How To Use "Who, What, Where, When, Why & How"

A great conversation always starts with a question.  Today we will discuss the question words that lead us to answers.  Want to learn great questioning skills? Let’s dive right in.

I remember when I first started in sales.  I quickly learned that the best way to start a conversation was to ask the right questions.  

Here are the question words to use, “Who, What, Where, When, Why and How.” Now let’s practice using these words, today you are going to get to know me a little more.  

Questions:  

1. Who are you? I am Barbara, also known as Coach Barb.

2. What do you do?  I teach English, and I am also a Life Coach.  

3. Where do you get your teaching materials?  I get my educational materials from books, trade magazines, and workbooks.

4. When is the best time to contact you?  The best time to reach me is from 7 AM - 10 PM Eastern Standard Time.  

5. Why did you choose to teach English?  I decided to teach English because I enjoy teaching and helping people.

6. How do you prepare for your classes?  I read daily and I write out my lesson plans a week before my classes.

In summary, hope you enjoyed today’s blog post.  Now you know how to use question words to start a conversation, go have fun and start getting some answers.  Until next week!

Coach Barb

TEFL Certified

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Top 10 Exciting Idioms To Help With Your English

Today we will discuss Idioms.  Using expressions is a fun way to communicate by using phrases that do not mean, what the words mean.  Here is the definition of idioms.

idiom

ˈɪdɪəm/

noun

plural noun: idioms

A group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words (e.g. over the moon, see the light ).

synonyms

expression, idiomatic expression, turn of phrase, set phrase, fixed expression, phrase; "‘Far out,’ she replied, using a rather dated idiom"

A hot potato

Speak of an issue (mostly current) which many people are talking about and which is usually disputed

Barking up the wrong tree

Looking in the wrong place. Accusing the wrong person

Best of both worlds

Meaning: All the advantages.

Costs an arm and a leg

This idiom is used when something is very expensive.

Cry over spilled milk

When you complain about a loss from the past.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket

Do not put all your resources in one possibility.

Hit the nail on the head

Do or say something exactly right

Jump on the bandwagon

Join a popular trend or activity.

Let the cat out of the bag

To share information that was previously concealed

Off one's rocker

Crazy, demented, out of one's mind, in a confused or befuddled state of mind, senile.

Try using these idioms this week.  Check out my Instagram for more updates on idioms.  Have a great day.  

Until next week,

Coach Barb

How To Use Phrasal Verbs and Improve Your English Skills

Learning a new language can be intimidating.  With the right mindset and willingness to learn, it becomes fun and exciting. What are you doing to improve your English skills?

Below you will find tips to help you feel more confident and Happy. Enjoy.

Phrasal Verbs:

The more formal a conversation or text, the less phrasal verbs are found. Phrasal verbs consist of a verb plus a particle (preposition, adverb). The particle can change the meaning of the verb completely, e.g.: look up – consult a reference book (look a word up in a dictionary)

Usually, the verb and preposition in a phrasal verb need to be said together, like in the phrase “fall down.” In some cases, though, you can separate the verb and the preposition by putting other words in between them.

Verb	Meaning
look forward to	anticipate with pleasure
look down on	despise

More English Tips

• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
• Make the effort
• Gather your thoughts and start
• Don't rush
• Relax
• Keep a journal - write a couple of sentences about your day
• Talk to yourself - self practice

Activities

• Talk about your plans
• Speak about every step while you cook
• Speak about what you are doing when you are getting dressed
• Have fun with different activities and speak about what you are doing, for example, “I’m getting in the car” or “I am going to eat this burger” just repeat what you are doing in English.  
• Remember to practice daily

In summary, always keep learning and practice as much as you can.  Have a great day.

Until next week,

Coach Barb