Cafetalk 講師專欄

When and why did I decide to become a teacher?

I decided to become a teacher when I realized how much fulfillment I found in helping others learn ...

【一週兩次・讀台灣】詐騙包裹手法翻新 專家提醒留意賣家名稱與包裹外觀

【一週兩次・讀台灣】 教科書を飛び出し、台湾の「今」を知り、生きた台湾華語をマスターしませんか？ 毎週2回、最新の台湾ニュースを題材に、台湾特有の文化、時代を映す言い回し、そして興味深い社会現象を...

Daily English Upgrade #009: Micro-Pattern — “What I mean is…”

Great when you want to clarify (and sound calm). Pattern: What I mean is + (clarification). Example...

Asian Food in Africa

When I first started watching Asian dramas on TV, I was slowly introduced to Asian food. I had neve...

Inner Alchemy #03: Transforming Your Deepest Sorrow into Life Energy—Beyond Emotional Turmoil: The Secret Process of Self-Awakening

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Hannya Within the human heart, there exists a force we call the “Oni” (unawak...

I didn’t adopt a cat… A cat adopted me.

I recently got a cat, but it happened in a very unexpected way. I have always loved cats and when I...

Daily English Upgrade #011: Business Skill — Clarifying in meetings (“So you mean…?”)

In meetings, clarity beats “perfect English.” Clarify: So you mean (that)…? Do you mean (that)…? Co...

Daily English Upgrade #010: JP Trap Fix — “Discuss about” → “Discuss”

Quick fix: √ discuss + topicX discuss about + topic Correct examples: Let’s discuss the plan. We di...

Travel Japanese You Can Use Today (within 60 seconds)

If you’ve ever traveled in Japan and thought, “I studied… so why can’t I reply fast enough?”—you’re...

Daily English Upgrade #012: Tone Control — Polite disagreement (“I see your point, but…”)

Disagreeing politely is a real skill. Soft disagreement: I see your point, but… That makes sense, b...

How to Feel More Confident in Online Language Classes

Many language learners think confidence is something you either have or don’t have. If you are shy,...

How Do You Like Your Coffee? The Ethics of Coffee.

Does coffee help you get to the other end of the day? I must admit, that when I am really busy, it ...

How to Feel More Confident in Online Classes

Remember how tricky it was to learn how to ride a bicycle? After a few weeks of unsteady riding , s...

How to Feel More Confident in Your Online English Class

  If you feel nervous, shy, or unsure when joining an online English class, you’re not alone. Many ...

Why Reading News Articles Helps You Learn English

Reading news articles is a powerful way to improve your English. News uses real, everyday la...

Speak Better English: Embarrassing Stories #002

Speak Better English: Embarrassing Stories #002 Work / Meetings / Appreciation “You must be tir...

Confidence: Make Mistakes Like a Pro!

Speak Better English: Make Mistakes Like a Pro! Study mindset • Practical habits • Simple phras...

Why your imperfect English/French is actually your greatest strength.

I have traveled across many borders, but the most beautiful thing I have ever discovered isn't a mo...

聽力不用完美，先聽懂「關鍵字」就好

  ---日本語版はスクロールダウンしてご覧ください。---   我碰到學生告訴我，自己對聽力不太拿手，時常聽不懂。 其實這個狀況不只是正在學習新語言的學生，連母語者都可能有這種情況。例如，對話內容...

Pet names (terms of endearment) in English

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash With Valentine’s Day coming up soon, I thought I’d share some comm...

English Idioms Challenge - Week 3

Hey all! This is the third weekly English learning challenge: to try & use this idiom in your n...

How to feel more confident in online classes?

Totally get this—online classes can mess with your confidence in sneaky ways. You’re not alone, and...

Where In the World Should I Go?

Are you planning a holiday? Or just dreaming of one?Language study can be of practical assistance f...

Recipes and Cooking Shows. Practical English!

Do you want to improve your language skills, but find it difficult to find the time?I have a sugges...

You Don’t Need Confidence - Just Willingness

Under-confident people tend to have an exaggerated view of what 'confidence' looks like. I mean who...

Daily English Upgrade #013: Mini-Conversation — Asking for recommendations

A natural flow: ask + follow up. Ask: Do you have any recommendations? What would you recommend? Fo...

Gaining Confidence Online

Online classes can be intimidating if you are used to an in-person experience.  Prior to the pandem...

【一週兩次・讀台灣】台中男持棍毆打黑狗 動保處獲報收容安置

【一週兩次・讀台灣】 教科書を飛び出し、台湾の「今」を知り、生きた台湾華語をマスターしませんか？ 毎週2回、最新の台湾ニュースを題材に、台湾特有の文化、時代を映す言い回し、そして興味深い社会現象を...

Two Heartwarming Dog Movies on Netflix: Togo and The Art of Racing in the Rain

Recently, I watched two wonderful movies on Netflix: Togo and The Art of Racing in the Rain. Both m...

Daily English Upgrade #015: Say It Better — “Interesting” (more specific reactions)

“Interesting” is fine — but adding one detail makes you sound more natural. Upgrades: That’s intere...