Conversational English

Empowering English language learners to achieve their dreams!

Our English Lessons

“Hello, my name is Dan. Welcome to my free conversational English language website!”

Kindness is the one universal language which is understood all around the world. It doesn’t cost anything to share and one simple act of kindness can change someone’s life for the better.

Videos

Watching English videos, movies, and TV shows is a highly effective and enjoyable way for English language learners to improve their spoken English. Here’s how it helps: 1. Exposure to Natural Language Learners hear how English is spoken naturally, including colloquial expressions, slang, and idiomatic phrases. It provides insight into the rhythm, intonation, and flow of everyday speech. 2. Improves Pronunciation Listening to native speakers helps learners understand correct pronunciation, stress, and intonation patterns. Mimicking characters’ speech can refine learners’ own pronunciation and accent. 3. Expands Vocabulary Learners are introduced to new words and phrases in context, making them easier to remember and use. Specialized vocabulary related to various themes (e.g., medical terms in a hospital drama) broadens learners’ knowledge. 4. Enhances Listening Skills Learners practice understanding different accents, speech speeds, and styles, which improves comprehension in real-life scenarios. Repeated exposure to phrases and patterns trains the ear to catch subtle nuances in speech. 5. Teaches Contextual Usage Videos and shows demonstrate how words, phrases, and idioms are used in different situations, such as formal meetings, casual conversations, or emotional exchanges. Understanding context helps learners use language more appropriately. 6. Builds Cultural Awareness Movies and TV shows provide insight into cultural norms, humour, body language, and social etiquette. This helps learners understand not just what to say, but how and when to say it. 7. Improves Fluency Watching and repeating phrases from videos helps learners speak more smoothly and naturally. Mimicking dialogue improves timing and reduces hesitation in speech. 8. Makes Learning Enjoyable Entertainment creates a relaxed and engaging learning environment, encouraging consistent practice. The enjoyment of following stories and characters keeps learners motivated. 9. Encourages Active Practice Learners can pause, replay, and repeat dialogues to practice pronunciation and intonation. Shadowing (repeating lines as they are spoken) helps internalize speech patterns. 10. Introduces Variety Exposure to different genres (e.g., comedy, drama, news) provides diverse language input. Learners hear a mix of formal and informal English, preparing them for a range of speaking scenarios. Tips for Using Videos, Movies, and TV Shows Effectively Start with Subtitles: Use subtitles to follow along initially, then switch them off to focus on listening skills. Choose Level-Appropriate Content: Begin with simpler shows or those aimed at learners (e.g., sitcoms or children’s shows) before moving to advanced content. Practice Speaking: Repeat lines from the show to improve pronunciation and intonation. Note New Vocabulary: Write down and review new words or phrases you encounter. Diversify Content: Watch a variety of genres to expose yourself to different types of language. Engage in Discussions: Talk about the show or movie with friends, teachers, or language partners. By integrating entertainment into their routine, learners can make significant progress in their spoken English while enjoying the process.

Vocabulary & Pronunciation

Learning vocabulary and pronunciation is crucial in helping English language learners improve their spoken English. Here's how each contributes to better speaking skills: How Learning Vocabulary Helps Expands Expressive Ability: A rich vocabulary enables learners to express themselves more clearly and precisely. By knowing the right words, learners can convey a broader range of thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Enhances Comprehension: Understanding a variety of words helps learners follow conversations and respond appropriately. Contextual vocabulary makes interactions smoother and more meaningful. Boosts Confidence: Having a large repertoire of words reduces hesitation when speaking, allowing learners to communicate with ease. Facilitates Natural Speech: Knowing common phrases and idiomatic expressions helps learners sound more fluent and native-like. Familiarity with conversational vocabulary improves participation in everyday discussions. Enables Topic Diversity: Specialized vocabulary for different contexts (e.g., business, travel, or academic settings) helps learners adapt to various situations. How Learning Pronunciation Helps Improves Clarity: Correct pronunciation ensures that listeners understand what is being said. Mispronounced words can lead to confusion or misunderstandings. Builds Confidence: Accurate pronunciation boosts confidence, reducing fear of speaking and making learners more willing to engage in conversations. Enhances Listening Skills: Familiarity with pronunciation helps learners recognize words when spoken by others, especially in different accents or speeds. Develops Intonation and Stress: Proper use of intonation, rhythm, and stress patterns makes speech sound more natural. For example, stressing the correct syllable in a word like present (noun) vs. present (verb) conveys the intended meaning. Reduces Miscommunication: Correct pronunciation minimizes errors that could lead to misinterpretation, such as mixing up "sheet" and "seat." How Vocabulary and Pronunciation Work Together Contextual Communication: Knowing the right word is only effective if it is pronounced correctly. For example, "close" (adj., /kləʊz/) vs. "close" (verb, /kloʊz/). Fluency Development: A strong vocabulary paired with good pronunciation helps learners speak more fluently and confidently. Interaction Quality: Clear, accurate speech improves mutual understanding and encourages deeper engagement in conversations. Practical Tips for Learning Vocabulary and Pronunciation Listen Actively: Pay attention to how words are used and pronounced by native speakers in videos, podcasts, or conversations. Practice Regularly: Repeat new words aloud and mimic native speakers to refine pronunciation. Use Technology: Apps like pronunciation trainers and vocabulary flashcards can enhance learning. Engage in Conversations: Practice speaking with peers or native speakers to apply vocabulary and pronunciation in real-time. Focus on Problematic Sounds: Identify and work on sounds that are challenging due to your native language (e.g., /θ/ in "think"). Learn in Context: Study vocabulary as part of phrases or sentences to understand its usage and pronunciation. By mastering vocabulary and pronunciation, English learners can improve their spoken communication, ensuring they are understood clearly, sound more natural, and feel confident in conversations.

Grammar

Learning English grammar is a fundamental aspect of improving speaking skills for English language learners. Here's how mastering grammar contributes to better spoken English: 1. Provides a Framework for Communication Grammar offers the rules and structure needed to form correct sentences, ensuring that learners can express themselves clearly and logically. Understanding word order (e.g., subject-verb-object) helps learners create meaningful sentences. 2. Improves Accuracy Knowing grammar rules reduces errors in tense usage, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure, making speech more accurate and professional. Learners can avoid common mistakes like "She go to school" instead of "She goes to school." 3. Enhances Fluency Familiarity with grammar allows learners to speak with fewer pauses as they can construct sentences more effortlessly. Automating grammar rules through practice frees mental energy for focusing on vocabulary and meaning. 4. Builds Confidence When learners are confident in their grammar knowledge, they are less hesitant to speak and more willing to participate in conversations. Fewer mistakes boost self-assurance, encouraging more interaction. 5. Enables Complex Expression Grammar knowledge allows learners to form more sophisticated sentences, such as conditional statements ("If I were you, I would...") or reported speech ("He said that he was coming"). This enhances their ability to engage in deeper, meaningful discussions. 6. Improves Listening and Understanding A solid grasp of grammar helps learners understand others better, as they can recognize tenses, sentence structures, and implied meanings during conversations. 7. Supports Vocabulary Integration Grammar provides the "glue" that connects vocabulary into cohesive sentences, making new words more functional and usable in context. 8. Aids in Politeness and Social Norms Grammar knowledge helps learners use appropriate structures for politeness or formality, such as "Could you please..." instead of "Give me..." Practical Tips for Using Grammar to Improve Speaking Learn Actively: Practice speaking with a focus on applying new grammar rules. Role-Play: Engage in scenarios (e.g., ordering food, asking for directions) to use grammar in context. Practice Regularly: Repetition helps internalize grammar rules, making them second nature. Combine Grammar and Vocabulary: Use both together to create complete, practical sentences. Seek Feedback: Engage with native speakers or teachers to identify and correct grammatical errors in speech. By mastering grammar, English learners can communicate more effectively, ensuring that their speech is both fluent and accurate, while also improving their confidence and ability to engage in diverse conversations.

Listening

Listening to spoken English is vital to language learning, offering numerous benefits that enhance a learner's ability to comprehend and use the language effectively. Here's how listening helps: 1. Improves Comprehension Skills Exposure to Natural Speech: Listening to conversations, podcasts, or videos exposes learners to how English is naturally spoken. Understanding Context: Learners become familiar with context-specific words, phrases, and idiomatic expressions. 2. Enhances Pronunciation Modeling Correct Sounds: Hearing native speakers helps learners mimic accurate pronunciation, intonation, and stress patterns. Reducing Accent Interference: Repeated exposure helps learners adjust their own accents to be more comprehensible. 3. Develops Vocabulary Learning in Context: Listening introduces learners to new words and phrases in practical, everyday contexts. Phrasal Verbs and Idioms: Learners encounter advanced vocabulary, including idioms and phrasal verbs, used naturally. 4. Builds Fluency Improved Speaking Rhythm: Hearing fluent speakers allows learners to grasp the natural rhythm and pacing of English. Sentence Structures: Learners absorb grammatical structures, which improves their spoken and written fluency. 5. Enhances Listening Skills Focused Attention: Active listening improves the ability to concentrate and understand spoken language despite distractions. Dealing with Variability: Exposure to different accents, speeds, and styles of speaking prepares learners for real-world communication. 6. Develops Cultural Understanding Idioms and Expressions: Listening helps learners grasp culturally specific expressions and how they’re used. Social Norms: Learners pick up on social conventions, politeness strategies, and conversational norms. 7. Boosts Confidence Recognition of Patterns: Repeated exposure allows learners to predict and recognize common phrases, increasing confidence. Overcoming Fear: Familiarity with spoken English reduces anxiety when interacting with native speakers. Tips for Effective Listening Practice Start Simple: Begin with audio tailored for learners, such as slow-paced podcasts or audiobooks. Use Subtitles: Watch movies or videos with subtitles to connect spoken and written English. Engage Actively: Repeat phrases, pause to understand, and mimic speech patterns. Diversify Sources: Listen to a variety of speakers, accents, and contexts for comprehensive learning. Focus on Authentic Materials: Songs, interviews, and radio shows expose learners to everyday language. By incorporating regular listening practice into their routine, English learners can significantly improve their understanding and ability to communicate effectively in the language.

tongue twisters

A tongue twister is a phrase or sentence that is challenging to articulate clearly because it contains a sequence of similar sounds, often in a repetitive or rapid manner. Examples include: "She sells seashells by the seashore." "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers." How Tongue Twisters Help English Language Learners Improves Pronunciation: Tongue twisters focus on specific sounds (e.g., /s/, /ʃ/, /p/, /t/), helping learners master their articulation. Enhances Clarity: Practicing tongue twisters encourages learners to enunciate words clearly, improving overall speech clarity. Builds Confidence: Successfully mastering a tongue twister boosts confidence, motivating learners to tackle challenging words and phrases. Develops Speech Muscles: Repeated practice strengthens the muscles involved in speech, enabling smoother and more accurate pronunciation. Focuses on Problematic Sounds: Tongue twisters can target sounds that are difficult for learners based on their native language. For example, speakers of some languages might struggle with differentiating between /r/ and /l/ sounds. Improves Fluency: Practicing tongue twisters at increasing speeds helps learners develFun op better control over their speech, leading to greater fluency. Fun and Engaging Practice: Tongue twisters make learning interactive and enjoyable, reducing anxiety about making mistakes. Learners can improve their phonetic accuracy, rhythm, and intonation in spoken English by integrating tongue twisters into daily practice.

idioms

An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning is not immediately apparent from the literal meanings of its individual words. Instead, idioms convey figurative meanings understood by native speakers. For example: "Break the ice" means to initiate a conversation in a social setting. "Spill the beans" means to reveal a secret. How Idioms Help English Language Learners Enhances Understanding of Natural Speech: Native speakers frequently use idioms in conversations, so learning them helps learners understand and engage in authentic English interactions. Improves Listening Skills: Familiarity with idioms allows learners to grasp the context of conversations more effectively, even when figurative language is used. Builds Vocabulary: Idioms introduce learners to a variety of new words and expressions, expanding their vocabulary in a meaningful way. Boosts Cultural Awareness: Idioms often reflect cultural norms, values, and humor, helping learners understand the cultural context behind the language. Develops Speaking Skills: Using idioms appropriately makes a learner’s speech sound more natural, fluent, and engaging. Increases Confidence: Mastering idiomatic expressions allows learners to participate in informal and advanced conversations with greater confidence. Improves Writing Skills: Idioms can add color and creativity to written English, making compositions more dynamic and expressive. Tips for Learning and Using Idioms Learn in Context: Focus on idioms that are commonly used in everyday conversations or specific contexts (e.g., business idioms for the workplace). Practice Actively: Incorporate idioms into your own speaking and writing to reinforce understanding. Use Visual Aids: Associating idioms with pictures or stories can make them easier to remember. Pay Attention to Tone: Understand whether an idiom is formal, informal, or situationally appropriate. By learning idioms, English language learners gain insight into how native speakers think and communicate, leading to more effective and authentic language use.

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Testimonials

What People Say

“Dan is a dedicated teacher and a busy, hardworking person. He is friendly and active but works seriously. He always encourages students to have more confidence in learning English. I love learning English with Dan.“

Thuy Pham

Vietnamese teacher in Ho Chi Minh city

“Tôi rất tự hào là học sinh online của thầy Dan. Thầy rất nhiệt tình và vui vẻ. Thầy còn là người kiên nhẫn lắng nghe và chỉ dạy tôi rất nhiều thứ về xã hội và các mối quan hệ trong cuộc sống. Em cảm ơn và yêu thầy rất nhiều. Chúc thầy và gia đình nhiều sức khoẻ.”

“I am very proud of being one of Dan’s online students. He is very enthusiastic and cheerful. He’s also a patient listener and has taught me many things about society and relationships in life. Thank you and love you so much. I wish you and your family a lot of health.“

Duong Nhi/Dương Nhi

accountant, Ho Chi Minh City/kế toán, Tp.HCM

“In my life I have met so many people, and some of them have made me really admire. Dan is one of these people. He comes from Canada, a country that loves peace and friendliness. I first met Dan over a year ago through a family member when he came to Phan Rang City, Vietnam. Dan travelled to my country to experience the culture and do a very meaningful thing, volunteering to teach English to many people in my hometown.
Before meeting Dan, my impression of English was not good and English was always a very difficult subject to me. Luckily, Dan taught me some learning techniques that made me feel more confident and comfortable in speaking English. When Dan returned to Canada last spring, he offered me free weekly online English lessons. Thanks to them, my English has improved and I now have a passion for learning English. I believe it will open many positive prospects for me in the future. Dan is still volunteering his time to help me advance my English skills from Canada. Dan, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Trong cuộc đời mình, tôi đã gặp rất nhiều người, và một vài người trong số này khiến tôi vô cùng ngưỡng mộ. Dan là một trong những người đó. Anh đến từ Canada, một đất nước yêu hòa bình và sự thân thiện. Tôi gặp Dan lần đầu tiên cách đây hơn một năm qua một thành viên trong gia đình khi anh ấy đến thành phố Phan Rang, Việt Nam. Dan đến đất nước tôi để trải nghiệm văn hóa và làm một việc thật ý nghĩa; tình nguyện dạy tiếng Anh cho nhiều người ở quê tôi. Trước khi gặp Dan, ấn tượng của tôi về tiếng Anh không tốt và tiếng Anh là một môn học rất khó đối với tôi. Nhưng thật may mắn, khi tôi gặp Dan, anh ấy đã dạy tôi một số kỹ thuật học tập khiến tôi cảm thấy tự tin và thoải mái hơn khi nói tiếng Anh. Khi Dan trở lại Canada vào mùa xuân năm ngoái, anh ấy đã tặng tôi những bài học tiếng Anh trực tuyến miễn phí hàng tuần. Nhờ đó, tiếng Anh của tôi đã được cải thiện và bây giờ tôi có niềm đam mê học tiếng Anh. Tôi tin rằng nó sẽ mở ra nhiều triển vọng tích cực cho tôi trong tương lai. Dan vẫn đang tình nguyện dành thời gian từ Canada trực tuyến để giúp tôi nâng cao kỹ năng tiếng Anh của mình. Dan, tôi cảm ơn bạn từ tận đáy lòng mình.“

Quoc Phong Thai/Quốc Phong Thái

Ninh Thuan Hospital Database Administrator/Quản trị viên Cơ sở dữ liệu Bệnh viện Ninh Thuận

“Hello! I was very fortunate to meet Mr. Dan through a friend, and was even more fortunate that he became my daughter’s online English teacher. Every week my daughter studies with Mr. Dan on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. Each learning session is about a different topic and content, which makes my daughter very interested and engaged in the lesson and always looks forward to the weekend to see her teacher. I can say that Mr. Dan is very friendly and close to his students. What I like the most is that he cares about his students’ personalities and takes them into account when teaching. Also, he gives regular reports of the learning situation to parents every week. I would like to introduce Mr. Dan to all other students. Finally, I wish him good health, joy and happiness.

Xin chào! Tôi đã rất may mắn gặp được ông Dan qua một người bạn, và may mắn hơn khi ông ấy đã trở thành giáo viên dạy tiếng Anh online cho con gái tôi. Hàng tuần con gái tôi được học với thầy Dan vào sáng thứ Bảy và Chủ Nhật vào lúc 8:00-9:00. Mỗi buổi học là về một chủ đề và nội dung khác nhau. Điều này làm cho con gái của tôi rất hứng thú và luôn chờ đợi đến cuối tuần để được gặp thầy. Có thể nói, thầy Dan là một người rất hoà đồng và gần gũi với học trò. Điều tôi thích nhất là thầy luôn quan tâm đến cả tính cách của học trò khi dạy; và hàng tuần đều báo cáo tình hình học tập cho phụ huynh. Tôi rất muốn giới thiệu thầy Dan đến cho tất cả mọi học sinh và sinh viên khác. Cuối cùng, tôi chúc cho thầy nhiều sức khỏe, niềm vui và hạnh phúc.“

Hiên Lưu

Owner - Mui ne Garden Apartment/Chủ đầu tư - Căn hộ Sân vườn Mũi Né

“When I was teaching in Phan Thiet university over 5 years ago, I met Dan and his wife, having their first visit to Vietnam. It was not long later we became good friends, keeping close contact and sharing life stories together. I really admire their kind hearts and humane life purpose, which is helping people in need so that later, they will be able to help others.
When Dan told me about his passion for teaching English and his plan to get a teaching certificate, I immediately believed that he would be a very good English teacher. This belief has been confirmed day after day. Up till now, I’ve introduced 6 online learners to Dan including my sister, my friend, my colleague, my students and my students’ acquaintances. Those people also introduced Dan to many more learners. All feedback about Dan and his lessons I have received is completely positive.
I really hope that Covid will end soon so that I can meet uncle Dan and aunt Cathy again. Hope that my students at my language centre can learn with wonderful teacher Dan. In the meantime, I wish you good health, happiness and success.

Tôi gặp Dan và vợ ông ấy khi họ đến Việt Nam lần đầu tiên cách đây hơn 5 năm khi tôi dạy tại trường đại học Phan Thiết. Không lâu sau, chúng tôi trở thành bạn tốt, giữ liên lạc thường xuyên và chia sẻ các câu chuyện trong cuộc sống với nhau. Tôi rất ngưỡng mộ sự tốt bụng và mục đích sống nhân văn của họ, đó là giúp đỡ những người đang khó khăn với hi vọng sau này, chính những người này có thể giúp đỡ những người khác.
Khi Dan nói với tôi về niềm đam mê giảng dạy tiếng Anh và kế hoạch học lấy chứng chỉ giảng dạy, ngay lập tức tôi tin chắc rằng Dan sẽ trở thành một giáo viên rất giỏi. Niềm tin này ngày càng được khẳng định. Tôi đã giới thiệu 6 học viên học online với Dan bao gồm em gái tôi, bạn tôi, đồng nghiệp của tôi, sinh viên của tôi và người quen của họ. Những người này sau này lại giới thiệu thêm nhiều học viên khác học với Dan. Tất cả những phản hồi tôi nhận được về Dan và những bài học họ học với Dan đều hoàn toàn tốt.
Tôi rất hi vọng Covid sẽ mau qua để tôi có thể gặp lại chú Dan và cô Cathy. Hi vọng học viên tại trung tâm của tôi có thể được học với thầy giáo tuyệt vời Dan. Trong lúc này, chúc cô chú mạnh khỏe, hạnh phúc và thành công.“

Huỳnh Thị Thu Thủy

Master in Education, University of Southern Queensland, Australia
Master in Early Language Education, University of Eastern Finland, Finland
Founder & Manager at E’SA Language Centre
Ham Tien, Phan Thiet city

Thạc sĩ giáo dục tại trường đại học University of Southern Queensland, Úc
Thạc sĩ giảng dạy ngôn ngữ cho lứa tuổi nhỏ tại trường đại học University of Eastern Finland, Phần Lan
Nhà sáng lập và giám đốc trung tâm Ngoại Ngữ E’SA
Hàm Tiến, thành phố Phan Thiết