No Time to Study? Learn English While You Walk.| English Podcast

[00:00:00][music] >> Welcome to Daily Talk English.

[00:00:05]>> [music] >> Hello everyone and welcome back to Daily Talk English. I'm Daniel.

[00:00:10]>> And I'm Emily. Thank you for joining us today.

[00:00:14]>> Emily, how are you today?

[00:00:16]>> I'm doing great, thank you. Actually, I had a really nice morning.

[00:00:21]>> Really? What did you do?

[00:00:23]>> I went for a walk before starting my day. The weather was beautiful. The sun was shining, the air was fresh, and the park was very quiet.

[00:00:34]>> That sounds relaxing.

[00:00:36]>> It was. I think a simple walk can really change your mood.

[00:00:41]>> I agree, but you know what? My morning was very different.

[00:00:45]>> Oh, really? What happened?

[00:00:48]>> I was thinking about learning English. I really want to improve my speaking skills, but sometimes I feel frustrated.

[00:00:56]>> Why?

[00:00:57]>> Because I always feel like I don't have enough time. I have work, I have daily responsibilities, and when I finally have free time, I feel too tired to study.

[00:01:08]>> I think many English learners feel the same way.

[00:01:12]>> Exactly.

[00:01:13]Sometimes people think, "I need 1 hour every day. I need to sit at a desk. I need a quiet room."

[00:01:21]>> But what if you don't need extra time?

[00:01:24]>> What do you mean?

[00:01:26]>> What if you can use the time you already have?

[00:01:29]>> The time I already have?

[00:01:32]>> Yes. For example, when you walk to work, when you walk to the store, when you take the bus, when you ride the train.

[00:01:41]All of those moments can become English practice time.

[00:01:45]>> Oh, I see. So, my daily commute can become learning time.

[00:01:50]>> A commute is the trip you take between your home and your workplace. For example, I have a 30-minute commute every morning. It means you spend 30 minutes traveling to work.

[00:02:03]>> That makes sense. Actually, many people spend a lot of time commuting.

[00:02:08]>> Yes, and many people spend that time just looking at their phones or listening to random things.

[00:02:15]But you can use that time to improve your English.

[00:02:19]>> That sounds much easier because you don't need to create a new habit. You just change how you use your existing time.

[00:02:27]>> Exactly. Today, we are going to share four simple ways to practice English while you walk or commute.

[00:02:36]>> Four ways?

[00:02:37]>> Yes, they are easy. You can start today.

[00:02:41]>> I like that because sometimes learning English feels difficult when you think about big goals.

[00:02:47]>> But small steps every day can create big changes.

[00:02:52]>> Before we start, if you enjoy learning English with us, please like this video and subscribe to Daily Talk English.

[00:03:00]>> Okay, let's get started.

[00:03:02]>> Emily, I understand the idea now, but can walking really make a big difference?

[00:03:07]>> Yes, because learning English is not only about studying for a long time. It is about small practice every day.

[00:03:15]>> Small practice?

[00:03:17]>> Exactly. Think about this. If you walk for just 15 minutes every day and use that time to practice English, that is 105 minutes every week.

[00:03:29]>> Wow, I never thought about walking like that.

[00:03:32]>> And after 1 month, that becomes more than 7 hours of practice.

[00:03:37]After 1 year, it becomes more than 80 hours.

[00:03:42]>> That is a lot of time.

[00:03:44]>> Yes, many people are waiting for one perfect moment to study.

[00:03:49]But progress usually comes from small moments repeated again and again.

[00:03:54]>> So, a short walk is not just a walk anymore.

[00:03:57]>> Exactly. It can become a time to listen, repeat, think, and speak English.

[00:04:03]>> I like that. Small moments become big results.

[00:04:07]>> That's right. You don't need to change your whole life. Sometimes, you just need to use the time you already have.

[00:04:15]>> Okay, Emily. Let's start with the first tip.

[00:04:18]>> Sure.

[00:04:19]The first tip is called listen and repeat.

[00:04:22]>> Listen and repeat.

[00:04:24]>> [laughter] >> That sounds simple.

[00:04:26]>> It is simple, but it is very powerful.

[00:04:29]The idea is you listen to English, and then you repeat what you hear.

[00:04:34]>> So, it is like copying the speaker?

[00:04:36]>> Exactly. You copy the words, the pronunciation, the rhythm, and the feeling.

[00:04:42]>> The rhythm?

[00:04:43]>> Yes. English has a natural rhythm.

[00:04:46]Some words are stronger. Some words are softer.

[00:04:50]When you repeat, you are training your mouth to speak more naturally.

[00:04:54]>> So, I shouldn't only listen?

[00:04:57]>> Right. Many people listen to English every day, but they never open their mouths. They understand more, but speaking is still difficult.

[00:05:06]>> Because their mouth doesn't get enough practice.

[00:05:09]>> Exactly. Your brain knows the words, but your mouth needs training, too.

[00:05:15]>> How can we practice this while walking?

[00:05:17]>> It is very easy.

[00:05:19]First, choose a short English sentence.

[00:05:22]Listen to it carefully.

[00:05:24]Then, pause the audio and repeat the sentence.

[00:05:27]For example, I'm going to work.

[00:05:30]>> I'm going to work.

[00:05:32]>> Great. Now, try the weather is beautiful today.

[00:05:36]>> The weather is beautiful today.

[00:05:39]>> Perfect. You are not only learning the words, you are practicing how English sounds.

[00:05:45]>> But what if I'm walking outside? I don't want people to think I'm talking to myself.

[00:05:50]>> That's a common feeling. You don't have to speak loudly. You can whisper or you can move your lips quietly. Nobody will notice.

[00:05:59]>> That makes me feel better.

[00:06:01]>> And remember, the goal is not to be perfect. The goal is to keep your mouth moving. Every time you repeat a sentence, you become more comfortable with English.

[00:06:12]>> So my walk can become a speaking practice time.

[00:06:15]>> Exactly. You can use podcasts, short videos, or even this episode. Listen to one sentence. Pause. Repeat. Do it again.

[00:06:26]>> I like that. It feels much easier than sitting down and studying grammar for an hour.

[00:06:31]>> That's the point. Learning English doesn't always need a classroom.

[00:06:36]Sometimes, your daily walk can be your English practice.

[00:06:40]>> So the first tip is listen and repeat.

[00:06:43]>> Yes, small practice every day. That is how your English gets stronger.

[00:06:50]>> Okay, Emily. I really like the first tip. Listen and repeat feels simple.

[00:06:56]What is the second tip?

[00:06:58]>> The second tip is called describe what you see.

[00:07:01]>> Describe what I see?

[00:07:03]>> Yes. It means looking around you and saying what you see in English.

[00:07:08]>> So I can practice English just by walking outside?

[00:07:12]>> Exactly. The world around you becomes your classroom.

[00:07:16]>> That sounds interesting. How do we start?

[00:07:20]>> Start with simple words. For example, you see a tree. You can say, "tree." But we can do more. Say, "I see a tall tree." or "The tree has green leaves."

[00:07:34]>> Oh, so I'm not only learning vocabulary.

[00:07:38]I'm making sentences.

[00:07:39]>> Exactly. That is the important part.

[00:07:43]Many learners know many words, but they have trouble using them in real conversations. This exercise helps your brain connect words and sentences.

[00:07:53]>> Let me try.

[00:07:54]I'm walking in the park right now. I see a dog.

[00:07:58]>> Good. Can you add more details?

[00:08:01]>> Okay.

[00:08:02]I see a small brown dog. The dog is running on the grass.

[00:08:07]>> Great. That is a complete sentence. You are practicing describing things in real time.

[00:08:14]>> Let me try another one.

[00:08:16]I see a person drinking coffee. The person is sitting on a bench.

[00:08:20]>> Excellent. See? You are already thinking in English.

[00:08:25]>> This feels easier than studying from a textbook.

[00:08:28]>> Because you are using real things around you. You can practice anywhere. When you walk to work, I see many cars.

[00:08:37]When you wait for the bus, people are standing in line.

[00:08:41]When you walk in a neighborhood, there is a beautiful house with flowers.

[00:08:46]>> I like this idea because every day is different.

[00:08:50]>> Exactly. Every walk gives you new things to describe. And here is a small challenge. Try to describe 10 things in 1 minute.

[00:09:00]>> 10 things?

[00:09:02]>> Yes. For example, tree, car, building, cloud, dog.

[00:09:10]But then, try to make sentences.

[00:09:12]>> That sounds like a fun game.

[00:09:15]>> It is. And remember, don't worry about making mistakes.

[00:09:20]The goal is not perfect English. The goal is to train your brain to use English more naturally.

[00:09:26]>> So, tip number two is look around, describe what you see.

[00:09:31]>> Exactly. The world is your classroom.

[00:09:35]You just need to start noticing it.

[00:09:38]>> Okay, Emily. What is the third tip?

[00:09:41]>> The third tip is called think in English.

[00:09:45]>> Think in English? That sounds difficult.

[00:09:48]>> It may feel strange at first, but it is a great way to train your brain.

[00:09:54]>> How can we do it?

[00:09:56]>> Think about when you are walking or taking the bus.

[00:09:59]Your brain is already thinking.

[00:10:02]You think about your work, your plans, or what you will do later.

[00:10:07]>> That's true. I think about many things every day.

[00:10:11]>> Exactly.

[00:10:12]Now try doing some of that thinking in English.

[00:10:16]For example, I am walking to work.

[00:10:19]The weather is nice today.

[00:10:22]I have a meeting this afternoon.

[00:10:25]After work, I want to cook dinner.

[00:10:28]>> So, I'm creating a small story in my mind.

[00:10:31]>> Exactly. You don't need difficult sentences. Simple English is enough.

[00:10:37]>> But what if I don't know a word?

[00:10:40]>> Don't worry. Keep going with the words you know.

[00:10:43]For example, instead of saying I am extremely tired because I had a very busy day, you can simply say I am tired today.

[00:10:54]>> That feels much easier.

[00:10:57]>> Yes. Start with 1 minute. Think in English while you walk.

[00:11:02]Then slowly make it longer.

[00:11:05]1 minute becomes 2 minutes.

[00:11:07]2 minutes becomes 5 minutes.

[00:11:10]>> So, it is like training a muscle.

[00:11:13]>> Exactly. Your brain needs practice, too.

[00:11:16]The more you think in English, the more natural it becomes.

[00:11:21]>> I like that. My walk can become a time to train my English.

[00:11:26]>> That's right. Tip number three, think in English. Start small, think simple, and keep practicing every day.

[00:11:36]>> Okay, Emily. We have learned three tips already.

[00:11:39]Listen and repeat. Describe what you see.

[00:11:43]Think in English.

[00:11:45]What is our last tip?

[00:11:47]>> The fourth tip is called talk to yourself.

[00:11:50]>> Talk to myself? That sounds a little strange.

[00:11:54]>> I know. Many people feel that way. They think, "If I talk to myself in English, people will think I'm crazy."

[00:12:02]>> [laughter] >> But, when you talk to yourself, you create a real conversation.

[00:12:08]>> A conversation with myself?

[00:12:10]>> Exactly. You ask yourself a question, and then you answer it. For example, "What am I doing?

[00:12:18]I am walking in the park.

[00:12:20]How do I feel today?

[00:12:22]I feel relaxed because the weather is beautiful.

[00:12:26]What will I do after this?

[00:12:29]I will go home and make dinner."

[00:12:32]>> I see. So, I am practicing both asking questions and answering questions.

[00:12:37]>> Exactly. And this is very close to a real conversation.

[00:12:42]>> Let me try.

[00:12:44]Okay, Daniel. What are you doing?

[00:12:46]I am walking to work.

[00:12:48]How do you feel?

[00:12:50]I feel good. It is a beautiful morning.

[00:12:53]What will you do today?

[00:12:55]I have a meeting this afternoon. Then, I will work on my project.

[00:12:59]>> Great job. You just had a complete conversation in English.

[00:13:05]>> It feels a little funny, but I can see how it helps.

[00:13:09]>> Yes. Your mouth is moving. Your brain is working. And you are training yourself to answer faster.

[00:13:18]>> But, what if people hear me?

[00:13:20]>> If you feel shy, you can speak quietly.

[00:13:24]You can also hold your phone near your ear.

[00:13:27]People may think you are having a phone conversation.

[00:13:30]>> That's a great idea. I'm not talking to myself. I'm practicing English on the phone.

[00:13:37]>> Exactly. And remember, you don't need a speaking partner every day. Your daily walk can become your practice time.

[00:13:46]>> I like that. No classroom, no test, just walking and talking.

[00:13:51]>> That's right. So, the fourth tip is talk to yourself. Ask questions. Answer them.

[00:13:58]And little by little, speaking English will become easier.

[00:14:03]>> Wow, Emily. Today we learned many simple ways to practice English while walking.

[00:14:09]>> Yes. And remember, you don't need a lot of extra time. You just need to use the time you already have.

[00:14:16]>> Let's quickly review the four tips.

[00:14:18]>> Great. Tip number one, listen and repeat. Listen to English and repeat what you hear. Train your ears and train your mouth.

[00:14:28]>> Tip number two, describe what you see.

[00:14:32]Look around you and create simple English sentences.

[00:14:35]>> Tip number three, think in English.

[00:14:38]Practice simple thoughts in your mind.

[00:14:41]Don't translate everything. Start with small ideas.

[00:14:45]>> And tip number four, talk to yourself.

[00:14:48]Ask yourself questions and answer them.

[00:14:50]Practice having small conversations in English.

[00:14:54]I really like these ideas because they don't require a classroom.

[00:14:58]>> Exactly. Your walk can become your classroom. Your daily commute can become your English practice.

[00:15:06]>> So, the question for everyone today is, which tip will you try first?

[00:15:11]>> Maybe you will listen and repeat. Maybe you will describe what you see.

[00:15:17]Or maybe you will start talking to yourself in English.

[00:15:20]>> Leave your answer in the comments. We would love to know which method you want to try.

[00:15:25]>> And if you enjoyed today's episode, please like this video and subscribe to Daily Talk English.

[00:15:32]>> You can also share this episode with a friend who wants to improve their English.

[00:15:37]>> Remember, small practice everyday creates big results.

[00:15:42]>> Thank you so much for spending time with us today.

[00:15:45]>> Keep learning, keep practicing, and we will see you in the next episode. Bye everyone.