The InFluency Podcast - podcast cover

The InFluency Podcast

Hadar Shemeshhadarshemesh.com
The InFluency podcast is your go-to resource for learning, speaking and teaching English. Hadar Shemesh is a pronunciation expert and fluency coach with thousands of students around the world, though she herself was an intermediate speaker of English once. In this podcast she will share her best strategies for learning English, speaking English with confidence and mastering the American accent. Discover how becoming fluent has everything to do with acquiring the right mindset, setting goals and learning how to overcome challenges. Hadar will also share her teaching philosophy and techniques to support English teachers looking to help their students become fluent.

Episodes

368. The different ways to pronounce O in English

Hot, work, photo, who…these words all have the letter ‘O’ in them, but each O is pronounced completely different! In this lesson, I’ll teach you the different pronunciations of the letter O in American English, and how to develop a method for pronouncing it accurately when you’re not sure. Watch the full video version of it here: https://youtu.be/nsCyAWyqn4k

Dec 14, 202334 minEp. 368

367. Pronunciation Q&A with me: Answering your questions

Ready for a Q&A with me? I’m answering all questions about pronunciation. Here’s a sneak peek of what we cover in today’s episode: Words with -er at the end of them Words with Flap T and L (little, turtle) Connected speech Intonation Do you have questions for me? Submit them here: https://bit.ly/3L71bu8

Dec 08, 202349 minEp. 367

366. Unconventional and effective ways to improve your English FAST

Are you looking for a different approach to becoming more fluent in English? There are a lot of tips and resources out there for how to improve your spoken English, but today, we’re discussing uncommon, practical and unconventional strategies that you might have never heard of. These strategies are designed to help you get fluent and take your spoken English to the next level – fast! Resources mentioned: Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/ Fiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/ Digital Nomad Facebook Group...

Dec 05, 202312 minEp. 366

365. How to pronounce P/T/K in words

In this episode we’re going to talk about the H, and talk about what happens to the T, K and P’s at the beginning of words (hint, it has to do with H’s). For more resources watch these videos: Silent H in English: https://hadarshemesh.com/magazine/the-h/ The American T Sound: https://hadarshemesh.com/magazine/how-to-pronounce-american-t-sound/ T and D in English: https://hadarshemesh.com/magazine/t-d/...

Dec 01, 202314 minEp. 365

364. The method I use to teach pronunciation (Pronunciation & Productivity tips inside!)

In this episode, I’m showing you the ins and outs of the exact method I use to teach pronunciation to my students, and how you can use the same method on your own to get great results. Not sure what sounds to start with? Listen to this episode: https://hadarshemesh.com/podcast/348/ Resources I’ve prepared for you with words, phrases and sentences to practice: The OW as in GO https://hadarshemesh.com/ow-freebie/ The Flap T https://hadarshemesh.com/t-d-freebie/ The L sound https://hadarshemesh.com...

Nov 28, 202313 minEp. 364

363. How the 80/20 principle will help you improve your English

In this episode, I’ll share how to use the 80/20 principle and apply it to your English practice. Join my free speaking community – The InFluency Community: https://bit.ly/47tinnp Transform your mindset in English through my 30-day audio course My English Mindset: https://bit.ly/47wXuYD...

Nov 24, 202330 minEp. 363

362. What to do when you get stuck while speaking

Do you sometimes get stuck in conversations, looking for the right word but you just can’t find it? It can ruin your flow, and your confidence when communicating with others. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about WHY it happens, and what you can do when you find yourself stuck! Boost your communication with my FREE 5-Step Vocabulary Planner: https://bit.ly/3XiF0qv...

Nov 21, 202314 minEp. 362

361. Mindset Talk: Tap into your full potential

What would it feel like to speak English with your full potential? In our final episode of this mini-series, this mindset talk is all about overcoming internal obstacles to do just that! If you feel like you want to take the next step in working on your mindset and untapping your full potential in English, I’m inviting you to join my 30-day audio training, My English Mindset today: https://bit.ly/3VdK0eW...

Nov 17, 202314 minEp. 361

360. Effectively practice the 5 Diphthongs of American English

Can you pronounce the difference between sell and sale or want and won’t? In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to effectively pronounce the 5 diphthongs of American English. Download your FREE practice sheet with words, minimal pairs and sentences so you can learn common words with diphthongs, and pronounce them like a pro https://bit.ly/49g4drm...

Nov 15, 202314 minEp. 360

359. Mindset Talk: Setting yourself up for success

Your environment has a BIG impact on setting yourself up for English success. This mindset episode will show you how to create the right environment to thrive. In this new mini-series called Mindset Talks, we’ll be tackling different topics around mindset and English and how they are connected. If you feel like you want to take the next step in working on your mindset and untapping your full potential in English, I’m inviting you to join my 30-day audio training, My English Mindset today: https:...

Oct 06, 202315 minEp. 359

358. Do you really need feedback to improve? The answer might surprise you

Do you need feedback to improve your English? You might think that the ONLY way to improve is to have a teacher or person that can give you feedback and corrections on everything that you say. While having a teacher that can give you feedback is certainly valuable, you can absolutely improve without having a teacher or anyone to give you feedback when you practice! Having a teacher give feedback can be a privilege that many people don’t have. You might feel that if you don’t get feedback, you’ll...

Oct 03, 202318 minEp. 358

357. Mindset Talk: Feeling Fake

Do you ever feel fake in English? This episode will focus on what to do when you feel fake in English. Whether that’s fearing what others will think, staying in your comfort zone, or falling victim to imposter syndrome, we’ll talk about it all! In this new mini-series called Mindset Talks, we’ll be tackling different topics around mindset and English and how they are connected. If you feel like you want to take the next step in working on your mindset and untapping your full potential in English...

Sep 29, 20239 minEp. 357

356. Avoid these mistakes if you want to grow your vocabulary!

Do you want a bigger vocabulary? Of course! Who doesn’t? But there are many methods out there that might be harming you instead of helping. If you’ve ever tried to learn new vocabulary, you know that it can feel impossible at times, or overwhelming when you think about all the words you need to learn. Even worse is when you spend time learning vocab, but then you can’t put it in a sentence when you need it! Today, I’m talking about the WORST techniques to improve your vocabulary. Avoid these tec...

Sep 26, 202315 minEp. 355

355. Mindset Talk: Dealing with Criticism

Have you ever dealt with criticism or unsolicited comments about your accent or your English? In this new mini-series called Mindset Talks, we’ll be tackling different topics around mindset and English and how they are connected. Learn about how to deal with criticism in English, and how to change the negative thoughts in your head you might have when it comes to what you think about your English.

Sep 22, 202311 minEp. 355

354. 6 English Success Stories That Will Inspire You

I love success stories. Especially when I see someone who I identify with achieving the things I want to achieve in life. That’s why I’m so excited to share with you today’s real-life success stories! In this episode, I’m interviewing 6 of my New Sound students as they share their experience inside New Sound, and what has become possible for them during and after. Join New Sound today: https://bit.ly/3ZcYhus They’ll share what are the things that they needed to learn, and the things they needed ...

Sep 19, 20232 hr 35 minEp. 354

353. Mindset Talk: How to Get Unstuck

In this new mini-series called Mindset Talks, we’ll be tackling different topics around mindset and English and how they are connected. Today’s episode is about how to get unstuck. Today, we’re talking about the feeling of being stuck in your English journey. Have you ever experienced that? Maybe you’ve been practicing for a while, but you’re not seeing the results you hoped to see. Or maybe, you’re just not feeling the same passion or excitement anymore as you practice. In today’s talk, I’m goi...

Sep 15, 202314 minEp. 353

352. Advantages vs. Disadvantages of learning on your own

What are the advantages and disadvantages of learning on your own? There are so many benefits to learning on your own, especially now that we have access to so many materials, videos and practice online. We can literally learn whenever and however we want! But sometimes we get off track, get stuck, or simply don’t know what to focus on. What can we do from there? What does it take to keep the momentum going when studying alone, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of learning on your ow...

Sep 12, 202332 minEp. 352

351. Mindset Talk: Managing your thoughts about your accent

In this new mini-series called Mindset Talks, we’ll be tackling different topics around mindset and English and how they are connected. Today’s episode is about managing your thoughts about your accent. When you hear yourself speak in English you might have a lot of judgement or self-doubt, and today’s topic is all about how to handle those thoughts and feelings that might come up. If you’re looking for more actionable steps to go from avoiding speaking in English to speaking with impact, I’m in...

Sep 08, 202313 minEp. 351

350. Practice your English with Barbie – America Ferrera’s Monologue

Have you seen the movie Barbie? Recently, I went to the theater to watch it with my mom and sister, and immediately knew I HAD to make a video about it. America Ferrera’s monologue in the movie Barbie is a great example of how the different elements of speech come together to deliver an important message. Want to join the FREE 5-Day Pronunciation Training? Click here! https://bit.ly/3Ebb5rs For the full transcript to practice with and the video version, click here: https://bit.ly/47YWGwh Watch m...

Sep 05, 202321 minEp. 350

349. A story of resilience and persistence #immigrant_experience

What does it take to build confidence in a language and country that you weren’t born into? In today’s episode, I’m interviewing my student Zoraida Cruz. Zoraida is from Nicaragua and immigrated to the US as a teenager. She shares her experiences of living in a predominantly Spanish-speaking community, the struggles she faced and how ultimately she was able to completely transform her English and confidence to become an unstoppable communicator. Zoraida was a student in my program New Sound. Rea...

Sep 01, 202334 minEp. 349

348. How to get started learning pronunciation

With so many videos, lessons and information out there, how do you know WHERE to get started learning pronunciation? In this episode, I’ll take you step-by-step through how to learn pronunciation and save yourself time and frustration. Resources mentioned in the episode: 6 signs to know if it’s time to work on your pronunciation https://hadarshemesh.com/magazine/time-to-work-on-your-pronunciation/ Prioritize your challenges with The Priority Chart: https://hadarshemesh.com/the-priority-chart/ Pr...

Aug 29, 202319 minEp. 348

347. Mindset Talk: How to Find Motivation

In this new mini-series called Mindset Talks, we’ll be tackling different topics around mindset and English and how they are connected. Today’s episode is about How to Find Motivation. Something so many English learners struggle with. But the motivation I’m going to talk about today might be a little different than what you think of when you hear the word motivation.

Aug 25, 202312 minEp. 347

346. Vowel Practice with American English Vowels

What’s the difference between sheep-ship, pool-pull and bus-boss? There are so many words in English where the difference between the words are small, but so important! Vowels are essential for sounding clear in English. The problem is that English has SO MANY vowels, and many of them don’t exist in other languages! That’s why today, I’ve made a full vowel practice where we can practice all of the vowels of English together. Watch the full vowel masterclass for more of an explanation about each ...

Aug 22, 202314 minEp. 346

345. Interview with my student Fred Silva

I love getting to interview my New Sound students! Fred is an entrepreneur and hosts his own podcast for English learners where he interviews others about their journey. He immediately got my attention when I saw him in New Sound – he was ready for a challenge and eager to improve. Today, I had the chance to interview him. Fred’s story is full of motivation and valuable tips for English learners, regardless of where you’re at in your journey. Listen to our interview on Fred’s channel: https://yo...

Aug 18, 202333 minEp. 345

344. Jokes in English, explained

Jokes in English, they’re not always easy to understand Humor can be tricky to master in a different language. There are a lot of cultural references, nuances, wordplay, and more that can make a joke hard to understand. That’s why this week, I’m bringing different styles of jokes you might find in English, and the explanation behind them! What’s your favorite joke in English? Watch the video version here: https://hadarshemesh.com/magazine/jokes-in-english/...

Aug 15, 202314 minEp. 344

343. The Music of English: Interview with Jason R. Levine

How does English, intonation, rhythm and rap combine into one interview? You’ll just have to watch today’s episode to find out! I’m interviewing Jason R. Levine, also known as Fluency MC ( https://www.youtube.com/fluencymc ) on the channel today. Jason is an English teacher, content developer, and songwriter with the goal to help English learners use and memorize grammar, vocabulary, intonation and more through raps and songs. I can’t wait for you to listen to this week’s interview! Learn more a...

Aug 11, 202351 minEp. 343

342. Never confuse these vowels again! Sheep vs. Ship Explanation

What’s the difference between sheep-ship, beat-bit, leave-live, sheet-sh and beach-b …you know what I mean! In this episode, I’m going to explain the differences between these two vowels. Practice these sounds with me for free! Download your sheep-ship practice now: https://bit.ly/44Z4aO2 Want to level up your pronunciation? Get on the waitlist for my signature program, New Sound! Doors open soon: https://bit.ly/47pygvK...

Aug 08, 202315 minEp. 342

341. Pronunciation & Inspiration with Sim Ahmadu

In this episode, I speak with coach and ESL teacher Sim Ahmadu about her journey from growing up in a small village without any knowledge of English, to becoming an accent and communication coach for a global IT company in Nigeria. This episode was originally published on Sep 24, 2020. To see the video version, click here: https://youtu.be/j6Zwo-BeVqM Follow Sim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ddigitalbee/ Subscribe to her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DDigitalBee...

Aug 04, 202353 minEp. 341

340. How To Use Your Voice To Get What You Want | Interview With Author Samara Bay 🔥

This is an interview you DON’T want to miss. The incredible author, speech coach and dear friend of mine, Samara Bay, is back on my channel, this time with her NEW BOOK Permission to Speak! https://www.samarabay.com/book In this interview, Samara shares what it means to be vulnerable in a language, how to regain your power and strength in your voice, and more about her book Permission to Speak, (and a special discussion about the chapter on the sounds of English ). Order Permission to Speak now:...

Aug 01, 202357 minEp. 340

339. Breathing Exercises to Reduce Stress and Improve Speaking Skills with Ori Keren

In this episode, I talk with yoga and breathing coach Ori Keren. Ori has developed a way to reduce stress using yoga, breathing, movement, and mindfulness. Ori also shares in this episode how to optimize your breath so you can improve your communication skills and voice. This episode was originally published on Jun 24, 2021. To see the video version, click here: https://youtu.be/-7MF_gRyj1c Check out Ori’s website: https://www.orikerenyoga.com/ Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/...

Jul 28, 20231 hr 2 minEp. 339