Today we're talking about two informal phrases that we can use, usually in negative sentences, to say that something is not particularly difficult. I hope you find them useful!

If you want to improve your professional communication skills then don't forget that I'm a full time, professional, business English coach and tutor, right here on iTalki. Feel free to book some of my time and I look forward to meeting you.

DAILY Business English VOCABULARY builder

This podcast is not very difficult to listen to.

The Little Prince in Cantonese - Chapter 4
Book: https://www.cantonese.com.hk/lepetitprince/text-jyutping/ch4/

RealLife Cantonese with Grace(细菌)

The Little Prince in Cantonese - Chapter 4

When we feel we have had a "setback" in our language learning - we often tell ourselves stories that keep us stuck. In this podcast episode, I will offer some ideas for how we can prevent that from happening, and when it does, how we can start to move forward again.

In summary, what I say is that first we need to assess what has REALLY happened. And we need to look at the STORY we are telling ourselves - about what happened. (We can do this by writing or talking to a coach or a friend or to ourselves using the questions below). 

If we can question the stories we have told ourselves about this setback - it becomes easier to take action to get ourselves moving again. Byron Katie is an author who created 4 questions that are helpful in changing our beliefs. The questions are: 1. Is it true? 2. Can I absolutely know that it’s true? 3. How do I react when I believe that thought? 4. Who would I be without that thought? 

Turning the setback into an opportunity to take action - any action - can help us get moving again. Getting support is also very helpful. 

Writing or speaking exercise (talk into your phone!) -- take 7-10 minutes and see what you discover!:

1. Think of a time when you were trying something new (learning to play a musical instrument, starting a new routine, exercise or diet) - and you had a "perceived setback" - or when you felt you hit a wall/were blocked/"failed." What did you tell yourself at that time? Was that "story" really true? What happened after that? Did you continue doing the thing? 

2. Now think of a skill you have mastered. Maybe it's cooking something or riding a bike or being a professional or an entrepreneur. Did you ever have any "setbacks" along the way? (I am sure you did!) What steps did you take to keep going forward? Did you get support to move past these obstacles - or how did you help yourself to continue? What happened next? 

If you want - save your words and share them with me! I would love to hear what you think!  


Hear and There

3. "Setbacks," the stories we tell ourselves, and getting unstuck

Clear usage try and + (verb)
Andrew says:
'we try and meet up when we can'
'we try and make excuses to meet up'
Putting try and before a verb means you want to do something, and you make an effort to do it - Andrew and his family make an effort to meet up.
 You may also hear try to + (verb), which means exactly the same thing.  

Everyday English with Teacher Alyse

Clear usage try and + (verb)

『日本語能力試験」対策＿日本語総まとめN3（語彙）』アスク出版 テキストを読んでいきます。 １回に1日ずつ読んでいきます。 今日は、第3週1日です。

N3合格

N3　語彙　第3週1日目

Bonjour ma vie

Et vous mes désespoirs.
Me revoici aux fossés
Où naquit ma misère !
Toi mon vieux guignon,
Je te rapporte un peu de cœur
Bonjour, bonjour à tous
Bonjour mes vieux copains ;
Je vous reviens avec ma gueule
De paladin solitaire,
Et je sais que ce soir
Monteront des chants infernaux…
Voici le coin de boue
Où dormait mon front fier,
Aux hurlements des vents,
Par les cris de Décembre ;
Voici ma vie à moi,
Rassemblée en poussière…
Bonjour, toutes mes choses,
J’ai suivi l’oiseau des tropiques
Aux randonnées sublimes
Et me voici sanglant
Avec des meurtrissures
Dans mon cœur en rictus !…
Bonjour mes horizons lourds,
Mes vieilles vaches de chimères :
Ainsi fleurit l’espoir
Et mon jardin pourri !
- Ridicule tortue,
J’ai ouvert le bec
Pour tomber sur des ronces
Bonjour mes poèmes sans raison…

KATEB Yacine

Learn French through literature ☕

Bonjour ma vie! "Good Morning my Life!" poem by Kateb Yacine (Algerian author and man of letters) 

Did someone say NO to you? Not a big deal. Now you know how to answer.
If you liked the episode, consider subscribing to @yaroslavarussian and saying ПРИВЕТ :)

Russian Daily with Yaroslava

Ep8 На нет и суда нет (how to handle a rejection)

Being scared will make you fail a job interview or IELTS speaking!

What kind of attitude does it create?

Imagine yourself worrying about the past; what went on inside your mind?

Can you remember the thoughts you held? What were they?

Did you see the event in darker colors?

Were you afraid to take the next step? 

I can tell you that most people are the same, regardless of where we are from—we are humans; therefore, it's universal.

Listen to the recording and be inspired to take action towards your successes over your failures, as right now it's what most minds are occupied by.

To your success, and when you are ready to see me, apply for my classes, and let me help you take the next step in your English development journey.