Don't be afraid to show up as YOU, mistakes and all! Tune in to hear why and how authenticity will help your confidence and increase your ability to speak and use English. Connect back with our interview this month to understand why showing up and making mistakes can actually help you more than perfectionism. This doesn't mean you can be sloppy or lazy, and you must be mindful of your mistakes, weaknesses, and professional needs; however, becoming more authentic will help you reduce fear, build confidence and actually start using English. Start with self-compassion, and if you want support, let’s connect!&nbsp; Get started with me on WhatsApp:&nbsp;

S1E8: Reduce Fear and Increase Confidence in English with Authenticity and Self -compassion

In this lesson, you will learn how to get what you want in English from a conversation between two people who are acquaintances. There's still a lot to know so be sure to check out the lesson notes on EnglishClass101.com: http://www.englishclass101.com/2011/01/17/survival-phrases-3-getting-what-you-want-using-english/

Survival Phrases Season 1 #3 - Getting What You Want Using English

48 Import and export part 2

How to join a conversation

If you hear an interesting conversation, it’s a good idea to listen in and make sure it’s appropriate to join. 

If it’s a personal or private conversation, the speakers might not want you to interrupt. You‘ll have to use your own judgement, and take a risk.

If they seem friendly and open, you can try to find something interesting to add. Don’t try to change the subject or talk too much about yourself. 

Remember to smile, be friendly and ask questions about others.

You could try one of these phrases for joining in:

‘Excuse me, I overheard you talking about…’
‘Hi, my name is … ‘
‘I heard you talking about…’
‘Did I hear you say…?’

Here are some examples:

‘Excuse me, I overheard you talking about travelling to Australia. My sister went there last year. When are you going?’

‘Hi my name is Shirley. I heard you talking about Adelaide university. I’m a student there, too. What do you study?’

‘Did I hear you say you’re watching the new Game of Thrones series? I’m half way through it, I love that show. Where are you up to?’

If you find it hard to find a natural way to join the conversation, you can say:

‘Excuse me, would you mind if I joined your conversation? I don’t know anyone here yet, and you look interesting to talk to.’

Of course, not everyone wants new people to join their conversation. If it doesn’t work out, don’t take it personally. Try again next time.

Flickr CC: Ruth Ellison

How to join a conversation

Gonna and Gotta

In informal English conversation, we often use shorter, versions of common word combinations.

One of the most common is ‘gonna’ - short for ‘going to’.

When we say the words ‘going to’ very quickly, they run together and sound like ‘gonna’.

So ‘Are you going to wash the car today?’ becomes:
B: ‘Are you gonna wash the car today?’

And ‘We are going to go home for dinner.’ becomes:
‘We’re gonna go home for dinner.’

We also shorten ‘got to’ so it sounds more like ‘gotta.’
Here, ‘got to’ means ‘have to’ or ‘must’:

So ‘I have got to wash the car today,’ becomes:
‘I’ve gotta wash the car today.’

And ‘I have got to go home for dinner,’ becomes:
‘I’ve gotta go home for dinner.’

Flickr CC: Bark

Gonna and Gotta

Finding What You Want At A Department Store.

Today we're going to discover the power of focusing on one thing for 30 days. In today’s lesson, we’re going to find out what’s possible when you start a 30 day English Challenge!

Develop a Successful English Routine

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US election, stray cats and puzzles

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48 Import and export part 2

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