ESL Discussion

An excellent way to stretch yourself is by listening to a live call-in radio/internet show and participating in the conversation. Most people are shy to do this. I am not. Don't get me wrong, I was very nervous the first few times that I participated and voiced my opinion and asked my question. I wrote an email to the Diane Rehm show on NPR about an animal issue. When my letter was read on the air and became the focus of discussion I was elated and hooked. I then took the next step of Calling into a show. I soon realized that it was not about me. It was about a discussion that I wanted to participate in. Taking the pressure off of myself enabled me to shift my mindset from nervous to excited. 

As a language learner, using your listening skills to keep up with a conversation and formulate your question will increase your ability to do this in a live face to face situation. Listen to the types of questions that are asked to understand the format of the show that you are listening. http://www.blogtalkradio.com is a fabulous place to find every topic under the sun. I have two live call-in talk shows and I encourage you to join me: http://englishwithkatie.com/live-w-katie/  &  http://englishwithkatie.com/short-story-sunday/. The guest links and info are there so that you can prepare ahead of time. There is a question box and information for how to call in live!

What are you waiting for? Use your computer to find 1) topics that interest you and 2) live shows that you can participate in and stretch yourself!