Podcasts by Category
We're the Shurfa sisters from Malaysia—Azimah, Amnah and Aisya. After spending eight years in the U.K. as children, we know the importance of mastering a second language. We created My English Matters as a platform to help second language learners learn to speak, write and communicate in English with confidence! The My English Matters podcast is an extension of all that we do—it's a place for us to connect with you on a whole new level. You can learn with us while you're on your commute to work, washing the dishes or picking your kids up from school! So let's get started, shall we?
- 133 - Sign up to join our FREE training Grammar & Vocabulary: A Quiz-Based Masterclass
Register here.
We will be teaching a brand new FREE training called Grammar & Vocabulary: A Quiz-Based Masterclass for Fluent English! 🎉
This LIVE online training is going to help you get up to speed with essential grammar rules and expand your vocabulary with work-related phrases and idioms.
If you...
- don't feel confident speaking or writing in English because you think you have "bad" grammar;
- struggle to make sense because you don't know the right words to use in your sentences; or
- worry that people will criticise or laugh at you because of your poor grammar and limited vocabulary 😩
...then this masterclass is here to help you. 🤩
In this interactive online class, you will:
- Learn important grammar rules that will help you fix your mistakes in writing and speaking ✅
- Expand your vocabulary with work-related phrases and idioms to sound more professional 💪
- Test your knowledge with fun quizzes on grammar and useful expressions throughout the class! 📝
We will conduct this training LIVE online on Saturday, 4 May at 10 AM (Malaysia Time).
Yes, we will provide a limited-time replay if you can't watch live, but make sure you register to get the replay:
👉So just register your name and email address here: myenglishmatters.com/masterclass.
We can't wait to "see" you live in the masterclass!Tue, 23 Apr 2024 - 02min - 132 - 122. "Traffic Jam" or "Traffic Jammed"?
In this special Eid episode of the My English Matters podcast, Amnah discusses the difference between "traffic jam" and "traffic jammed", inspired by her recent holiday travels! Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 - 08min - 131 - 121. 10 Words Learners Often Mispronounce and Get Confused About
What's a crepe, and is it not the same as a creep?
In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Aisya breaks down 10 words that English language learners often mispronounce or get confused about, and shares tips on how you can improve your pronunciation so that people misunderstand you less.
Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Fri, 05 Apr 2024 - 12min - 130 - 120. The Difference Between "Few", "Fewer", and "Less"
You've probably heard the general rule that "fewer" is used for countable nouns, like "fewer apples," or “fewer problems,” while "less" is used for uncountable nouns, like "less water,” or “less trouble.” Seems straightforward, doesn't it? However, there are exceptions to that rule! In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, we’re going to discuss a topic that often leaves many us feeling puzzled: the distinction between “few”, ”fewer" and "less." Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Mon, 01 Apr 2024 - 07min - 129 - 119. "Avoid to Make Mistakes" or "Avoid Making Mistakes"? 10 Common Collocation Preposition Errors
Is it "I want to avoid to make mistakes," or "I want to avoid making mistakes"?
Find out in this episode of the My English Matters podcast, where Aisya discusses the importance of getting your preposition collocations correct and explores ten common mistakes English learners make in this area.
Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Fri, 22 Mar 2024 - 13min - 128 - 118. Ten Idioms with the Word "Head"
In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah explores ten interesting idiomatic expressions featuring the word "head". From 'head over heels' to 'off the top of my head,' get ready to discover the meanings behind these colourful phrases!
Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!Fri, 15 Mar 2024 - 18min - 127 - 117. The Difference Between "I Am Not" and "I Do Not"
Confused about the difference between "I am not" and "I do not" in English? In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah breaks down the subtle distinctions between these commonly used phrases. Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Fri, 01 Mar 2024 - 18min - 126 - 116. Are Tenses Important?
In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah discusses the significance of tenses in English. Learn why mastering tenses is crucial for effective communication and how understanding temporal relationships enhances your overall language proficiency! Sign up for our FREE online training called Grammar Bootcamp: The Past, Present & Future Tenses at https://myenglishmatters.com/grammar-bootcamp/
Thu, 22 Feb 2024 - 32min - 124 - 115. Are You Really "Lazy"? Exploring Alternative Phrases for People Who Say They're "Lazy"
When you’re constantly using the word “lazy” for yourself, it can affect the people around you. They may form negative opinions about you, and this can even affect your professional reputation.
So in this week’s podcast episode, Amnah explores alternative phrases for the phrase “I’m lazy” so that you can get to the root cause of your so-called “laziness” and overcome it.
Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Fri, 09 Feb 2024 - 16min - 123 - 114. Essential Phrases and Expressions for Travelling Abroad
Traveling abroad can be intimidating, especially when you’re visiting a country that speaks a language different from your own. So in this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Aisya shares with you some essential English phrases you should know when traveling, whether it’s to a country where English is the first language or where basic English is understood by the locals. Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 - 08min - 122 - 113. "Buying Time" Phrases for When Your Mind Goes Blank
Buying time phrases, often employed in conversations or negotiations, play a crucial role in effective communication. These phrases, such as "let me think about it" or "give me a moment," can provide individuals with the necessary space to assess situations, make informed decisions, and avoid impulsive choices. In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Amnah goes through some phrases for buying time and shares tips on how to use them effectively whenever your mind goes blank! For more "buying time" phrases, go to https://myenglishmatters.com/phrases and download our free guide with more than 100 helpful phrases! Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 04 Jan 2024 - 19min - 121 - 112. Filler Words: When & How to Avoid Using Them
Filler words like "ums" and "uhs" often find their way into our speech without conscious awareness, diluting the power of our message and potentially distracting our audience. In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Amnah talks about these filler words and explores when they serve a purpose, when they might hinder our communication, and how we can strike that perfect balance. Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 21 Dec 2023 - 12min - 120 - 111. How to Stay Focused in Meetings
A meeting is the usual setting where you collaborate, review, problem-solve, build teams, and make important decisions. And if you’re constantly finding yourself feeling anxious, distracted, confused—or even worse—sleepy in meetings, this can be very frustrating!
In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Amnah shares tips on how to stay focused during meetings for more productive and engaging discussions!
Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 14 Dec 2023 - 12min - 119 - 110. How to Use ChatGPT to Improve Your English
ChatGPT is an AI language model that has reshaped how we connect with technology, understanding and generating human-like text to make conversations with machines feel surprisingly natural. Think of it as a virtual companion that not only understands you but writes text in a way that feels just like chatting with a friend! Join Amnah as she shares tips on leveraging this powerful AI tool for English language improvement.
Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 07 Dec 2023 - 16min - 118 - 109. How to Give Negative Feedback
Today we're tackling a topic that many find challenging but is crucial for growth—how to give negative feedback. Stick around because we've got 10 effective strategies to make this process constructive and beneficial for everyone involved. Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Tue, 28 Nov 2023 - 20min - 116 - 108. How to Present Your Content in an Interactive Way
Presenting content in an interactive way is crucial for effective communication and engagement, and creates a dynamic and memorable experience for your audience. So in this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah gives you 5 tips on how to add interactivity in your presentation! Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Tue, 21 Nov 2023 - 12min - 115 - 107. Preparing for Social Events: Tips & Phrases for English Learners
Are you an English learner looking to boost your confidence at social events? Join Madam Azimah in this episode of the My English Matters podcast as she shares valuable tips and essential phrases to help you navigate social events with ease. Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 09 Nov 2023 - 17min - 114 - 106. 14 Phrases to Express Disagreement
The ability to express disagreement respectfully and effectively is an invaluable skill. In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Amnah and Madam Azimah share 14 essential phrases that you can use when you want to express your disagreement confidently, whether you're engaging in a friendly debate, handling a professional dispute, or simply sharing your thoughts. Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Fri, 03 Nov 2023 - 20min - 113 - 105. 5 Tips for Being Concise and Clear
Being concise and clear in your writing and speaking can help people understand you better and saves their time, making your communication more engaging and efficient. In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah and Amnah discuss five tips for being concise and clear. Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Fri, 27 Oct 2023 - 20min - 112 - 104. How to Control Your Emotions in Difficult Conversations
We all encounter challenging discussions in our personal and professional lives. Understanding how to manage our emotions in these moments can significantly influence the outcomes of these conversations. In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Amnah and Madam Azimah discuss how to control your emotions in difficult conversations. Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Sat, 21 Oct 2023 - 23min - 111 - 103. Using Pros and Cons to Express Your Opinion
Being able to present your opinions in a fair and balanced way is a valuable skill for facilitating informed decision-making, critical thinking, creating transparency and trust, and demonstrating professionalism. So in this episode, Madam Azimah talks about how to use the pros and cons speaking framework to present a fair and balanced opinion. Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Fri, 13 Oct 2023 - 20min - 110 - 102. About Time: How to Tell and Ask for the Time in English
Understanding how to tell and ask for the time is a valuable skill. In this episode, you'll learn how to inquire about and share the time, understand the distinctions between 'AM' and 'PM,' and look at parts of the day from morning to night.
Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Mon, 25 Sep 2023 - 13min - 109 - 101. "Is it one word or two?"
Have you ever sat down to write an important email or report and then found yourself having to look up whether 'altogether' should be spelled as one word, or as two words, 'all together’? In this episode Aisya goes through ten pairs of words and phrases that often make us go, "Is that one word or two?" There's also a quiz at the then to test your knowledge! Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Fri, 15 Sep 2023 - 15min - 108 - 100. Homonyms, Homographs & Homophones: Making Sense of Similar Words
In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Aisya talks about homonyms, homographs and homophones, and gives you ten examples of homonyms. There's also a quiz at the end to test your knowledge on the subject!
Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Fri, 08 Sep 2023 - 14min - 107 - 99. Native and Non-Native English Teachers: Does It Matter?
In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah and Amnah discuss and compare the benefits or advantages of having a native English teacher with those of having a non-native English teacher.
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Thu, 24 Aug 2023 - 10min - 106 - 98. Spell It Right: A Comparison of British and American English
Are you using British English or American English spelling? In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah puts your knowledge to the test. We've prepared ten pairs of words, and your task is to identify whether it's spelt the British or American way.
Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 17 Aug 2023 - 14min - 105 - 97. 10 Common Expressions for Everyday Use
In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Aisya presents to you ten common English expressions that you can use in your daily life, whether it’s at work or in casual conversation! Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 10 Aug 2023 - 11min - 104 - 96. My First Day at School in Manchester
Hi, it’s Azimah from My English Matters. Today I thought I’d read aloud a short story I wrote a few years back called “My First Day at School in Manchester”. You can find this story on our blog at myenglishmatters.com/blog so you can read along with me! Or listen here to the episode. Do you want to learn to speak English with confidence? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 03 Aug 2023 - 07min - 103 - 95. The Auxiliary Verbs Part 2: "Do" and "Have"
In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah talks about the auxiliary verbs "do" and "have".
Auxiliary verbs, also known as "helping verbs," work together with the main verb in a sentence to create various verb tenses, moods, voices, and aspects. Auxiliary verbs do not have any meaning on their own; they are used to modify the main verb and provide additional information about the action or state expressed by the main verb.
Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 27 Jul 2023 - 25min - 102 - 94. The Auxiliary Verbs Part 1: The "Be" Verb
In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah talks about the subject-verb agreement rule, verb conjugation, and the "be" verb.
Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Fri, 21 Jul 2023 - 28min - 101 - 93. Pronunciation Practice: Words Ending in “ed"
In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah goes through several pronunciation exercises to help you pronounce words ending in "ed" (like "decided", "attracted", "attached" and "slipped, for example) more clearly! Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Fri, 14 Jul 2023 - 29min - 100 - 92. What is the Past Participle?
What is the Past Participle and how do we use it correctly? Let's do some quizzes together!
This was a Facebook Live session that we had on the My English Matters Facebook page. Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 06 Jul 2023 - 32min - 99 - 91. Test Your Knowledge of the Apostrophe 'S'
In last week's episode titled ‘Practise Your ‘S’ Rules’, we discussed the challenges of using 's' correctly. Today, let's test your knowledge of the apostrophe 's'! This was a Facebook Live session that we had on the My English Matters Facebook page. Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 22 Jun 2023 - 23min - 98 - 90. How to Use 'S' Correctly
The letter 'S' has many different functions in English. It can change words to show plurals, possession, verb forms, and more. But it can be tricky for English language learners, and even fluent speakers sometimes struggle with its rules. So in this episode, Madam Azimah breaks down the common errors English language learners make when using the letter 'S' and shows you how to use it correctly!
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Wed, 14 Jun 2023 - 17min - 97 - 89. Congratulations to, on or for? Which is correct?
Should "congratulations" be followed the word, "to", "for", or "on"? Is it "congrates" or "congrats"? In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah discusses how to say congratulations correctly! To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Thu, 11 May 2023 - 19min - 96 - 88. Painting with Words: Using Similes
In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, we explore similes and talk about how they can enhance your writing and speaking. We also break down how to understand and create new similes!
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Wed, 19 Apr 2023 - 14min - 95 - 87. Painting with Words: Using Metaphors
Want to take your English to the next level? In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah talks about metaphors and how they can help you paint a more precise picture of what you want to express. She also discusses the different types of metaphors and how to understand them.
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Mon, 10 Apr 2023 - 23min - 94 - 86. Using the Passive Voice
In this episode, Madam Azimah covers several topics related to the passive voice, including:
-How to form passive sentences
-How to form a negative passive voice
-How to form questions in the passive voice
-Passive reporting structures
Madam Azimah also shares a formula for constructing passive sentences.
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Fri, 31 Mar 2023 - 11min - 93 - 85. Active vs. Passive Voice
In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah talks about the differences between the active and passive voice, how to form active and passive sentences, and when to use them. To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Thu, 23 Mar 2023 - 39min - 92 - 84. Pronunciation: Consonants
In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah and Amnah talk about how to pronounce consonants as well how to connect different sounds together.
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Tue, 14 Mar 2023 - 25min - 91 - 83. Pronunciation: Vowels
In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah and Amnah talk about accents and how to pronounce short and long vowels as well as diphthongs.
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Tue, 21 Feb 2023 - 26min - 90 - 82. Countable & Uncountable Nouns: Part 2
This is part two of Countable & Uncountable Nouns.
If you haven't already listened to part one of the lesson, make sure you go ahead and listen to that first in the previous episode!
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Mon, 13 Feb 2023 - 25min - 89 - 81. Countable vs Uncountable Nouns: Part 1
In this episode, Amnah talks about countable and uncountable nouns and how to use them correctly.
This is part one of the lesson. We will continue with part two in our next video.
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Fri, 03 Feb 2023 - 16min - 88 - 80. How to Ask Questions Correctly When Speaking and Writing: Part 2
This is part two of How to Ask Questions Correctly When Speaking and Writing. In this lesson, Madam Azimah teaches you how to form indirect questions and use question tags!
If you haven't already listened to part one of the lesson where Madam Azimah teaches you all about modal auxiliary verbs and how to use them to ask direct questions, make sure you go ahead and listen to that one first!
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Mon, 30 Jan 2023 - 23min - 87 - 79. How to Ask Questions Correctly When Speaking and Writing: Part 1Thu, 19 Jan 2023 - 21min
- 86 - 78. Tips for Learning English as an AdultFri, 13 Jan 2023 - 16min
- 85 - 77. Essay Writing: What's Your Style?
In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah talks to copy editor Kikie Jahn about two different types of writers and how each type should approach writing essays.
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Thu, 05 Jan 2023 - 16min - 84 - 76. 6 Tips for Better Public Speaking
In this week's podcast, Madam Azimah shares six tips for better public speaking.
This was a special live online session Madam Azimah conducted for students from the Faculty of Law and International Relations at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin.
In this episode, Madam Azimah talks about:
- How to look for great content
- Why it’s important to know your audience
- How to structure your message
- Five ways to not be boring
- Why purposeful body language is important
- Ways to practice effectivelyMadam Azimah is joined by Syahira Jamaludin, the moderator for this session.
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Fri, 30 Dec 2022 - 36min - 83 - 75. British English vs American English Pronunciation
In this episode of the My English Matters Podcast, Madam Azimah talks to English communication trainer Nasyeela Dzulkifli about the differences between British English and American English pronunciation.
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Thu, 22 Dec 2022 - 15min - 82 - 74. British English vs American English
While English is used in both the UK and North America, the version in America evolved over time into its own distinct version known as American English.
In this episode of the My English Matters Podcast, Madam Azimah talks to English communication trainer Nasyeela Dzulkifli about the differences between British English and American English.
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Thu, 15 Dec 2022 - 15min - 81 - 73. English Words That Are Unique to Malaysians
In today's episode, Madam Azimah talks to Dr Nor Azikin Mohd Omar, head of the Centre for English Language Studies at UniSZA, about 10 English words that are unique to Malaysians!
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Thu, 08 Dec 2022 - 15min - 80 - 72. Why Does English Matter?
This episode of the My English Matters podcast features an interview with Madam Azimah hosted by Siti Nurfatihah from The Selangor International Islamic University College's English Language and Literature Society.
In this interview, Madam Azimah and Siti Nurfatihah talk about why learning and communicating in English matters. Madam Azimah also shares several tips on how to improve your English and gain confidence in speaking.
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Thu, 01 Dec 2022 - 49min - 79 - 71. Why Motivation is Key to Learning English
In this episode, Madam Azimah talks to Teacher Asiyah about why motivation is important when it comes to learning English as a second language.
Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 24 Nov 2022 - 17min - 78 - 70. Ways to Say Hello and GoodbyeThu, 17 Nov 2022 - 14min
- 77 - 69. Commonly Mispronounced Dishes & Beverages
Is it bolog-neez or buh-leu-neiz?
In this episode, our guest, Terengganu Hired English Language Personnel (THELP) and foodie Nurul Atiqah Hj Roshali goes through a list of commonly mispronounced dishes and beverages and teaches us how to pronounce their names correctly.
Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 10 Nov 2022 - 15min - 76 - 68. Bilingualism in the Malaysian Context
According to my guest in today’s episode, Dr Rabiah Tul Adawiyah, a researcher on child language development, children have less fear of making mistakes compared to adults. Adults, on the other hand, have a tendency to overthink, which inhibits them from getting enough speaking practice. This is one of the reasons why children surpass adults when it comes to becoming confident and active bilinguals.
In this episode, Dr Ruby shares her observations and makes several recommendations so that our children (and ourselves too) continue to become fluent in both our ethnic language and English (or any other preferred language).
Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 03 Nov 2022 - 16min - 75 - 67. 11 Manglish Words
Manglish is an informal form of Malaysian English that contains words, expressions, and sentence structures from multiple languages such as English, Malay, Hokkien, Cantonese, Mandarin and Tamil. What makes Manglish fun and unique (but challenging for non-Malaysians to understand us) is the way Malaysians use direct translations from the Malay language to change the meanings of some English words.
In this episode, Madam Azimah explains the meanings of 11 common Manglish words, followed by some examples of how Malaysians might use them. I then provide the Standard English alternatives to the words.
Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 27 Oct 2022 - 13min - 74 - 66. Nine English idioms to help you sound fluent
Sometimes it’s hard to understand fluent speakers of the English language when they start using idioms in a conversation. That’s not entirely your fault. Idioms (or peribahasa in Malay) are a group of words in a fixed order whose meaning differs from the phrase’s literal meaning. Because idioms are unique to the culture of a particular region, you cannot simply take a wild guess of their meaning without listening to sentence examples.
That’s why my guest on our podcast today, AIia Zul, an educational technologist who designs content for online classes for young learners, is going to help us break down nine idioms (a manageable number!) that are useful for use in meetings and conversations.
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Thu, 20 Oct 2022 - 14min - 73 - 65. Using Contractions: "Gonna" vs "Going to"Thu, 29 Sep 2022 - 22min
- 72 - 64. Words and Phrases to Use to Sound Polite
In today’s episode, Madam Azimah shares words, phrases and modal verbs that you can use to sound polite without saying 'sorry' too many times. There's also a fun quiz at the end!
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence.
Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Thu, 08 Sep 2022 - 25min - 71 - 63. What to do when you don't understand someone in English
Sometimes the reason you don't understand someone may have nothing to do with your English!
There may be several reasons you don't understand someone in English:
1) The person speaks with a very thick accent that you're not familiar with
2) The person is from a different field or industry, so they use language or terms that you're not familiar with
3) The person is just not explaining something very well
4) The person speaks too fast
5) The line was breaking (if you're on a call) so you didn't hear them clearly
...and many more.
So before you start judging your English listening skills, consider those possible reasons and do your best to handle the situation smoothly.
In this week's episode, Amnah shares six things you can do when you don't understand someone in English.
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!Thu, 01 Sep 2022 - 23min - 70 - 62. How to Recover From Negative FeedbackFri, 17 Jun 2022 - 32min
- 69 - 61. 5 Things to Ask Yourself Before Your Presentation
In this week's episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah and Amnah discuss five important questions you should ask yourself before your presentation.
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Thu, 09 Jun 2022 - 19min - 68 - 60. How to Avoid Overexplaining
Join Madam Azimah and Amnah in this episode of the My English Matters podcast as they talk about how to avoid overexplaining.
To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe to sign up!
Thu, 02 Jun 2022 - 23min - 67 - 59. Saying Sorry and Responding to an ApologyThu, 12 May 2022 - 18min
- 66 - 58. How to Practise for Your Upcoming Presentation
Learn five ways to practise for your upcoming presentation with Madam Azimah!
To learn even more with us, make sure to join our FREE video training called Speaking with Confidence! Just sign up at myenglishmatters.com/subscribe and you'll get seven tips with videos via email.
See you there!
Thu, 28 Apr 2022 - 11min - 65 - 57. Five Pronunciation Exercises to Improve Clarity
Learn five pronunciation exercises to improve clarity with Madam Azimah!
To learn even more with us, make sure to join our FREE video training called Speaking with Confidence! Just sign up at myenglishmatters.com/subscribe and you'll get seven tips with videos via email.
See you there!
Thu, 21 Apr 2022 - 28min - 64 - 56. How to Create Your Persona for Speaking EnglishThu, 14 Apr 2022 - 30min
- 63 - 55. What to Do Right Before Your Big Presentation
In this video, Madam Azimah and Amnah talk about five things you can do right before your big presentation!
This was a Facebook Live session that we had on the My English Matters Facebook page.
Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 07 Apr 2022 - 26min - 62 - 54. Modal Verbs
In this session, Madam Azimah talks about modal verbs and how to use them correctly!
This was a Facebook Live session that we had on the My English Matters Facebook page.
Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Wed, 30 Mar 2022 - 17min - 59 - 53. How to Elaborate When Speaking
In this session, Madam Azimah and Amnah will share tips for elaborating when you speak English!
This was a Facebook Live session that we had on the My English Matters Facebook page.
Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 27 Jan 2022 - 34min - 58 - 52. What to Do When People Don't Understand You
Join Amnah as she talks about what to do when people don't understand you when you speak English!
This was a Facebook Live session that we had on the My English Matters Facebook page.
Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 20 Jan 2022 - 20min - 57 - 51. How to Stop Saying "Um" and Other Filler Words
In this episode, Amnah and Azimah discuss how to stop saying "um" and other filler words.
This was a Facebook Live session that we had on the My English Matters Facebook page.
Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 13 Jan 2022 - 22min - 56 - 50. How to Set Goals & Stay Motivated
Happy New Year! Do you have goals for the new year? Or are you struggling with creating them? In this video, Madam Azimah and Amnah talk about goal-setting, how to achieve them, and how to stay motivated!
This was a Facebook Live session that we had on the My English Matters Facebook page.
Want more tips? Go to http://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 06 Jan 2022 - 36min - 55 - 49. Phrases to Express Condolences
In this episode, Amnah shares phrases to express condolences in English.
This was a Facebook Live session that we had on the My English Matters Facebook page.
Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address.
Thu, 23 Dec 2021 - 13min - 54 - 48. "Every Day" or "Everyday"?
Join Amnah as she shares tips to remember the difference between "every day" and "everyday". We also have a fun quiz at the end!
This was a Facebook Live session that we had on the My English Matters Facebook page.
Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 16 Dec 2021 - 18min - 53 - 47. How to Use "Do", "Does", and "Did" Correctly
Join Azimah as she talks about how to use "do", "does", and "did" correctly!
This was a Facebook Live session that we had on the My English Matters Facebook page. Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 09 Dec 2021 - 25min - 51 - 46. Practice or Practise?
Join Amnah as she shares tips to remember the difference between "practise" and "practice". We also have a fun quiz at the end!
This was a Facebook Live session that we had on the My English Matters Facebook page.
Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Wed, 10 Nov 2021 - 25min - 50 - 45. How to Edit Your Writing
Join Amnah as she shares tips to edit your writing! This was a Facebook Live session that we had on the My English Matters Facebook page. Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 07 Oct 2021 - 35min - 49 - 44. “i.e.” or “e.g.”? What’s the difference?
Do you use i.e and e.g. in writing? Or do you avoid using them altogether because you’re afraid you’ll use them wrongly? I.e. and e.g. are both Latin abbreviations. Yep, they’re not even English. I.e. stands for id est and means “in other words.” It can be used interchangeably with the words “specifically” or “namely.” E.g. stands for exempli gratia and means “for example.” In our live session this week, Amnah talked about the differences between i.e. and e.g. and how to write them correctly. You can listen to the replay of the live session here on our blog.
Thu, 30 Sep 2021 - 17min - 48 - 43. How to Overcome Writer's Block
Do you often get writer's block? Picture this: You're ready to get some writing done. It could be an important email, article, or the abstract for your thesis. So, with a steaming mug of coffee in your hands, you sit down in front of the computer and you're ready to start. You open up a Word document, your fingers are braced over the keyboard and then... nothing. Your mind is as blank as the screen on your computer. You don't know how to start or what to write. Your coffee is now cold and you have nothing to show for it. That's what you call writer's block. Does that sound familiar? You may understand how frustrating it can be to have the intention to write, but somehow, nothing comes out. Now don't worry if this happens to you. You're not alone. In fact, a lot of writers go through this mental block -- even when writing in their own language. And writing in your second language is a totally different challenge. As I was doing research for a writing course that we're creating, I found a lot of tips to overcome writer's block specifically for people who are already fluent in English. I couldn't find a lot of articles on this topic for people like you -- a person studying English as a second language. So in our Facebook Live session this week, I shared a few tips to overcome writer's block as a second language learner. I also shared a bonus tip on what not to do when you're writing in your second language. Listen to the audio replay here.
Thu, 23 Sep 2021 - 22min - 47 - 42. How to use the Apostrophe
The correct use of punctuation is important to ensure that your written work is easy to understand and looks professional. Punctuation marks, such as the apostrophe, full stop, comma, and brackets, are used in writing to separate sentences and to clarify meaning. You may not even notice these marks in your writing, but the improper use of punctuation can confuse your readers and make your work look careless and disorganised. So in our Facebook Live session this week, I decided it would be great to talk about the apostrophe and when to use it with or without 's'. We also finished the session with a short quiz on using "it's" and "its". Listen to the audio replay here or watch the video on our blog: https://myenglishmatters.com/2021/09/15/how-to-use-the-apostrophe/
Wed, 15 Sep 2021 - 27min - 46 - 41. How to Improve Your Listening Skills
In order to be a good communicator, it's important to be a good listener as well. It'll help you to connect with a person so that you can respond appropriately, sustain a conversation, and make better decisions. So in our Facebook Live session this Tuesday, Amnah shared seven tips to help you improve your listening skills. You can listen to the replay of the session here or on our blog: myenglishmatters.com/blog
Thu, 09 Sep 2021 - 25min - 45 - 40. How to improve your pronunciation with word stress – Part Three
Do you have a problem with pronunciation? Do you know that word stress plays an important role in your pronunciation when you speak English? In this episode, Azimah talks about word stress! This is Part Three of a three-part series about word stress. You can listen to Part One here: https://myenglishmatters.com/2021/06/03/word-stress-part-one/ You can listen to Part Two here: https://myenglishmatters.com/2021/07/22/how-to-improve-your-pronunciation-with-word-stress-part-two/ For more tips and lessons to improve your English, go to myenglishmatters.com and subscribe to our email list! You'll get seven tips to help you speak with confidence.
Thu, 05 Aug 2021 - 21min - 44 - 39. How to Regain Your Confidence
A sudden change or hardship in life can take a toll on our self-esteem and confidence. So in this session, Madam Azimah shares five things to help you regain your confidence after a difficult situation. This was a Facebook Live session that we had on the My English Matters Facebook page. Want more tips? Go to https://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE video course, Speaking with Confidence. We’ll send you seven tips to your email address!
Thu, 29 Jul 2021 - 41min - 43 - 38. How to improve your pronunciation with word stress – Part Two
Do you have a problem with pronunciation? Do you know that word stress plays an important role in your pronunciation when you speak English? In this episode, Azimah talks about word stress! This is Part Two of a three-part series about word stress. You can listen to Part One here: https://myenglishmatters.com/2021/06/03/word-stress-part-one/ For more tips and lessons to improve your English, go to myenglishmatters.com and subscribe to our email list! You'll get seven tips to help you speak with confidence.
Thu, 22 Jul 2021 - 14min - 42 - 37. How to Stick to Your Point & Avoid Rambling
In our Facebook Live session this week, Amnah shared seven tips to help you stick to your point and avoid rambling. Rambling is when you're saying a lot of words, but the words are confusing and do not make sense to the listener. You may go on and on, jumping from one point to another. This can confuse your listener, and you may lose their attention as they get bored. To learn even more with us, join our free video training, Speaking with Confidence! Go to myenglishmatters.com to sign up.
Thu, 15 Jul 2021 - 16min - 41 - 36. How to Become a Better Writer
Writing is a skill that we consider to be just as important as speaking. People write emails, copy on websites, social media content, articles, resumes, reports, theses. The list goes on. These are all forms of content that we find in our daily lives. Good writing can give you a head start. It’s how employers select potential candidates for job interviews. A captivating email can grab the attention of busy people who get hundreds of emails a day. A well-written social media post can be shared by hundreds of people who consume content on the daily. So in our Facebook Live session this week, Amnah shared tips on how you can become a better writer. You can listen to it here.
Thu, 08 Jul 2021 - 24min - 40 - 35. What to do when you forget a word or phrase
When we're speaking English as a second language, it's normal to sometimes forget the correct word or phrase to use. This is a problem that many of our students face, and we understand how frustrating it can be. So in our live session on Tuesday this week, Amnah shared five things you can do when you forget a word or phrase, as well as the phrases you can use for each tip.
Thu, 01 Jul 2021 - 19min - 39 - 34. Phrases for Responding to Difficult Questions
Have you ever found yourself confronted with a difficult question? Maybe you need time to answer the question, or maybe you don’t know the answer! What if you know the answer, but you don’t want to answer? Now that can be tough, especially when you’re speaking in front of a group people. In this audio replay of a Facebook Live session, Amnah shares phrases you can use to respond to difficult questions. For more tips, go to myenglishmatters.com and subscribe to our email list! You'll get seven tips to help you speak with confidence!
Thu, 24 Jun 2021 - 19min - 38 - 33. "I'm too lazy to learn English. What should I do?"
One of our students asked us this question, "I'm too lazy to learn English. What should I do?" Listen to this audio replay of our Facebook Live session as Amnah answers this question!
Thu, 17 Jun 2021 - 17min - 37 - 32. How to handle negative feedback
Receiving negative feedback can be hard — even for people who look confident and may seem like they have it all together. Although there’s no way to avoid getting negative feedback, there are ways that you can deal with it better. So this week in our Facebook Live session, we talked about how to handle negative feedback. Listen to the audio replay of the session here. For more tips to improve your confidence in English, go to myenglishmatters.com and sign up to join our FREE training called Speaking with Confidence!
Thu, 10 Jun 2021 - 23min - 36 - 31. How to improve your pronunciation with word stress – Part One
Do you have a problem with pronunciation? Did you know that word stress plays an important role in your pronunciation when you speak English? In this video, Azimah talks about word stress! For more tips, tricks and great content on how to communicate in English more effectively, please visit http://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up to our online class! See you there!
Thu, 03 Jun 2021 - 15min - 35 - 30. What is your level of English?
In this audio replay of our Facebook Live session this week, Amnah shares the levels of English based on the CEFR. Find out what level you are at and what you should be aiming for! Registration for Members Monthly is now open! Go to myenglishmatters.com/members to register by Thursday, 27 May 2021. See you in the programme!
Tue, 25 May 2021 - 24min - 33 - 29. Six Things to Avoid Doing When You Speak English
In this audio replay of our Facebook Live session, Amnah shares six things you should avoid doing when you speak English. Listen here to find out how you can avoid doing the six things and what you should do instead! For more tips and lessons, go to myenglishmatters.com and become an email subscriber! You'll get seven tips through email to help you speak with confidence!
Wed, 12 May 2021 - 27min - 32 - 28. How to Improve Your Vocabulary
In this week’s Facebook Live session, Amnah shared 10 ways to help you improve your vocabulary. Listen to the audio replay of the session here! For more tips, go to myenglishmatters.com and sign up to become an email subscriber! You'll get our FREE video training called Speaking with Confidence. It has seven tips to help you speak with confidence! See you there!
Thu, 06 May 2021 - 40min - 31 - 27. Phrases to Sound Polite in Email
In this audio replay of our Facebook Live session, Amnah shares 40 phrases to help you sound more polite in your emails! For more tips and lessons to improve your English, go to myenglishmatters.com and subscribe to our email list! You'll get seven tips to help you improve your confidence and weekly tips and updates. See you there!
Wed, 28 Apr 2021 - 24min - 30 - 26. Phrases to Use in Meetings and Discussions
In this audio replay of our Facebook Live session, Amnah shares phrases you can use in meetings and discussions! For more tips, go to myenglishmatters.com and subscribe to our email list!
Thu, 22 Apr 2021 - 17min - 29 - 25. How to Overcome Your Fear of Speaking English
In this audio replay of our recent Facebook Live session, Amnah shares 10 ways to overcome your fear of speaking English! For more tips, tricks and great content on how to communicate in English more effectively, please visit http://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up for our online class. See you there!
Thu, 15 Apr 2021 - 30min - 28 - 24. How to Write Formal Letters
In this audio lesson, we give you tips on how to write formal letters, and try to tackle an age-old question! For more tips, tricks and great content on how to communicate in English more effectively, please visit http://www.myenglishmatters.com and sign up for our online class. See you there!
Thu, 08 Apr 2021 - 03min
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