace is a resource where people can shop for and purchase health insurance coverage. It provides access to various health insurance plans, including private and Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It also provides information about subsidies and tax credits that can help reduce the cost of premiums.   Get the transcript on my website:SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Transcript: Are you curious about how the healthcare system works in the U.S.? In this episode, I will explain the basics of the American healthcare system. There is not one universal system, but a range of public and private insurance options. I will lay out how these plans work so that you can gain a better understanding. And yes. Contrary to what some people assume, public health care exists in the USA. There are several public systems, both federal and state. All Americans must have health insurance or face a federal offense. Therefore, everyone should be properly insured. If someone is unemployed, they may be eligible for federal or state public insurance programs to help them access the necessary health care services. Let’s find out more about public health in the U.S. In 1965, the federal government created Medicare and Medicaid, which provided health coverage to the elders and the poorest segments of the population. What are Medicare and Medicaid? Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily available to people 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, or people with End-Stage Renal Disease. Medicaid offers health insurance to countless Americans, such as eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. States must follow federal rules while running the program, which is funded by both state and federal money. Other programs, such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), is a federal-state partnership program administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Children’s Health Insurance Program provides health insurance coverage to low-income children and pregnant women who do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private health insurance. I hope you found this episode interesting. In the next one, I will continue talking about healthcare in the U.S. [END OF THE EXTRACT]   Get the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Transcript Do you like paradoxes? Today I will talk about the paradox of the magic bill, which has gone viral on social media.  Ok, let’s start! A paradox is a fact, expression, or story that seems contrary to logic. I invite you to listen to this paradox and then assume the solution. Pay attention! A tourist arrives at a hotel. He is very picky about the rooms, so he asks the receptionist if he can see them first. The receptionist agrees but asks the tourist to leave $100 at the front desk. The tourist leaves a $100 bill and goes upstairs to look at the vacant rooms to see if he likes any of them. The hotel manager then takes this bill and goes to the butcher shop to pay a $100 debt to the butcher. The butcher goes to the bakery to pay the $100 debt he owes the baker and does so with the same $100 bill. The baker, in turn, takes the bill and pays his debt to his doctor with the same bill. Finally, the doctor returns to the hotel and pays a $100 debt he owes to the hotel manager. At that point, the tourist returns and tells the desk clerk that he does not want to stay at the hotel. He takes his $100 bill and leaves. The apparent paradox is that before the tourist arrived, the manager, the butcher, the baker, and the doctor owed $100. When the tourist recovers the $100 bill, the tourist, the manager, the butcher, the baker, and the doctor no longer owe anything. No one owes anything to anyone. No one has worked or produced anything, and no one has lost a single dollar. Get the full transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Today, I'd like to take a closer look at a common issue faced by many learners of English: the proper usage of various verb tenses, as well as the potential mistakes they can make. First, you should bear in mind that native speakers tend to use fewer verb tenses when speaking compared to when they are writing. In other words, spoken language is more direct and simple. And that's good news!  So, why does this happen?  We can consider how to articulate our ideas best, select suitable grammar structures, and more when writing. However, when speaking, there is no time to think about how to construct a sentence. Secondly, when learning a language, there is often a conflict between two components. These two elements are fluency and self-correction. By fluency, I mean the ability to produce the language with few pauses, and by self-correction, I mean the perception that what you are saying may be wrong, and consequently, you self-correct. To illustrate this point, let's assume that Tom is an English learner with a low level of fluency. Tom has to make a significant effort to find the right words, finish sentences, and so on. He is probably mentally translating from his native language to English and the other way around. While Tom is in a conversation, struggling to finish sentences, the last thing Tom can think about is whether he is making any grammar errors. It's hard enough trying to keep the conversation going. If Tom wants to reduce the number of errors, he will need to pause frequently for several seconds to ponder the best way to express himself. Even so, he will make mistakes. This last scenario is quite common in traditional language schools. Teachers often require students to speak from the beginning without errors, even if they can barely articulate sentences. Consequently, this hinders fluency, preventing students from relaxing and enjoying basic conversations. So, what is the solution? The key is to follow the natural process of language acquisition. First, you need to listen many times to the same language patterns so that they become automatic in your mind. This way, you can gradually focus on making fewer mistakes. That’s why I often insist you should be listening to simple content repeatedly. Read the transcript here:SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Transcript: Every January is the same. Everyone wants to improve their lifestyle. So, let’s continue learning some new year expressions in English. Let's start! #1 Today is the first day of the rest of your life. People often use this phrase to express that every day is an opportunity to start over and make the most of life. It encourages people to make the most of each day and appreciate the present moment. Examples: "Don’t look back; look forward! Today is the first day of the rest of your life. " "Regardless of what happened yesterday, you can always start anew today. Remember, Today is the first day of the rest of your life!" #2 To give it my best shot. Giving your best means doing the best you can in a given situation. It implies that you will try your best and strive your best to achieve success. Examples: "I’ll give my best shot to get through this job interview and show them why I'm the perfect candidate." "Next month, I will run my first marathon and give my best shot." #3 To tighten [one’s] belt. To forget previous debts or mistakes and be given a new chance to succeed. Examples: "You must tighten your belt this month if you want to stay on budget." "I’m trying to save money, so I will have to tighten my belt and cut back on unnecessary spending." #4 to bury the hatchet. To bury the hatchet means to forgive and forget past differences, usually between two people, and end a disagreement. Examples: "After weeks of disagreement, the team decided to bury the hatchet and work together as one." "After months of arguing, we finally decided to bury the hatchet and make amends." #5 To shake things up a bit. It means to do something different or unexpected to change the situation. It can be used when you want to try something new or exciting or to make a change. Examples: "We've been using the same methods for years; it’s time to shake things up a bit and try something new." "Let's shake things up a bit and take a different approach to this project." #6 To mend your ways. We use this expression to encourage people to change their behavior or habits to become better. It is a way of prompting someone to take responsibility for their actions and strive to make positive changes in their life. Examples: "If you want to turn your life around, you must mend your ways." "You must take steps to mend your ways if you want to improve." #7 To go cold turkey. To go cold turkey is to abruptly stop an addictive behavior or substance, such as smoking or drinking alcohol. Examples: "After years of smoking, Tom decided to go cold turkey and quit entirely." "The best way to give up sugar is to go cold turkey and cut it out of your diet completely."   Get the transcript of this episode at: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Transcript: Today we will talk about pets in the United States. And with a fun mini-story, you will practice your English speaking. I’m sure you’re going to enjoy answering many questions in English. It’s like having a conversation with another person. Hi, I’m Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com, and I’m back again to help you speak English fluently. So, how can you help me? It’s really simple. Please share the podcast with your friends on social media. That would make me very happy! Before we start, subscribe to my free mini-course on my website: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com [With my free mini-course, you will learn: How to accumulate vocabulary, how to learn grammar, how to learn deeply and not forget, how to speak automatically, and how to stay motivated.] Okay! Let’s start! Nowadays, more and more people are adopting animals, and pet ownership in the States is on the rise. I had a dog some time ago, which was a beautiful experience. The connection between a dog and its owner is always special, especially when you take them for a walk. A dog needs to go for long walks to be able to connect with you. Some assume you must give them their favorite treat to win them over. But that link happens when you take them out for a walk. There are few things like the unconditional love of a dog. It’s a unique feeling when you come home after a stressful day and know that your dog is waiting for you, always happy to welcome you. In America, dogs are the favorite pet. Almost 40% of households have at least one dog as a pet. However, before adopting one, you should keep in mind that it requires training, daily walks, etc. In addition, owning a dog in the States is costly. Dog owners spend more than $1,000 yearly on vet check-ups, medications, and medical supplies. But as I was saying, the relationship with a dog is rewarding. And if you haven’t had a positive experience with your dog, it’s probably due to a lack of understanding. The first time you adopt a dog, you learn on the fly how to handle it. In any case, I encourage you to try again. But if you are not yet ready for this, I totally understand. Because although I have been fortunate with my dog because he was really sweet and obedient, I am not yet considering adopting another one. Now you may wonder which is better: buying or adopting a dog? Although there is nothing wrong with either option, adopted animals seem to be very grateful. And since I’ve never had a cat, I can’t speak much from personal experience, but I have some friends who adopted a cat a few months ago, and they are delighted with the furry animal. Besides, cats require much less maintenance because they are more independent. Even so, a cat is still a great companion. In the States, cats are the second most preferred pet, and unlike dogs, cats don’t need daily walks and are happy to entertain themselves. Okay, now we know a little more about pets. And you, do you have a pet at home? You can send me a picture of your pet if you want. [END OF THE EXTRACT]   Get the transcript on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

Hi! I'm Georgiana, your English teacher. Thank you for joining me for another episode.  If you want to help, please share the podcast on social media. That would mean a lot. Thanks! I hope you are doing great! The New Year is the perfect time for new beginnings and the perfect time to learn some idioms in English for the new year.  You will also learn grammar with a point-of-view lesson without memorizing boring rules. Before we start, visit my website: Speakenglishpodcast.com and subscribe to my mini-course - it's completely free! Ok, let's start! #1 To kick off the new year To kick off the new year means to start a new year. Examples: "Let's kick off the new year with a positive attitude." "The best way to kick off the year is to be surrounded by friends and family. #2 To turn over a new leaf It means to start acting or behaving better or more responsibly. Examples:  "Since I moved to New York, my life has completely changed. I can say that I have turned over a new leaf." "You always promise to turn over a new leaf if I give you another chance. But you've proven to me time and time again that you'll never change." #3 To start with a clean sheet When we start with a clean sheet, we forget previous debts or mistakes and are given a new chance to succeed at something. Examples: "I'm afraid we've started on the wrong foot. Why don't we start with a clean sheet?" "Although you have put a lot of effort into this new project, it is a disaster. Therefore, we will have to hire someone else and start with a clean sheet. #4 Out with the old and in with the new Out with the old, in with the new means it is good to replace old things with new ones, to leave old things or ideas behind and bring in new ones. Examples:  "I need to get a new jacket because this one is out of fashion. Out with the old, in with the new!" "My cell phone is ancient. I can't even take pictures with it. I need to buy a new one, so out with the old, in with the new!" #5 Ring in the New Year To ring in the new year means celebrating the beginning of a new year, usually with a party or formal dinner. Examples:  "My friends rang in the new year with a party at their parent's house." "I am very happy because we will ring in the new year in New York." #6 To kick the habit One of our New Year's resolutions is to quit a bad habit. Many want to quit smoking; others want to stop eating too many sweets, etc. Examples: "My husband tried to kick the habit last year, but he loves to eat." "This new year, I want to kick the habit of smoking." #7 Stick to something But if you want to kick the habit, you must stick to your New Year plan without deviating. Examples: "My friend started a diet for the new year, but I'm afraid she won't be able to stick to it." "Your suggestion didn't work out, so we must stick to the initial plan." Get the transcript at: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

Hi, everybody! I’m Georgiana, founder of speakenglishpodcast.com. My mission is to help you to speak English fluently. Speaking English is way easier when you use the right material and techniques. In this episode, let's take a look at the most common New Year's resolutions. Then you will practice your English fluency with a mini-story. Alright! Let’s start! By the way, if you are new here, visit my website to get the transcript of today's episode. Go to: speakenglishpodcast.com If you're already familiar with this show, please share it with your friends and family. That would make me very happy! Tell your friends that my podcast is available everywhere on the internet. You can find it on my website and many podcast apps like Spotify, iTunes, Youtube, Facebook, Soundcloud, etc. Just look for "Speak English Now with Georgiana," and start learning English with me!" Well, first of all... Happy New Year! How time flies! A new year has just begun. It’s curious how the passage of time is perceived according to age. Young people don't think much about it. Middle-aged people think about the things they still want to achieve and realize that they have less and less time. Older people, on the other hand, remember the old days. Don't worry; I won't get too philosophical in this lesson.  :) I’ll go ahead and talk about New Year's resolutions. As you know, when a new year comes, we all feel like doing a lot of things. Also, we feel a bit guilty for having celebrated a little too much at Christmas. Therefore, in this episode, we will take a look at the most popular New Year's resolutions and practice new vocabulary. And what’s a resolution? A resolution is a firm decision to do something.   My new’s year resolution is to use highly proven techniques, based on the natural learning of a second language, to help my students to speak English automatically.  Losing weight or going on a diet. This resolution is a classic. After all the meals and alcoholic beverages, we decide to lose weight. Usually, this decision is made after a very generous meal. We are on a full stomach and solemnly decide that we are going to lose weight and that we are going on a diet. Going to the gym Another classic! It's funny how many people are paying their gym fee every month but never go. Sounds familiar?  Then now it's the perfect excuse to start exercising. A friend of mine told me in October that he wasn't going to the gym, but that he would certainly start going in January. :) If you ever go to the gym at the beginning of the year, you'll see a lot of people working out — everyone with a lot of determination. The problem is that in February there are half as many people exercising. Sometimes the New Year's resolution for exercising includes an ambitious goal, such as running a marathon. The important thing is to finish the race so don’t obsess about timing. For some time, I was aiming to run a marathon. About four years ago, I ran a half-marathon and noticed that running a marathon was a reasonable goal. Then I changed my mind because the training I needed was too intense for my knees. Now I'm taking it slower and alternating between different sports. Quit Smoking Quitting smoking is a hard thing to do. Many people try to quit smoking and start a healthier life at the beginning of a new year. Luckily I’m not a smoker, but I always wish them all the best. So, we have the health trio: dieting, going to the gym and quitting smoking. Many try, very few succeed. Read more books It’s always a great idea to read. You can learn many things. I know people who haven't read an entire book since high school. I also know others who read a lot. A good New Year's resolution is to read more. I suppose, to be successful, you need to start with a book you like. Learn a new language I particularly like this resolution. As you already know, it’s extremely important to have the right materials and use the right techniques. Just going to a language school isn’t enough. I firmly believe that if you are an adult, you can learn by yourself from home. Since we are very busy and don't have much time, we need a system that fits our lifestyle, not the other way around. With a little consistency, you can get amazing results!   Saving money During the Christmas holidays, it’s very common to spend more money than usual, perhaps too much. With the festive spirit, it’s normal to spend and spend and shortly after, at the beginning of the new year, to want to save money. Travel Also, a classic. I remember two years ago that I traveled to five different countries. However, the following year I got tired and didn't travel anywhere. Maybe too much of something can become tiring. Traveling is a good goal, but first, you have to meet the previous goal: to save some money. I read once that a very high percentage of New Year's resolutions are not met in the first three weeks of January. Those same resolutions are reformulated a year later, after the Christmas holidays, in January. It's a kind of deja vu :) My experience in these cases tells me that: - It’s better to focus on objectives per quarter than per year. So, we can be much more realistic because we know we only have three months to accomplish them. - Writing objectives is also important. There is a technique that consists of writing your goals on a piece of paper and putting them in the bathroom mirror or on the fridge. Like this, you can see them every day. - It's also important to be precise about your goals or purposes. This year I’d like to read more books, exercise more than last year and to travel more. How about you? Let me know what your new year’s resolutions are. Read the transcript on my website: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

Transcript: Merry Christmas, everyone! I’m Georgiana, your English teacher, and my mission is to help you speak English fluently. And if you want to help me, share the podcast with your friends and family. Ah! It’s almost Christmas!!! And today, I will talk about Christmas Markets in New York. And with a fun mini-story, you will improve your speaking. If you need to give something special for Christmas, consider buying my Premium courses. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/courses and get my English programs at an exceptional price. Ok! Let’s talk about Christmas markets in New York. What are you planning to do at Christmas? I recommend you fly to NYC because the best Christmas markets are here. New York’s holiday markets often include ice skating, twinkling lights, great food vendors, and fun holiday activities. Plus, you can make your Christmas shopping a positive and relaxing experience.  Bryant Park’s Winter Village You could start by visiting Bryant Park’s Winter Village. One of the highlights of this market is the 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink, which is free to use if you bring your skates. FAD Market And after ice skating, you could visit the FAD Market. Each season, the FAD market – which stands for Fashion, Art, and Design – takes over a different Brooklyn venue with a bunch of independent vendors and creators. Here you’ll find New York City’s emerging brands, designers, and small businesses offering a curated selection of handmade jewelry, clothing, skincare, tableware, and much more. Columbus Circle Holiday Market And after all this activity, you should go to the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, which is one of the most iconic holiday markets. The uptown counterpart to the Union Square Holiday Market offers shoppers a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Are you having fun? Let’s practice speaking with a fun mini-story. Mini-Story 📖(Practice your speaking) Mini stories are excellent for improving fluency. The goal is to answer without mentally translating it into your native language. That’s why I recommend short and quick answers. You can pause if necessary. Come on, let’s get started! After listening to Georgiana’s podcast, Tom traveled to New York to explore the Christmas markets. What did Tom do for Christmas? Stay at home? No. No. Tom didn’t stay at home. He traveled for Christmas. Where did Tom go? To Hawaii? No. Tom went to New York. He didn’t travel to Hawaii. Why did he travel to New York? For business purposes? No. Not for business purposes. He traveled to New York to explore the Christmas markets. Christmas shops or markets? Christmas markets. Tom traveled to New York to explore the Christmas markets.  Did Tom travel to New York with his mom? No. No. Not with his mom. Tom traveled to New York alone. Tom went ice skating at Bryant Park’s Winter Village and ate some delicious local treats at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. Tom went roller skating. Right? No. No. Tom went ice skating. Where did he go ice skating? Finland? No. No. He didn’t go ice skating in Finland. He went ice skating in New York at Bryant Park’s Winter Village. Did Tom eat anything?  Yes. He ate something. What exactly did he eat? Can you remember? Yes. He ate some delicious local treats at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. After a few hours, he rested on a park bench. Next to him, there was a girl named Elsa, and they began to have a lively conversation.  What did Tom do after some hours? Rest or play tennis? Tom didn’t play tennis. After a few hours, Tom rested on a park bench. Was there someone next to him? Yes. Next to Tom, there was a girl. What was her name? Elsa. Her name was Elsa.  Elsa? As in Elsa from Frozen? Exactly. Her name was Elsa. Just like the princess from Frozen. Was Elsa an actual princess? Well, we don’t know that. We know she was sitting next to Tom in New York. It turned out that Elsa also traveled to New York after listening to Georgiana’s podcast. What a coincidence! Why did Elsa travel to New York? Because Georgiana told her students to explore the Christmas Markets in New York. When did Elsa travel to New York? Before or after listening to the podcast? After Elsa listened to the Speak English Now podcast, she traveled to New York. Not before. Was it coincidentally that Elsa and Tom traveled to New York after listening to the podcast? Yes, it was an amazing coincidence. But the shocking part was that they met in New York.  As they rose from the bench, Elsa grabbed Tom's hand. He smiled shyly.   Did Elsa give Tom a rose? No. No. Elsa didn't give Tom a rose. They rose from the bench. Who grabbed Tom's hand? Santa? Elsa. Elsa grabbed Tom's hand. Not Santa. Did Tom get angry? No. No. He didn't get angry. He smiled. He smiled shyly when Elsa grabbed his hand. Was Tom shy or bold? Shy. Tom was shy. He wasn't bold. Tom smiled shyly. Tom and Elsa had one wish for Christmas: to encounter someone to love. Who had a wish for Christmas? Elsa and Tom. They had a wish for Christmas. What kind of wish? Did they have the same wish? Yes. They both wanted to encounter someone to love. Ok! That’s the end of this Christmas story. I hope you enjoyed practicing your speaking. And, if you need to give something special for Christmas, consider buying my Premium courses. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/courses and get my English programs at an exceptional price. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Today we continue talking about money in English. You will learn new expressions, and I’ll give you some advice on how to save money. And with a fun mini-story, you will improve your English fluency. It’s like having a conversation with another person in English. Hi, I’m Georgiana, your English teacher, and my mission is you help you Speak English fluently. And do you know how you can help me? You can share the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks:) Before we get started, get the transcript at SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast Ok. Let’s start! 1. Money doesn't grow on trees  We use this phrase to warn someone that money is a limited resource and should not be wasted.  Example:  "When I told my five-year-old son that I couldn't buy him a toy because "money doesn't grow on trees," he told me to use my credit card instead." 2. A penny saved is a penny earned  Although many families today live on credit, it is always wise to put some money aside. We use this expression to say that saving money is a good idea.  Example: "You should always put some money aside. My grandma used to say that a penny saved is a penny earned." 3. Flat broke  And if you never save and spend all your money, you become flat broke. Example:  "It's been two years since I lost my job. Now I'm looking for one because I've spent all my money and I'm flat broke. " 4. Live from hand to mouth  This idiom means having only enough money to live on, not having money to spare or save any money. Example:  "I have bad news. I'm afraid we will have to live from hand to mouth until the end of the year. " 5. Save for a rainy day  I said before that it is always a good idea to save some money. And this English expression means to save money for when you need it.  Example:  "Last winter, the boiler broke down. Thankfully, we saved for a rainy day. " 6. Daylight robbery  If you really want to save money, you should compare prices and avoid shopping where prices are too high. This idiom means that something is costly. It can be an exorbitant fee for a product or service.  Example:  "I never buy anything from this store. The prices here are a daylight robbery."   Read the full transcript at: SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast

Hi! I’m Georgiana, your English teacher. Thank you for joining me for another episode. Today you will learn new idioms in English with MONEY. I will teach you some English expressions related to money. And with a point-of-view story, you will learn grammar without memorizing any boring rules. And if you want complete programs with hours of audio designed to develop your fluency, don't think twice. Visit Speakenglishpodcast.com/courses/ There are several levels. Ok! Let's start! Depending on the culture, people talk about money or get really uncomfortable when someone brings up this subject. However, everybody needs money nowadays, so today, we will learn expressions about money because "money makes the world go round." When something "makes the world go round," it is extremely important. But not only money makes the world go round; love also makes the world go round. However, love without money can get really complicated sometimes. Anyway, I'm digressing. Today, I'd like you to learn some English expressions about money. Let’s start! #1. Bring Home the Bacon  You may be thinking I'm hungry. But although this expression may seem unusual, we use it to talk about money. It means earning money so that a family can get by.  Example:  "I have to work day and night to support my family. Someone's got to bring home the bacon." #2. Time is Money  We use this expression to emphasize that you should use your time wisely because you could use it to earn money. Example: "I've been waiting for the delivery guy all day, but I can't sit around any longer. Time is money." #3. Break the Bank  There is no need to break anything. We use this expression to say that something costs too much money. Example: “That coat is way too expensive. It will break the bank!” #4. Quick Buck (Fast Buck) These expressions refer to money earned easily or quickly and, on some occasions, may indicate that someone wants to earn money dishonestly. Example: “You can make a quick buck by selling your coin collection.” #5. Bread and Butter  While bread and butter are delicious, we use this expression to indicate someone who depends on their job for a living. Example:  “I'm sorry I can't go shopping with you tomorrow. I can't miss work again, or I'll get fired, remember, it's my bread and butter!” #6. Money Talks  Obviously, this expression cannot be taken at face value. But it's pretty funny. We use it to talk about wealthy people that can get whatever they want because they have money. Example: "I was convinced that I had a high chance of being elected. However, my opponent has much more money than I do, and, as they say, money talks." #7. Born with a Silver Spoon in your Mouth  This expression means to be born to a wealthy family. Therefore, people born with a silver spoon in their mouths get everything they want. Example:  “My friend's parents always gave her everything she ever wanted. She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. “ [END OF THE EXTRACT] Get the full transcript on my website: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. In this episode, let's look at some bad strategies and attitudes that don't quite work in conversation. I mean, like having awkward conversations. Next, you'll practice your fluency with a mini-story lesson—the best way to learn to speak English without translating mentally. All right, have you ever been with someone and not know what to talk about? It's happened to me sometimes. Every once in a while, we run into situations where it's difficult to continue the conversation. One example is what happens in an elevator. Imagine that you meet a neighbor you hardly know, and a typical dialogue ends up going like this: —Good morning. —Good morning. —Going down? —Yes. — ... — It's cold today, isn't it? — Yes, yes. It's going to be like this all week, they say... — ... As you can see, this conversation is not very intellectual. It's more about avoiding silence, which can be uncomfortable. This doesn't just happen in elevators but in all kinds of social interactions. I read recently that a silence of four seconds or more triggers anxiety. It doesn't get any better when you have to speak in a language you are learning. You have even fewer resources to express yourself. Today we are going to see which topics or strategies do not work well in conversations, especially with strangers.  The goal, I think, is to have a somewhat interesting conversation. Come on, let's move on to the first one: Talking about the weather Talking about the weather is not a bad thing, but if we only talk about it or any other obvious things, we are not going to make a good impression. Now I can think of a couple of situations where talking about the weather is an awful strategy. — A first date: Talking for 45 minutes about whether it's raining or hot or cold or windy isn't going to make you more attractive. — Job interview: Let's see...you don't know what to say...better not start commenting that it's a cold and foggy morning. However, there are also exceptions. If you have a date with someone who works in meteorology or your job interview is to work as a meteorologist... well, yes, of course, you have to talk about the weather, right? Let's see the next one: You don't listen. Yeah, I know it seems obvious, but... many people don't know how to listen, and it shows. When you really listen, you can find many ways to continue the conversation engagingly. Sometimes people just pretend to be listening. They repeat the last part of what you say in the form of a question.  For example: — When I was on vacation in Rome, it rained all week. — The whole week? — Yes, and we had to buy umbrellas. — Umbrellas? — Yes, and Bill Gates gave us all his money. — All his money? — Yeah... and you don't listen. — I don't listen? Well, you see what I mean, right? Let's continue. How to say it. It is not only important what to say, but how to say it. The most common mistakes are: — Talking too fast. Sometimes people need a slower pace to understand the message better. Not everyone is familiar with what you are saying. — Speak too softly. Shy people sometimes speak too softly and are hard to understand. — Speak without articulating well. Some people do not pronounce well, and it is difficult to follow what they say. It's better to speak clearly. — Speak without pausing. It is better to pause from time to time and observe how the other person reacts. Talk about something negative. Another mistake that some people make is to talk about a negative topic to strangers. I really don't recommend that. Talk about something boring. I don't think it's a good idea to talk for half an hour about what color you want to paint the bedroom wall. You have to know how to choose your topics. Basically, for you, it can be relevant, but not for the other person. Messing up There are many ways to mess things up, but a common one is to assume something is true when it is not. Let's look at some examples of messed-up conversations: The first one: — Congratulations! — Why? — Well, you're pregnant. How many months? — No, I'm not pregnant. Oops! The poor woman may have been a few pounds overweight. So, don't assume anything! The second one: — Ah, how beautiful your wife is and how young! — No, she's not my wife. She's my daughter. And she's a minor. Again... oops! It's better not to assume this kind of thing. In fact, the other way around is also wrong. — Ah, it's good you're coming with your mother. —She's not my mother. She's my wife. We also have to be careful with criticism. Especially when you do not know the type of relationship between the person you are talking to and the one you are criticizing. For example, if you're at a wedding: — Food is very scarce. Not much money has been spent. — What a pity! I'll tell my brother, who paid for everything. Get the transcript on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

- Did you know that most English learners know more grammar than the native speaker but can barely speak? - Is that so? Now that's pure irony.   Welcome to Speak English Now podcast, with your host, Georgiana. The podcast that will help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks. Hi! I'm Georgiana. Thanks for joining me for a new Speak English Now podcast episode.  Today we have a very interesting topic: I'm going to talk about three concepts that are often confused: irony, sarcasm, and cynicism. - Next, you'll practice verb tenses with a short story about two kids who have a problem on a frozen lake. Okay, let's get started. Yes, many language learners indeed know more grammar than the average native speaker, yet they can barely speak fluently. That's why I recommend my mini-course, where you can understand how to develop your speech, among other things. Go now to SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and sign up now. It's free! What is the difference between irony, sarcasm, and cynicism? We are going to analyze these concepts one by one, and of course, I will give you some examples; you learn very well with examples! And it's not irony :) Irony. The irony is an "expression that implies something contrary or different from what is said, usually as a mockery." Okay. To make it clear, a "mockery" is an action or words with the intention of laughing at something or someone. It can also be a simple joke. The irony is sometimes directed at oneself or a situation. Let's look at an example: - How was the date with that girl you met? - Ah, fantastic! It couldn't have gone better. She said she would call me... But she didn't ask for my phone number.   When in the dialogue, he says, "it couldn't have gone better," he is obviously saying the opposite of reality and uses it as a subtle mockery of himself. Irony also occurs when there is an outcome that is not expected. For example: - A fire in a firehouse. - The financial advisor going bankrupt. - A dietician with overweight problems. All these situations have their dose of irony. Now let's look at sarcasm. Sarcasm is very similar to irony, but what differentiates it is the intention. Sarcasm is a cruel irony with which someone or something is offended or mistreated".  The person using sarcasm seeks to ridicule, humiliate or insult. Example: - The report won't be ready today. I think I'll finish it next week. - Ah, Tom...! You are always such a hard worker! In this example, sarcasm is used to attack Tom's work and make it clear that he works slowly. Finally, cynicism. I am not going to go into the philosophical doctrine of cynicism from Ancient Greece, but how it is commonly used. There are two ways of understanding cynicism. First, a cynical person is someone who has no shame. He or she lies unashamedly and defends dishonorable behavior and actions. In other words, someone who has no principles and acts without ethics or morals. For example, a politician is found to be corrupt, and he, instead of apologizing, says: "Well, this is commonplace. All politicians, in one way or another, do similar things."  Second, cynicism also refers to extreme skepticism. The cynic no longer believes in anything. He doesn't believe in politics, he doesn't believe in relationships, in friendship, etc. This leads to not trusting anything, having no principles, and being suspicious of everything. In a way, it can lead to behaving like the previous explanation about cynicism. I have a friend who thinks this way. In some things, she is not wrong. Perhaps the opposite of this kind of cynicism is extreme positivism. Okay, now we know these three concepts a little better. Information is power, and use power responsibly. :) Get the transcript on my website: speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast

Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently.   In today's episode: I'll be talking about one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States: Halloween.After that, you'll practice your speaking with a new mini-story while enjoying my new Question & Answer story.   Very well. Let's get started! Halloween is a holiday celebrated on the last day of October. I would say it's very popular because everybody's excited about it, especially children. The word Halloween comes from an old English expression, "All Hallows' Eve," and it means the day before All Saints' Day.  Children of all ages really love Halloween because they can dress up in funny costumes and knock on their neighborhood doors, shouting, "Trick or Treat!". The neighbors usually give them candies. The meaning of the phrase "Trick or Treat" is interesting. In this context, "treat" means getting the candies, and "trick" means the consequence of not getting the sweets. It's like an innocent threat children make. Of course, kids get really excited when they knock on strangers' doors in their neighborhood. Since Halloween originated as a celebration connected with evil spirits, the most common symbols are witches flying on broomsticks, ghosts, skeletons, black cats, etc. The black color is one of the traditional Halloween colors. Of course, pumpkins are also a Halloween symbol. I'm sure you've seen them in movies. People empty pumpkins and put a candle inside to make a lamp.  How do you make a Halloween pumpkin?  The first step is hollowing out the pumpkin.After that, we use a keyhole we saw to cut the hole. When using a candle for illumination, you can cut the hole in the pumpkin's top.For electric lights, make a hole in the bottom or side so you can hide the cord. The Halloween pumpkin is called Jack-O'-Lantern. It's common to see jack-o'-lanterns on doorstep decorations before and on Halloween. The name comes from an Irish legend about a man named Jack. He was so ungenerous that when he died, he couldn't enter Heaven, but he couldn't go to Hell either because he had told jokes about the Devil. As a result, Jack had to walk and walk with a lantern until the Day of Judgment. Here's what a typical family does at Halloween: They decorate their home. Americans spend about 5 billion dollars every year.They buy costumes. A costume is not cheap. It can cost $30 or more.They buy plenty of candy, and of course, they eat it.Kids go "trick or treating." In most towns, it's only allowed from 3 pm until5 pm because it gets dark quickly. Very well, now you know a bit more about this beautiful holiday. Maybe next time, you'll carve your own Halloween pumpkin and celebrate Halloween just like an American! Get the transcript here: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

Transcript: Hi! I’m Georgiana, and here to help you speak English fluently. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the Speak English Now podcast.  Today, I talk about how to stop making mistakes when speaking English. And how to improve writing. – Next, we’ll practice fluency with a question-and-answer exercise. If you want the complete courses with hours of audio designed to develop your fluency, don’t hesitate. Visit SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/courses There are several levels.  Ok, let’s start! Many students asked me over the years how to avoid making mistakes when speaking English.  And that’s an excellent question. As you know, the best way to become fluent in English is by listening to plenty of content that’s easy for you to understand. You should comprehend 90% of the content. Otherwise, it is too difficult for you. And even if you like novelty, the truth is that repeated listening to the same content helps you to automate your speech.  For example, listening to a story allows you to intuitively understand how sentences are constructed without having to learn grammar rules. This way, you will be less insecure when speaking because you will not have to constantly think about whether you are making mistakes. To speak fluently, you have to do it without worrying whether you speak perfectly.  So as I was saying, it is very important to listen to understandable content. That is, depending on your English level, it is necessary to select the content that is not difficult to understand. A typical mistake is to listen to content that is too complex with the idea of trying to force progress. It is always better to lower the level until it is easy to understand most of the words. This way, the brain is in “comprehension” mode. If it is too difficult, your brain eventually switches off and stops paying attention.  Students have also asked me if it’s a bad idea to consult the grammar rules. And how can you improve your English writing? The typical student using my courses has already studied some English with some formal grammar and is frustrated because he or she cannot speak. That is why I insist that to improve fluency, it is necessary to listen a lot and not rely on formal rules to produce the language. Having this clear, there is nothing wrong with consulting a grammar book. Regarding writing well, it is very important to read a lot and, above all, to read text similar to what you want to write. For example, if you want to write a text that describes things that happen nowadays, reading many newspaper articles may be a good idea. That’s the basis: read a lot. Of course, practicing is also essential, but I would spend the time this way: 90% reading and 10% writing. If you are really motivated, a good exercise is to read an article a couple of times and then try to write a summary without looking at the article, if possible, using expressions and vocabulary specific to the article. Then consult the article and analyze what you could have done better. On the other hand, we have to keep in mind that the process of learning a language involves making many mistakes, both spoken and written. This is normal.  As you progress, you make fewer and fewer mistakes. Over time you start speaking intuitively, just like a native speaker. Most of them speak fluently without knowing the specific grammar rule; they just know when a sentence “sounds wrong.” This is the ability that we want to develop. We can observe, for example, how children make quite a few mistakes, but after many hours of listening and reading, those diminish over time. Many teachers try as much as possible to prevent the learner from making mistakes from the beginning. But this ends up damaging spontaneous speaking, which is strongly linked to the development of fluency. It also generates unnecessary anxiety. If you have questions like this, you can send me a message through my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. I try to answer all messages. Maybe I will make an episode to answer your question 🙂 Get the transcript on my website: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast

I thought I thought of thinking of thanking you. I thought I thought of thinking of thanking you. Hi, everybody! I am Georgiana, your English teacher and founder of SpeakEnglishPodcast.com. My mission is to help you speak English fluently. Speaking English is way easier than it seems! You just have to use the right material and techniques. In this episode, you’ll learn some new tongue twisters in English to help you with your English pronunciation. And with a mini-story, you will improve your fluency. A mini-story is very simple but very powerful. I ask easy questions on purpose so that you can simulate a conversation. It’s like talking with another person in English. Before we get started, go to my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com to get the transcript. It’s free!  Ok. Let’s start! So, do you remember what a tongue twister is?  It can be a difficult phrase that we say quickly, usually because of a sequence of almost similar sounds.  For example, “Peter Piper picked a pickle of pickled peppers.” Many people use tongue twisters to speak clearly, including actors, politicians, etc. These allow you to practice pronunciation and agility when it comes to producing sounds in English. So today, we are going to practice English pronunciation with new tongue twisters. Are you ready? Let’s go! I will start saying each tongue twister slowly, and then I’ll go faster.  At first, they may seem very difficult, so make sure you have the text in front of you to be able to follow it better. Ok. So, I will say it very slowly: 1. I saw a kitten eating chicken in the kitchen. Are you ready to speed it up? (Say it faster.) I saw a kitten eating chicken in the kitchen. Ok. Even faster! I saw a kitten eating chicken in the kitchen.   I hope you’re having fun. Let’s continue! 2) I thought I thought of thinking of thanking you. Ok. Now I’m gonna speed it up! (say it faster.) I thought I thought of thinking of thanking you. Ok. Even faster! I thought I thought of thinking of thanking you. 3) A big black bug snoozed on a big black rug. Ok. Say it faster! A big black bug snoozed on a big black rug. Even faster! A big black bug snoozed on a big black rug. 4) Thin sticks, thick bricks. Ok. Say it faster! Thin sticks, thick bricks. Even faster! Thin sticks, thick bricks.   5) Fred fed Ted bread, and Ted fed Fred bread. Say it faster! Fred fed Ted bread, and Ted fed Fred bread. Even faster! Fred fed Ted bread, and Ted fed Fred bread. Ok, that’s it for now; I really hope you’re having fun practicing your English pronunciation, but before we continue…  I want you to learn English 3 times faster, and that’s why I created a video course. Visit: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com and get my video course for FREE!