Celebrity United

Celebrity English You Tube

You have read this article 2013 / Actor / actress / Alex Graham / Ashton Kutcher / Celebrity English / CELTA / ESL / how to / JJAbrams / Kelly Ripa / LanguageLearning / New Year’s resolutions / producer / TEFL / TESL / What are the Stars doing in 2013? with the title CELTA. You can bookmark this page URL http://celebrityunitedking.blogspot.com/2013/01/celebrity-new-years-resolutions-2013.html. Thanks!

PSY ‘s Natural English Gangnam Style!

South Korean rapper 'PSY’ (Park Jae-sang) is sweeping the globe with his musical video creation known as ‘Gangnam Style’. Gangam Style has gone viral on the Internet! Not only that, PSY has been teaching celebrities from all over how to do Gangnam style dance moves. Even Britney Spears tried out the Gangnam horse ridding inspired dance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Even though the majority of North American listeners don't understand the lyrics, the video has garnered enormous attention in the media. Music and visuals can be such an expressive medium without international boundaries.

So, as I was listening to PSY and trying out a few of his moves, I noticed he used some excellent, natural, and casual English to teach his famous dance moves.

PSY said:

“You ‘gotta’ use your upper body also not just your legs.”(to do the horse dance) ABC News

The key word in the sentence is ‘gotta’. Maybe you already have some experience with ‘gotta’ but let’s just break it down, just in case.

Pronunciation Style

got to = gotta

Meaning

got to = have to/need to

“You ‘got to’ use your upper body also not just your legs.”

“You ‘have to/need to’ use your upper body also not just your legs.”

Grammar form

gotta + use

gotta + infinitive verb

Speaking Context or Usage

This is only one of the many ways ‘gotta’ can be used in casual conversation. I would go into more detail but it would take a few pages of writing. So, I just want to focus on the use of gotta for teaching someone. Although ‘gotta is considered bad grammar, we can hear this expression in real life situations such as parents teaching their kids, or friends teaching friends, on You tube, etc. Also, in a casual teaching context people tend to use the subject marker ‘You’. I recommend using ‘You gotta’ as PSY did. ‘Gotta’ seems like an easy word but, as you know, some of the simplest words have some complex grammar ideas attached to them.

Try it out!

How to: Make Instant Cup Noodles or Kraft Dinner or Tea/Coffee or your idea!

_________________________________________

Try it out with a friend, or send me (blogalexg@gmail.com) a sound file, or post a video link.

Next week, I will post an example answer at Celebrity English.

Answer Idea- Using 'gotta' in a 'How to' teaching context.
Background

Halloween will soon be celebrated in North America (every year on Oct. 31).

So to help get ready for a Halloween party here is an easy idea for creating a Healthier Halloween Treat for kids! The idea below should be used in a talking style because of the use of ‘gotta’. You can change it to a writing style by simply substituting ‘gotta’ with 'have to' or 'need to'.

How to make Scary Sippers – Mummy Style

First, you gotta buy some juice boxes. You can get darker colored juices like grape or cherry to get more of a Halloween look or feel. Remove the attached straws from the outside of the box.

Next, wrap the juice boxes with white electrical tape. Any white tape is 'ok' but electrical tape has a better mummy texture to it. Make sure not to cover the juice box straw hole with the tape.

After that, glue on googly eyes. You can buy these quite cheaply at any craft or dollar store.

Then chill the Mummy juice boxes in the fridge until the Halloween party is ready to begin.

Finally, you gotta put the straws in the Mummy juice boxes.

Now you are ready to serve these Scary Sippers – Mummy Style to your thirsty little Halloween guests!

Happy Halloween!

(Adapted from the October 2011 issue of Parents magazine)

POSITIVE POWER TO PSY!

An International musical success story,

ALEX - By the way, I think I will leave the dancing to PSY!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celebrity-English/341804042518553

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/blogalexg

You have read this article BritneySpears / Celebrity English / CELTA / dance / Gangnam / gotta / grammar / haveto / how to / Kpop / Language Learning / Music / Park Jae-sang / PSY / speaking / style / TEFL / TESL / 박재상 / 싸이 with the title CELTA. You can bookmark this page URL http://celebrityunitedking.blogspot.com/2012/10/psy-s-natural-english-gangnam-style.html. Thanks!

The Art of Rap mixed with The Craft of Education!

Jason R. Levine's Educational Rap for English Learning!

Fluency MC (a.k.a. Jason R. Levine)

With a unique, dynamic, educational platform known as ColloTunes, Jason R. Levine is rapping his way into Language Learning Infamy! This considerably knowledgeable educational specialist and writer for Oxford, has created a high impact learner experience with ColloTunes. As you sit back and enjoy this positive, engaging interview at Celebrity English, you will feel a SPARK as the 3Rs come to life!

Interview

Alex Graham - Question: Where are you from? Can you give us a bit about your background?

Jason R. Levine - Answer: I was born in Boston. Most of my relatives are originally from there or from in or around New York City. When was eight years-old, we moved to St. Louis, Missouri, which I consider my hometown. Growing up, I was really into music, especially hip hop, and became a DJ in college.

After graduating with a BA in psychology, I earned an MA in TESOL from Hunter College and taught at several schools before co-founding a TOEFL prep and English conversation school for international students in Manhattan. In 2004, I began developing an approach to ELT based on songs that I write and perform as Fluency MC. These songs, called ColloTunes, promote the acquisition and use of collocations to improve proficiency in English. They focus on areas of grammar and vocabulary learning that teachers typically find difficult or boring to teach. I make videos of my songs and various supplementary materials. I post the videos on YouTube and promote them on Facebook, where I am an active administrator of a number of ELT/ELL groups and pages.

I am currently academic director of CAMPUS Education, a group of privately-owned English language schools based in New York City. This year, I wrote the chants for the upcoming edition of the Oxford English Picture Dictionary for Kids. I am currently writing the chants for a new Oxford series for adults as well as chants for elementary school students for a publisher in Turkey. I am chair-elect of the TESOL interest group Video and Digital Media and work periodically as an English Specialist for the U.S. Department of State.

Alex: What is Collo?

Jason: Collo is short for collocation. Collocations are pairs or small groups of words that occur together frequently in spoken and written language. A Collo “just sounds right” because we hear and see it over and over again. Examples of verb-noun Collos are do laundry, make a mistake, and get a cold. In English, have a party sounds right, but make a party sounds wrong. Have a party is considered correct because it is “what we say.” However, in many languages, such as Spanish, make a party is the natural Collo.

ColloTunes are songs I create and perform as Fluency MC (a.k.a. Jason R. Levine) to teach English to children and adults. Students listen, speak, and rap while following along with lyric sheets. ColloTunes are rich in the high-frequency vocabulary and grammar structures we need to use English naturally.

Alex: Please highlight some of the ‘Collo’ methodology, philosophy, and design.

Jason: ColloTunes songs and videos

· provide practice for students in and out the classroom.
· are available for multiple levels, ages, and learning

styles.
· include conversation and writing activities, students

     worksheets and lesson plans.
·    complement any syllabus or curriculum.
·    are used by teachers in the U.S. and dozens of

   countries worldwide.
·    Have been viewed over 1,350,000 times on YouTube.

Teachers can preview and purchase my PDF Book + MP3 Tunes Package through my website: colloandspark.com

Adult learners are generally made to feel that learning through songs is only for children; but as adults, we typically enjoy and appreciate music even more than we did as kids. Also, we need to overcome the barriers raised by our higher cognitive abilities, namely our tendency to analyze grammar and vocabulary too much and to be overly concerned with making mistakes, not being good enough in the language, etc. Music makes this possible! But it has to be music people of ALL ages can relate to.

Alex: Why does Collo work?

Jason: It’s all about the 3Rs: Relax, Repeat, Remember

When we’re relaxed, having fun, and exposed to multiple repetitions of meaningful material, we naturally chunk the material into Collos, which we can easily store and retrieve. ColloTunes use Collos to build SPARK!: Super Powered Automatic Recall of Knowledge.

To develop critical thinking skills we need SPARK as our knowledge base. Otherwise, we struggle to understand and apply what we learn.

The most natural way to build knowledge is through repetitive exposure to collocations; without this exposure, superficial understanding leads to poor performance at higher levels. We become frustrated and overwhelmed. This destroys our confidence. We lose steam before we even get going.

The more easily we can recall information, the more confident and curious we are. When repetitive practice is relaxing and enjoyable, we want to do it. We are motivated to learn and ready to take it to the next level.

Alex: What are some of the results that students can expect?

Jason: Through ColloTunes songs and videos, students can expect to

·    Build skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
·    Accelerate vocabulary acquisition.
·    Find it easier to learn difficult grammar structures.
·    Feel more confident and motivated as speakers of

     English.
·    Have more fun while their learning!

Alex: If an educator isn’t musically inclined, are they able to recreate 'Collo' lessons like you do in the videos?

Jason: Absolutely! Indeed, this was one my chief motivators for creating this material in the first place. ColloTunes are designed so that teachers don’t have to chant or rap in class. Their primary role is to follow and monitor student progress. But if they are musically inclined (or even if they’re not) they are of course encouraged to join in!

Alex: Who are some of your musical influences?

Jason: This is always a tough question for me because there are so many. My short list would include Run DMC, Eric B and Rakim, the Clash, The Rolling Stones, Lupe Fiasco, Immortal Technique, Curtis Mayfield, Brian Eno, DJ Premier, and Mos Def and Talib Kweli.

Alex: Thank you for sharing your time, knowledge, and exceptional educational resources with Celebrity English! Jason R. Levine - you are a true, genuine educational poet.

www.colloandspark.com

Wanting more? Feeling the SPARK?
Connect with Fluency MC (a.k.a. Jason R. Levine)

www.colloandspark.com
www.YouTube.com/ColloLearn
www.facebook.com/FluencyMC
www.twitter.com/fluencymc
www.linkedin.com/in/jaselevine

LUCKY,NEW OFFER for AUGUST 18th!

TRY OUT A FREE online class with Jason! Click on the Link below to find out more!
ELT through Rhythm and Rhyme: Collocation, Critical Thinking and 3 Rs

Check Out this video to see Fluency MC in Action!

See you next week and remember!

“Fluency is all about the 3Rs:

Relax, Repeat,Remember”

ALEX
http://celebrityenglish-alex.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002654569713
http://www.myspace.com/browse/people#!/573390781

http://www.youtube.com/user/blogalexg
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

You have read this article art of Rap / CelebrityEnglish / CELTA / colloandspark / Collocations / ColloTunes / ebook / ELL TESL / ELT / ESL / FluencyMC / JasonLevine / Jazz Chants / LanguageLearning / Music / TEFL / video with the title CELTA. You can bookmark this page URL http://celebrityunitedking.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-art-of-rap-mixed-with-craft-of.html. Thanks!

Fitness & Health Jennifer Aniston Style

Jennifer Aniston

Interview

Interviewer: You look fabulous! What do you do to keep in shape?

Jennifer Aniston: I work out 5-7 days a week, doing at least 40 minutes of cardio on the treadmill, elliptical, or spin machine. I compliment my cardio heavy routine with one day of Pilates and three days of Yoga. Every night before bed I stretch and do sit-ups. As for my diet I usually eat fish, green vegetables, and quinoa.

Creating Conversation & New Friendships

Talking about fitness & health is quite common in casual conversation. If you are a fitness and health-oriented person, this is a great topic. It is also a great way to strike up a conversation to meet new people.

Like the interviewer, start with a compliment and then ask the fitness question. Most people will respond positively and tell you about their health and fitness efforts. If you have similar interests, ask to work out with them. I personally find working out with people a great way to get to know someone. You often have lots of talking time during, before, and/or after the fitness activity. Moreover, the heath benefits are great!

Try it out!

This is what a fitness & health conversation might sound like:

Example Speaking Style

(A) You look __________! What do you do to keep in shape?

(B) I work out _____ days a week, doing at least _____ minutes of cardio on the __________. I compliment my cardio routine with__________. As for my diet I usually eat __________.

(A) Wow, that’s great! Do you mind if I join you for __________?

(B) Not at all. I will call you next week to set up a time.

(A) Ok, I will talk to you then.

(B)See you.

Answer Ideas

Idea One

(A) You look sensational! What do you do to keep in shape?

(B) I work out 4 days a week, doing at least 30minutes of cardio on the treadmill. I compliment my cardio routine with Yoga. As for my diet I usually eat lots of fruits and vegetables and avoid meat.

(A) Wow, that’s great! Do you mind if I join you for some cardio on the treadmill?

(B) Not at all. I will call you next week to set up a time.

(A) Ok, I will talk to you then.

(B) See you.

Idea Two

(A) You look amazing! What do you do to keep in shape?

(B) I work out 6 days a week, doing at least 50minutes of cardio on the stair master and stationary bike. I compliment my cardio routine with weightlifting. As for my diet I usually eat a high protein diet.

(A) Wow, that’s great! Do you mind if I join you for some weightlifting?

(B) Not at all. I will call you next week to set up a time.

(A) Ok, I will talk to you then.

(B) See you.

Enjoy creating new conversations with new fitness friends and staying in shape!

Stay Healthy and See you Next Week!

ALEX

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002654569713

http://www.myspace.com/browse/people#!/573390781
https://twitter.com/CelebEnglish

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

You have read this article Alex / Celebrity English / CELTA / Conversation / create / ESL / find / fitness / friendships / health / JenniferAniston / Language Learning / make / movie / new / speaking / stars / Talking / TEFL / TESL with the title CELTA. You can bookmark this page URL http://celebrityunitedking.blogspot.com/2012/07/fitness-health-jennifer-aniston-style.html. Thanks!

Queen Elizabeth - What makes a Queen happy?

Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee was celebrated on the extended weekend of June 2-5. The British Queen has now been on the throne for 60 years. The celebrations were fantastic! But one wonders… what makes a Queen Happy?

Let’s take a listen to a special address from the Queen to the Nation! For some extra fun, try to fill in the missing words!

Transcript

The events that I have attended to mark my ¹__________ have been a humbling

experience. It has ² __________ me ³__________to see so many thousands of families,

neighbours and friends celebrating together in such a happy atmosphere.

But Prince Philip and I want to take this opportunity to offer our ⁴__________ and

⁵__________ to all those who have had a hand in organising these Jubilee celebrations. It

has been a massive challenge, and I am sure that everyone who has enjoyed these festive

occasions realises how much work has been involved.

I hope that ⁶ __________ of all this year’s ⁷__________ will ⁸_________ our lives for many

years to come. I will continue to ⁹__________ and draw ¹⁰ __________from the

countless ¹¹__________ shown to me in this country and throughout the Commonwealth.

Thank you all.

Missing Words

1. Diamond Jubilee

2. touched

3. deeply

4. special thanks

5. appreciation

6. memories

7. happy events

8. brighten

9. treasure

10. inspiration

11. kindnesses

Well, as they say, “God save the Queen!”

Celebrity English - Alex

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002654569713

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/blogalexg

You have read this article Alex / Britsh / Celebrity English / CELTA / English / ESL / exercise / Language Learning / lesson / Listening / Practice / Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee / royal / TESL / vocabulary with the title CELTA. You can bookmark this page URL http://celebrityunitedking.blogspot.com/2012/06/queen-elizabeth-what-makes-queen-happy.html. Thanks!

Katy Perry “The One that got Away”

Katy Perry “The One that got Away”

This week, I wanted to do a follow up on last week’s feature “Katy Perry’s Musical Influences”. As everyone knows, music influences language and culture. Katy’s songs are chart toppers and therefore ‘talk to’ a very large North American and International audience. When people like a song they listen to it over and over. The words and expressions become more popular with mainstream culture. So, let’s take a look at Katy Perry’s lyrics to her musical hit “The One That Got Away!”

Part One

Now to make it a bit more fun, listen to the video and try to fill in the blanks with the missing word(s). After that, try the North American pop culture quiz related to this song.

Lyrics - The One That Got Away

Summer after high school when we first met

We¹__________in your Mustang to Radio head

And on my 18th birthday we got that chain tattoos

Used to steal your parents' liquor and climb to the roof

Talk about our future like we ²__________

Never plan that one day I'd be losing you

And in another life I would be your girl

We keep all our promises, be us against the world

And in other life I would make you stay

So I don't have to say you were ³________

⁴________

I was dreaming you were my Johnny Cash

Never one, we got the other, we made a pact

Sometimes when I miss you, I put those records on, whoa

Someone said you had your ⁵________removed

Saw you downtown singing the blues

It's time ⁶________, I'm longer your ⁷________

And in another life I would be your girl

We keep all our promises, be us against the world

And in another life, I would make you stay

So I don't have to say you were the one that got away

The one that got away

The one, the one, the one

The one that got away

All these money can't buy me a time machine, no

Can't replace you with a million rings, no

⁸________, whoa

'Cause now I ⁹________

In another life I would be your girl

We keep all our promises, be us against the world

And in another life, I would make you stay

So I don't have to say you were the one that got away

The one that got away

The one, the one, the one, the one

And in another life I would make you stay

So I don't have to say you were the one that got away

The one that got away

(Repeat)

Answers + Meaning

1. make out : to make out with someone - to kiss and touch in a sexual way.

2. had a clue : to not have a clue (usually used with a negative) - to have no knowledge of or no information about something. Ex. I don’t have a clue where we are. We are really lost. In the song the lyric says “Talk about our future like we had a clue”. Katy Perry infers a negative or opposite meaning to this sentence through intonation. She is being a bit sarcastic with herself.

3. the one that got away : the one - a former lover that got away – the relationship broke up and the other person left the relationship. The person currently feels regret because they might let their soul mate or ideal match leave their life. The speaker realizes these feelings now but didn’t in the past.

4. the one that got away : same as number 3

5. tattoo : a tattoo - a permanent image, pattern or word on the skin which is created by using needles to put colors under the skin.

6. to face the music - to receive punishment; to accept the unpleasant results of one's actions.

7. muse : a muse - a source of inspiration; the goddess or the power regarded as inspiring a poet, artist, thinker, or the like.

8. I should've told you what you meant to me (direct meaning)

9. pay the price : to pay the price - to suffer the consequences for doing something or risking something.

Pop Culture Quiz

1. What’s a Mustang in this song?

a horse
a car
a condiment

2. Which genre best describes Radio Head?

Heavy Metal
Classical
Alternative Rock

3. What does a chain tattoo symbolize in this song?

love
hate
oppression

4. Who was Johnny Cash?

a musician
a politician
a model

5. Who was June?

The name of a month
The name of a bug
The name of Johnny Cash’s second wife

Answers

1. b. a car

2. c. Alternative Rock

3. a. love

4. a. a musician

5. c. The name of Johnny Cash’s second wife

Part Two

Here are a few comprehension questions.

1. When did the girl and guy meet?

2. Why did the guy get away?

3. What does her ex-boyfriend do for a living?

4. Who is singing at the end of the song (after Katy Perry)?

5. What is the name of the excerpt of the song being played at the end of the video?

Answers

1. “Summer after high school”

2. She didn’t tell him her deepest feeling about him. She didn’t tell him how important he was to her. - “I should've told you what you meant to me”

3. He is a singer. - “Saw you downtown singing the blues”

4. Johnny Cash

5. You are my Sunshine

See you next week and in the meantime here is an old time video

And of course!

ALEX

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002654569713

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

You have read this article Alex / American / Celebrity / CELTA / comprehension / English / ESL / Johnny Cash / Katy Perry / language learner / learning / lesson / Listening / lyrics / Music / TESL / The One That Got Away / video / vocabulary / words with the title CELTA. You can bookmark this page URL http://celebrityunitedking.blogspot.com/2012/05/katy-perry-one-that-got-away.html. Thanks!

Katy Perry’s Musical Influences


Katy Perry

Interviewer’s Question: I’m sure people ask you all the time if you were influenced by Madonna, but what kind of music did you listen to when you were younger?

Katy Perry”s Answer: My mom would let me listen to, like, Billie Holiday and Etta James and really classic stuff like that. My mom speaks fluent French, so she was also really into Édith Piaf, which she turned me on to—although, I guess she didn’t really look into the lyrics. [laughs]. But as I started to hear different kinds of music, my world got bigger. I got a record by Queen, which was so influential for me. I got all the Beatles’ records, like the “white” album [1968], which was really important to me along with Pet Sounds [1966] by the Beach Boys. Those two records were the only things I listened to for probably two years straight. Then I discovered Patty Griffin, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Jonatha Brooke—a little bit of the Lilith Fair–esque stuff. And then I got into more electronic music. But I’m just open to everything these days.

Katy Perry’s Speaking Style

As you can see from above, like many of the celebrity interviews, Katy uses casual, natural English to connect with the Listener. Katy gives the listener a glimpse from her early years to present day. Her speaking style is ‘rich’ with examples and very clear. There are examples of musicians, albums, and styles throughout her answer. Moreover, at first, she describes her mother’s influence on her music ‘tastes’. Next as the young woman named Katy Perry develops into young adulthood, her musical world expands.

And like the musical juggernaut she is, her musical influences expanded exponentially.

Present day, we see a professional woman of music that is well versed in various musical styles and genres.

Key Phrases for Talking about Music

My mom would let me listen to, like (like = for example), Billie Holiday and Etta James and really classic stuff like that. I started to hear different kinds of music, my world got bigger.

I got a record by Queen, which was so influential for me. I got all the Beatles’ records, like the “white” album [1968], which was really important to me along with Pet Sounds [1966] by the Beach Boys.

Then I discovered Patty Griffin, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Jonatha Brooke—a little bit of the Lilith Fair–'esque' stuff. And then I got into more electronic music. But I’m just open to everything these days.

Vocabulary note

'esque' =
suffix forming adjectives, meaning: indicating a specified character, manner, style, or resemblance, like, similar to.

Example Style 1

My dad would let me listen to, like (like = for example), Al Jolson and Perry Como and really classic stuff like that. I started to hear different kinds of music, my world got bigger.

I got a record by Aerosmith, which was so influential for me. I got all the Supertramp records, like the “Breakfast in America” album [1979], which was really important to me along with Close to You [1970] by the Carpenters.

Then I discovered Nora Jones, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie—a little bit of the Latin–esque stuff. And then I got into more electronic music. But I’m just open to everything these days.

Next Week! Natural and Popular English Expressions from Katy Perry’s Musical Hit “ The One That Got Away!”

Until then, Check out the video "The One That Got Away" and try to answer the following question:

Why did the guy get away?

BONUS! CHECK OUT some of Katy Perry’s early musical influences. This LADY knows her MUSIC!

ALEX

http://celebrityenglish-alex.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002654569713

http://www.myspace.com/browse/people#!/573390781

http://www.youtube.com/user/blogalexg

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/blogalexg

You have read this article Alex / Celebrity English / CELTA / culture / ESL / esque / influence / Interview / Katy Perry / Language / Learn / mom / Music / pop / speaking / style / Talking / TEFL / TESL / The One That Got Away with the title CELTA. You can bookmark this page URL http://celebrityunitedking.blogspot.com/2012/04/katy-perrys-musical-influences.html. Thanks!

Merly Streep: Giving Advice

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is an American actress who has worked in theatre, television, and film. Meryl Streep is one of the best actors of our time. She has won countless awards and most recently won ‘Best Lead Actress’ in the film "The Iron Lady" at the 84th Academy Awards or ‘The Oscars’. Meryl Streep has repeatedly succeeded in the highly competitive world of acting. Let’s get some advice from a woman who has never shied away from a challenge!

Question: With young girls today, young women watching the Oscars, what advice would you give to them if they are thinking about going into filmmaking or acting?

Meryl Streep: Never give up. Don't give up, don't give up. I mean, many girls around the world live in circumstances that are unimaginably difficult. And it's not, you know, show business is a golf game compared to the way most kids grow up in the world. But I would say never give up. On March 8, 9, and 10, Tina Brown is hosting something called Women in the World in New York, a 3 day symposium bringing activists around the world on behalf of issues concerning women and girls, and it's a great, great thing. Hope you will write about it and go see it. And thank you very much.

Speaking Tip

When giving advice we often use phrases such as:

I suggest you….

If I was/were you, I'd ...

If that happened to me/In that case/If I had that problem, I'd ...

If I were in your shoes, I’d

(see more at English Club Link http://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/fl-giving-advice.htm)

These styles soften the language. So why did Meryl Streep use an Imperative form or Command form to give advice to young girls and women?

“Never give up. Don't give up, don't give up”

Doesn’t it sound a bit too harsh or strong?

Usually in language learning classes we tend to learn the above phrases because they are politer or softer for the listener. As you know, the Imperative/command form can sound too strong or impolite in many situations.

Let’s see what is different and how to use this speaking style like Meryl Streep.

Meryl emphasizes her feeling with the command form of the language. Moreover, she is an award winning ‘pro’ in her area and older than the age group she is talking to. As a mother talking to her children or giving advice to them, the imperative form of the language is often used. Also, I might use this form with people I am close to especially in a more emotionally charged situation.

Examples:

(1)Son: I am going to quit hockey. I hate it.

Mother: Ooh…Don’t give up. You have worked so hard. Keep on trying!

(2)My friend: I can’t do this anymore. Everyone laughs at me.

Me: Don’t stop trying! Who cares what other people think? (rhetorical question usage)

In these cases, it actually sounds like the speaker is more caring than saying: If I were in your shoes or If I were you, I’d… .

Why?

(1) The above phrases sounds like you are more distant from the speaker. However this is also the reason why the If I were you, I’d… can sound softer or nicer to a listener you don’t know so well.

(2) The imperative/command form actually creates the sense that the speaker cares about you. Yes, it is direct but command forms are often used amongst good friends or family.

As you can see, the grammar ideas can blur or overlap a bit because of the context. Here are a few practice situations to try:

(1) Situation: You are at the Oscars and have just won an award!

Question: What advice can you give to aspiring actors?

Your Answer/Idea:

(2) Situation: Your daughter has been taking piano lesson for 3 years now and is doing well. But today she is really frustrated and wants to quite. What could you say in this case?

Your Answer/Idea:

(3) Situation: Your co-worker is angry at the manager’s decision. Your co-worker is good at their job and usually quite happy. What could you say?

Your Answer/Idea:

If you are struggling with these situations here are some answer ideas from me.

(1) Situation: You are at the Oscars and have just won an award!

Question: What advice can you give to aspiring actors?

Your Answer/Idea: Hang in there! Don’t give up!

(2) Situation: Your daughter has been taking piano lesson for 3 years now and is doing well. But today she is really frustrated and wants to quite. What could you say in this case?

Your Answer/Idea: Don’t quite now. Everyone gets frustrated. You are doing really well. Remember when the music from “The Sting” was hard but now it is easy for you. Keep trying. You can do it!

(3) Situation: Your co-worker is angry at the manager’s decision and is going to resign. Your co-worker is usually happy at work and enjoys his job. What could you say?

Your Answer/Idea: Don’t make a decision now. You are angry.

Take a day to ‘*cool off’ and then let’s talk about it again. How does that sound?

Expression: '*to cool off '= to become calmer or more reasonable

You are also welcome to send me your answers/ideas or comments at blogalexg@gmail.com I will respond as soon as I can.

Have a good one! Try using this week’s English Tips!

And as Meryl Streep says: “Never give up. Don't give up, don't give up.”

Movie trailer she won the Oscar for this year "The Iron Lady"

Alex

Celebrity English

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002654569713