Thursday, March 27, 2025

25 podcats to train your English


It's great you're looking to improve your English with podcasts! They're a fantastic tool for language learning. Here's a breakdown of some highly recommended podcasts, catering to various learning styles and levels:

General English Learning:

  • BBC Learning English:
    • This is a classic and highly respected resource. They offer a variety of podcasts, including "6 Minute English," which is perfect for short, focused lessons.
    • They cover a wide range of topics, from current events to grammar and vocabulary.
    • Their materials often include transcripts, which is very helpful for learners.
  • English Learning for Curious Minds:
    • This podcast focuses on teaching English through interesting and thought-provoking topics.
    • You'll learn about history, science, and culture while improving your language skills.
    • They provide transcripts and vocabulary lists.
  • All Ears English Podcast:
    • This podcast emphasizes natural English conversation and idioms.
    • It's great for learners who want to improve their fluency and sound more like native speakers.
    • The hosts are engaging and enthusiastic.
  • Real English Conversations Podcast:
    • This podcast helps you to improve your conversation skills, by listening to natural conversations.
    • They supply transcripts which is a very valuable tool.
  • Learn English Through Listening:
    • This podcast is designed to help you improve your fluency through listening practice.
    • It offers lessons at different levels, so you can choose what's right for you.

Specific Skills:

  • American English Pronunciation:
    • If you want to focus on your pronunciation, this podcast is a great resource.
    • It covers common pronunciation challenges and offers tips for improvement.
  • Pronunciation with Emma:
    • This podcast focuses on British English pronunciation.
    • It covers technical pronunciation point

For more advanced learners:

  • Freakonomics Radio:
    • This podcast explores a variety of economic and social topics in a very engaging way.
    • It's great for expanding your vocabulary and improving your listening comprehension.

Tips for Effective Podcast Learning:

  • Listen regularly: Consistency is key. Try to listen to a podcast every day, even if it's just for a few minutes.
  • Listen actively: Don't just passively listen. Pay attention to the vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
  • Use transcripts: If available, use transcripts to follow along and reinforce what you're hearing.
  • Take notes: Write down new vocabulary and phrases.
  • Practice speaking: Try to repeat what you hear and use the new vocabulary in your own conversations.

Collocations - Take


Read more:  Collocations - Do


I am hungry!


 

15 tips to face the fear of speaking english


Facing the fear of speaking English is a common challenge. Here are 15 tips to help you overcome it:
  1. Start Small and Gradually Increase: Don't try to have long, complex conversations immediately. Begin with simple greetings, ordering food, or asking basic questions. Gradually increase the complexity of your interactions as your confidence grows
  2. Focus on Communication, Not Perfection: Remember that the goal is to convey your message, not to speak flawlessly. Native speakers often make mistakes too.
  3. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key. Even short, daily sessions can make a big difference. Find opportunities to speak English whenever possible.
  4. Find a Language Partner or Tutor: Speaking with someone who is patient and supportive can significantly boost your confidence. Online platforms and language exchange groups are great resources.
  5. Join a Conversation Group: Participating in a group setting allows you to practice speaking in a relaxed and supportive environment.
  6. Immerse Yourself in English: Listen to English podcasts, watch English movies and TV shows, and read English books or articles. This will help you become more familiar with the language and improve your listening comprehension.
  7. Prepare Phrases and Sentences: Before a conversation, think about what you want to say and prepare some key phrases or sentences. This can help you feel more prepared and reduce anxiety.
  8. Record Yourself Speaking: Listening to your own voice can help you identify areas for improvement and track your progress.
  9. Use Language Learning Apps: Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Memrise offer interactive exercises and opportunities to practice speaking.
  10. Don't Be Afraid to Make Mistakes: Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. Embrace them as opportunities to learn and 1 improve.  
  11. Visualize Success: Imagine yourself speaking English confidently and fluently. This mental rehearsal can help reduce anxiety and boost your self-esteem.
  12. Breathe and Relax: If you feel anxious, take a few deep breaths and try to relax. Remember that it's okay to take your time and speak slowly.
  13. Reward Your Progress: Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This will help you stay motivated and build confidence.
  14. Change your mindset: Instead of thinking "I'm afraid to speak English," try thinking "I'm learning to speak English." This shift in perspective can help you feel more positive and motivated.
  15. Find your motivation: Determine why you want to learn english. Is it for a job? To travel? To watch movies? Having a strong reason will give you the push you need to overcome your fears.

Phrasal verb - Look forward


Synonyms of calm




 

Idioms - Frozen in time


 

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Books in English about business : 20 options

It's tricky to definitively say "these are the absolute best," as business book relevance can vary greatly depending on individual needs and industry. However, I can provide you with a solid list of 20 highly influential and widely recommended business books, covering a range of topics:

Here's a list combining classic and contemporary works:

  • Classic Foundations:
    • "How to Win Friends & Influence People" by Dale Carnegie: Timeless advice on interpersonal skills.
    • "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill: Focuses on the psychology of success.
    • "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey: Principles for personal and professional effectiveness. 1  
    • "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert T. Kiyosaki: A look at financial literacy and investing.
  • Entrepreneurship & Startups:
    • "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries: A methodology for developing businesses and products.
    • "Zero to One" by Peter Thiel: Insights on building innovative companies.
    • "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael E. Gerber: Addresses common pitfalls of small business.
    • "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight: The memoir of Nike's founder.
  • Strategy & Management:
    • "Good to Great" by Jim Collins: Examines how companies make the leap to superior results.
    • "Blue Ocean Strategy" by W. Chan Kim and RenĂ©e Mauborgne: A strategy for creating uncontested market space.
    • "Traction" by Gino Wickman: Implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System.
    • "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz: Practical advice for tough business situations.
  • Personal Development & Productivity:
    • "Atomic Habits" by James Clear: Strategies for building good habits and breaking bad ones.
    • "The 4-Hour Workweek" by Timothy Ferriss: Lifestyle design and productivity.
    • "Getting Things Done" by David Allen: A system for stress-free productivity.
  • Modern Business & Trends:
    • "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini: Understanding the principles of persuasion.
    • "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg: Exploring the science of habit formation.
    • "Rework" by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson: Challenges conventional business wisdom.
    • "The Personal MBA" by Josh Kaufman: A comprehensive overview of business concepts.
    • "Good Charts, Updated and Expanded: The HBR Guide to Making Smarter, More Persuasive Data Visualizations." By Scott Berinat

Modal verbs




Read more: Modal verbs

Sunday, March 23, 2025

Return on investment

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Business English worldwide and in Brazil

Understanding Business English is crucial in today's globalized world. Here's a breakdown of its importance:

Key Benefits:

  • Enhanced Communication:

    • Business English provides the tools to communicate clearly and effectively in professional settings. This includes writing emails, giving presentations, and participating in meetings.

    • It helps to avoid misunderstandings that can arise from colloquial or informal language.

  • Improved Job Prospects:

    • Many international companies require their employees to have a strong command of Business English.

    • Proficiency in this area can open doors to a wider range of career opportunities, both domestically and abroad.

  • Global Networking:

    • Business English facilitates networking with professionals from diverse backgrounds.

    • It enables individuals to build and maintain relationships with international clients, partners, and colleagues.

  • Increased Market Reach:

    • For businesses, Business English is essential for expanding into international markets.

    • It allows companies to communicate effectively with potential customers and partners around the world.

  • Professionalism and Credibility:

    • Using appropriate Business English conveys professionalism and enhances credibility.

    • It demonstrates a commitment to effective communication and a respect for international business etiquette.

  • Access to Information:

    • Much of the business world's information is in english. This includes industry publications, financial reports, and technological documentation. Understanding business english gives someone a greater access to that information.

  • Cultural Awareness:

    • Business english also involves understanding cultural nuances, that helps to prevent missunderstandings in international business dealings.

Employment and the need of English proficiency

The importance of English proficiency in the employment landscape is undeniable, especially in our increasingly globalized world. Here's a breakdown of why it matters



Key Reasons to Get English Proficiency in Employment

  • Global Communication:

    • English serves as a lingua franca in international business, technology, and academia. This means that many companies, even those based in non-English-speaking countries, use English for internal and external communication.

    • Being proficient in English allows employees to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and partners from around the world.

  • Expanded Job Opportunities:

    • Many multinational corporations require their employees to have a strong command of English.

    • English proficiency opens doors to a wider range of job opportunities, both domestically and internationally.

  • Increased Earning Potential:

    • Studies have shown that employees who are proficient in English often earn higher salaries.

    • Companies are willing to pay a premium for employees who can communicate effectively in English.

  • Enhanced Career Advancement:

    • English proficiency can facilitate career advancement by enabling employees to participate in international projects, attend conferences, and network with professionals from around the world.

    • It allows for better access to information, and helps in keeping up with the latest trends in many industries.

  • Access to Information and Resources:

    • A vast amount of information, including research papers, industry reports, and online resources, is available in English.

    • English proficiency allows employees to access and utilize these resources effectively.

In essence:

  • In today's interconnected world, English proficiency is a valuable asset in the job market.

  • It enhances communication, expands opportunities, and increases earning potential.

I hope this helps.

the numbers and tthe need of English proficiency worldwide and in Brazil

It's challenging to give precise, universally agreed-upon "numbers" for global English proficiency, as measurement varies. However, I can provide key insights and trends, particularly concerning worldwide and Brazilian contexts:

Worldwide English Proficiency:

  • English as a Global Lingua Franca:

    • English's role in international business, science, technology, and diplomacy is firmly established. This creates a significant demand for English proficiency in numerous sectors.

    • Estimates suggest that over 1 billion people worldwide speak English to some degree.

  • English Proficiency Index (EPI):

    • The EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) is a valuable resource. It ranks countries and regions by their adult English language skills.

    • Recent EPI reports indicate trends, including some observed declines in proficiency in certain demographics. This highlights that although english is widely used, proficiency levels are not consistent.

    • The EPI highlights that there is a divide between the english proficiency of those in the private sector, and those in the public sector.

  • Business and Employment:

    • Multinational corporations often require English proficiency, making it a critical asset in the global job market.

    • Studies show a correlation between English proficiency and increased earning potential.

    • Reports show that a large percentage of employers, use english to assess potential employee's, during the hiring process.

English Proficiency in Brazil:

  • Brazil's Context:

    • While English education is present in Brazil, proficiency levels can vary significantly.

    • In a global context, Brazil's English proficiency often falls within the "low" to "moderate" range in indices like the EPI.

    • There is a growing recognition of the importance of English in Brazil, especially with the country's increasing involvement in the global economy.

  • Economic Impact:

    • In Brazil, English proficiency is especially valuable in sectors like:

      • Technology

      • Tourism

      • International trade

    • Companies in these sectors often seek employees with strong English skills.

  • Trends:

    • There's an increasing awareness among Brazilians of the need to improve English proficiency.

    • This is leading to a rise in English language learning, both through traditional education and online resources.

    • Reports show that a high percentage of Brazilian respondents, feel that english language skills will help them with future studies.

Key Considerations:

  • English proficiency is not just about grammar and vocabulary; it also involves effective communication in real-world situations.

  • The demand for English proficiency is likely to continue growing as globalization progresses.

Studies in Brazil

The English proficiency of Brazilian workers is a complex issue, with various studies indicating relatively low levels compared to other nations. Here's a summary of key points:

  • Low Overall Proficiency:

    • Surveys consistently show that a small percentage of the Brazilian population possesses English proficiency.

    • Reports indicate that the number of Brazilians that can speak fluent english is very low.

    • Factors contributing to this include:

      • Limited access to quality English education, particularly in public schools.

      • The high cost of private English language courses.

      • Relatively low exposure to English in everyday life.

  • Impact on the Workforce:

    • Low English proficiency can hinder Brazil's competitiveness in the global market, particularly in sectors like technology and international business.

    • It can also limit career opportunities for Brazilian workers, as many multinational companies require English skills.

  • Variations:

    • English proficiency tends to be higher among individuals with higher education levels and those working in specific industries.

    • The are also regional variations within Brazil.

  • Studies and Reports:

    • Studies from sources like Catho and the British Council provide data on English proficiency levels in Brazil. These studies highlight the challenges and the need for improvement.

In essence, while there are Brazilians with strong English skills, the overall proficiency within the workforce remains a challenge.

Business English is a vital tool for success in the modern business world. It empowers individuals and organizations to communicate effectively, build relationships, and thrive in a global marketplace.

Read more:Meetings


Business English Vocabulary - Market