Show Notes
Pausing a video before the speaker finishes might sound strange, but it is one of the best ways to train your brain to think in English. Sarah and Mike sit down for a slow, easy conversation about the listen, pause, predict method: stopping a video, saying your guess out loud, then pressing play to check. If you have ever watched a fast bike repair video or nodded politely at someone while understanding almost nothing, this daily English conversation is for you.
Do you understand English when you read it, but freeze when someone speaks quickly? In this friendly English podcast episode you'll practise guessing what comes next after a joining phrase like "the thing is", say "spot on" and "close enough" when your guess is nearly right, talk about a hunch you had, buy yourself time with "I'll get back to you" and "let me sleep on it", and learn what to do when something is way over your head so you can let it wash over you instead of panicking.
This episode is perfect for B1 English learners who want to follow fast speech more comfortably, build everyday vocabulary for guessing and reacting, and feel braver about speaking out loud when they are not completely sure.
💡 Tip: Pause after a joining phrase like "the thing is" and say your guess aloud.
📚 Vocabulary in this episode • spot on: exactly right • hunch: a feeling that something is true, with no proof • lose your train of thought: forget what you were saying halfway through • instantly: immediately, with no waiting • reinforce: make something stronger in your memory • paraphrase: say the same thing in different words • correspond: match something exactly • equivalent: equal in meaning or value • tentatively: in an unsure, careful way • supplement: an extra thing you add to help • substitute: something used instead of the real thing
🎯 In this episode, you can practise: • Listen Pause And Predict • Guessing What Comes Next • Joining Phrases In English • Reacting With Spot On • Talking About A Hunch • Polite Ways To Delay An Answer • Understanding Fast Speech • English shadowing practice • English listening practice • B1 English vocabulary
Everyday English Academy is where Sarah and Mike talk slowly and simply about everyday life, so English learners can grow their listening, speaking, vocabulary and confidence one relaxed conversation at a time.
Get comfortable, press play, and pause whenever you feel like guessing along with us.
Keep pausing, keep guessing out loud, and let your ear catch up at its own speed. 🔔 Subscribe to Everyday English Academy for a new slow English conversation every week.
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