Listen to this short extract for A2 level English learners as part of my Learn English with Pip course.

Learn English with Pip

Reading extract: a police story (English A2 level) 

成语故事

画蛇添足

"Internal viruses" that is killing your communication skiills at work

The term “internal virus” is a metaphorical way of describing negative thought patterns, habits, and beliefs that undermine your ability to communicate effectively in a professional setting. 
These “viruses” operate internally, sabotaging your confidence, clarity, and ability to connect with others.


Do you have those?

Fear of Judgment:

Symptoms: Hesitation to speak up in meetings, avoiding difficult conversations, censoring your ideas, worrying excessively about what others think.

Antidote: Challenge negative thoughts, focus on the value you bring to the table, remember that everyone makes mistakes.

Imposter Syndrome:

Symptoms: Feeling like a fraud, doubting your abilities, attributing successes to luck, constantly comparing yourself to others.

Antidote: Acknowledge your accomplishments, focus on your strengths, remember that everyone has weaknesses, challenge your negative self-talk.

Perfectionism:

Symptoms: Overthinking your communication, spending too much time crafting emails or presentations, getting paralyzed by the fear of making mistakes.

Antidote: Accept that “good enough” is often good enough, prioritize progress over perfection, focus on the overall message rather than minor details.

By identifying and addressing these “internal viruses,” in my 1-1 VIP coaching classes you can unlock your communication potential and achieve greater success in your career and your relationships.

Book your coaching call now, as slots are almost taken.



The Law Of Attraction Podcasts 

"Internal viruses" that is killing your communication skiills at work. Episode 407.

안녕하세요! 오늘은 G-Dragon의 뮤직비디오 Power에 등장하는 숫자 ‘88’에 담긴 특별한 의미와, 한국어의 재미있는 표현인 "팔자"에 대해 이야기해 보려고 합니다.

우선, G-Dragon의 팬이라면 아마 그가 자신의 생일을 자주 음악에 넣는다는 걸 알 거예요. 그의 생일은 1988년 8월 18일로, 케이팝 팬들 사이에서는 꽤 유명한 정보죠. 예를 들어, 2013년 앨범 COUP D'ETAT에 수록된 "늴리리야"라는 곡에서는
"88년도 8월 18일생 딱 봐도 뭘 가져도 너보단 많은 팔자"
라는 가사를 썼는데요. 여기서 팔자라는 단어가 등장해요.

한국어에서 팔자 (palja)는 누군가가 타고난 운명이나 사주를 의미합니다. 팔자는 사주팔자라는 개념에서 비롯되었고, 사람의 태어난 연월일시를 바탕으로 운명을 판단하는 전통적인 방법이죠. 이 팔자라는 단어는 한국어에서 다양한 표현으로 자주 쓰입니다.

예를 들어, "팔자가 좋다"라는 표현은 “그 사람은 운이 좋다” 혹은 "삶이 편하다"는 뜻이에요. 
반대로, "개팔자가 상팔자다"는 “하찮은 개의 삶이 사람보다 낫다”라는 의미인데요. 삶이 너무 힘들 때, 자조적으로 자기 인생을 표현할 때 쓰이곤 합니다. 그래서 좀 재미있고도 씁쓸하게, "강아지처럼 단순하게 사는 게 더 나은 것 같아"라는 느낌이죠. 
또, "무자식이 상팔자다"는 “자녀가 없는 게 오히려 좋은 팔자다”라고 해서, 자녀가 없으면 마음이 편하다는 뜻으로 쓰여요.

그래서, G-Dragon이 "너보단 많은 팔자"라고 했을 때는요, 자신이 타고난 팔자가 남들보다 더 낫거나 특별하다는 의미로 쓴 거예요. 자신의 독특한 운명과 삶에 대한 자부심을 표현한 거죠.

이렇게 G-Dragon의 뮤직비디오에 등장한 '88'은 그저 단순한 숫자가 아니고요, 그의 특별한 생일과, 그 생일이 의미하는 "팔자"라는 독특한 운명까지 상징한다고 볼 수 있어요. G-Dragon이 문화와 언어를 음악 속에 자연스럽게 녹여내는 점이 바로 많은 팬들에게 사랑받는 이유인 것 같습니다.

오늘도 한국어와 한국 문화를 즐겁게 배워가시길 바라며, 다음 시간에 또 만나요!

[ㅇㄱㄹㅇ 덕후 톡] Real Deok-hu Talk Straight from K-media

[K-POP] What does '88' mean in G-Dragon's Music Video?

English below↓ 今日は、今プレイしているゲーム「Final Fantasy 6」の話をしたいと思います。

「Final Fantasy 」とは、日本のゲーム会社スクウェア・エニックスによって開発・販売されている、RPGのシリーズ作品のことです。

Final Fantasy 6のオリジナルは Nintendo のスーパーファミコンですが、リマスター版では、グラフィックや機能が追加・アップデートされています。

私が初めてFinal Fantasy 6をプレイしたのは、10代の頃でした。ドキドキ、ワクワクしながらやりました。とても思い出がある大好きなゲームです。

ところで、Final Fantasy という言葉は少し長いですね。そこで、日本のゲーマーは、Final Fantasy のことを「FF」と呼びます。Final の F と Fantasy の F を取って「FF（efu efu）」と言います。

「Final Fantasy」ではなく「FF」と言うと、ネイティブのゲーマーっぽく聞こえますよ！


--------------------------------
English
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Today, I would like to talk about the game I am currently playing, Final Fantasy 6.

Final Fantasy is a series of RPGs developed and marketed by the Japanese video game company Square Enix.

The original Final Fantasy 6 was released on SUPER Famicom, but the remastered version has updated graphics and features.

I first played Final Fantasy 6 when I was a teenager. I was sooo thrilled and excited to play it. It is my favorite game that holds a lot of memories for me.

By the way, the term Final Fantasy is a bit long. So, Japanese gamers call Final Fantasy "FF" (efuefu/えふえふ), taking the "F" out of Final and the "F" out of Fantasy.

It sounds more like a native gamer when you say "FF" instead of "Final Fantasy"!

Manga, Anime, Gaming（にほんご）

#003 Fainal Fantasy6をプレイしています（Playing FF6）

Hey everyone! 👋

Anatoly here, a communication coach on italki. I’m doing a little research to learn more about the real challenges people face when speaking English at work or in important situations.

I want to hear your story!

Here’s how it works:

It’s just a friendly chat: We’ll talk for 30-40 minutes. No pressure!
I’ll ask about:
Your experiences speaking English in interviews, meetings, or daily work.
What’s tough or frustrating.
What you’ve tried, and what you still need help with.
You’ll get:
Speaking practice (naturally!).

A FREE thank-you gift: 20 minutes of personalized tips to help you speak English with more confidence and clarity!
Important stuff:

No prep needed! ✅
No sales pitches! ❌

We’ll chat on Zoom or Google meet. 📍

Want in? Just comment “I’m interested” or send me a message, and I’ll send you the details.

Looking forward to learning from you! 🙏

– Anatoly (italki Coach |20,000 lessons| Interview&Presentation Preparation

One minute speaking challenge - Challenge yourself to speak English daily!

 ✅ I'd love to hear your story & offer you a free gift🎁

💔 Bajo la Lluvia ☔

Elena y Adrián se conocieron en la universidad y, desde el primer día, sintieron una conexión especial. Pasaban horas hablando, compartiendo sueños y apoyándose en los momentos difíciles. Se amaban profundamente, pero el destino tenía otros planes. Adrián recibió una oferta de trabajo en otro país, una oportunidad que no podía rechazar. Ambos prometieron mantenerse en contacto y esperar el momento en que pudieran estar juntos de nuevo.

Los meses pasaron y la distancia se hizo cada vez más pesada. Las llamadas se volvieron menos frecuentes, los mensajes tardaban en responderse y, poco a poco, el amor que tanto los unía comenzó a desvanecerse. Elena sabía que lo mejor era dejarlo ir, aunque su corazón se rompiera en el proceso. Una noche lluviosa, recibió un último mensaje de Adrián: "Siempre te llevaré en mi corazón, pero el tiempo nos ha cambiado".

Elena salió a caminar bajo la lluvia, sintiendo cómo las gotas ocultaban sus lágrimas. Sabía que el amor no siempre termina con un "para siempre", pero eso no significaba que no hubiera sido real. A pesar del dolor, sonrió con melancolía, recordando cada risa, cada abrazo, cada promesa. A veces, el amor es eterno solo en los recuerdos.

Spanish Reading Comprehesion

Love Lost in the Rain

"Don’t just learn English. Learn how to own the room — in English."

Because in high-stakes moments, grammar won’t save you.
Your voice, your presence, your story — that’s what wins the job, the respect, the opportunity.

In this 2-minute audio, I break the myth that grammar is your main problem.
Spoiler: under pressure, grammar disappears — and your state takes over.

If your voice shakes or sounds flat in interviews or meetings, this episode is for you.

✅ Learn why “presence” matters more than perfection
✅ Try a simple self-check exercise

DM me "SoundCheck" to get free personal voice feedback

#job interview #IELTS speaking #executive communication #executive presence 

The Habits of Highly Effective English Communicators

🎧 Mini Podcast: How to sound confident under pressure?

Estas expresiones son esenciales y las usamos constantemente en el día a día. Sin embargo, muchos estudiantes de español tienen problemas para usarlas correctamente. ¡No te preocupes! En este episodio te explico cómo funcionan y cuándo debes usarlas.