Jessica Lee Bedford

Ever heard of "a bunch of grapes"?

This collective noun refers to a cluster of grapes growing together on a vine. It’s a simple yet powerful image, symbolizing abundance, unity, and growth.

Each grape, though small on its own, contributes to the fullness of the bunch. It’s a great metaphor for how individual efforts can come together to create something greater.

Whether you're talking about teamwork or just enjoying a snack, "a bunch of grapes" reminds us of the strength in numbers. 🍇

Did you know that the collective noun for a group of bees is "a hum"?

It's a fitting term, capturing the soothing, continuous sound these industrious insects make as they work together. The hum of bees is not just a sound; it symbolizes harmony and teamwork. Each bee has a role to play, contributing to the hive's success, much like how individuals contribute to the success of a team.

So, next time you hear a hum of bees, think of it as nature’s reminder of the power of collaboration. 🐝✨

Give an example of how you would use "providing that" in a sentence...

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where no matter what you do, there’s no easy way out? You’re likely experiencing a “Catch-22 situation.”

But what exactly does this phrase mean?

A Catch-22 situation refers to a paradoxical problem where the solution is impossible because the conditions for resolving it are contradictory or mutually dependent. In other words, you’re stuck in a loop where you need one thing to happen, but that thing can’t happen until you solve the problem—which you can’t solve because you need the thing to happen first.

Confusing? It’s meant to be!

The term comes from Joseph Heller’s novel Catch-22, where a World War II pilot can be grounded for being insane, but if he applies for a grounding, that means he’s sane and therefore can’t be grounded. It’s a classic example of being caught in a no-win situation.

Here’s an everyday example:

You need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience. That’s a Catch-22.

So, the next time you’re in a situation where every option seems to block the other, remember—you’re in a Catch-22.

And if you’re looking for more tips on mastering English phrases and expressing yourself confidently, you’ve come to the right place 🩷 Follow for more!

Negotiate means to discuss something in order to reach an agreement.

In business, negotiating skills are crucial for securing deals and resolving conflicts.

For example, "They negotiated the contract terms to benefit both parties."

Leverage means to use something to its maximum advantage.

In business, leveraging resources effectively can lead to competitive advantages.

For example, "She leveraged her network to find new clients for the company."

Strategise means to plan the actions needed to achieve a specific goal.

In business, strategizing helps to align efforts and resources with the company's objectives.

For example, "We need to strategize our approach to entering the new market."

Implement means to put a decision, plan, or agreement into effect.

In business, implementing a new policy can improve company procedures and outcomes.

For example, "The company will implement the new software system next month."

Delegating means assigning responsibility or authority to someone else.

In business, delegating tasks allows leaders to focus on high-priority issues.

For example, "A good manager knows how to delegate tasks to maximize team productivity."

Optimise means to make something as effective or functional as possible.

In business, optimising your workflow can lead to increased productivity and reduced costs.

For example, "We need to optimise our sales strategy to reach our targets more efficiently."

Facilitating means making a process or action easier or more convenient.

In business, facilitating a meeting involves organising it to ensure smooth progress and productive outcomes.

For example, "Her role was facilitating the project discussion, ensuring all team members could contribute effectively."

"Practice makes perfect"

I am sure that you have heard that before, maybe you have even said it to yourself before.

But I want you to change your thoughts and instead start saying:
"practice makes you confident."

Why should you make this change?

Well, there are many reasons...

1. While perfection sets an often unattainable goal, aiming for confidence focuses on personal growth and mastery at your own pace. This shift encourages a learning process that is forgiving and supportive, reducing the pressure and fear of failure.

2. When the objective is confidence rather than perfection, you are less likely to feel anxious about making mistakes. This creates a learning environment where mistakes are seen as natural steps in the learning process.

3. Confidence grows with each practice session, motivating you to continue developing your skills. It transforms practice from a chore into a rewarding activity that consistently enhances self-assurance.

4. Confidence can significantly impact performance. A confident individual is more likely to take risks, engage more deeply, and perform more effectively.

5. By focusing on building confidence, you develop resilience, learning to bounce back from setbacks with a stronger, more determined outlook.

Tips for Practicing with Confidence:
Set Achievable Goals: Break down your practice sessions into manageable goals that build on each other. Achieving these can boost your confidence gradually.

Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. This recognition can reinforce the value of your effort and boost confidence.

Reflect on Your Journey: Regularly reflect on where you started and how far you’ve come. Reflection helps to appreciate the growth and fosters further confidence.

Seek Constructive Feedback: Engage with peers or mentors who can provide constructive feedback. This feedback can guide your practice and enhance your confidence.

Meet my furry companions, the living embodiments of the adage "If it sits, it fits." 🐱✨

Whether it's snuggling into a cosy nook of pillows or commandeering the undercarriage of a pram, they seize every snug opportunity for a peaceful repose, no matter how unconventional the spot may be.

Their feline wisdom is a lesson in seizing life's offerings. Just like they lay claim to their unique resting places, we too can embrace the opportunities to learn English. Each part of our day is a chance to practise, whether it's striking up a chat with a barista or unravelling the lyrics of a new song.

Learning English need not be a colossal task; it can be a collection of small, joyful moments. Every snippet of conversation, every new word scribbled in a notebook, every mispronunciation that leads to laughter - they're the cosy corners where our knowledge expands.

So let's take a leaf out of my cats' book: find your spot and settle in. The nooks of learning are all around you, waiting to be filled with your curiosity and zest. And remember, if it sits, it fits – if an opportunity to learn presents itself, it's meant for you.

Relish each moment, embrace every challenge, and watch your English flourish in the most delightful of ways.

Looking for more inspiration and tips on making language learning a part of your everyday adventure? Keep following for your daily dose of motivation. Let's not just learn English; let's live it! 🐾❤️

Cultural differences can lead to some unexpected outcomes.

In one of my sessions this morning, I was reminded about how something so simple as a banana can lead to someone feeling as though someone is being rude to them.

But in reality, there was no rudeness. It was just someone being nice. But because it was just a part of the banana that was offered and not the whole banana, it was seen as being unfair.

Now, if we translate this into work, then can you see why there could be problems?

So think about the language you use when asking for something (and remember that a please and thank you go a long way).

On the other hand, if you feel as though someone has taken something personally, then ask, listen, and explain. The only way we are going to learn about other cultures is by talking about it.

Some cultures are more direct, and some are not.
Some are loud, and some are not.

Remember, you are learning English to be able to communicate, but with that, you need to understand who you are talking to!

Learning English starts with your mindset.

My English is not good enough.

I need to apologise for my English.

I am sorry, my English is bad.

My English isn't as good as (someone in the class).

Have you said any of these??

I hear them so often, especially in my first class with a client, and I want you to stop thinking like this.

You are coming into the class defeated…

What you should be saying is:

I am here to make mistakes and learn!

I am here to make sure that people understand me when I communicate!

Changing your mindset changes the way you learn! And I can tell you, I see the improvement in my students who change the way that they think of their abilities.

Saying “I DON’T KNOW” can be a great experience. 

When we admit to not knowing something and then putting in the effort to learn or get that information, it shows that we are willing to put in the time and effort. 

Now, I am not saying that we should use this phrase often, but we should be willing to admit to something that we don’t know. 

There are times when I am asked about specific grammar rules, and yes I can tell you what sounds right and wrong, but I have had to do a lot of research on the reason why so that I am able to explain it to my students. 

And if I am asked a question that I don’t have an answer for, then I say “I don’t know. Let me find out, and I will get back to you.” 

And I do some research. I understand the problem. And then I explain it…

And in that process, I learn something for the next time, too! 

You are all looking at ways of reducing your accent…

Why not just accept your accent for the way it is and love it?

Your accent is part of who you are, and it is part of your story! It is something that you should be celebrating!

Pronunciation is more important than accents. But even with that, there are different ways of pronouncing the same words, for example, schedule.

Love your accent!

Come join for a short lesson on some phrasal verbs!

I will be talking about phrasal verbs with the preposition 'over'.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Learning English doesn't have to be boring, in fact, it is better for you when you are enjoying what you are doing.

So next time you are in class, remember that you can laugh, you can have a bit of fun, and you can relax a bit!

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Hi, I'm Jessica!
I help professionals improve their English. Reach out to discuss my 1-on-1, 10-week program!
If you enjoyed this post, ring my 🔔 , save or share it
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Do you want to improve your grammar for your next meeting?

Well, I have some great news for you...

But before that, let me ask you "WHY?".

Do you think that having perfect grammar is going to make you feel more confident when you are speaking?

Do you think having perfect grammar is going to give you the courage to speak up in your next meeting?

Let me tell you a secret... IT ISN'T GOING TO!

So many of my students have an amazing understanding of grammar (to be honest, they probably understand some parts better than me). But they still doubt their own capabilities.

An example... My one student has always been nervous to speak and worried that she isn't changing verbs to the past when she is talking and that she is mixing up the sentence construction.
Well, the other day, she had to be part of a recruitment meeting unexpectedly, and the whole meeting was in English.
She had to ask questions and explain certain points to the new employee.
And when I asked her how it went, she was so proud of herself because the new employee understood her and her manager understood her.
I asked her about her grammar, and she said that she didn't know if she made any big mistakes but she realised that it didn't matter as much...

So instead of being worried about your grammar, worry about whether people understand what you are saying.

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Hi, I'm Jessica!

I help professionals improve their English. Reach out to discuss my 1-on-1, 10-week program!

If you enjoyed this post, ring my 🔔 , save or share it
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Do you find speaking English difficult?

Have you thought about the reason why? And what about your frustration to do with English?

But have you ever thought about what you are doing well in English?

Remember, focusing on the negative is not going to help you improve your ability, instead it is going to lead to more frustration and you are going to doubt yourself even more.

Instead, focus on the points that you are doing well.

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Present Perfect Simple and Present Perfect Continuous are very similar... but there are a few differences that you should remember...

Have a look and answer the following question...

What is the difference between the following:

I have lived in Japan.

I have been living in Japan.

Present perfect tense can be difficult sometimes...

Let me know if you have any questions