Delivering bad news is one of the most difficult parts of being a design or tech leader.  When we deliver bad news we can receive backlash and you might have had some negative experiences in the past of when you have had to deliver some bad news. You might be the one delivering the bad news, but you aren’t necessarily responsible for it. For many working in Design and Tech, challenging news is likely a very common occurrence. It might be that you are given a new deadline and have a lot less time than you had anticipated, you might have received news that there is going to be an impact in the scope of the project, or they have had to make budget cuts. It might mean that you have to lay off team members.  In today’s episode I am sharing how you can deliver bad news in a professional and authentic way that builds trust and shows respect, as well as what to consider and what to avoid so you don’t make things worse. Times to check out: (02:50) Preparing for delivery (04:40) Check in with yourself (06:55) Timing (08:23) Location (13:17) Delivery (18:30) Top tips If you’d like to enhance your communication skills or language fluency in English let’s connect. Send me a direct message on LinkedIn and I’d be happy to help and share how I can further support you. Recommended Episode:  Communication Techniques to Build Better Professional Relationships FOLLOW > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/ WHO AM I: I'm Gemma Keeling, Founder, and CEO at Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in education. I have travelled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication skills in English. 🌍 My website/blog: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk 💌 GET IN TOUCH: If you are interested in working together or collaborating, send an email to gemma.keeling@fluentspeakers.co.uk

Good relationships with your colleagues, your managers, your clients and those around you can make all the difference in your career and overall work satisfaction. By having better relationships at work, it has been found that it makes you more productive, it improves your mood, and it can help you have better work life balance. It can be challenging to connect with others, and even more challenging when you work remotely. In today’s episode I am sharing different communication techniques that you can use you build better rapport and enhance your professional relationships and how you can do this even when working remotely and with international teams and clients. Times to check out: (02:48) Your career growth and relationship building (05:40) Why positivity matters  (07:48) The most negative words to avoid (10:22) Avoiding always and never (12:46) Let's check in  (13:53) Acknowledge their feelings If you’d like to enhance your communication skills or language fluency in English let’s connect. Send me a direct message on LinkedIn and I’d be happy to help and share how I can further support you.  Recommended Free Guide:  40 Ways to Say No as a UX/UI Design and Tech Professional FOLLOW > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/ WHO AM I: I'm Gemma Keeling, Founder, and CEO at Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in education. I have travelled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication skills in English. 🌍 My website/blog: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk 💌 GET IN TOUCH: If you are interested in working together or collaborating, send an email to gemma.keeling@fluentspeakers.co.uk

Many times we think we need to move to an English speaking country to improve our English. After my own experience of studying languages, studying linguistics and my own experience of teaching my students and watching many other friends and clients, I've seen again and again that you do not need to live in the local country to develop your speaking skills. In today’s episode I share how you can develop your English speaking skills without living abroad or having many opportunities to speak. I also share some of the biggest mistakes that I have made living abroad and what I have learned teaching clients from all over the world who believed that they needed to move abroad to develop their fluency, and what happens when you are taken out of an English speaking environment. Times to check out: (01:57) This is what happens when I stop trying (06:16) Language learner’s number one enemy (8:55) Why comprehension is not enough as a Design Professional (11:00) I could have had a very different experience (15:27) The harsh truth (18:17) What happens when you move back home (21:00) Create the opportunity  If you would like more support with communicating your ideas and you’d like to build your confidence in speaking as a non-native English speaker and get support from me, then get your name on The Fluent Club waiting list. It is the last chance to join in 2022 so if you have been considering it, NOW is the time. It won’t be opening again until 2023 and the price will be increasing. Don't let not living in an English speaking country or not working for an English speaking company or not having many opportunities to speak or not having English speaking friends be the reason that stops you from making progress. Recommended episode: Are my language skills getting worse? FOLLOW > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/ WHO AM I: I'm Gemma Keeling, Founder, and CEO at Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in education. I have travelled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication skills in English. 🌍 My website/blog: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk 💌 GET IN TOUCH: If you are interested in working together or collaborating, send an email to gemma.keeling@fluentspeakers.co.uk

The time has come where I want to get to the next level. What you have been doing to improve your communication skills and fluency might have worked up until now but you have reached a point in your career where you want to improve quickly.  No matter how frustrated or far away you are feeling right now from reaching the level of fluency you desire, I’ve helped even the most shy and nervous professionals overcome self-doubt, and figure out how to articulate their ideas and decisions with clarity. But how? In today’s episode I’m going to be sharing exactly how you can take your English Fluency to the next level. I’ve found is that there is a five step process for Design and Tech professionals to go from feeling judged, awkward, and ashamed using English and scared of not having the right words in an interview or a professional situation to building their professional language skills so they can confidently saying yes to more opportunities and feel satisfied using English in their role and life. I share some very actionable steps you can do to reach the next level of fluency right away, no matter where you are on your fluency journey.  Times to check out: (01:26) There is no time like the present (05:52) One of the biggest fluency mistakes  (10:16) How to be more concise  (11:55) This is how you can be better understood  (13:12) You might be annoying people  (15:52) Most people underestimate this If you would like more support with communicating your ideas and you’d like to build your confidence in speaking as a non-native English speaker and get support from me, then get your name on The Fluent Club waiting list. It is the last chance to join in 2022 so if you have been considering it, NOW is the time. It won’t be opening again until 2023 and the price will be increasing.  Either way, I am here to support you on this journey to taking your English fluency to the next level. Recommended episode: How to Develop, Build, Implement and Refine Your Professional Speaking Skills FOLLOW > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/ WHO AM I: I'm Gemma Keeling, Founder, and CEO at Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in education. I have travelled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication skills in English. 🌍 My website/blog: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk 💌 GET IN TOUCH: If you are interested in working together or collaborating, send an email to gemma.keeling@fluentspeakers.co.uk

A big part of the job interview is to show case your strengths. Your goal is to demonstrate your strengths and experience that is most relevant to the job that you are applying to. But highlighting your strengths in a confident way can be challenging. Not just because you don’t like to brag, but we don’t see ourselves the way other people see us. It's not always easy to see our strengths. In today’s episode I am sharing what are the types of strengths and how you can figure out your strengths to confidently talk about them in an interview. I share how you can comes across with ease and in a way that doesn’t sound like you are reading the job description.  Times to check out: (03:18) Why it isn't always easy to see our strengths (07:48)How can I make my strengths stand out? (10:01) Types of strengths  (13:59) Identifying your strengths (15:12) Quality over quantity (17:47) Using your voice If you ever feel insecure when it comes to speaking in a work context or an interview and you’d like to learn more communication tips and strategies and get support from me, then get your name on The Fluent Club waiting list. The Fluent Club is the best place for design and tech professionals to reach a higher level of fluency, express yourself confidently, and grow as a professional in a fun, supportive environment with like-minded people. We are opening at the end of the month! Recommended episodes: The Gap or the Gain – Handling Setbacks and Dealing with Rejection Answering The Interview Question: How Do You Handle Challenging Situations  Speaking with positivity: how not to sabotage your success FOLLOW > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/ WHO AM I: I'm Gemma Keeling, Founder, and CEO at Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in education. I have travelled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication skills in English. 🌍 My website/blog: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk 💌 GET IN TOUCH: If you are interested in working together or collaborating, send an email to gemma.keeling@fluentspeakers.co.uk

Have you ever delivered a presentation at work to colleagues, clients or stakeholders and as soon as you finish, you are asked questions that you have just addressed in your presentation. They weren't listening!  It’s a harsh truth but people aren’t paying attention to your presentation.  You might be sharing interesting information, data, graphs, designs, empathy maps, sketches, and ideas but your listeners can still zone out and stop listening. But if you fail to connect with your audience, teammates, clients and stakeholders you may lose out on getting buy-in. You can lose time. Many mistakes can be made which can end up being very costly. In today’s episode I am sharing how you can make your colleagues and audience listen to you by having a dynamic presentation that captivates and inspires your team mates so they aren’t leaving the presentation feeling more confused than when they first joined. Times to check out: (02:40) Why no one listens (05:20) When people 'actually' pay attention (07:21) Starting with a strong opening (10:07) Asking a question (11:47) Expectations of what is to come (13:22) What to do when people start to zone out? (16:24) How to keep it dynamic (18:00) An engaging presentation structure  (20:17) Important tips for engaging people  If you have a presentation coming up and you’d like to learn more communication tips and strategies then get your name on The Fluent Club waiting list so you will be the first to hear when it next opens. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it! The Fluent Club is the best place for design and tech professionals to reach a higher level of fluency, express yourself confidently, and grow as a professional in a fun, supportive environment with like-minded people. Recommended episode: How to Summarise Information and End Your Presentation Explaining Your Process with Clarity FOLLOW > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/ WHO AM I: I'm Gemma Keeling, Founder, and CEO at Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in education. I have travelled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication skills in English. 🌍 My website/blog: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk 💌 GET IN TOUCH: If you are interested in working together or collaborating, send an email to gemma.keeling@fluentspeakers.co.uk

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. When it comes to communicating our ideas, speaking concisely is a frequent challenge for most speakers. It doesn’t matter if English is your first language or not. We have so much to say but a short time to share it. There are many advantages when it comes to speaking concisely. Concise language portrays your professionalism and competence. It's easier for you to understand what you want to say and for your listener to trust you more, remember your message and be more persuasive.  This is even more crucial when you are communicating across global teams and cultures.  In today’s episode I am sharing how you can simplify your language so you can be better understood no matter who you are speaking to or the situation you are in, what are deadwood phrases and language to avoid and how A.B.C are the most important aspects of communication.  Times to check out: (04:12) The benefits of simple language  (05:33) Simple language does not mean make it simplistic (07:55) Are you familiar with the content or topic?  (09:19) Don't forget your ABCs (11:41) Using too many words  (15:06) Your choice of language  (18:49) An important checklist Recommended episode: Explaining Your Process with Clarity FOLLOW > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/ WHO AM I: I'm Gemma Keeling, Founder, and CEO at Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in education. I have travelled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication skills in English. 🌍 My website/blog: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk 💌 GET IN TOUCH: If you are interested in finding out how we can work together in 2022 then send an email to gemma.keeling@fluentspeakers.co.uk or send me a message on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram with the word 'Fluent' and I will send the information on how we can do it.

When it comes to delivering a talk or presentation, the closing is one of the most difficult parts.  It’s the last thing that your audience hears and remembers.  It doesn't matter how strong you started or how well you used storytelling and shared interesting data, facts, and information if you have a shaky ending.  But how can you summarise information and finish stronger?  In this week’s episode I am sharing how you can summarise your ideas in your presentations to entertain, inspire, educate, and motivate your audience. I share the step-by-step progress of how you can summarise your ideas and information and give a killer call to action.  Times to check out: (03:04) Putting your presentation together (05:28) What is a summary? (07:31) Using storytelling when summarising  (09:23) Decisions to make for your summary  (11:38) The process to summarise  (14:20) Ending on a high (16:46) Why use a strong call to action  If you have a presentation coming up and you’d like to learn more communication tips and strategies then get your name on The Fluent Club waiting list so you will be the first to hear when it next opens. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it! The Fluent Club is the best place for design and tech professionals to reach a higher level of fluency, express yourself confidently, and grow as a professional in a fun, supportive environment with like-minded people. Recommended episode: Explaining Your Process with Clarity  FOLLOW > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/ WHO AM I: I'm Gemma Keeling, Founder, and CEO at Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in education. I have travelled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication skills in English. 🌍 My website/blog: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk 💌 GET IN TOUCH: If you are interested in finding out how we can work together in 2022 then send an email to gemma.keeling@fluentspeakers.co.uk or send me a message on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram with the word 'Fluent' and I will send the information on how we can do it.

If you have been dealing with no’s and rejection recently, you are not alone. My inbox has been filled with messages from professionals from all over the world sharing how they are losing opportunities and the rejection is getting to them.  It’s easy for your confidence to take a hit. We can start to feel ashamed and embarrassed when we’re rejected. We might even deny that it is affecting us so much and just keep going anyway… We naturally want to protect ourselves from future rejection. It can even start to lead to blame. We can blame ourselves for not being enough or doing enough.  But there is a way out. After reading 'The Gap and the Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success by Dan Sullivan with Dr Benjamin Hardy', I have started to understand what I was doing wrong and why I always felt like I was failing.  In this week’s episode I am sharing mindset hacks when it comes to handling setbacks and dealing with rejection and more specifically when you are being rejected for jobs or professional opportunities. I share my own take-aways and insights from the book and what that can mean for you when it comes to dealing with career and interview rejection.  Times to check out: (01:35) Are you losing hope? (4:51) Acknowledge the pain (05:57) Am I in the gap? (07:17) Comparing yourself (09:40) Measure backwards (10:38) Define your own success (14:04) How can you support me with my interview skills, Gemma? If you are feeling frustrated or far away from reaching the level of fluency you desire or from your dream international job, join The Fluent Club so you can move away from feeling judged, ashamed and tired of rejection to confidently saying yes to more opportunities. The enrolment to Fluent Club is currently closed but when your name is on the wait list you will be the first to learn when it opens up next and get in before the price increases! Trust me, you don’t want to miss it! Book mentioned in the episode: The Gap and the Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success by Dan Sullivan with Dr Benjamin Hardy FOLLOW > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/ WHO AM I: I'm Gemma Keeling, Founder, and CEO at Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in education. I have travelled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication skills in English. 🌍 My website/blog: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk 💌 GET IN TOUCH: If you are interested in finding out how we can work together in 2022 then send an email to gemma.keeling@fluentspeakers.co.uk or send me a message on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram with the word 'Fluent' and I will send the information on how we can do it.

No one can or should do this alone. Today I am interviewing Rosie Yeung, President and Founder of her own company, Changing Lenses. Rosie is a Coach, Speaker, Educator, and Podcaster for Justice, Equity, Decolonisation and Inclusion (JEDI). She helps people with privilege dismantle systemic inequity, while helping people without privilege survive it. Her life goal is to reduce social inequity and discrimination, especially in wealth, race, and gender.  Rosie shares her own story as a Chinese-Canadian, immigrant, cis-straight female. We discuss some very deep and complex topics around systemic racism and inequity as well as language loss and assimilation. We touch on language equality, the advantages of English and being an English speaker as well as what this means in recruitment, business, and your life. Times to check out: (1:05) Rosie's background  (5:17) A holistic approach  (6:46) Becoming a JEDI  (10:25) Surviving privilege (13:05) The advantages of being a native English speaker (16:14) Experiencing assimilation (19:50) My heart is being pulled (English vs world languages) (21:11) What happens when you lose your language (23:15) I am smart in my first language, I promise!  (28:37) How to stop apologising for your level of English (30:45) Being rushed when speaking (36:45) Hiring international talent  (43:47) Becoming aware of bias and the questioning the system  (48:08) Do you really need all of these qualifications? (58:40) Jobs descriptions and the hiring process  (1:03:17) What we can learn from Gandhi  (1:08:38) An important message  💌 GET IN TOUCH with Rosie Website: https://www.changinglenses.ca/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/changinglensesca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosieyeung_jedi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosieyeung/ Podcast: https://www.changinglenses.ca/podcast  💌 GET IN TOUCH with Gemma Website: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/ FREE guide for Designers: https://landing.fluentspeakers.co.uk WHO AM I: I'm Gemma Keeling, Founder, and CEO of Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in teaching and education. I have traveled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication, fluency, and leadership skills in English for a better career and life.

365 days... 52 Episodes... 78 countries... 1000’s of downloads and one year of The Design of Communication! Today is an extra special day and episode. Not only are we celebrating one year of the Design of Communication Podcast, we also celebrating and welcoming in new member’s to The Fluent Club!  I thought what better way to celebrate than to share 7 of my favourite episodes For Communication Fluency. These episodes have been selected because they all focus on important parts of speaking, fluency and communication skills.  Get the list of episodes here Times to check out: (4:04) How I can further support you (08:44) Addressing common myths and mistakes  (11:11) Opening up to you about language anxiety (12:22) Communication breakdowns when sharing ideas  (13:14) We all want some kind of magic solution (14:40) Speaking with a conversation expect (17:23) Emotions and experiences (18:19) BEST strategies for a higher level of proficiency If your goal within the next year is to speak English fluently, prepare for interviews and get promoted so you can work on international projects and with international teams, then you don’t want to miss the chance to join The Fluent Club! The Fluent Club Community is now open for a limited time period! Click here to find out more: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk/club/ Mentioned in the episode:  Julie Crenshaw - Your Conversation Expert  FOLLOW > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/ WHO AM I: I'm Gemma Keeling, Founder, and CEO at Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in education. I have travelled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication skills in English. 🌍 My website/blog: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk 💌 GET IN TOUCH: If you are interested in finding out how we can work together in 2022 then send an email to gemma.keeling@fluentspeakers.co.uk or send me a message on LinkedIn, or Instagram with the word '2022' and I will send the information on how we can do it.

Stage 1 - Unlock your language Stage 2 - Enhance your communication Stage 3 - Build your professional skills Stage 4 - Skyrocket your career Stage 5 - Refine your advanced skills This is The Fluent Speakers Success Path.  This framework has been developed over the last 13 years and has since helped 1000’s of students and professionals build their communication confidence, language and fluency. In today’s episode, I share the exactly how you develop, build, implement and refine your professional speaking skills so you can go from insecure and overwhelmed with using English to feeling confident with your advanced communication and speaking with fluency and ease.  Times to check out: (01:47) How it all started  (3:05) Children are better at speaking than adults?! (05:40) Why the first professionals I ever worked with were able to make HUGE progress (07:55) Flawed methodologies and curriculums (09:47) Latest research not reaching the classrooms (11:47) It wasn't only their English level holding them back (14:10) What designers taught me (16:16) A good place to start (19:00) The most important key to growth (20:53) Don't ignore this step (23:12) Moving 100% to English  (25:02) I don't even want to speak English (27:10) Keep learning and refining  If your goal within the next year is to speak English fluently, prepare for interviews and get promoted so you can work on international projects and with international teams, then you don’t want to miss the chance to join The Fluent Club! The Fluent Club Community is now open!  Click here to find out more: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk/club/  FOLLOW > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/ WHO AM I: I'm Gemma Keeling, Founder, and CEO at Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in education. I have travelled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication skills in English. 🌍 My website/blog: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk 💌 GET IN TOUCH: If you are interested in finding out how we can work together in 2022 then send an email to gemma.keeling@fluentspeakers.co.uk or send me a message on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram with the word '2022' and I will send the information on how we can do it.

A lot of the time we think becoming more confident in English means spending more time speaking the language - speaking more with native English speakers and that you aren’t doing enough. You might think you need to Spend more time reading books or watching videos Find more resources to help you improve your English Speak more and generally do more… But actually, it is not that. In today’s episode, I am sharing the reasons why you are not a confident English speaker and the steps for Designer and Tech Professionals to build their confidence in using English. Times to check out: (02:23) Why confidence fluctuates - can we be confident all the time?  (4:01) This is where designers and techies get it wrong (07:50) The 3 types of awareness (09:15) Why does any of this matter...? (12:01) The critical building blocks  (14:44) Knowing this can build your confidence immensely (15:49) Focus and intention  (18:34) Your invitation  Join the LinkedIn Live Masterclass below 5 Step To Stand Out in Your Design and Tech Career Recommended and related episodes relating to developing confidence:  Building Self-awareness in Language Learning Building Communication Confidence Empowering Women to Speak up with Jamie McKinney FOLLOW > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/ WHO AM I: I'm Gemma Keeling, Founder, and CEO at Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in education. I have travelled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication skills in English. 🌍 My website/blog: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk 💌 GET IN TOUCH: If you are interested in finding out how we can work together in 2022 then send an email to gemma.keeling@fluentspeakers.co.uk or send me a message on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram with the word '2022' and I will send the information on how we can do it.

Why is it so difficult to make new vocabulary words stick in our brains? The working memory is crucial when it comes to learning and acquiring vocabulary. Like a memory card or your iPhone, our working memory holds a limited amount of information. It has a limited capacity. There comes a point where you will get a warning to delete files and photos - in this case the new vocabulary word you just learned! If you struggle with learning new vocabulary in English or want to be able to implement easy strategies that work based on research then you’ll enjoy today’s episode.I am sharing 3 ways to remember vocabulary and how we can use working memory strategies to enhance English vocabulary learning. Times to check out: (02:00) Do I have a good or bad memory? (5:40) What does memory have to do with vocabulary? (07:27) Can we expand our working memory to better learn language? (08:27) Growing your vocabulary in your first language  (12:49) Chunking and why you need to do it  (14:41) Imagery, stories and associations  (16:41) Keep it weird and you'll never forget it  (19:41) Do nothing!? (23:04) 30 is the magic number Recommended episodes relating to vocabulary: Common Vocabulary Mistakes  Building Self-awareness in Language Learning FOLLOW > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/ WHO AM I: I'm Gemma Keeling, Founder, and CEO at Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in education. I have travelled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication skills in English. 🌍 My website/blog: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk 💌 GET IN TOUCH: If you are interested in finding out how we can work together in 2022 then send an email to gemma.keeling@fluentspeakers.co.uk or send me a message on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram with the word '2022' and I will send the information on how we can do it.

If you have had an interview in English before - you've probably been asked this question. How do you handle challenging situations?  Coming up with an answer for a situational question can be tricky. Do you describe the situation in lots of detail or focus on the results? What situation should I even talk about?  Whether you have had interviews in the past and struggled to answer this question or you are preparing for your first interview in English and want to be ready, you'll find today's episode very helpful.  I am also sharing a free PDF Comprehensive resource guide to Answering the Interview Question: How Do You Handle Challenging Situations Check out the latest free guide to accompany this episode here:  https://successful-motivator-1322.ck.page/e366927852 Times to check out: (3:15) Different ways you might be asked this question  (4:57) Where do I even start with a question like this?! (7:43) What a full answer could sound like using the framework (8:53) Phrases to introduce the situation (10:03) Phrases to describe the task (10:45) Phrases to describe the action (11:16) Phrases to describe the result (11:55) Challenging situations in Design and Tech (14:44) The most important thing to remember  (16:19) To share or not to share?  (18:22) But I don’t see anything as a challenge...  Other recommended episodes:  Communicating Value for a Successful Interview FOLLOW > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/ WHO AM I: I'm Gemma, Founder and CEO at Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in education. I have travelled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication skills in English. 🌍 My website / blog: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk 💌 GET IN TOUCH: If you’d like to talk or find out more information on how we can work together, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to email me at gemma.keeling@fluentspeakers.co.uk

You can have all the qualifications and experience in the world, but still feel inadequate and insecure in your ability to make a contribution in your workplace.  Our internal monologue will say things like:  Once I get complete this training… I will feel ready... Once I am promoted to this level… It will all be fine.  This tendency to brush off, dismiss and diminish obvious evidence of our abilities is called imposter syndrome.  In today’s episode I am sharing all about imposter syndrome, how it can show up and manifest in your life, how it has shown up in myself and continues to… and how you can manage it for a success career and happy life.   I address the five ways that imposter syndrome can manifest:  - The Perfectionist  - The Superwoman / Superman  - The Natural Genius  - The Soloist  - The Expert   You can learn more about these categories in Dr Valerie Young’s book - The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It  I also recommend reading 'Mindset: The New Psychology of Success' by Carol Dweck. Times to check out:  (2:25) What is it and who experiences it?   (6:27) The message from my professors changed everything  (9:13) No one likes to fail...  (10:27) Can we be confident and still feel like an imposter?  (13:00) The all or nothing mentality  (15:17) How to reframe your thoughts   (16:15) Addicted to working   (19:04) Being the best the first time you try everything  (21:21) I can't ask for help   (23:55) Supporting others helps you, too   All our experiences are unique and we are all worthy. If you are experiencing imposter syndrome, you don't have to do it alone. Seek advice from a supportive mentor, career or communication coach.  FOLLOW >  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/  WHO AM I: I'm Gemma, Founder and CEO at Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in education. I have travelled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication skills in English. 🌍  My website / blog: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk  💌 GET IN TOUCH: If you’d like to talk, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to email me at gemma.keeling@fluentspeakers.co.uk

Living and working abroad is a unique experience that shapes who we are and enriches our lives.  Today I am interviewing Laura Nicole Brown, founder of Inspiratti, an innovative branding agency that helps businesses to discover their unique differentiation, story and position so they can uncover a brand identity and visual style that perfectly reflects them and resonates with their target audience. Inspiratti also creates websites and other digital assets that embody this identity to attract, engage and move their ideal customer to action. Laura shares her experience of living and working across three continents and her experience in multiple industries.  We discuss how you can get clients on the same page by setting clear boundaries and expectations, the unspoken rules of working in the UK and dealing with Brits and some of the shocks and challenges that come with living and working abroad in technical industries, as a visual designer, and a business owner.  Times to check out: (2:36) Living and working across three continents (9:40) Adapting to working in multiple technical industries  (12:32) Culture shock working internationally  (14:01) It's illegal to do what in Singapore?!  (17:02) Running an international business while living in Argentina (19:38) Our experience of switching languages  (24:54) Experiencing reverse culture shock in the UK (28:03) The unspoken rules of working in the UK (32:25) Building relationships with Brits - we are more social than you think! (40:20) Challenges working as a designer  (43:33) Managing client expectations and boundaries (52:44) Design unicorn or Design specialist? 💌 GET IN TOUCH with Laura  Website: https://www.inspiratti.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspirattistudios/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirattistudios/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laucocos/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKHvYWheHsc7JyC1BZbckDw 💌 GET IN TOUCH with Gemma Website: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/ FREE guide for Designers: https://landing.fluentspeakers.co.uk WHO AM I: I'm Gemma Keeling, Founder, and CEO of Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in teaching and education. I have traveled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication, fluency, and leadership skills in English for a better career and life.

Not only do first impressions count… they last. We only get one chance to make a great first impression. According to research that window is very small and most people will make an initial judgement of someone within 7 seconds. We observe people's facial expressions, their voice and tone, their posture, how they dress, their enthusiasm, how distracted or interested they are, and how they might interaction with others. The details that someone takes in about you all factor into how you are perceived and the overall impression that you give.  In this week’s episode I am sharing 5 ways to make a great first impression.  Times to check out: (2:12) We don't mean to judge, but we do. (4:15) She kept me waiting, but she wasn't late.  (8:03) It all counts. (11:23) You do not want to do this in the UK (14:21) Why being yourself is all that you can do... (16:08) Do you really care about them? (19:56) It's how you make them feel. FOLLOW > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/ WHO AM I: I'm Gemma Keeling, Founder, and CEO at Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in education. I have travelled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication skills in English. 🌍 My website/blog: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk 💌 GET IN TOUCH: If you are interested in finding out how we can work together in 2022 then send an email to gemma.keeling@fluentspeakers.co.uk or send me a message on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram with the word '2022' and I will send the information on how we can do it

Why do we sometimes forget our words? Why do we feel pressure when speaking in English? Why do we freeze up and our mind goes blank? Do you ever find you lose your words when you have to speak English? For me, this happens in English and in foreign languages. The words are at the tip of your tongue but they seem to run away. It can also be that you want to join a conversation and go to say something and nothing comes out. So you say oh sorry forget it, my mind has gone blank. Or you might say… sorry I’ve lost my words. Or you might say I can't find the thingamajig…  In today’s episode I am talking all about handling situations where you have to speak English under pressure. I discuss reasons why we feel pressure speaking, in our first and in foreign languages and some of the challenges that being a bilingual speaker can bring.  I am also sharing a free PDF guide with the top tips of how to think on your think, speak under pressure and the main takeaways from todays episode. Check out the latest free guide to accompany this episode: Speaking English Under Pressure - Your Guide to Thinking On Your Feet and Handling Difficult Speaking Situations Even When you Forget Your Words! Times to check out: (2:53) Where's my thingumabob whachamacallit? (5:26) We all forget words?! (8:38) Panic... oh no I am panicking!  (11:51) Our perception and past performances. (14:14) Preparation and surprise. (17:07) Speaking a foreign language makes you tired. (19:33) I am worried I am saying it wrong.  (20:35) Top tips to equipped you to think on your feet and speak English under pressure. FOLLOW > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/ WHO AM I: I'm Gemma Keeling, Founder, and CEO at Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in education. I have travelled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication skills in English. 🌍 My website/blog: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk 💌 GET IN TOUCH: If you are interested in finding out how we can work together in 2022 then send an email to gemma.keeling@fluentspeakers.co.uk or send me a message on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram with the word '2022' and I will send the information on how we can do it

Many times we can feel like a different person in English.  I am often told by Designers and Tech Professionals that they don't feel as smart in English as they do in their first language. That they are less charming, less charismatic and less conversational. A lot of the times we can feel like this because we get stuck on the usages of certain words, sentence structures, or grammar. For this reason, I am sharing one specific area of grammar and the rules of how to use should, would or could. If you have ever wondered how to use should, could or would or if you are using these correctly then you want to continue listening to today’s episode. I am sharing how to use should, could and would, when to use them, how to pronounce them naturally, and a free PDF guide that you can download with the explanations and lots of examples. Check out the latest free guide to accompany this episode here : Your Guide to Using: Should, Would, Could in English  I am here to help you and guide you through your language learning journey to build your communication skills and help you feel confident, authentic, and powerful when using English. If you are not feeling like that, then don’t hesitate to reach out. Times to check out: (05:12) What are they? (6:55) How to say them and pronunciation tips (11:00) The 3 main usages of should  (12:47) Making assertive suggestions  (15:18) Conditional statements and imagined situations  (17:26) Asking questions politely  (20:12) Talking about possibility  Recommended episodes to check out: Why you are feeling stuck?  Professional vs Informal Language  FOLLOW > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentspeakersltd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentspeakers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-keeling-fluentspeakers15/ WHO AM I: I'm Gemma Keeling, Founder, and CEO at Fluent Speakers. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from The University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, I have extensive training and expertise in education. I have travelled extensively and worked in many different societies and cultures. I coach digital design and tech professionals to improve their communication skills in English. 🌍 My website/blog: https://fluentspeakers.co.uk 💌 GET IN TOUCH: If you are interested in finding out how we can work together, send an email to gemma.keeling@fluentspeakers.co.uk or send me a message on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram and I will send the information on how we can do it.