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Charles Cornell

Speak English confidently in this unique English language course, which is ideal for students at a pre-intermediate to intermediate level of English (A2-B1). You will improve your English Speaking, English Listening, English Vocabulary, English Grammar and English Pronunciation skills.

Includes: Assignments and a Free Companion Website with Online Activities 

This Course Also Includes:

 Step-by-step teaching method

 Online activities

 Downloadable PDF Worksheets

 Assignments

 Video lessons 

 Subtitles 

 AND a Course Facebook Group where you can upload videos of your talks

Read more

Speak English confidently in this unique English language course, which is ideal for students at a pre-intermediate to intermediate level of English (A2-B1). You will improve your English Speaking, English Listening, English Vocabulary, English Grammar and English Pronunciation skills.

Includes: Assignments and a Free Companion Website with Online Activities 

This Course Also Includes:

 Step-by-step teaching method

 Online activities

 Downloadable PDF Worksheets

 Assignments

 Video lessons 

 Subtitles 

 AND a Course Facebook Group where you can upload videos of your talks

Then I take you step-by-step through the language you need to create your own talk. At the end of each section, you can create and upload your own short talk.

  1. Watch the introduction to the topic

  2. Listen to my talk

  3. Do a listening activity 

  4. Learn the language in my talk

  5. Learn more vocabulary

  6. Do a vocabulary activity 

  7. Create a short talk about the topic

  8. Take an assignment (optional)

By working through the materials, you will master the English language needed to speak confidently about a variety of everyday topics. You will also learn English Grammar and English Vocabulary in a natural way.

ABOUT THE COURSE INSTRUCTOR, Charles Cornelius

  • native English speaker from England

  • experienced English language teacher with 20 years' teaching experience, including at The British Council

  • Masters degree in Education

  • Udemy instructor since 2015: over 30,000 students in 160 countries

Course Image Designed by Freepik

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Speak english confidently and naturally on a wide range of everyday topics
  • Build your english speaking skills - speak english fluently, like a native
  • Grow your english language knowledge with hundreds of new words and phrases
  • Improve your english listening skills - listen to a native speaker
  • Develop your english vocabulary using online activities and create your own vocabulary booklet

Syllabus

Introduction

Start here. Learn about:

  • your course instructor
  • how the course is organised
  • how to get the most from this course
Read more

Start to think about the topic. What kinds of questions do people answer when they are introducing themselves?

Improve your listening skills. Listen to my talk and answer the question.

Improve your listening skills. Download the gap fill worksheet, listen again to my talk again, and fill in the blanks on the worksheet.

Learn some "filler language" that was used in the talk. Filler language gives you time to think about what to say, and it makes you sound like a native speaker.

Learn some useful questions to ask other people, and practise saying them with a natural English accent.

Learn the questions from the previous lecture.

Now it's your turn! Write a mini script.

Start to think about the topic of describing people. Try to answer some of my questions.

Listen to my short talk about someone I know and answer the questions. I will tell you the answers at the end.

Listen to my talk again and do the activities. You can either do the activity online, or download the worksheets. Good luck!

Learn the language from my talk.

Learn some advanced idioms and expressions for talking about your holiday

Learn more language for describing people.

Learn the vocabulary for this topic by doing these 2 activities.

Learn 24 idioms for describing people's personalities

Now it is your turn! Create a mini script using the ideas in the worksheet.

Start to think about the topic of holidays. Try to answer some of my questions.

Listen to my short talk about holidays and answer the questions. I will tell you the answers at the end.

Listen to my talk again and do the activities. Good luck!

Do the activity - this will help you learn the vocabulary for describing holidays.

Check your answers to the vocabulary activity. I will explain the answers.

Do the vocabulary activity - this will help you learn the vocabulary for describing your neighbourhood.

Learn how to respond appropriately to people's feelings, questions, successes and problems with natural English.

Start to think about the topic of jobs. Try to answer some of my questions.

Listen to my short talk about jobs and answer the questions. I will tell you the answers at the end.

Do the activity - this will help you learn the vocabulary for talking about jobs.

Start to think about the topic of likes and dislikes. Try to answer some of my questions.

Listen to my short talk about likes and dislikes and answer the questions. I will tell you the answers at the end.

Do the activity - this will help you learn the vocabulary for talking about likes and dislikes.

Learn some more vocabulary for describing likes and dislikes.

Learn some some grammar for describing likes and dislikes.

Start to think about the topic of ambitions. What are your ambitions?

Here's an extra task for you - make a video of your talk and upload it to our course Facebook group

Let's talk about your neighbourhood! Watch the introduction and think about the questions.

Listen to my short talk about my neighbourhood and think about the questions as you listen.

Start to think about the topic of hobbies and interests.

Listen to my short talk about my hobbies and interests and think about the questions as you listen.

Learn more language for talking about hobbies and interests

Do the vocabulary activity - this will help you learn the vocabulary for describing your hobbies and interests.

Check your answers to the vocabulary activities. I will explain the answers.

Learn how to ask questions about someone's hobbies and interests

Listen to my short talk about my ambitions. What ambitions do I have?

Look at and learn the language I used in my talk.

Learn some more vocabulary for talking about your ambitions. You can also download the Vocabulary Record for this topic.

Do the vocabulary activity - this will help you learn the vocabulary for describing your ambitions.

Make a video of your talk and upload it to our course Facebook group

Think about your life so far. 

Listen to my talk about my life story. What topics do I talk about?

Practise your listening: listen to my talk again and do the activity. 

Learn phrases for talking about time, and some past simple verbs for talking about your life.

Practise forming the past tense verbs, and use them in some sentences.

Now it is your turn! Download the PDF, and create a mini script by filling in the blanks in the worksheet.

Make a video of your talk and upload it to our course Facebook group

Let's talk about clothes! This lecture will get you to think about clothes.

Listen to 4 short talks about the clothes people wear? Can you guess who these people are?

Learn the language for clothing that I used in my talk.

Learn some more vocabulary for talking about shoes, coats, tops and underwear.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a structured approach to improving English skills, which is ideal for learners at the pre-intermediate to intermediate level
Includes assignments and a companion website with online activities, which reinforces learning through practice and engagement
Offers a Facebook group for learners to upload videos of their talks, which fosters a supportive community and provides opportunities for feedback
Taught by an instructor with 20 years of experience, including at The British Council, which suggests a high level of expertise and credibility
Requires learners to create and upload short talks, which may be intimidating for some students who are not comfortable with public speaking
Focuses on everyday topics, which may not be suitable for learners who need English for specific professional or academic purposes

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Reviews summary

Build english speaking confidence

According to learners, this course is a highly effective way to build confidence in speaking English, particularly for those at the A2-B1 level. Students consistently praise the instructor, Charles Cornelius, for his clear explanations, native English accent, and engaging teaching style. The practical approach, including the opportunity to create and upload short talks, is highlighted as a key strength, helping students practice speaking naturally. Reviewers also appreciate the useful vocabulary and phrases taught, including valuable filler language. While generally well-received, the course relies heavily on self-practice, which may require dedication from the student.
Content is suitable for pre-intermediate to intermediate learners.
"As an A2 learner, I found the course challenging but manageable."
"The level is perfect for someone like me who wants to bridge the gap to intermediate."
"It seems well-suited for the stated A2-B1 level."
"The course material was just right for my pre-intermediate stage."
Teaches practical language for everyday talks.
"I learned many new and useful words and phrases for everyday conversations."
"The section on filler language was particularly helpful for sounding more natural."
"The vocabulary introduced is very relevant to the topics covered."
"I appreciated learning practical phrases I could use right away."
Instructor's explanations are easy to follow.
"The instructor explains everything clearly and his pace is just right."
"I really like the way the teacher explains new concepts. It's very clear and easy to understand."
"Charles is a great teacher. His explanations are always clear and concise."
"Everything is explained simply, making complex ideas accessible."
Offers valuable opportunities to practice speaking.
"Creating and uploading talks is a fantastic way to practice speaking regularly."
"The course structure pushes you to actually speak, which is exactly what I needed."
"I found the mini-talks to be an excellent way to apply what I learned immediately."
"The speaking assignments were the most helpful part for improving my fluency."
Helps students feel more confident speaking.
"This course truly helped me feel more confident speaking English in various situations."
"After taking this course, I feel much more comfortable expressing myself in English."
"The practical exercises and lessons boosted my confidence significantly."
"It gave me the courage I needed to start speaking more."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Speak English With Confidence: English Speaking Course with these activities:
Review Basic English Grammar
Strengthen your understanding of fundamental grammar rules to improve sentence construction and overall fluency.
Show steps
  • Review parts of speech and sentence structure.
  • Complete online grammar quizzes and exercises.
  • Identify and correct grammatical errors in sample texts.
Read 'English for Everyone: Level 1: Beginner, Course Book'
Enhance your foundational knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary through structured lessons and exercises.
Show steps
  • Read each chapter and complete the exercises.
  • Review vocabulary lists and practice pronunciation.
  • Use the book as a reference for grammar rules.
Daily Conversation Practice
Improve fluency and confidence by engaging in daily conversations on various topics covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic from the course syllabus.
  • Find a conversation partner (online or in person).
  • Engage in a 15-minute conversation on the topic.
  • Record yourself speaking and review the recording.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Record Short Talks on Course Topics
Solidify your understanding and improve speaking skills by creating and recording short talks on the topics covered in each module.
Show steps
  • Select a topic from the current module.
  • Prepare a short script or outline.
  • Record a 2-3 minute talk on the topic.
  • Review the recording and identify areas for improvement.
Join a Language Exchange Partner Program
Practice speaking with native English speakers and receive feedback on your pronunciation and grammar.
Show steps
  • Find a language exchange partner online.
  • Schedule regular video calls.
  • Spend half the time speaking English and half the time speaking your native language.
  • Provide constructive feedback to each other.
Write a Blog Post in English
Enhance your writing skills and vocabulary by creating a blog post on a topic related to your interests or experiences.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic you are passionate about.
  • Research and gather information.
  • Write a 300-500 word blog post.
  • Edit and proofread your post.
  • Publish your post on a blogging platform.
Read 'Ship or Sheep?' by Ann Baker
Improve your pronunciation by working through exercises designed to differentiate similar-sounding words.
Show steps
  • Work through each unit, focusing on minimal pairs.
  • Record yourself saying the words and compare to the audio.
  • Practice sentences and dialogues to improve fluency.

Career center

Learners who complete Speak English With Confidence: English Speaking Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
English Teacher
An English Teacher helps students of all ages learn and improve their English language skills. This course helps build a foundation for teaching English, particularly to students at a pre-intermediate to intermediate level. By improving your own spoken English, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, you'll be better equipped to explain these concepts to others. The course's step-by-step methodology and focus on everyday topics provides a model for creating engaging lessons. Learning to speak confidently about personal topics like hobbies, ambitions, and life experiences, makes you a more relatable and effective English Teacher.
Language Exchange Partner
A Language Exchange Partner connects with individuals learning your native language, offering practice and feedback in exchange for help with a language you are learning. This course helps you become a more effective Language Exchange Partner by improving your English speaking skills and building confidence in communication. The course's emphasis on natural conversation and everyday topics, like hobbies and personal experiences, provides engaging material for language exchange sessions. You'll also learn to introduce yourself and describe your personality, which helps you build rapport with your language partner. Becoming a Language Exchange Partner may be a good step for learners of this course.
Call Center Agent
A Call Center Agent handles phone calls for a company, providing customer support or sales assistance. This course can be a valuable asset, as it will help improve English speaking and listening skills, critical for clear and professional phone communication. The course's focus on natural English speech, pronunciation, and conversational responses ensures you can understand and assist callers effectively. Mastering everyday topics, such as describing your personality, talking about your ambitions, and discussing your hobbies, helps to build rapport with callers and address their needs. As a Call Center Agent, your English must be proficient.
Customer Service Representative
A Customer Service Representative assists customers with inquiries, orders, and complaints. This course helps those who wish to become a Customer Service Representative by improving English speaking and listening skills, which are essential for clear and effective communication. The course's focus on understanding natural English speech and conversational responses ensures you can handle customer interactions with confidence. Learning to describe likes and dislikes, talk about your job, and discuss your neighborhood, helps you build rapport with customers and address their needs. The customer service representative must also be confident and fluent.
ESL Tutor
An ESL Tutor provides personalized English language instruction to non-native speakers. This course may be helpful for those seeking to become an effective ESL Tutor, as it focuses on building confidence in speaking, listening, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation – all essential skills for communicating effectively with students. The course's emphasis on step-by-step teaching methods and assignments, along with downloadable PDF worksheets and online activities, may be useful in structuring tutoring sessions. Mastering the English language needed to discuss everyday topics confidently also helps an ESL Tutor connect with students and create a comfortable learning environment.
Receptionist
A Receptionist welcomes visitors and answers phone calls, serving as the first point of contact for an organization. This course helps those who wish to become a Receptionist by improving English speaking and listening skills, essential for professional and courteous communication. The course's emphasis on introducing yourself, describing your personality, and using natural English greetings helps to create a positive first impression. Learning conversational responses and handling inquiries about various topics helps you assist visitors and callers effectively. As a Receptionist, English speaking skills must be highly proficient.
Tour Guide
A Tour Guide leads visitors through a city, region, or attraction, providing information and insights. This course enhances the communication skills essential for a Tour Guide who needs to speak clearly and confidently to diverse audiences. This course helps build your English speaking, listening, and pronunciation skills. The focus on everyday topics, such as describing your neighborhood, hobbies, and personal experiences, provides a foundation for engaging storytelling and answering visitor questions. As a tour guide, mastery of English makes you stand out.
Flight Attendant
A Flight Attendant ensures the safety and comfort of airline passengers. This course can be beneficial to a Flight Attendant by improving English speaking and listening skills, critical for clear and effective communication with passengers from diverse backgrounds. This course helps build your ability to provide instructions, answer questions, and handle various situations with confidence. Learning to introduce yourself, describe your personality, and discuss everyday topics helps you connect with passengers and make their travel experience more pleasant. A mastery of English is paramount for the flight attendant.
Interpreter
An Interpreter facilitates communication between individuals who speak different languages. This course may be helpful for those interested in becoming an Interpreter, as it focuses on improving English speaking, listening, and vocabulary skills. While interpreting requires more than just conversational fluency, having a solid foundation in everyday English is crucial. This course can help you master the language needed to discuss a variety of topics confidently. Those who wish to move into an interpreting role may find this a valuable first step.
Translator
A Translator converts written text from one language to another. While primarily focused on written communication, a strong command of spoken English, as developed in this course, can enhance a translator's understanding of nuances and context. This course helps build a foundation in English grammar, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions, which are useful for accurate and effective translation. The course's emphasis on understanding natural English speech and pronunciation, may ensure translations that are not only accurate but also sound natural in the target language. Becoming a Translator might be a good opportunity for you.
Sales Representative
A Sales Representative promotes and sells products or services to customers. This course can be helpful for those in sales by improving English speaking, vocabulary, and pronunciation skills, which are all essential for effective communication and persuasion. The course's emphasis on understanding natural English, describing the benefits of a product or service clearly, and building rapport with customers helps to close deals. The sales representative must demonstrate high-level English ability.
Journalist
A Journalist investigates and reports on news and current events. While journalism requires strong writing skills, this course helps improve English speaking and listening skills, which are essential for conducting interviews and gathering information. The course's focus on understanding natural English speech, pronunciation, and conversational responses ensures you can communicate effectively with sources from diverse backgrounds. Learning to describe people, places, and events in detail helps you create vivid and engaging stories. As a journalist, fluent English is a necessity for communication.
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist manages an organization's communication with the public and media. While this role involves writing press releases and managing social media, this course may be useful for improving English speaking and presentation skills, which are essential for media interviews and public appearances. The course's focus on speaking confidently about various topics and using natural English expressions may help you represent your organization effectively. Those who wish to work in public relations may find this course beneficial.
Recruiter
A Recruiter sources, screens, and interviews candidates for job openings. This course may be particularly useful for Recruiters who need to assess candidates' communication skills and cultural fit. This course helps build your English speaking and listening proficiency, leading to more effective interviews. The ability to understand nuanced responses, assess personality traits through language, and confidently communicate company values is paramount. This course, by focusing on natural English and practical communication, will allow a Recruiter to excel in their role.
Immigration Officer
An Immigration Officer interviews individuals seeking entry or residency in a country. This course helps build confidence in speaking and understanding English, which is critical for assessing applicants’ language proficiency and credibility. The course's focus on conversational English, pronunciation, and listening comprehension enables you to navigate interviews effectively and detect inconsistencies in applicants’ statements. You will engage with individuals from different backgrounds and a command of English assists in clear communication of complex policies. Becoming an Immigration Officer may be a good fit for you.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Speak English With Confidence: English Speaking Course.
Focuses specifically on English pronunciation, which key component of speaking confidently. It provides clear explanations and exercises to help learners distinguish between similar sounds and improve their overall pronunciation accuracy. This book is especially helpful for learners who struggle with pronunciation and want to refine their speaking skills. It serves as a valuable resource for mastering the nuances of English pronunciation.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to basic English grammar and vocabulary. It is particularly useful for learners at the A1-A2 level who need a structured approach to language acquisition. The book includes visual aids and exercises to reinforce learning, making it an excellent resource for self-study or as a supplement to the course. It offers a solid foundation for building confidence in speaking English.

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