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

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 every sound. Practicing this will change your orientation to listening. You can find and work with Mo Riddiford and his Be in English system on italki. What do you think about the Be in English system? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you avoiding taboos in the American workplace? Today, Lindsay and Michelle discuss the top taboos to look out for in American workplace culture! A taboo is something that is improper or unacceptable based on culture or region. Different companies might have their own taboos, but most American workplaces probably have many of the same ones. An article by Barbara Mason outlines the biggest of these taboos. Here are a few of them, and how to avoid them: * Spreading rumors: To spread a rumor is to make up an untrue story about somebody, and tell it to others. Americans tend to look down on people who do this. If you want to be trusted and have positive relationships, avoid gossip! * Taking credit for another’s work: This means telling others that you did the work or achieved a success when, in fact, somebody else did. Again, Americans won’t trust anybody suspected of doing this, so don’t do it. * Falling asleep at work: It may not be natural to be completely energized for 8 straight hours, but at minimum your boss will expect you to be awake. Try taking a break from your desk, going for a short walk or stepping outside to refresh yourself. * Lying about an academic background: Honesty is very important to American bosses. If you lie about your academic background, you’re likely to be fired when you get caught. The best thing to do is to present the academic background that you do have in the best possible way. What are the top workplace taboos where you live? Tell us all about them 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 use that to help you remember. This is a way to bridge your language and English. Alan suggests you also learn common names in the English-speaking world, and that you try asking others if their names have any special meanings or significances. How do you deal with learning new names? Share your experiences in the comments section below! Alan Headbloom is an intercultural trainer, a professional English teacher and a talk show host. He frequently appears as a speaker on topics such as cultural diversity and workplace inclusion. He lives in Michigan, USA where he and his wife produce the show Feel Like You Belong, a show about immigrants creating a new life in the United States. Visit Alan’s Website: Feel Like You Belong and Alan Headbloom- Cross Cultural Communication Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Go here to get it Taking IELTS? Get our free IELTS video training course now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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