Welcome to Best English Online.
00:01
>> Hi, can I ask you something?
00:04
>> Of course, Tom. What's on your mind?
00:07
>> I'm really frustrated with my English.
00:11
>> Why? What happened?
00:15
>> I watch English videos every day.
00:18
>> That's great. How much do you
00:22
>> Honestly, I understand most of them.
00:26
Then what's the problem?
00:30
>> When I try to speak, my mind goes blank.
00:33
>> You can't find the words.
00:37
>> Exactly. It's like the words disappear.
00:41
>> How long have you been learning English?
00:45
>> For almost a year now.
00:48
>> And how often do you speak English?
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What do you mean by not very often?
00:58
>> Maybe once or twice a week.
01:02
>> Do you speak English every day?
01:05
>> Do you talk to yourself in English?
01:11
>> No, that feels a little strange.
01:15
>> Do you practice speaking after watching
01:19
>> Tom. I think I see the problem.
01:26
>> Really? What is it?
01:29
>> You're training your ears, but you're
01:32
not training your mouth.
01:34
>> What does that mean?
01:37
>> You spend a lot of time listening.
01:39
>> But speaking is a different skill.
01:45
>> I thought listening would improve my
01:49
speaking automatically. Listening
01:52
helps, but it's not enough.
01:55
>> So that's why I can't speak fluently.
01:59
>> Exactly. Your brain understands English,
02:03
but it doesn't have enough speaking
02:07
>> That makes sense.
02:11
>> Let me ask you something.
02:13
>> Can you learn to swim by watching
02:18
>> Because I need to get into the water and
02:28
>> That's exactly how speaking works.
02:32
>> Wow, I've never thought about it that
02:36
>> Your brain learns to speak by speaking.
02:40
>> So, what should I do?
02:44
>> Start with simple sentences.
02:47
>> Try talking about your day.
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>> Even if I'm alone.
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>> Especially if you're alone.
02:58
>> Yes. No pressure. No fear of mistakes.
03:03
>> That sounds easier.
03:08
>> For example, you can say, "I'm sitting
03:10
>> I'm sitting in the park.
03:15
>> Good. Now say, "The weather is nice
03:18
>> The weather is nice today.
03:23
>> Excellent. How do you feel?
03:25
>> A little nervous, but also happy.
03:29
>> That's a good start.
03:33
>> I didn't realize speaking could be this
03:36
>> Many learners make the same mistake.
03:40
>> They listen too much.
03:44
>> Yes. and they speak too little.
03:46
>> I think that's exactly what I've been
03:51
>> Don't worry, you can change that.
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>> From today, I'll practice speaking every
03:58
>> Even if it's only a few minutes.
04:05
>> Yes, daily practice is more important
04:08
than long practice.
04:12
>> Thank you, Jennifer.
04:14
You're welcome, Tom.
04:17
>> I already feel more confident.
04:19
>> And this is only the beginning.
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I'm ready to train my brain in English.
04:26
>> That's the spirit.
04:30
>> Jennifer, can I tell you something
04:35
>> Sure. What is it?
04:39
>> I think my brain is fighting with me.
04:41
>> That sounds serious.
04:47
>> Okay, now I'm curious.
04:53
>> A few minutes ago, I wanted to tell you
04:56
something in English.
04:58
>> I knew exactly what I wanted to say.
05:03
>> But I couldn't say it.
05:09
My brain got stuck.
05:14
>> What were you trying to say?
05:17
>> I wanted to say that I was excited about
05:20
>> That's a simple sentence.
05:25
>> I know. That's why I'm frustrated.
05:28
>> What happened in your head?
05:31
>> First, I thought about it in my
05:34
>> Then I started looking for English
05:39
>> By the time I found the words, the
05:45
>> That happens to many learners.
05:50
>> Sometimes people ask me a question in
05:57
>> Then what do you do?
06:01
>> That's not a bad start.
06:06
>> Then I panic inside.
06:09
>> Now that's honest.
06:14
>> While they're waiting for an answer, I'm
06:16
busy translating everything.
06:19
>> That sounds exhausting.
06:22
>> Let me ask you something.
06:28
>> When you're hungry, do you translate the
06:32
When you're tired, do you translate the
06:38
>> You just know it, right?
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>> English should become the same.
06:48
>> You mean I shouldn't translate every
06:52
Start with simple thoughts
07:00
>> right now. What are you thinking?
07:05
>> I'm thinking that I'm thirsty.
07:08
>> Great. Say it in English.
07:11
>> because you didn't translate a long
07:20
>> I just said what I felt.
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>> That's the secret.
07:27
So instead of translating I should think
07:30
directly in English
07:33
>> little by little. Yes.
07:36
>> What if I don't know all the words?
07:39
>> Then use easier words.
07:42
>> I always feel I need perfect English.
07:50
>> Nobody speaks perfectly all the time.
07:54
That's good to hear.
07:58
>> Communication is more important than
08:00
>> I think I understand now.
08:04
>> My problem isn't English.
08:09
>> Then what is it?
08:12
>> My habit of translating everything
08:14
>> So from today I'll try to think in small
08:21
That's a great exercise.
08:26
>> It might feel strange at first.
08:29
>> Every new habit feels strange,
08:32
>> but if it helps me speak faster, I'm
08:36
>> Good. Your brain is already starting to
08:40
>> For the first time, I actually believe
08:44
Jennifer, can I confess something? Of
08:52
course. What's bothering you now?
08:56
>> I think my memory is broken.
08:59
>> Why do you say that?
09:04
>> Because I keep forgetting English words.
09:06
>> Almost every day.
09:12
>> Give me an example.
09:15
>> Last night I learned five new words.
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>> This morning I could only remember one
09:28
>> That sounds familiar.
09:32
>> Many English learners have the same
09:37
>> Yes. They learn words today and forget
09:43
>> That's exactly what happens to me.
09:48
>> Tell me how you learn new words.
09:51
I write them in a notebook.
09:55
>> Then I read them several times.
09:59
>> Do you use the words in conversation?
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>> Do you make sentences with them?
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>> Then I think I found the problem.
10:18
You're collecting words, but you're not
10:23
>> Isn't memorizing enough?
10:27
>> Let me ask you something.
10:30
>> If you buy a guitar and put it in a
10:35
corner, will you become a musician?
10:37
>> Because I have to play it.
10:45
>> So words are the same.
10:49
Yes, your brain remembers what it uses.
10:52
>> That makes sense.
10:57
>> Do you remember the word confess?
10:59
>> Yes, I used it a few minutes ago.
11:03
>> Great. Let's practice with it.
11:06
>> Make a sentence.
11:11
>> I want to confess something.
11:13
>> Good. Another one.
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He confessed the truth.
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>> Excellent. One more.
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>> She confessed her mistake.
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>> That wasn't difficult.
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>> And now you'll probably remember the
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>> because I used it.
11:38
>> I think I see my mistake now.
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I learn words like a collector.
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>> That's a good description.
11:51
>> I collect them, but I never use them.
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>> And words become useful only when they
11:57
become part of your life.
12:00
>> So what should I do when I learn a new
12:03
>> Use it immediately.
12:08
>> Yes. Make at least three sentences with
12:12
>> Three sentences.
12:17
>> What if the sentences are simple?
12:21
>> Sometimes I try to make perfect
12:31
>> That's another mistake learners make.
12:35
because they spend more time worrying
12:41
>> That sounds like me.
12:46
>> Learning a word should be active,
12:48
>> not just reading it again and again.
12:52
>> You know, this explains a lot.
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>> What do you mean?
13:01
>> I have pages of vocabulary in my
13:03
But very few of those words are in your
13:07
>> Then from today, let's change that.
13:14
>> One new word, three sentences.
13:18
>> That's the plan.
13:22
>> It sounds much easier than memorizing
13:24
>> Because your brain learns through use,
13:29
not through storage.
13:32
I wish someone had told me this months
13:34
>> Better late than never.
13:38
>> So, what's today's new word?
13:43
>> I want to improve my English.
13:51
>> Reading helps me improve.
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Daily practice will improve my speaking.
14:02
>> Hey, this is actually fun.
14:08
>> That's because you're finally using the
14:12
words instead of just collecting them.
14:14
>> I think my brain likes this method.
14:18
>> Then let's keep training it.
14:21
You've been quiet for a few minutes.
14:27
>> about English again.
14:33
>> How did you know?
14:36
>> Because that's all we've talked about
14:39
>> So, what's on your mind?
14:46
>> I think I know my biggest problem.
14:49
>> Bigger than forgetting words?
14:53
>> I'm afraid of making mistakes.
15:00
>> every time I speak English with someone,
15:06
>> What are you nervous about?
15:11
>> What if I say something wrong?
15:14
>> What if people laugh at me?
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>> What if my grammar is wrong?
15:25
That's a common fear.
15:28
>> Sometimes I know the answer.
15:31
>> Then why don't you say it?
15:34
>> Because I start thinking too much.
15:37
>> What happens then?
15:40
>> I change the sentence in my head again
15:43
>> Trying to make it perfect.
15:48
And while you're doing that, the
15:53
conversation moves on
15:55
>> every single time.
15:58
>> Has anyone ever laughed at your English?
16:01
>> Then where does the fear come from?
16:06
>> Maybe you're expecting too much from
16:12
>> What do you mean?
16:16
>> You speak English like a learner.
16:18
>> So why do you expect yourself to sound
16:24
like a native speaker?
16:27
>> I never thought about it that way.
16:30
>> Learning means making mistakes.
16:33
>> Do you really believe it?
16:39
>> Let me ask you something.
16:44
>> Okay. When you learned to ride a
16:47
bicycle, did you fall?
16:50
>> Because falling was part of learning.
17:00
>> So, mistakes are like falling off the
17:06
>> That's a perfect comparison.
17:11
>> But mistakes feel embarrassing.
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only for a few seconds.
17:18
>> Learning lasts much longer.
17:24
>> I never looked at it that way.
17:28
>> Let me tell you a secret.
17:31
>> Even advanced English speakers make
17:36
I thought fluent speakers were perfect.
17:44
>> Nobody is perfect.
17:49
>> That's actually comforting.
17:51
>> Can I tell you something embarrassing?
17:56
>> Last week I wanted to say I'm excited.
18:01
>> But I accidentally said I'm exciting.
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See, that's why I'm afraid.
18:14
>> Tom, that's not a disaster.
18:17
>> It felt like one.
18:22
>> Did the person understand you?
18:24
>> Then communication happened.
18:29
>> I guess you're right.
18:33
>> And now you'll probably never forget the
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>> Because of the mistake.
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>> So, the mistake actually helped me
18:50
>> That's what mistakes do.
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>> Every mistake teaches your brain
18:59
>> Instead of being afraid of mistakes, I
19:03
should learn from them.
19:06
That's the mindset of a successful
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>> I'm tired of waiting for perfect
19:16
>> From now on, I'm going to speak more.
19:23
>> Even if you make mistakes,
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>> especially if I make mistakes.
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>> That's what I wanted to hear.
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I think I understand now.
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>> Mistakes are not proof that I'm failing.
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>> They're proof that I'm learning.
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>> That feels much better.
19:53
>> Good. Because our next lesson will need
19:56
a brave Tom, not a scared Tom.
20:00
Then I guess I'd better keep talking.
20:04
>> That's the spirit.
20:08
>> Why are you smiling?
20:09
>> Those grammar books remind me of myself.
20:11
>> Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
20:15
>> Honestly, I'm not sure.
20:18
>> Because I spend so much time studying
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>> At least an hour every day.
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>> I know grammar rules.
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>> But I still can't speak smoothly.
20:40
>> What happens when you dry?
20:44
>> My brain becomes very slow.
20:46
>> Someone asks me a simple question.
20:53
>> Then my brain starts checking grammar.
20:57
>> What kind of things do you think about?
21:05
>> That's a lot to think about during a
21:18
>> And while you're thinking, the other
21:25
That's what makes me nervous.
21:29
>> You can do grammar exercises quite well.
21:36
>> Very well, actually.
21:40
>> But real conversations feel different.
21:43
>> Completely different.
21:47
>> That's because conversations move
21:49
>> People don't stop and wait while you
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check grammar rules.
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I wish they did. [laughter]
21:59
>> That would make life easier.
22:03
>> Let me ask you something.
22:07
>> How do you say your name?
22:12
>> Did you think about grammar before
22:17
>> Because I've said it thousands of times.
22:24
>> are you saying? I need to repeat
22:32
sentences more often.
22:35
>> That's exactly what I'm saying.
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>> Not just study grammar.
22:41
>> Grammar is useful.
22:43
>> speaking requires automatic habits.
22:48
>> Automatic habits.
22:52
>> Yes. Sentences should come naturally,
22:55
>> like driving a car.
22:59
>> That's a great example.
23:02
>> When I first learned to drive, I thought
23:04
>> Mirrors, pedals, steering wheel.
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>> now I do those things without thinking.
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>> That's what speaking should feel like.
23:21
So, how can I train that?
23:25
>> Practice common sentence patterns
23:27
>> I like English movies.
23:40
>> I like learning new words.
23:44
>> because the pattern stays the same.
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I just changed the last part.
23:54
>> Give me another one.
24:00
>> I need more practice.
24:04
>> I need some water.
24:08
>> I need a new notebook.
24:12
This feels much faster
24:17
>> because you're training your brain to
24:20
>> instead of building every sentence from
24:25
>> I think that's one of my biggest
24:31
>> I try to create perfect sentences every
24:36
>> That takes too much mental energy.
24:42
No wonder I get tired.
24:46
>> Fluent speakers use thousands of
24:49
>> They don't invent every sentence.
24:54
>> That's interesting.
25:00
>> The more patterns you practice, the
25:02
faster you'll speak.
25:04
>> So speaking fast isn't magic.
25:07
>> For the first time, speaking English
25:21
>> That's because you're learning how the
25:25
>> I like that plan.
25:39
>> Then let's keep going.
25:41
I'm ready for the next challenge.
25:44
>> That's what I like to hear.
25:47
>> Jennifer, can I be honest with you?
25:53
>> I think I found another problem.
25:58
>> That's becoming your favorite sentence
26:02
>> So, what's the problem this time?
26:09
English is only a small part of my day.
26:12
>> What do you mean?
26:17
>> Every evening I study English for about
26:19
>> Then I close my book and forget about
26:26
>> until the next day.
26:31
>> Let me ask you something.
26:36
How many hours are there in a day?
26:40
>> And how many minutes do you spend with
26:45
>> So English is part of your life for only
26:52
>> When you say it like that, it sounds
26:57
>> I'm not trying to be mean,
27:03
>> but you're right.
27:05
What language do you use for the rest of
27:08
>> My native language
27:12
>> In your thoughts?
27:22
>> Then your brain spends almost all day
27:26
>> I never thought about that.
27:32
Learning a language is like making a new
27:35
>> If you meet a friend for 30 minutes a
27:45
day and ignore them the rest of the
27:48
time, the friendship grows slowly.
27:50
>> The more time you spend together, the
27:57
stronger the friendship becomes.
27:59
So, I need to spend more time with
28:03
>> But I don't have hours to study every
28:10
>> I didn't say study.
28:14
>> No, I said spend time with English.
28:18
>> What's the difference?
28:22
>> Studying is only one way to learn.
28:25
>> Then what else can I do?
28:29
>> What do you see?
28:40
>> Say it in a sentence.
28:44
>> The bus is stopping.
28:46
>> Now look over there.
28:53
>> I see a woman carrying shopping bags.
28:56
>> Are you saying I should describe things
29:02
>> Even when I'm alone,
29:09
>> especially when you're alone,
29:11
>> nobody will think I'm strange.
29:14
>> If you say it quietly, nobody will even
29:17
>> Another habit is thinking in English.
29:24
That's still difficult for me.
29:29
>> Start with simple thoughts
29:31
>> What are you thinking right now?
29:36
>> I'm enjoying this walk.
29:39
>> That's actually a useful sentence.
29:44
>> Everyday thoughts are the best practice.
29:48
>> What else can I do?
29:52
>> Talk to yourself.
29:54
You really like that idea
29:56
>> because it works.
29:59
>> What should I talk about?
30:01
>> Your plans, your day, your opinions.
30:04
>> Like a conversation with myself.
30:08
>> That sounds a little funny.
30:14
>> Maybe, but it's powerful.
30:17
I always thought English learning
30:23
happened only at a desk.
30:26
>> That's another common mistake.
30:29
>> English can happen anywhere.
30:32
>> Even while brushing my teeth.
30:45
H. Now that's dedication.
30:51
>> The goal is simple.
30:54
>> Stop making English a school subject.
30:58
>> And make it part of my life.
31:03
>> I think I understand now.
31:08
>> 30 minutes of study is good.
31:13
But I should also bring English into my
31:17
>> That way my brain sees English all day.
31:24
>> And that's how real progress happens.
31:29
>> You know, English doesn't feel as
31:33
difficult as it did this morning
31:35
>> because you're learning how to train
31:38
your brain, not just how to memorize
31:40
That's probably the biggest lesson of
31:45
>> And you're doing a great job.
31:49
>> Thanks, Jennifer.
31:52
>> You're welcome, Tom.
31:54
>> Hi, Jennifer. It's great to see you
31:59
>> You sound different.
32:07
different in a good way or a bad way.
32:11
>> Definitely in a good way.
32:15
>> That's nice to hear.
32:18
>> You seem more relaxed.
32:21
>> I feel more relaxed.
32:24
>> So, tell me everything.
32:27
>> Where should I start?
32:31
>> Start with the biggest change.
32:34
I'm speaking more English now.
32:37
>> Every single day.
32:43
>> That's fantastic.
32:45
>> I talk to myself while walking.
32:48
>> Yes. Sometimes I describe what I see
32:54
>> Just like we practiced.
33:00
>> Strange sometimes.
33:07
>> But it also feels natural now.
33:13
>> That's a great sign.
33:17
>> And something interesting happens last
33:20
>> A tourist asked me for directions
33:26
>> What did you do?
33:35
>> That's wonderful.
33:40
>> The funny thing is I didn't have time to
33:43
>> Then what happened?
33:48
>> The answer just came out.
33:51
>> That's exactly what we've been working
33:54
>> I couldn't believe it.
33:59
How did you feel afterward?
34:02
>> A few months ago, I would have been
34:09
>> Now, I still make mistakes.
34:16
>> But they don't scare me anymore.
34:22
>> That's a huge improvement.
34:25
I finally understand what you meant
34:29
>> What do you understand now?
34:38
>> Mistakes aren't my enemy.
34:41
>> They help me improve.
34:47
>> That's the right mindset.
34:50
>> I also started using new words
34:53
The three sentence method
34:58
>> I remember words much longer now
35:09
>> because you're using them,
35:13
>> not just memorizing them.
35:16
>> And there's one more thing.
35:22
I don't spend as much time worrying
35:26
about grammar anymore.
35:30
>> I still study grammar.
35:34
>> That's important.
35:37
>> But I don't try to think about every
35:40
rule while speaking.
35:43
>> That's a smart change.
35:46
Instead, I use sentence patterns
35:49
>> like I need and I want.
35:53
>> Yes. And many others.
35:58
>> Speaking feels much faster now
36:03
>> because your brain is becoming more
36:07
>> What? At the beginning, I thought I had
36:14
a speaking problem.
36:18
>> now I realize I had a training problem.
36:22
>> That's a powerful realization.
36:28
>> I wasn't training my brain correctly.
36:32
>> But now you are.
36:36
>> So, tell me honestly.
36:41
>> Do you think your English is perfect
36:46
>> Then why do you look so confident?
36:52
>> Because I don't need perfect English
36:56
>> I love that answer.
37:00
>> I just need to keep improving.
37:03
>> That's exactly how successful learners
37:07
And for the first time, I actually enjoy
37:11
>> That's the best result of all.
37:18
>> Thank you for helping me.
37:21
>> You did the hard work, Tom.
37:24
>> No, maybe about it.
37:29
>> So, if a beginner asked you for advice
37:34
today, what would you say?
37:37
>> Don't wait until your English is
37:44
>> Speak every day.
37:51
>> Use new words immediately.
37:56
>> Don't be afraid of mistakes.
38:02
Think in English whenever you can.
38:08
>> And most importantly,
38:14
>> Train your brain, not just your memory.
38:19
>> That's a wonderful lesson.
38:24
>> It's the lesson that changed everything
38:27
>> And your English journey is only
38:31
>> Ready for the next challenge
38:38
>> Then let's keep learning.
38:42
Learning English is not about studying
38:50
It's about training your brain every
38:56
and use English in real life.
39:07
Don't be afraid of mistakes.
39:11
>> Every mistake is a step forward.
39:16
>> Keep practicing.
39:21
Keep believing in yourself
39:24
>> and keep training your brain in English.
39:28