On the 1st January this year I set myself two aims. The first was to make 10 video lessons for YouTube, which I managed to do.
However, one of my students reminded me of the second aim: to do some "live" video lessons or to record some of the lessons that I teach here in Manchester.
Although I didn't achieve the aim of doing this by February, I'm still working on it. I'm aiming to start producing a course of video lessons (where you'll see me teaching) from September. Let's see if I can achieve the aim this time!
I'm really looking forward to that Simon. I am also an IELTS trainer and I wish to see the class size and the way you keep your student's interest alive. Most of my students get bored mid-way in the lectures.
Posted by: Ching | July 20, 2014 at 09:02
Here's a tip Ching - reduce the 'lectures' and increase the 'action' in the room. Students who are constantly doing things definitely get bored less often.
Posted by: sjm | July 20, 2014 at 09:33
we are waiting for your "live" video lessons to have the other approach to the IELTS exam. I think everybody will love it too. please make it as soon as possible. thank you!
Posted by: Do Quoc | July 20, 2014 at 09:45
Sorry for off topic, please I need an advice from sjm and other ielts trainers. I found my speaking is kind of monotone and very slow. The slow speed speaking is kind if habit that i kept since i was young even with my mother tongue. When I do writing it aint be a problem, but it severly affects my speaking and the reaction of listeners. They felt boring and sleepy no matter how I try to avoid monotone due to slow speed. How can I speed up...
Posted by: brian | July 20, 2014 at 12:28
I' m sure all student will be so excited to hear that. Thank you and thumbs up for that.
Posted by: maha | July 20, 2014 at 12:30
Brian - I m afraid I have the same problem , I m a slow speaker even in my native language.In fact, I love being quiet !! People who speak fast, they annoy me.
But I have noticed it that I loose my words especially when my "ultra sensitive sixth sense "makes me feel something strange. ( it happened twice in exam when I could have said a lot, but I chose to say nothing or just little)
Anyway, if u learn something about this problem, plz do share on Simon's site. Brian are you a very sensitive person ?
Posted by: maha | July 20, 2014 at 13:34
Thank you! Although I passed the IELTS exam, I still learning from this website everyday. I do looking forward to your courses. Thank you, Simon!
Posted by: Lan | July 20, 2014 at 15:07
yes, definitely we courage you do so.
Posted by: aousam raouf | July 20, 2014 at 15:16
Dear Simon,
Thank you for all the lessons you have brought us and I really learned a lot from you!
But I have a question about general writing:
In this lesson,
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2012/06/ielts-general-writing-how-to-start-and-end-letters.html
Can I ending a formal with surname letter with "Yours faithfully,"?
Thanks!
Posted by: bbrobert17 | July 20, 2014 at 15:51
I'll be the biggest fan for this live lesson haha. Good luck on your work! Hope you remember me :)!
Posted by: Vu | July 20, 2014 at 18:04
Simon
I don't have enough vocabulary to appreciate you. Just I want to tell you, thanks a lot .
Posted by: Nee | July 20, 2014 at 18:29
Brian
Here are a few comments:
1. Speed in IELTS is not a major problem, as long as you are not unnaturally slow. Many natives speak quite slowly as well.
2. A 'monotone' voice, however, is a problem in IELTS. The sound of the voice needs to 'match' what you are saying to some extent, because this is a feature of English speech.
3. To begin a new speech habit, you need to start pushing your limits and move outside your comfort zone. I would immediately begin 'shadow talking' for around 10 to 30 minutes per day. This means find a video clip where a native is talking at native speed and with native intonation, and copy them as closely as you can. Over time you will find your mouth will begin to get more comfortable with an increased speed, and your voice will begin to increase its range as well.
4. If you are serious about making a real change, then see an acting coach who is a native English speaker. They will be able to push you to be more expressive and give you exercises designed to add native-like features to your speech.
This is not easy. I have done this type of training for a number of years and it can have dramatic effects but it needs time, commitment and a strong willingness to change.
bbrobert17
The answer is yes, you can, however it's always good to know the technical rule.
Posted by: sjm | July 20, 2014 at 18:55
رااائع
انا بانتظار الدروس بالفديو
wow
I'm waiting ;)
Posted by: mahi | July 20, 2014 at 19:32
Maha- Thanks for comments I am not that senstive person I had several times making a pause because of thinking what to say rather than felling something strange. So i think it is not about mynfeeling problem.
SJM- always thank you for the sincere advice, I had several ielts speaking courses and they also couldnt correct me though they pointed out the problems. I was also thinking for musical kind of practice which focus on how to deliver my speech and it is where i have problem. Thank you from today i will starts shadow speaking first. I hope to improve ..
Posted by: brian | July 20, 2014 at 23:28
reminded me of
acheive the aim
move outside your comfort zone
serious about
shadow talking
Over time
dramatic effects
strong willingness
Posted by: woodfans | July 21, 2014 at 02:08
Good luck!Looking forward taking video lessons:)
Posted by: Jungae | July 21, 2014 at 02:08
Dear Simon,
I am having a problem that frustrates me a lot. I think I have a wrongly-oriented task 2 response and a word of wrong spelling. Which band score may I receive?
Posted by: Liên | July 21, 2014 at 11:12
Thanks guys, I'll do my best to get the video course started in September!
Posted by: Simon | July 21, 2014 at 18:01
Great new! Good to hear that Mr Simon, thanks to your site, I passed IELTS requested. I am in Vietnam, I visit your site everyday with one simple aim still want to get higher score for better career.
Posted by: lhx | July 22, 2014 at 08:31
Cool, that would be wonderful!
Is there any chance you would come and teach (even a few lessons) in Glasgow?
Posted by: Hannah | July 24, 2014 at 09:59