The CELPIP Success Podcast

Aaron Nelson

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Welcome to the podcast that helps newcomers to Canada prepare for the CELPIP exam. You will learn how to develop your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in English. And of course, if you listen, you'll learn how to Speak English Fearlessly! Every Tuesday you'll get a new episode filled with tips, strategies and inspiring stories from other people just like you who are working to speak English fearlessly.

HACE 17 H

Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone To Build Your CELPIP Skills + PODCAST Update

Improving your speaking skills in English can feel like a daunting task, especially when preparing for the CELPIP exam. I’ve spent years sticking to scripted, well planned episodes for this podcast, but I’ve realized that this comfort zone has kept me from growing. I’ve decided to challenge myself by ditching the script and embracing a more spontaneous approach. By using bullet points instead and committing to shorter episodes, I’m aiming to reduce my workload while also modeling a crucial lesson: stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for growth. As I work my way through this new style, I encourage you to reflect on your own habits. If speaking English makes you nervous, you might be avoiding it altogether. Let’s change that together. This month, I invite you to engage in one short, spontaneous conversation in English each day. By practicing these small interactions, you’ll gradually build confidence and improve your skills while also learning to embrace the imperfect nature of real conversations. Remember, confidence in speaking comes from practice, not from textbooks or classes. Let’s take this challenge on together and see how we can grow! Are you in? Takeaways: Improving your English speaking skills, particularly for the CELPIP exam, requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Engaging in spontaneous conversations, even for short durations, builds confidence and fluency in speaking. Avoiding opportunities to speak English due to fear can limit your progress and language learning. Setting achievable goals, like daily 5 minute conversations, can significantly improve your English proficiency over time. Don't be afraid of mistakes while speaking! They will help you develop a confident, natural speaking style.

14 min
9 DIC

Don't ignore these warning signs in your CELPIP prep journey

Life can throw some serious curveballs at us, and sometimes it feels like we’re running on empty. I just had a wild night dealing with car troubles, helping my son jump-start his dead battery, only to find my own vehicle signalling trouble shortly after. It got me thinking about those warning signs we often ignore in our lives—just like I ignored the alarm on my dashboard. I realized that burnout can sneak up on us when we least expect it, and it’s crucial to pay attention to those early indicators before we stall completely. In this episode, I dive into some of the signs of burnout, share personal experiences about a time I burnt out as well as a far more serious example of a colleague who burnt out and could not return to work. Listen to hear some practical ways to recharge and find balance before you reach a breaking point. So, let’s chat about how to keep our emotional batteries charged and avoid those dead ends. Takeaways: It's crucial to pay attention to the warning signs in our lives, much like we would with a car's dashboard indicators. Ignoring them can lead to serious consequences. Experiencing burnout often looks like exhaustion and disengagement from activities we used to enjoy, signalling that something needs to change in our routine. Reducing unnecessary pressures in our lives can be a huge help for your mental health, allowing you to recharge and focus. Finding simple activities that can uplift your spirit, like walking or spending time with loved ones, can be incredibly helpful for combating feelings of burnout and exhaustion. Put these ideas to work! If you are getting some of these warning signals in your life, what are you going to do about them? Ignoring them won't make them go away! I hope you'll find an activity that helps you recharge, and that you're able to reduce the load you are carrying, and if needed: that you find someone you can talk to about this.

32 min
25 NOV

How Can I Improve My Speaking and Vocabulary Skills in English?

Struggling with speaking skills? You’re definitely not alone, and that’s where we kick things off. I dive into the common frustrations we face when trying to express ourselves in English, especially when nerves kick in or when we feel our vocabulary isn’t quite up to par. I share how to shake things up and move beyond those surface-level conversations we often get stuck in, which is what will really help you build your fluency skills in English. Deeper, more engaging conversations challenge us to use (and learn!) new words and phrases which is exactly what you need to have happening often if you want to see your speaking and vocabulary skills improve. Takeaways: Practice your English daily, but ensure that your conversations go beyond surface-level exchanges. Aim for deeper discussions that challenge your vocabulary and fluency. If you're feeling stuck in your English speaking, take a moment to identify the types of practice you engage in every day. Are they meaningful or just routine? Don't let nerves hold you back from speaking. Embrace opportunities to express yourself, even if it feels uncomfortable at first, and push through your comfort zone. Develop a vocabulary journal to track new words and phrases. Write them down and commit to using them in conversation multiple times to reinforce your learning. Challenge yourself to initiate conversations on topics you usually avoid. This pattern interruption can help you break free from predictable dialogue and foster growth in your language skills. Recognize that making mistakes is a part of learning. Every time you struggle to find the right word, you're identifying areas for improvement and growth in your vocabulary.

21 min
11 NOV

How to be sure you'll get a 7 on the CELPIP

If you're aiming for a CLB 7 on the CELPIP exam, knowing whether you're ready before stepping into the test room is crucial. We dive into how you can assess your English proficiency and boost your confidence, potentially saving you time, money, and stress. Achieving that coveted score isn't a mystery if you've got a solid intermediate level of English, so we outline what that really means and how to gauge where you stand. We also discuss practical strategies for preparation and what skills to focus on to ensure you're exam-ready. By the end of this episode, you'll have actionable insights that help you navigate your journey toward a successful CELPIP experience. Takeaways: To confidently aim for a CLB 7 on the CELPIP exam, assess your English proficiency realistically before the exam date. Being able to engage in spontaneous conversations with strangers indicates a solid intermediate level of English skills. Understanding and expressing your opinions clearly is crucial for reaching a CLB 7 on the CELPIP exam. Regularly using English in daily situations shows you're likely at an intermediate level, preparing you for the CELPIP exam. Practice handling unexpected phone calls in English to boost your confidence for the CELPIP exam. Set aside one to three months for targeted preparation to familiarize yourself with the CELPIP exam format and expectations.

41 min
28 OCT

How to find your motivation to practice your English and get ready for the CELPIP

Feeling like your motivation just up and vanished? Trust me, I get it. I'm struggling with that too! Today, I’m diving into how to keep your motivational fires burning when all you want to do is hide under a blanket and binge-watch your favourite shows. I'm going to be sharing some insightful strategies to tackle those low-energy days, with a focus on the fact that motivation isn’t a magical feeling that just hits you out of nowhere. Instead, it’s about taking action—yep, just getting started is often the key. I’ll also touch on the importance of creating simple routines that pull you into practice, and how breaking down your goals can help you push through the inevitable dips we all face. So, if you've been struggling to stay on track with your English practice or CELPIP prep, listen in to today's episode—I've got some practical tips that you can put into action right away! The struggle of motivation is something we can all relate to. Whether you're preparing for the CELPIP exam or just trying to maintain your English skills, there are moments when picking up that textbook or logging into a practice app feels like an impossible task. I've been there too, and it's a universal challenge. Today, I want to dive deep into understanding where that lack of motivation comes from and, more importantly, how we can actively combat it. A key insight I've discovered is from James Clear, who suggests that motivation often follows action rather than precedes it. This means that instead of waiting for that spark of enthusiasm to hit, we should just get started. Even the smallest action can spark that motivation we thought was lost. Think of it as a snowball effect; once we begin, it’s much easier to keep the momentum going. Another practical takeaway is the importance of establishing a simple pre-game routine. This could be as easy as setting out your study materials or even putting on your headphones to listen to English podcasts. The key is to make this routine effortless so that you can begin your practice without needing to muster up motivation each time. We'll also look into the concept of the dip, that author Seth Godin writes about in a book that goes by the same name, The Dip! The dip refers to those inevitable periods when progress feels stagnant. Understanding that these dips are normal and part of the learning process can help us push through and continue working towards our language goals. In wrapping up, I want to encourage you to embrace the idea that motivation is not a magical feeling we wait for. Instead, it’s something we create through action. So, let’s not wait; let's set those simple routines and begin our practice today! If you have a pre-game routine or plan in mind, I’d love to hear about it. Share your thoughts with me! Takeaways: Motivation isn't some magical spark that appears; it's actually a byproduct of taking action. To overcome the slump or lack of motivation, just getting started can create the momentum needed to keep going. Creating a simple pre-practice routine can help trigger your study sessions and make them easier to start. Don't focus on the end goal alone; break it down into smaller, manageable tasks to keep yourself engaged. Physical movement is crucial; get up, move around, and your mental energy will follow suit during study sessions. Monitor your progress regularly to stay motivated, especially after achieving milestones in your learning journey. Links mentioned in this episode: By James Clear: How To Get Motivated When You Don't Feel Like it. , | Motivation: The scientific guide on how to get and stay motivated. Seth Godin:...

27 min
14 OCT

This Could Could Help You Break Free From an 8 on the CELPIP Speaking Exam

Stuck at an 8 on the CELPIP speaking section? You're not alone, and today we’re diving into how to break through that barrier. We'll explore some ideas to help Kitchenbaby8812, who’s been grappling with the same issue—despite strong scores in other areas, their speaking has plateaued. The key takeaway? It's all about shaking things up in your conversations. We’ll discuss actionable strategies like using pattern interrupt questions to spark deeper conversations, using specific details in your responses, and ensuring your tone reflects genuine emotion. Get ready to level up your speaking skills and connect more meaningfully with others! Stuck at a speaking score of 8? You're not alone. In today's episode, I'll be helping someone over on Reddit - Kitchenbaby8812 - who shared a relatable struggle that many face when preparing for the CELPIP exam, particularly in speaking. It’s frustrating when you feel like you’re putting in the effort—conversing with coworkers, studying diligently—but the results just don’t match. In this discussion, I'll dive into actionable strategies that can help break you free from that 8. I'll explore the power of deeper connections in conversations, emphasizing that surface-level chats often fail to encourage the growth you need to improve speaking skills. I'll encourage you to introduce 'pattern interrupt' questions into your discussions to move conversations from mundane to meaningful, unlocking new vocabulary and expressions in the process. Moreover, we address the importance of detail in responses—encouraging you to move beyond bland answers. When expressing your thoughts, being specific is key; instead of saying “the park is nice in the fall,” try “the bright orange and yellow colours of the leaves in Stanley Park are amazing.” This not only improves your responses but also makes them more engaging for the listener. I stress that practice is essential: make sure you're using your cell phone's voice recorder to hear and check your tone and detail in responses. Additionally, I discuss the role of emotion in speaking. A monotone voice can detract from your message, so make sure you fill your responses with appropriate feeling, adapting your tone to match the content of your speech. This vibrancy can be the difference between a score of 8 and a higher mark. By combining these strategies—asking engaging questions, providing detailed answers, and expressing emotion—you can work toward breaking through that speaking barrier and achieving the scores you desire. Takeaways: To improve your speaking skills, focus on using details! Avoid bland and boring! Incorporate pattern interrupt questions into your conversations to encourage deeper conversations. Make sure you use emotion in your voice. Practice recording your speaking responses to evaluate your tone and detail for improvement. When possible, personalize your answers as if talking to a friend to sound more natural. Links referenced in this episode:Join the premium version of this podcast: celpipsuccess.com/prices

18 min
30 SEP

How to beat clock anxiety on the CELPIP

Dealing with clock anxiety and distractions during the CELPIP speaking exam can feel like navigating through a maze, but today I'll dive into practical strategies to conquer these challenges. First up, let's tackle clock anxiety, that nerve-wracking moment when the timer starts and your mind goes blank. I suggest a simple yet effective practice routine: time yourself as you respond to speaking tasks and record your answers. This way, you’ll become familiar with the pressure of the ticking clock, allowing you to keep your cool on test day. Next, I address the common issue of noise interference, where external sounds can disrupt your focus. Incorporating background noise during practice sessions can simulate exam conditions and enhance your ability to concentrate despite distractions. By putting in the reps and practicing these strategies, you’ll walk into your CELPIP exam feeling confident and prepared. A Deeper LookDiving into the world of CELPIP exam preparation, today I discuss two crucial topics that often plague test-takers: clock anxiety and distractions during the speaking exam. Many students experience that moment of panic when the timer starts—their minds go blank, and they struggle to articulate coherent thoughts. To tackle clock anxiety, I emphasize the importance of practicing under timed conditions well in advance. It’s not just about knowing the language; it's about getting comfortable with the pressure of time. I recommend using your smartphone's timer to simulate exam conditions. Set a timer for 30 seconds for brainstorming, followed by 60 or 90 seconds to deliver your response. This practice helps you become accustomed to managing your thoughts while keeping an eye on the clock, thus reducing anxiety significantly. I also suggest wrapping up your responses in the last ten seconds to ensure you make a strong conclusion and finish within the time limit. This method not only calms the nerves but also enhances your overall performance on test day. Shifting gears, I address another common challenge: staying focused amidst distractions. Many candidates report losing concentration when they hear others speaking or environmental noise during the exam. To prepare for this, we recommend practicing your speaking tasks in noisy environments. Instead of avoiding noise, embrace it! Play talk radio or a TV program in the background while you practice. This strategy trains your brain to filter out distractions, allowing you to focus on your speaking task, even when it gets chaotic. The goal is to create a cognitive load that prepares you for the real exam scenario. By continuously working with distractions, you’ll build resilience and improve your ability to concentrate, ensuring you deliver your best performance when it counts. The essence of both strategies lies in repetition; the more you practice, the more natural it becomes to handle the pressure of the exam. It's all about building familiarity with the conditions you’ll face. As you integrate these practices into your study routine, you'll find that what once seemed daunting becomes manageable. Remember, the key to conquering the CELPIP exam lies in preparation and practice. With dedication and these practical tips, you’ll approach test day with confidence and clarity, ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way. Takeaways: Practicing against the clock months before your exam helps reduce clock anxiety effectively. Use your phone's timer app to practice CELPIP speaking tasks in real-time conditions. Incorporate noise into your practice sessions to prepare for distractions during the exam. Focus on keeping your ideas flowing while glancing at the timer to manage your time well. Set aside time to brainstorm before speaking; it's crucial for organizing your thoughts. Utilize background...

17 min
16 SEP

How to increase your CELPIP speaking scores

Takeaways: The lesson from the photography experiment emphasizes quantity over perfection when learning English. Frequent practice and making mistakes lead to improved skills in speaking English effectively. Understanding and following task instructions is crucial for achieving high scores on the CELPIP exam. Avoid unnecessary introductions in your responses; get straight to the point to save time. Regularly using English, even imperfectly, will significantly enhance your overall speaking abilities. Focus on the number of times you engage in speaking rather than the duration of each speaking opportunity. The Links I mentioned: My LinkedIn video experiment. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the CELPIP Success Podcast 00:49 If you want a habit to improve, practice it frequently! 02:03 The power of frequency vs quality in your practice 03:14 Learning from Bad Podcast Experiences 04:46 What you can learn from a bad podcast episode? 07:32 Make sure you quickly get to the point! 09:13 Embracing Experiments for Personal Growth 14:19 The trends I'm noticing

18 min

Welcome to the podcast that helps newcomers to Canada prepare for the CELPIP exam. You will learn how to develop your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in English. And of course, if you listen, you'll learn how to Speak English Fearlessly! Every Tuesday you'll get a new episode filled with tips, strategies and inspiring stories from other people just like you who are working to speak English fearlessly.

Creador

Aaron Nelson
Años de actividad

2023 - 2025
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131
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© 2025 The Speak English Fearlessly Podcast
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