Episode 11 - Find Your Perfect Way to Learn English !

 

Effortless English Podcasts

Effortless English Chat

Episode 11 - Find Your Perfect Way to Learn English !

Jerry: Hi, everyone! Welcome to Effortless English Podcasts. I’m Jerry, your host.

Luna: And I’m Luna! Glad to have you with us today.

Jerry: Today’s topic is all about finding the best way to learn English that works for you.

Luna: Yeah, we know there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to learning. What works for one person might not work for someone else.

Jerry: That’s exactly right. Some people might enjoy using apps, while others prefer learning in a classroom.

Luna: Or just chatting with friends over coffee! That’s what I like.

Jerry: Same here. But what’s interesting is how many methods are available these days. Back in the day, we didn’t have all these options.

Luna: True. Now we’ve got apps, online courses, videos, podcasts—like this one—and so much more.

Jerry: Exactly. Today, we’re going to explore different ways to learn English and talk about how to pick the best one for you.

Luna: Plus, we’ll share some of our own experiences.

Jerry: Before we jump in, we want to remind you that we have a full transcript of today’s episode.

Luna: You can find the link in the description below.

Jerry: And for those who need it, we also have subtitles available in multiple languages.

Luna: Yeah, just turn on the CC option, and you’ll be all set.

Jerry: So, let’s dive in and explore how to learn English effectively.

Luna: Let’s do it!

Jerry: Let’s start with why learning English is so important.

Luna: Oh, where do we even begin? It’s such a big topic.

Jerry: It really is. But let’s look at some facts first. Did you know that English is the official language in over 50 countries?

Luna: Wow, that’s a lot.

Jerry: And it’s estimated that nearly 1.5 billion people around the world speak English, either as a first or second language.

Luna: So basically, if you speak English, you can connect with a huge part of the world.

Jerry: Exactly. It’s also the main language of business, science, and technology.

Luna: Right, so if you’re working in a global company or even just using the internet, English is everywhere.

Jerry: That’s why so many people see it as a key to better job opportunities. Studies have shown that people who speak English often earn higher salaries.

Luna: That’s a pretty good reason to learn.

Jerry: Absolutely. But it’s not just about money. Knowing English also opens doors to education. Many of the world’s top universities use English as their primary language of instruction.

Luna: That’s true. And what about entertainment?

Jerry: Great point. A lot of the movies, music, and books that people love are originally in English.

Luna: For me, that’s one of the biggest reasons I love English. I can enjoy my favorite songs and shows without needing subtitles.

Jerry: That’s a fantastic motivation. You know, I also think English helps us understand different cultures.

Luna: Yes! Language is like a bridge. It connects us to other people’s stories, their way of life.

Jerry: Exactly. It’s more than just words. It’s about building connections.

Luna: I agree. Even if you’re not perfect, just being able to say “hello” in someone’s language can create a bond.

Jerry: So true. And that’s why learning English is not just practical, it’s personal.

Luna: Totally. It’s a way to grow, not just in your career, but as a person too.

Jerry: Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Luna: Thanks, Jerry!

Jerry: Anytime, Luna. Let’s move on to how people can start learning.

Luna: Yes, let’s get into it!

Jerry: So, let’s talk about the different ways people can learn English.

Luna: Yeah, because there are so many options these days.

Jerry: Right. Let’s start with one of the most popular methods—language learning apps.

Luna: Oh, like Duolingo and Babbel?

Jerry: Exactly. These apps are great because they’re easy to use, and you can practice anywhere.

Luna: Yeah, and they make learning feel like a game.

Jerry: That’s true. They also use spaced repetition to help you remember vocabulary better.

Luna: Okay, but what if apps don’t work for everyone?

Jerry: Then there are more traditional methods, like taking English classes.

Luna: Like in a language school or with a private tutor?

Jerry: Exactly. A structured class can be really helpful, especially if you like learning with others.

Luna: Yeah, but not everyone enjoys sitting in a classroom.

Jerry: That’s true. Some people prefer self-study, like using textbooks or online resources.

Luna: I get that. But for me, I think the best way to learn is through real-life situations.

Jerry: Like practicing with native speakers?

Luna: Yes! Or even just ordering food in English when you’re traveling.

Jerry: That’s a great point. Immersion is one of the most effective ways to learn.

Luna: Exactly. And it doesn’t have to mean moving to an English-speaking country.

Jerry: True. Watching movies or listening to podcasts like this one can also help.

Luna: I agree. It’s about surrounding yourself with the language as much as possible.

Jerry: And don’t forget about reading. Books, articles, or even social media can be great tools.

Luna: Yeah, as long as you enjoy it, you’re more likely to stick with it.

Jerry: That’s key—finding a method that you actually like.

Luna: Right. If you hate grammar drills, don’t do them.

Jerry: Exactly. Learning should feel rewarding, not frustrating.

Luna: Totally. So, Jerry, what’s your favorite way to learn a language?

Jerry: For me, it’s all about consistency. I like setting a daily routine, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day.

Luna: That’s smart. Little by little, you’ll see progress.

Jerry: And what about you, Luna?

Luna: I’m all about following my interests. If I love a song or a movie, I use that as my motivation to learn.

Jerry: That’s a great way to stay inspired.

Luna: Thanks! At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong way to learn.

Jerry: Exactly. It’s all about finding what works best for you.

Jerry: Now that we’ve talked about different methods, let’s dive into how to choose the one that’s right for you.

Luna: Yeah, because with so many options, it can feel overwhelming.

Jerry: Exactly. But one way to start is by thinking about your goals.

Luna: You mean like why you’re learning English in the first place?

Jerry: Right. Are you learning for work, travel, or just personal growth?

Luna: That makes sense. Your goal can really shape the way you learn.

Jerry: Absolutely. For example, if you’re learning for work, you might focus on business English or writing emails.

Luna: And if it’s for travel, you’d want to learn phrases for everyday situations.

Jerry: Exactly. Knowing your “why” can help you pick a method that matches your needs.

Luna: But what if someone doesn’t know their goal yet?

Jerry: Then start by exploring a little. Try different methods and see what feels comfortable.

Luna: I agree. It’s okay to experiment.

Jerry: Definitely. Another thing to consider is your schedule.

Luna: Oh, good point. Some people have more time than others.

Jerry: Right. If you’re busy, short daily sessions might work better than long classes.

Luna: Or you could listen to podcasts while commuting, like this one!

Jerry: Exactly. The best method is the one you can stick with.

Luna: I love that. Consistency really is key.

Jerry: It is. But let’s not forget about personal preference.

Luna: Oh, I’m all about that!

Jerry: I know you are. If you enjoy what you’re doing, you’re more likely to keep going.

Luna: Totally. For me, it’s all about finding what sparks joy.

Jerry: That’s a great way to put it. Learning doesn’t have to feel like a chore.

Luna: Exactly. If you love movies, watch them in English. If you like cooking, try recipes in English.

Jerry: That’s perfect advice. Connect learning to something you already enjoy.

Luna: And don’t worry about being perfect. Just focus on making progress.

Jerry: Absolutely. Mistakes are part of the process.

Luna: Totally. And one last thing—trust your instincts.

Jerry: What do you mean?

Luna: Well, sometimes you just know what feels right for you.

Jerry: That’s true. Everyone’s journey is different.

Luna: Exactly. So don’t compare yourself to others.

Jerry: Great advice, Luna.

Luna: Thanks, Jerry.

Jerry: So, to sum up, think about your goals, schedule, and what you enjoy.

Luna: And don’t be afraid to try new things.

Jerry: Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Jerry: Now that we’ve talked about methods and how to choose them, let’s share some of our own experiences.

Luna: Yeah, personal stories can be inspiring. So, Jerry, how did you learn English?

Jerry: Well, my journey started during college, but I really got serious about it when I became an engineer.

Luna: Oh, I bet you needed English for your job.

Jerry: Exactly. A lot of the technical documents and research papers were in English.

Luna: That sounds challenging. How did you handle it?

Jerry: At first, it was overwhelming. I had to look up almost every word.

Luna: Ugh, that must have been frustrating.

Jerry: It was. But then I realized I needed a strategy.

Luna: What kind of strategy?

Jerry: I focused on the most common technical terms in my field.

Luna: Smart. So you didn’t waste time on words you didn’t need.

Jerry: Exactly. I also used tools like online dictionaries and translation software.

Luna: That sounds practical. Did you practice speaking too?

Jerry: Not at first. But later, I started joining meetings with international teams.

Luna: Oh, that must have been scary at first.

Jerry: It was. But the more I practiced, the more confident I became.

Luna: That’s a great story. And it shows that persistence really pays off.

Jerry: Thanks, Luna. What about you? How did you learn English?

Luna: Well, my story is a bit different.

Jerry: I’m sure it is. Let’s hear it.

Luna: For me, it all started with music.

Jerry: Music? That’s interesting.

Luna: Yeah, I’ve always loved English songs. I used to write down the lyrics and try to sing along.

Jerry: That sounds like a lot of fun.

Luna: It was! And it helped me learn vocabulary and pronunciation without even realizing it.

Jerry: That’s a great way to learn naturally.

Luna: Exactly. Later, I got into watching movies and TV shows in English.

Jerry: Did you use subtitles?

Luna: At first, yes. But over time, I started watching without them.

Jerry: That’s impressive. It must have really improved your listening skills.

Luna: It did. And it made learning feel less like studying and more like a hobby.

Jerry: That’s such a good point. When learning feels enjoyable, it’s easier to stick with it.

Luna: Totally. And I think the key for me was curiosity. I wanted to understand the stories and the culture behind the language.

Jerry: That’s amazing. Did you ever take formal classes?

Luna: Not really. Most of what I learned came from real-life experiences.

Jerry: That’s so inspiring. It just goes to show there’s no single right way to learn.

Luna: Exactly. Everyone’s journey is unique.

Jerry: And it’s not just about the method. It’s also about your mindset.

Luna: Totally. If you stay curious and open-minded, you’ll find your way.

Jerry: Well said, Luna.

Luna: Thanks, Jerry.

Jerry: So, whether you’re reading technical documents or singing along to your favorite songs, the most important thing is to keep going.

Luna: Yes, and enjoy the process!

Jerry: Let’s talk about some common mistakes people make when learning English.

Luna: Oh, there are definitely a lot of those. Where should we start?

Jerry: Let’s begin with something I see often—focusing too much on memorizing vocabulary.

Luna: You mean like studying long word lists?

Jerry: Exactly. It’s not very effective if you don’t know how to use the words in real-life situations.

Luna: That’s true. Words don’t mean much if you can’t put them into a sentence.

Jerry: Right. Instead of just memorizing, try to learn words in context.

Luna: Like through stories or conversations?

Jerry: Exactly. It’s much easier to remember words when you see how they’re used.

Luna: That makes sense. What other mistakes do people make?

Jerry: Another big one is avoiding speaking because they’re afraid of making mistakes.

Luna: Oh, I’ve seen that a lot. People want to be perfect before they even start talking.

Jerry: Exactly. But the truth is, mistakes are part of the learning process.

Luna: Totally. You can’t improve if you don’t practice.

Jerry: That’s why it’s important to just start speaking, even if it’s not perfect.

Luna: I agree. And honestly, most people won’t even notice your mistakes.

Jerry: That’s true. They’ll probably just be impressed that you’re trying.

Luna: So, what about you? Do you have any common mistakes to add?

Jerry: Yes, another one is focusing too much on grammar rules.

Luna: Oh, that’s a good one. Grammar can be overwhelming.

Jerry: It can. And while it’s important, it shouldn’t stop you from communicating.

Luna: I agree. Sometimes it’s better to just speak naturally, even if it’s not perfect.

Jerry: Exactly. Overthinking grammar can actually slow you down.

Luna: That’s so true. And now I want to talk about some emotional mistakes people make.

Jerry: Sure, go ahead.

Luna: One big mistake is comparing yourself to others.

Jerry: Oh, that’s a good one. It can be discouraging.

Luna: Exactly. Everyone learns at their own pace, and that’s okay.

Jerry: Definitely. Comparing yourself to others can make you lose motivation.

Luna: Right. Another emotional mistake is being too hard on yourself.

Jerry: You mean like expecting perfection right away?

Luna: Exactly. Learning a language takes time, and it’s okay to struggle.

Jerry: That’s a great point. Being patient with yourself is so important.

Luna: Totally. And one last mistake—forgetting to have fun.

Jerry: That’s a big one. If you’re not enjoying the process, it’s hard to stay motivated.

Luna: Exactly. Learning should feel exciting, not like a chore.

Jerry: I completely agree. So, to sum up, focus on real-life usage, don’t fear mistakes, and keep a positive mindset.

Luna: And don’t forget to have fun along the way.

Jerry: Well said, Luna.

Jerry: So, let’s wrap up with some practical tips for our listeners.

Luna: Great idea. Everyone loves actionable advice.

Jerry: Alright, my first tip is to set a consistent learning schedule.

Luna: You mean like studying at the same time every day?

Jerry: Exactly. Even 10 or 15 minutes a day can make a big difference over time.

Luna: That’s a good one. It’s all about building a habit, right?

Jerry: Exactly. Consistency is more important than the amount of time you spend.

Luna: Totally. What’s your next tip?

Jerry: My second tip is to use a variety of resources.

Luna: Oh, like mixing apps, books, and podcasts?

Jerry: Exactly. Different tools can help you improve different skills.

Luna: That makes sense. It also keeps learning from getting boring.

Jerry: Right. And don’t be afraid to try new things.

Luna: I love that. So, what’s your third tip?

Jerry: My third tip is to track your progress.

Luna: Oh, like keeping a journal or using an app to monitor your improvement?

Jerry: Exactly. Seeing how far you’ve come can be very motivating.

Luna: That’s a great idea. It’s easy to forget how much progress you’ve made.

Jerry: Exactly. So, what about you, Luna? Do you have any tips?

Luna: Definitely! My first tip is to stay curious.

Jerry: I like that. What do you mean by staying curious?

Luna: Well, follow your interests. If you love music, use it to learn English.

Jerry: That’s a great way to keep things interesting.

Luna: Totally. And my second tip is to embrace mistakes.

Jerry: Oh, that’s a big one. A lot of people are afraid of messing up.

Luna: Exactly. But mistakes are where the real learning happens.

Jerry: I couldn’t agree more.

Luna: And my third tip is simple—be kind to yourself.

Jerry: That’s so important. Learning a language takes time and patience.

Luna: Exactly. Celebrate the small wins and don’t beat yourself up over setbacks.

Jerry: That’s great advice. Anything else you’d like to add?

Luna: Yes, one last thing—have fun!

Jerry: That’s a perfect note to end on.

Luna: Thanks, Jerry. At the end of the day, learning English is a journey.

Jerry: It is. And with the right mindset and tools, anyone can succeed.

Luna: Absolutely. So, to all our listeners, find what works for you, stay consistent, and enjoy the process.

Jerry: Well said, Luna.

Luna: Thanks, Jerry.

Jerry: Alright, it’s time to answer some of your questions!

Luna: Yes, we love hearing from you. So, what’s the first question, Jerry?

Jerry: Here’s a good one: “How can I balance learning English with a full-time job?”

Luna: Oh, that’s such a common struggle.

Jerry: Definitely. My advice is to start small. Even just 10 or 15 minutes a day can add up.

Luna: I agree. It’s all about finding those little pockets of time, like during your commute.

Jerry: Exactly. Podcasts, like this one, are great for that.

Luna: And if you’re too tired to study after work, try doing it in the morning instead.

Jerry: That’s a great point. Morning study sessions can be really effective.

Luna: What’s the next question?

Jerry: “What’s the best way to improve my speaking skills?”

Luna: Oh, I love this one. For me, it’s all about practicing with real people.

Jerry: That’s a great tip. Language exchange apps can be very helpful for that.

Luna: Totally. Or even just talking to yourself can help build confidence.

Jerry: Absolutely. Shadowing is another good technique.

Luna: Shadowing? What’s that?

Jerry: It’s when you listen to a native speaker and try to repeat what they say, word for word.

Luna: Oh, I’ve done that with songs! It really helps with pronunciation.

Jerry: Exactly. Plus, it’s a fun way to practice.

Luna: Alright, what’s next?

Jerry: Here’s an interesting one: “How can I learn English if I don’t have access to classes or tutors?”

Luna: That’s a great question. Honestly, there are so many free resources online now.

Jerry: Absolutely. Websites, apps, YouTube channels—there’s a ton of content out there.

Luna: And don’t forget about libraries. You can often find great books and audiobooks for free.

Jerry: That’s a fantastic tip. Also, joining online communities can give you opportunities to practice.

Luna: Yes! There are so many language forums and groups you can join.

Jerry: Okay, here’s another one: “How do I stop translating in my head while speaking English?”

Luna: Oh, that’s a tough one. It takes time, but it’s definitely possible.

Jerry: My advice is to think in English as much as you can.

Luna: Like naming things around you in English?

Jerry: Exactly. Or even writing a daily journal in English.

Luna: That’s a great idea. The more you practice thinking in English, the easier it becomes.

Jerry: Totally. Alright, one last question: “How can I stay motivated when progress feels slow?”

Luna: Oh, I know that feeling. Progress can be so slow sometimes.

Jerry: It can. That’s why it’s important to celebrate small wins.

Luna: Yes, even tiny improvements matter.

Jerry: And remember why you started learning in the first place.

Luna: That’s such good advice. Connecting to your “why” can keep you going.

Jerry: Definitely. And don’t forget to take breaks if you’re feeling burnt out.

Luna: Absolutely. Learning is a marathon, not a sprint.

Jerry: So true. To everyone who sent in questions, thank you so much!

Luna: Yes, we loved answering them.

Jerry: Keep the questions coming, and we’ll try to include more in future episodes.

Luna: And don’t forget, you can leave your questions in the comments below.

Jerry: Alright, everyone, that brings us to the end of today’s episode.

Luna: Wow, we covered so much today!

Jerry: We really did. From why learning English is important to choosing the right methods and avoiding common mistakes.

Luna: And don’t forget, we also shared some of our personal learning experiences.

Jerry: That’s right. We hope today’s discussion gave you some useful insights and inspiration.

Luna: Remember, learning English is a journey, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time.

Jerry: Exactly. Find a method that works for you, stay consistent, and most importantly, enjoy the process.

Luna: And don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re part of learning!

Jerry: That’s such an important point, Luna.

Luna: Thanks, Jerry. So, what’s next for our listeners?

Jerry: We’d love to hear from you!

Luna: Yes, if you have any questions or want to share your own English learning tips, leave a comment below.

Jerry: And don’t forget, the transcript for today’s episode is available in the description.

Luna: Plus, you can turn on the CC subtitles if you need them.

Jerry: That’s right. We want to make learning as accessible as possible for everyone.

Luna: Absolutely. So, thank you all for joining us today.

Jerry: We’ll see you in the next episode of Effortless English Podcasts.

Luna: Bye for now!

Jerry: Take care!