Insider advice for professional speaking: Part 2 Speaking up
By James, March 14 2021
In the previous post on professional speaking, we focused on managing nervousness. This post will look at how to project your voice and speak clearly.
Speaking tests
Insider advice for professional speaking: Part 1 Appearing confident
By James, March 06 2021
As a theatre actor, I was so nervous at the start of nearly every show. But over time, I learnt to be confident in front of audiences. Now, let me help you with your speaking.
Business Concepts - When simple tasks take far too long
By The English Farm, December 05 2020
When we have a tight deadline, most of us can finish a lot of work quickly. But if the deadline is far away, that same work takes much longer. Why is that?
The quickest guide to English proficiency tests
By Hina, November 28 2020
There are so many English proficiency tests that are available. Some are offered in one specific country, others are offered and used globally. The table below will help you to figure out which test best fits your needs!
I'm a native English speaker. Why do I still study for the IELTS?
By Hina, October 31 2020
Thinking of taking the IELTS? So am I. Remember to study for it—even if you're a native speaker!
We mostly remember beginnings and endings, which is a problem
By The English Farm, August 15 2020
When you speak, how much does the audience remember, and which parts do they remember? The answer may help you re-think how to be an impressive communicator.
When should you use complex language?
By The English Farm, July 04 2020
Should you use jargon with your colleagues? How about with your clients? How about in a speaking test? Here's a simple but powerful rule to guide you.
Business concepts: Use the Overton window to discuss new ideas
By The English Farm, June 06 2020
Ideas change, and what's radical to one generation may be normal to the next.
How to prepare on the day of your English speaking test
By Kahu, May 16 2020
Speaking tests are a performance. You have to show your skills.
Sticking with it
By Jenna, May 02 2020
Successful students are the ones who don't let a disappointing test score stand in their way. We've all received a score at one time or another that we weren't thrilled about.
This is when we ask ourselves: Do I take this as a failure or as a chance to learn? Do I give up or try harder?
Language point:
The quote, “Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn” sounds very similar to the famous quote “You win some, you lose some,” but the message is entirely different.
How long should a G.B.C. answer be?
By Matthew, November 16 2019
One of the most frequent questions I get is, "How long should my G.B.C. answer be?"
My immediate thought is always, "How long is a piece of string?"* But this is not a helpful answer! What follows is the actual answer I give to students who ask me this.
How to say, "I don't know" like intellectual Ta-Nehisi Coates
By The English Farm, November 02 2019
Ta-Nehisi Coates is an important figure who has a particular way of approaching some topics: he openly says, "I don't know."
General language is weak - get specific
By The English Farm, August 03 2019
Specific language is far stronger than general language. Specifics transport the reader or listener and give them a clear image, while general language forces the reader or listener to do the work of imagining what is meant. Let's look more deeply into this.
Want your answer to stand out? Use a little crass language
By The English Farm, July 27 2019
Many non-native English speakers make the mistake of thinking that formal language is always a safe language choice. This is not the case. These days, the American workplace style is becoming more casual and language is going the same way.
Student writing for G.B.C. - should there be more female leaders?
By The English Farm, July 28 2018
Students at the English Farm write some amazing G.B.C. answers, and we like to share the best of the best.
This piece has had minor corrections by a teacher, but the logic, structure, and word choice are the student's.
Use an axe-point structure for maximum impact
By The English Farm, July 14 2018
Strong answers require strong endings. This post will teach you a very simple way to end with maximum impact.
First, let's take a look at an answer with good evidence and reasoning:
Do you think work-life balance is important?
Student writing for G.B.C. - the difference between Japanese and American baseball
By The English Farm, May 26 2018
Students at the English Farm write some amazing G.B.C. answers, and we like to share the best of the best.
This piece has had minor corrections by a teacher, but the logic, structure, and word choice are the student's.
Student writing for G.B.C. - how childcare subsidies would impact Japanese society
By The English Farm, May 12 2018
Students at the English Farm write some amazing G.B.C. answers, and we like to share the best of the best.
This piece has had minor corrections by a teacher, but the logic, structure, and word choice are the student's.
How to reverse nervousness
By The English Farm, May 05 2018
Test season is stressful—after preparing for months, the last thing you want is for your performance to be limited by your nerves. One way to manage anxiety is by using Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR).
Student writing for G.B.C. - why non-native speakers tend to be silent in meetings
By The English Farm, March 18 2018
Students at the English Farm write some amazing G.B.C. answers, so we are going to share the best of the best.
This piece has had minor corrections by a teacher, but the logic, structure, and word choice are the student's.