All Ears English Podcast | Real English Vocabulary | Conversation | American Culture

Will you be visiting Ottawa someday? Today, meet Kathleen from Canada, and get 3 phrases to connect with locals in the capital city, Ottawa!   Canada is a multicultural and diverse country, and Ottawa is a micro version of that. It’s a city of one million inhabitants and numerous languages. It is also a city in touch with nature. With four distinct seasons, Ottawa has something for everyone. Though Canada and the United States have some similarities, they also have many differences. Among these are some subtle differences in using the English language. This includes pronunciation and some commonly used phrases.   Here are Kathleen’s top Canadian phrases to help you blend in when you’re in Ottawa! I’m sorry: Canadians are known for being very polite. In fact, the culture can be so polite it becomes apologetic. Sometimes Canadians will begin a sentence, “I’m sorry,” even if they did nothing wrong and aren’t apologizing for anything. Out and About: This means to go exploring or to check something out. A Canadi

Are you dating in English? Today, we welcome back dating expert Jessica Coyle to give you four easy topics for conversation when dating!   Conversation can be tricky on a first date. You might be nervous, and it can be hard to know what’s safe to talk about. Jessica has a great acronym to help you with simple, safe discussion topics. It’s FORD, and it stands for: Friends: If you have mutual friends, ask how your date met them. Or, if you don’t have mutual friends, ask if your date knows anybody in the area where you’re meeting. Occupation: Asking about another person’s job is usually a good conversation starter. You might say, “What do you do with your time?” That way, if your date happens to be unemployed, they are still able to give an answer. Recreation: Ask about what somebody likes to do for fun. You might follow up by asking, “How often do you get to do that?” Dreams: This is good for asking hypothetical questions. You could ask things like “Where do you see yourself in ten years?” or “What would yo

Are you looking for an authentic English conversation? In Part 2 of today’s episode, Lindsay and Mo break down their unrehearsed, first time meeting from Part 1, and talk about what it means to you learning English!   In Part 1 of this episode, Lindsay met Mo.  They hadn’t met before and didn’t know what was going to come up in their spontaneous conversation. Now, in Part 2, the two of them discuss what worked, and what didn’t.   Some of the discussion points in Part 2: How can you feel confident in English conversations? How can you be respectful about gender and other differences when meeting someone new? How can you allow your true curiosity about the other person come out even though your English isn’t perfect?   What did you get out of this conversation? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you looking for an authentic English conversation? In Part 3 of today’s episode, Mo will show you three ways to develop authentic, bulletproof confidence when you speak English with his unique method!   In Part 1 and 2 of this episode, Lindsay and Mo had an authentic English conversation and analyzed what worked, and what didn’t.  Now, in Part 3, Mo discusses Be in English, his method for learning how to have the best conversations possible in English.   Here are the main principles of the Be in English system: 1. If you know enough English to listen to this podcast, you can discuss anything in English! By using creativity, you are capable of joining a conversation and having a voice. 2. Be aware of your self-consciousness and shame about not speaking perfect English. Accept it, realize that your English will never be “perfect,” but don’t get too close to the idea. 3. Work with “naked listening.” That is, listen closely to a recording of English. Listen several times if necessary until you can distinguish

Are you looking for an authentic English conversation? Today, listen to Part 1 of a real, authentic example of two people using English to get to know each other!    In Part 1 of this episode, Lindsay meets Mo.  Mo is from New Zealand but has lived all over the world. He currently lives in Germany and teaches English. The two of them talk about this, and about learning a language and living in a different culture. Some of the discussion points in Part 1: Why do people want to learn English? How can they be relaxed enough to learn it? Is it okay to accept that you’ll never be a native speaker?   What did you get out of this conversation? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can you remember other people’s names? Today, learn three tactics to remember names in English, and why it’s important to do so! A name is a person’s most basic possession and part of their identity. It’s the sweetest sound to their ears. For this reason, Alan Headbloom believes it’s important to get a person’s name right, and to show an interest in it. But it’s not always easy to do that, especially with names you are unfamiliar with.   Here are Alan’s tips for remembering new names: If a name is unfamiliar, ask them to repeat it. This helps you learn their name and also shows a respectful commitment to learning it. Simply say, “Your name is a little difficult for me, but I’d really like to get it right. Could you say it again?” Ask for their business card. This works best in a business context, though students may also have business cards. Reading the name might make it easier to remember. Make up a pneumonic, or memory aid. Think of what the unfamiliar name sounds like in your native language and us

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Do you use reading to advance your English? Today, learn 3 ways to do it with italki teacher Arianne!   Come back to our site for more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you know how to interrupt others in English? Today, learn how interruption is a part of American speaking culture, and how you can participate!   Americans often interrupt each other. It can appear rude, and can cause frustration, but it happens. Don’t take it personally. Instead, learn how it works so you can take part in this aspect of spoken American English culture. There are many phrases you can use when being interrupted, or when interrupting others. Some of them include: Sorry or Oops: These might be said not only by the person doing the interrupting, but also by the person who is interrupted. Go ‘head (ahead) and No, you go: These phrases permit the other person to interrupt you. No problem: This indicates that you are okay with the interruption that just occurred.   Other common interruption phrases include: What was that? Uh huh. Oh?   What other ways have you heard Lindsay and Michelle interrupt each other on past episodes of All Ears English? Tell us in the comments section below! Learn

Why is dating in a big American city so difficult? Today, returning guest Jessica Coyle talks about some of the obstacles, and shares 3 tips to improve your odds of success! Come back to our site for more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is the IELTS English exam? Who takes it, and why? Today, Lindsay and Jessica discuss all the basics of the IELTS exam!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video course now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can you achieve English fluency where you live? Today, find out why you don’t have to live in an English-speaking country to become fluent in English! Come back to our site for more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you know the difference between “by” and “until”? Today, learn how they’re not the same, and how to use them like a native speaker!   Come back to our site for more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you want to impress the examiner in the IELTS speaking section? Today, find out why exaggerating will give you a better score!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training now   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you in danger of making a cultural mistake in writing? Today, learn the biggest cultural mistake people make in Writing Task 2 of the IELTS! Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video course Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can the arts take your English to a higher level? Today, Lindsay talks with TEDx speaker and ESL expert Mindy Young about how to use music, painting and poetry in learning English!   Come back to our site to learn more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do you address people in English? Today, Lindsay and Michelle tell you what you should call people, and when!   Come back to our site to learn more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What should you bring to your IELTS exam? When should you go, and what should you watch out for? Today, Lindsay and Jessica discuss how you can be prepared to succeed on your IELTS test day!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Should you speak American English or British English on the IELTS? Today, Jessica and Lindsay talk about accents, and what you can expect on the exam!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why does the IELTS examiner stop you in the speaking test? Today, Jessica and Lindsay talk about why this happens, and why you shouldn’t worry about it!   Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices