Sometimes It's OK to Break the Rules
05/13/25 • 14 min
Have you ever stopped yourself mid-sentence in English because you weren’t sure if it was “correct”? What if I told you that sometimes, breaking the rules might help you speak better?
In this episode, I talk about why making mistakes when you speak English isn’t a big deal and why it’s sometimes even helpful. I explain how being fluent matters more than being perfect, especially in conversations. If you stop to fix every little error, you might lose your train of thought or make the conversation awkward.
I also share when accuracy is more important, like in emails or reports, and how tools like Grammarly can help you check your writing. The main idea is to focus on speaking clearly and naturally and worry less about being perfect. That’s how you really improve.
Key Takeaways:
- Work on both fluency and accuracy little by little
- Most mistakes go unnoticed in conversations, so don’t panic
- Writing gives you more time to fix things, so take advantage of that
Resources:
Grammarly: for checking grammar, spelling, and clarity in your writing
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Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule.
Join our membership community here:
https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/
@fluentenglish.pro (IG)
Have you ever stopped yourself mid-sentence in English because you weren’t sure if it was “correct”? What if I told you that sometimes, breaking the rules might help you speak better?
In this episode, I talk about why making mistakes when you speak English isn’t a big deal and why it’s sometimes even helpful. I explain how being fluent matters more than being perfect, especially in conversations. If you stop to fix every little error, you might lose your train of thought or make the conversation awkward.
I also share when accuracy is more important, like in emails or reports, and how tools like Grammarly can help you check your writing. The main idea is to focus on speaking clearly and naturally and worry less about being perfect. That’s how you really improve.
Key Takeaways:
- Work on both fluency and accuracy little by little
- Most mistakes go unnoticed in conversations, so don’t panic
- Writing gives you more time to fix things, so take advantage of that
Resources:
Grammarly: for checking grammar, spelling, and clarity in your writing
..........................................................
Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule.
Join our membership community here:
https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/
@fluentenglish.pro (IG)
Previous Episode
How to use AI to improve your English, interview with Russell Stannard
Ever feel overwhelmed by all the tools and apps out there for learning a language? What if you could use AI to make language learning easier and more fun?
In this episode, I chat with Russell Stannard about how he uses AI to boost his language skills. He shares how he watches YouTube videos, gets transcripts with TurboScribe, and then uses AI tools like Gemini to create quizzes, translate words, and dig deeper into the content. It’s a smart way to turn any video into a personalized learning experience.
We also dive into AI bots like Gliglish and Lingolet, which help you practice speaking by having real conversations. Russell explains how they provide feedback to improve your skills without overwhelming you with corrections.
And when it comes to learning vocabulary, Russell gives some great advice: focus on just a few words each day and keep reviewing them. He talks about using “dead time,” like while walking or doing chores, to listen to the language and reinforce what you’ve learned.
Key Takeaways:
- Learning a language through content that interests you makes the process more engaging and effective.
- Avoid the temptation to learn too many words at once; instead, focus on mastering a few key words each day for better retention.
- Repetition is crucial—revisit the same content multiple times to strengthen your understanding and boost language recall.
Resources:
Russell Stannard is a former high-energy particle physicist turned expert in educational technology. As a Professor Emeritus at the Open University, he now focuses on integrating technology into language teaching. Through his website and YouTube channel, Russell shares valuable resources, tutorials, and insights on using AI and technology in language learning. His work aims to help both teachers and students make the most of the digital tools available to enhance the learning experience.
Russel’s YouTube Channel And Website
TurboScribe – Transcription tool for YouTube and other videos
Website: turboscribe.ai
Gemini – AI assistant (part of Google’s AI suite)
Gliglish – Language speaking practice with feedback
Website: gliglish.ai
Lingolet – AI-driven language learning based on user interests
Website: lingolet.ai
Natural Readers – Text-to-speech tool (free tier available)
Website: naturalreaders.com
..........................................................
Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule.
Join our membership community here:
https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/
@fluentenglish.pro (IG)
Next Episode
Using Linkedin to improve your English and Expand you Network, Interview with Jakub Grajcar
Have you ever wondered how to improve your English and boost your marketing skills at the same time? What if using your passions could actually help you learn better?
In this episode, I chat with Jakub Grajcar, who shares his personal journey learning English and how long-form content like video essays and podcasts helped him grow. We talk about why following what you love makes language learning easier and how skills from your hobbies can transfer to your work life.
Jakub also breaks down how AI tools like ChatGPT can support your learning and marketing efforts, and why real conversations and connecting with people are so important. Plus, we give you tips on where to find fun, interesting content that helps you learn naturally.
If you’re looking for practical, enjoyable ways to improve your English while building professional skills, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Rewatching videos help you remember phrases and improve understanding.
- Networking and building genuine connections can lead to better career opportunities.
- Experiment with different AI tools to support marketing tasks and content creation.
Resources:
Jakub Grajcar is a seasoned marketing professional with a strong background in content strategy and brand development. He currently serves as the Head of Marketing at Talkie.ai, a company specializing in AI-driven solutions for healthcare practices. In addition to his role at Talkie.ai, Jakub is the host of the "Scaling Practice Management" podcast, where he engages with healthcare experts to discuss topics such as data utilization in healthcare, team management, insurance challenges, and the integration of AI and healthtech. His diverse interests also include playing bass in a metal band, showcasing his multifaceted personality.
Jakub’s Linkedin
Scaling Practice Management podcast
TalkieAi Linkedin
ChatGPT & Other AI tools: Jamie Nightly, Claude Anthropic’s model, Gemini voice chat
..........................................................
Become a Member! This is the place for you to boost your English skills and career growth with a supportive community — without the limitations of a packed schedule.
Join our membership community here:
https://fluentenglishpro.com/members/
@fluentenglish.pro (IG)
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