This week on the podcast I was delighted to speak to Kirsty from https://englishwithkirsty.com/ who spoke about how you can improve your fluency in English.
Where is your (English) accent from? Where are you based now?
Kirsty has moved around a lot in the Uk. Currently she is based in the south of the UK.
Kirsty speaks fluent English and German and has studied Romanian. She has recently started to learn Portuguese, too.
What tips and advice do you have for language learners who want to improve their fluency?
It’s important to strike a balance between accuracy and fluency.
Take risks when you speak. Don’t alway s rely on the same basic vocabulary and grammar.
Reading really helps with fluency from a vocabulary and language cohesion standpoint.
Practice as much as possible and speak English at every opportunity.
Why did you decide to focus on business English?
Kirsty draws on her background in communications management to help her business English clients and she works with people from all around the globe.
She enjoys working with small business owners and entrepreneurs because they are often highly motivated and can get results quickly.
Sometimes everyday, informal conversations can be more difficult than giving a planned and rehearsed presentation in front of an audience. The unpredictablity of an informal chat or networking conversation can be more difficult for language learners than a well-rehearsed talk.
How can English learners keep the conversation going and avoid awkward silences?
Take a deep breath and take your time. Don’t rehearse a whole sentence. We often re-phrase and change direction in the middle of a sentence. Take your time and relax. Keep it simple and focus on getting your ideas across.
https://www.englishcraig.com/
How do you deal with difficult or sensitive topics or situations in your teaching? Are there any discussion areas that you keep away from or are you open to discuss anything?
It’s important that people feel safe. It’s possible to discuss controversial topics, even politics. Whatever you are discussing, it’s important to be respectful.
More information about Kirsty groups can be found on her website: https://englishwithkirsty.com/
What advice do you have for the busy language learner?
Stack tasks by doing two things at once. Listen to podcasts, look for TV series and music in English. Socialise with English-speaking friends.
Use ‘dead time’ to learn some vocabulary on your phone.
How do you think recent advances and developments in technology will influence language learning (and teaching) in the future?
AI tools have become really popular but make sure you check the content, replies and information that AI is giving you.
Recommended AI software for language learning: https://talkpal.ai/
What’s the most enjoyable aspect of language teaching?
The stories people have. Meeting people from all around the world.
Seeing people improving and feeling comfortable with their English.
How can listeners find out more about you and follow you on social media?
Kirsty’s website: https://englishwithkirsty.com/
Linkedin: Kirsty Wolf
Kirsty’s email: [email protected]
…and now it’s your turn to practise your English. Are you being pro-active when it comes to improving your fluency?
If you’re not, what’s holding you back? What is preventing you from taking your speaking to the next level? Are you a busy language learner with no spare time or is there another reason. Please let us know.
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In next week’s episode: Prisons and crimimal rehabilitation
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The music in this podcast is by Pitx. The track is called ‘See You Later’