Engaging with words & expressions!

How's your September going so far??

Mine has been busy and chaotic, but also really positive and constructive!

September is always a very exciting month for me! Just like January, it's a time when many people want to renew their commitment to improving their English. So in the last couple of weeks, I've been speaking to a lot of really nice people?who are motivated to improve their English communication skills.?

I'd be happy to speak to you too, if you are looking for a way to move forward with your English. Book a video call here: https://calendly.com/chrisbateenglishcoach/15min

In my newsletter today I'll talk about vocabulary and how to engage with it!?

One of the most effective ways to learn and remember new vocabulary is to engage with it!

If you do not feel connected in some way to the words and expressions you learn, then it's unlikely you will remember them when you need them. They will remain as theoretical, abstract concepts which are not connected to you?

So, perhaps you are thinking "that's great Chris, but how do you engage with words and expressions?"

(FOR MORE ON LEARNING & RETAINING VOCABULARY JOIN ME FOR A FREE LIVE MASTERCLASS TODAY FRIDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER AT 14.15 MADRID TIME - REGISTER HERE https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvd-6grDouH9MfLWiKqT_U4S0G2ONx9G2L )

Well, here are a few ideas on how to engage more with vocabulary:

1. Firstly, I think it's important to 'spend a bit of time' with the words. Looking at them from different angles, pronouncing them and using them.
2. Look them up online, check pronunciation and practice saying them out loud.?For this I recommend tools such as Google dictionary, NaturalReader, WordReference.?
3. Try to find examples of them in some context. Look for these words in some real context. if the context is relevant to you and your work, then even better. For this I recommend tools like Linguee and YouGlish.?
4. Personalise! Create?your own examples using the words. These should be examples which are relevant for you. Create some personalised sentences, texts or even dialogues using the words in a wider context.
5. Say the words out loud! Speaking them individually, or in the context of a sentence, longer speech, or even a dialogue, can have much more impact than just writing them and reading them in your head. Do this as often as possible, and in as many different places as you can.
6. Make a plan as to when you are going to use them! If you really want them to become fixed in your long-term memory, the best thing you can do is to use them in a real context. This might require a little planning and 'forcing' them into conversations.

In my Communicate with Confidence program we work on building your vocabulary (among other things) and also work on the techniques which you need to be able to remember them and use them when and where you need to!

We kick off the program on the 26th September and there are still a couple of places available.?

I'd love to have you onboard!