English Learning Podcast Notes

Introduction

• Hosts: Marco and Erica
• Focus on everyday English situations.
• Today's topic: Embarrassing situations related to forgetting names.

Dialogue Overview

• Setting: Conversation between Nick and Anna.
• Context: Meeting in a neighborhood after a conference.
• Key Moments:
  • Nick forgets Anna's name, feels embarrassed.
  • Anna reassures him that it happens often.

Language Takeaways

1. "In a bit of a hurry"

• Meaning: Indicates someone is busy or doesn't have much time.
• Examples:
  • "Can you drive faster? I'm in a bit of a hurry."
  • "I can't talk right now, I'm in a bit of a hurry."
  • "I’ll check these files later, I'm in a bit of a hurry."

2. "Contact details"

• Definition: Information for getting in touch, often found on a business card (name, phone number, email).
• Importance: Essential for networking.

3. "Slipped my mind"

• Definition: To forget something.
• Examples:
  • "I'm sorry, it slipped my mind."
  • "Oh, it's your birthday? It slipped my mind."

Putting It Together

Common Phrases

• "Around here"
  • Meaning: Close by
  • Example: "Is there a bank around here?"
• "Terrible with"
  • Meaning: Not good at something
  • Examples:
    • "I'm terrible with numbers."
    • "I'm terrible with directions."

Listening Practice

• Second Listening of Dialogue:
  • Slower pace allows for better understanding of vocabulary and phrases discussed.

Fluency Builder

• Natural Expressions:
  • Instead of "How are you?", use "How's it going?"

Personal Anecdote

• Marco shares a story about forgetting a family member's name at a reunion.
• Suggestion for remembering names: Ask for a business card or have them spell their name.

Conclusion

• Reminder to check out the EnglishPod website for more resources and to leave questions/comments.
• Sign off with thanks and goodbye.

Vocabulary Review

• How's it going?
• Around here: Close to here
• In a bit of a hurry: Moving quickly, having no time
• Contact details: Information required to contact someone
• Slipped my mind: Forgotten
• Terrible with: Bad at something

Summary

• Emphasis on phrases that are useful in casual conversation and networking.
• Importance of being fluent and sounding natural in everyday situations.