The Speak English Fearlessly Podcast Aaron Nelson

In this episode, I'm talking about how you can improve your brainstorming skills.
If brainstorming is hard for you, know that you're not alone! Many test takers report this as being one of their pain points!
The episode revisits key concepts from a previous discussion on mindset and creativity and offers practical tips to improve brainstorming under pressure.
We'll also cover the importance of generating multiple ideas, avoiding the pursuit of the perfect idea, and using strategies like bullet points, shorthand, and symbols during brainstorming.
I also talk about a fun game that you can play that will help you practice your brainstorming and quick thinking skills.
00:00 Introduction to Brainstorming Challenges
00:56 Mindset and Creativity in Brainstorming
01:00 Overcoming the Pressure of Perfection
02:23 Generating Sparks and Idea Flow
04:14 Practical Tips for Brainstorming
04:42 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast
06:29 Common Brainstorming Problems
08:19 Developing Your Creative Muscle
09:49 Class Clip: Strategies for Speaking Task 1
13:08 Effective Brainstorming Techniques
18:23 Fun Game to Boost Creativity: Scattergories
22:29 Conclusion and Resources
Links Mentioned:
Go to my free resource section to watch the class and clip I shared in the podcast about brainstorming and CELPIP Speaking Task One.
Previous Episode where I talked about brainstorming and overthinking.

Why You Should Avoid Using Templates for CELPIP Preparation
This episode of the Speak English Fearlessly podcast discusses the pitfalls of using templates for CELPIP exam preparation.
You've likely heard or read about templates before - they are easily available online.
But just because you can easily get one, does that mean you should use it?
NO!
Templates may offer an easy way out, but they are not what CELPIP test raters look for, which are original, unassisted, and spontaneous responses.
Using templates can risk having your answers voided and can misrepresent your actual language abilities, potentially harming your job search or success in the job you currently have.
Instead, learn useful transition words and phrases, and engaging with English speakers around you to adopt new expressions in a natural and effective manner. This episode will show you how to do that.
00:00 Introduction to CELPIP Preparation
01:38 The Temptation of Templates
03:25 Risks of Using Templates
05:28 Effective Strategies for CELPIP Success
06:58 Engage with English Around You
08:22 Conclusion and Final Tips
Helpful Links:
Grab your free list of 39 common transition words and phrases right here.
From celpip.ca:
Using CELPIP Sample responses in the classroom.
Preparing for the CELPIP test: Test Integrity

In this episode of the Speak English Fearlessly podcast, you will learn a practical process for self-study that will transform the way you prep for the CELPIP!
Key strategies include:
Using a voice recorder to review and critique performance, Understanding the timing for brainstorming and recording responses, and creating outlines for answers.
I'll also talk about the importance of using varied vocabulary, adding emotions, and ensuring responses are interesting and on-topic.
A free checklist is available right here.
What I talk about:
00:00 Introduction and Listener's Question
00:53 Host Introduction and Podcast Overview
01:35 Challenges of Practicing Speaking Alone
02:29 Skiing Story: Overcoming Fear and Learning
08:02 Practical Tips for Self-Feedback
16:22 Detailed Feedback Checklist
25:48 Conclusion and Resources
Links mentioned:
Grab your free checklist right here.
The "Um" and "Uh" episode.

Do you struggle with saying "Um" and "Uh" too much? If so, listen to today's episode where you'll learn 3 strategies that will help you kick these pesky filler words out of your vocabulary!
"Um" and "Uh" can seriously hurt your CELPIP scores if you use them too much. Don't let that happen to you!
00:00 Frustration with Filler Words
01:58 Introduction to the Podcast
03:14 Understanding Filler Words
03:57 Why We Use Filler Words
06:03 Strategy 1: Notice Your Filler Words
10:26 Strategy 2: Allow Pauses
12:12 Strategy 3: Practice Regularly
15:14 Bonus: Join the CELPIP Success School
Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter to build your skills in English and prepare for the CELPIP Exam.
Have you joined the CELPIP Success School yet? Get 25% off for as long as you remain a member with this link.

Struggling with note-taking on the CELPIP exam? This episode dives into practical strategies to enhance your note-taking skills.
Learn the importance of practicing with the five Ws (who, what, when, where, and why) while watching English TV shows and listening to various audio content.
Discover how to set yourself up for success by paying attention to the intro sections of each listening task. They offer you valuable clues as to how to organize your notes.
You'll learn about the importance of mixing your audio practice with video as well.
00:00 Mastering Note Taking for CELPIP: An Introduction
00:59 Welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast
01:40 Practical Tips for Effective Note Taking
03:59 Setting Yourself Up for Success on CELPIP
05:17 Advanced Note Taking Strategies for CELPIP
08:13 Expanding Your Listening Skills Beyond the Exam
09:25 Summing Up: How to Excel in Note Taking for CELPIP
10:17 Exclusive Resources for CELPIP Success
10:53 Farewell and Next Steps
Links Mentioned In Today's Episode:Last week's episode: Do this to effectively practice for the CELPIP
Grab your free cheat sheet on the tips I mentioned today about note taking on the CELPIP.
To sign up for my free weekly newsletter, just go here. Every Tuesday I'll send you helpful tips and strategies - things you heard right here on the podcast - to help you develop your skills in English.

If you've ever wondered if you're doing the right thing...the real right thing... to be preparing for the CELPIP exam, then this episode is for you.
I'll be sharing one of the most important things you need to be doing to prepare for the exam. We all tend to avoid doing it because we're kind of hard wired in this way, but it's seriously a mistake to leave this out of your practice.
To find out, listen in to today's episode.
What I'll cover:
00:00 Introduction: Your Busy Life and CELPIP Preparation
02:33 The Dilemma of Effective CELPIP Preparation
04:24 A Personal Anecdote: Learning from Weaknesses
06:03 The Key to CELPIP Success: Focus on Weaknesses
10:12 Conclusion and Invitation to CELPIP Success School
Links mentioned today:
Subscribe to my weekly newsletter.
Join CELPIP Success school here.
Mentioned in this episode:
Let's work together to prepare for the CELPIP Exam
If you're tired of working on your own to prepare for the CELPIP Exam, and if you're looking for friendly personal support - then you need to check out this opportunity! You'll get weekly assignments that will help you practice each of the 4 skills tested on the CELPIP.
You'll also get weekly group coaching calls with me.
By following this link, you'll also get a 25% discount for as long as you remain a member.