Who is the most Scottish person at the Eurovision Song Contest? 

Who beat Scottish singer Scott Fitzgerald at the 1988 contest? 

Find out in today's episode where I talk about my favourite Eurovision songs and explore the contributions of Scottish singers and songwriters at the biggest TV event in the world. 

Transcript for this episode is available. Please message me if you want the transcript. 

Scotland - Everything I've Ever Had

0005 Scotland and Eurovision

**This story contains graphic and explicit material it is not recommended for children, only for mature audiences**

In this episode The vigilant rabbit is appointed security guard by the anxious creatures of the forest. At the end he cuts off the unicorns horn.

Send me a message me for your free pdf copy of this book and if you would like discuss it.
I hope you enjoy it.
https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/13365914

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk and other stories from David Sedaris ( Adult 18+) 

The Vigilant Rabbit

Meet the simple yet profound poetry of Emily Dickinson with her delightful poem, "A Bird Came Down the Walk."

Enchanted English

Episode 2: A Bird Came Down the Walk

In this episode, we explore how the throat chakra, or Vishuddha, supports language learning and how the act of learning a language can, in turn, heal the throat chakra. By practicing mindful speaking, reading aloud, and breath-focused articulation, learners stimulate the vagus nerve, which calms the parasympathetic nervous system, reduces amygdala hyperactivity, and lowers stress that contributes to GERD and acid reflux. The vibrations produced by the voice resonate in the throat and chest, easing tension and strengthening communication. This practice not only improves language fluency but also fosters emotional release, confidence, and physical healing, proving that your own voice is both a tool of expression and a pathway to wellness.

💃🏻111 Tips for Learning a Language 

Tip 76 - How to activate the throat chakra for language learning

Vocal clarity is all about making your voice sound clean, expressive, and easy to understand. It starts with strong articulation and enunciation—making sure each word is crisp and pronounced clearly. Breath support, especially from the diaphragm, helps maintain vocal strength and steadiness so your voice doesn’t fade or waver.

Resonance is another big piece of the puzzle. Using different areas like your chest, nasal passages, or head for tone placement can give your voice richness and projection. To keep your sound open and flexible, it's essential to release tension in your jaw, tongue, and lips. Gentle warm-ups and stretches can help with that.

Pitch control and expressive intonation ensure your voice doesn’t sound monotone or dull. Along with that, pacing and rhythm make a huge difference—speaking or singing with intention, and not too fast, helps your audience catch every word.

If you're using a microphone, knowing how to position yourself and control your volume makes a big difference. And of course, the secret ingredient to all of this is consistent practice. Recording yourself, getting feedback, or even working with a coach (me) can help you refine your sound over time.



The Global Professional Podcast

Vocal Clarity - Episode 126

This short episode focuses on Adjectives. 

An adjective is a word that describes a noun phrase or a noun.

Book a lesson to learn more about ADJECTIVES!!!

The Amplify English Podcast

Adjectives Part 1

En este episodio les cuento cómo está la Argentina hoy en día, con un presidente de derecha, en total oposición con todos los presidentes autodenominados "de izquierda": ventajas, desventajas, controversias y polémica

Argentina en carne propia

Los pros y cons del nuevo presidente

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE | GREETINGS AND INTRODUCTIONS.

It is a common courtesy to greet both customers and visitors to your business in a friendly and professional manner. It is also common sense that most companies expect their employees to act professionally and to pay great attention to how they greet visitors.

In any business situation, but especially in an international setting and when communicating in a foreign language, it is imperative that you also pay attention to the societal norms of different cultures and their customs.

For instance, in most western cultures, the handshake is a common greeting which is also used to conclude business dealings. In American culture, the handshake is a sign that a deal has been agreed upon by all parties, and politicians from all countries vie for the obligatory handshake photo opportunity with visiting dignitaries.

Learn more about the handshake and other greetings in episode 2 of BizPod.

Book a lesson with Paul: https://teach.italki.com/teacher/1657616
Book a lesson with Rachel: https://www.italki.com/teacher/1394345

BizPod - The Business English Podcast

BizPod Episode 2 - Professional Introductions

In today's episode we learn an anecdote about the American tourists who once met the Queen and had no idea who she was. Here's the story. 

Key Vocabulary:
An anecdote   /ˈanɪkdəʊt/   noun  = a short, interesting story about a real incident or person.
To play a prank on someone = To carry out a trick, deception, or practical joke on someone.
To pull someone's leg  =  to deceive someone playfully; tease someone.
Cantankerous	/kanˈtaŋk(ə)rəs/ adjective   = bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.
To be a fly on the wall =  you would like to hear what will be said or see what will happen while not being noticed

Former Royal Protection Officer, Richard Griffin said he and the Queen met the American hikers one day while they were walking near Balmoral Castle, her holiday home in Scotland.
"The Queen would always stop and say hello," Griffin said. "And it was clear from the moment we first stopped that they hadn't recognized the Queen."
Griffin said one of the Americans asked the Queen where she lived.
"She said, 'Well I live in London, but I've got a holiday home near here,"' Griffin recalled. 
The hiker then asked if she had ever met Queen Elizabeth.
"Well I haven't, but Richard here meets her regularly," the Queen replied.
The hiker then turned to Griffin and asked: "Oh, you've met the Queen? What's she like?"
"I decided to pull her leg, so I said, 'she can be very cantankerous at times, but she's got a lovely sense of humour".
The American then got his camera out, and gave it to the Queen, asking if she could take a picture of him with the royal protection officer. "Then we swapped places and I took a picture of them with the Queen and we waved goodbye". "The Queen said to me, 'I'd love to be a fly on the wall when he shows those photographs to their friends —  hopefully someone tells him who I am.'"