Speak with Nick

Hi, I’m Nick Simcock, an English Language coach. I help Italians to unlock their English. A transcript of this podcast can be found in the description.
Experience is the best teacher
My 9 year old daughter has just left on a week’s camping trip with her scout group. It’s the first time she has gone away from home for a week without us. And it’s made me think about the importance of experience.
I’m pleased to say that when we left her she was full of enthusiasm and in good spirits, thanks to the good friends and great leaders. A few days before leaving, she did voice some concerns but we were able to reassure her. Obviously she is bound to face some moments of difficulty at camp, but as we say ‘it’s all good’.
Life, like anything, can’t be taught, it has to be lived, experienced. Albert Einstein said “The only source of knowledge is experience”, whether that means our personal experience or other people’s, it’s true. We learn by doing.
Experience is our way of making sense of the world around us and there is no substitute for it. At an early age we are told that fire will burn us, or a knife can cut us, but until we have experienced it, hopefully not too seriously, the information doesn’t really sink in.
It’s no surprise then that learning by doing is the most effective and simple way to learn a new language. It’s how you learnt your first language! Ask anyone who has become proficient in English how they did it, and they will always say something along the lines of, ‘I stopped studying and I started using the language’: work, travel, relationships, life experiences. So if you really want English as your second language then you need to live it. That’s why I’m an English coach not a teacher and I always offer and encourage real English moments for my students.
If you physically do the things you need and want to do in your life, you will easily memorise the associated words and phrases because they are directly connected with your actions and emotions. Later you will be able to reflect on your experiences and mentally retrace the steps in the new language. Just like the time you found the courage to speak English on holiday to order a drink or chat with someone. It was a real experience.
With experiences come mistakes. Now, some mistakes can be life threatening involving fire or knives, but speaking English has no such dangers. The worst thing that can happen to you is that you can’t remember the word or you simply don’t understand. At school we learn that mistakes are bad and to be avoided, but mistakes should be celebrated with positivity, because if you’re not making any errors it means you’re not learning.
So, just like the young scout who courageously heads off on camp for the first time, I invite you to jump into English learning. Trust your instincts. Know that you can. Get active and live your life with the language, accept and embrace your mistakes, and learn through meaningful experiences.
A transcript of this podcast can be found in the description.You can find out more about me on my website - speakwithnick.it
Ciao for now!

Hi, I’m Nick Simcock, an English Language coach. I help Italians to unlock their English. A transcript of this podcast can be found in the description.
Why we want to look good
We spend so much of our time in the bathroom, cleaning and shaving, cutting our nails, doing our hair and applying creams and makeup. People can spend even more time carefully choosing what to wear. Never ending titivating, trying to make ourselves at least presentable and at best drop dead gorgeous. So why do we do it
There are of course many reasons. First, a quick look at the animal kingdom reveals one of the biggest: the importance of being an attractive mate. It seems that the biggest, most impressive and colourful tail feathers usually win the game. Another reason is simply to feel good about ourselves. And the processes of male grooming and female beauty treatments can be fun and therapeutic, and also social. Sometimes, it’s to set a good example to our children, or to please our partner. How we appear to others is also connected to our identity and individuality. Even those who say they have turned their back on being smart and presentable have made a choice. It’s also possible to become trapped in social conventions, where you feel like you must wear a certain uniform to fit in.
They say ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression’. This is especially true in fast paced business situations where you have little time to stand out from the crowd. The very first information we receive when meeting a new person is visual and we subconsciously arrive at conclusions long before any words are spoken. This instinct comes from our ancient past, from a time before language as we know it today. Within seconds of meeting someone we are deciding if they are friend or foe, or a potential mate.
It’s a good idea to be aware of what you look like and what it communicates to other people. For example, making an effort to look good suggests that you’re not lazy and that you pay attention to detail. Good personal hygiene is not only pleasant for other people it reflects self discipline and personal awareness. These things give the idea that you're a motivated ‘go - getter’ who knows success. But, also be aware that just wearing an expensive business suit can label you as a ‘power dresser’, which is when a person attempts to win work and influence people by how they dress.
Anyone who’s been around the block a few times knows that ‘you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover’, and yet we continue to fall for superficial beauty. Just think about how many people in the world today across the internet are admired and praised simply because of their good looks. Only experience teaches us to be cautious and not always trust your eyes, there are many ‘sharks in Armani suits’, as the saying goes.
For whatever reason you want to look good there’s no doubt that feeling good about your appearance boosts your confidence. It gives you higher self esteem, especially if you receive compliments. You feel, act and speak more positively and this undoubtedly improves your life. You stop worrying about other people’s opinions and start being proactive.
Some people believe in ‘love at first sight’, but that has to be superficial, just a visual attraction. True and lasting love must take into account behaviour and personality, not just looks. In this world of the deep fake and the super famous I believe it’s important to remember that how you act, your morals and staying true to your word are among the most important qualities, even if they may go unnoticed by the crowd.
A full transcript of this podcast can be found in the description. You can find out more about me on my website - speakwithnick.it
Ciao for now!

Hi, I’m Nick Simcock, an English Language coach. I help Italians to unlock their English. A transcript of this podcast can be found in the description.
Emigrating - Is the grass greener?
Many people around the world are forced to emigrate for unpleasant reasons like war or famine. I’m fortunate, I emigrated for love, curiosity and adventure. About twenty years ago my wife and I packed up our life in the UK and moved to Italy. Our move came mainly from my desire to get to know my wife's home country and to experience living ‘la vita bella’!
Packing up your life in boxes and emigrating is like starting your life again, a new home, a new job, new friends and, oh yes, new problems. It takes a lot of energy and money. I quickly discovered that to make it work you need a positive and proactive approach to life. I am the first to admit that without the support of my wife's family and friends here in Belluno it would have been very difficult to settle here in Italy. I remember very well the excitement of starting this new life, but also the stress! A big challenge was learning the Italian language, yet at the same time the fact that I was English gave me job opportunities that I didn't have in the UK, namely teaching English and also working on the local radio station - Radio Belluno.
In the first year of my new life in Italy I quickly realised that I had become an ambassador for the UK. I was bombarded by questions about England on all sorts of subjects, from food to football, from the Queen to rock n' roll. I'm always pleased to talk about my home country, but I don't like to generalise so I often find myself saying “Well I can't speak for everyone in England, but in my experience ...”. And when I came to Italy I had my own generalisations about the Italians. For example, I thought that everybody talked with a neapolitan accent and that it would be sunny all the time!
After two or three years in Italy I remember I went through a period of feeling very English. I wanted to talk about my home country or wear the Union Jack flag. It wasn't because I wanted to return to the UK, I think it was more of an identity crisis. No matter where we find ourselves in the world one thing we all have in common is a desire to have an identity of some kind, to feel we belong to a community. I will always think of myself as English and then Italian, but I now like to consider myself as European.
Emigrating to Italy has been, and continues to be, one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Living away from my beloved England has made me appreciate and understand the ‘green and pleasant land’ like never before. I don't have any immediate desire to move back to the UK because I love my life here in Italy. The Italian language, the food, the people, the architecture, the history, the weather and my work are just a few things that I love about where I live. I could also list some negative aspects, but there are negative aspects in ALL places.
So, is the grass greener on the other side of the fence? Ask one hundred different people and you'll get one hundred different answers. What do you think? Do you like the idea of moving to a new country, or are you happy where you are?
A full transcript of this podcast can be found in the description.You can find out more about me on my website - speakwithnick.it
Ciao for now!

Hi, I’m Nick Simcock, an English Language coach. I help Italians to unlock their English. This podcast is an extract from my free email entitled “The Importance of REAL English Practice”, July 2023. A full transcript can be found in the description.
Nick here from Speak with Nick. I hope you're well and practising your English! 
I want to share something really important with you, which will save you a lot of time with your English learning!
You know, you can't learn anything in life unless you actually do it! How did you learn to ride a bicycle, for example? You had to practise lots of new things, find your balance and confidence, and you probably fell off a few times! There was no rule book.
Richard Branson said:  “You don't learn to walk by following rules.You learn by doing, and by falling over."
So, you have to put yourself through the motions with positivity and curiosity, and yes you'll make many mistakes along the way.
But the simple fact is, you can become good at anything in life if you do the right practise. So what is the right practice for English?
Language is physical and practical, just like driving a car or riding a bicycle. If you want to understand and speak English you've got to make new physical movements with your mouth everyday, to reproduce the sounds and rhythms you hear. You must listen everyday to real speaking, on YouTube for example, to get used to the new phrases and words you want to understand. Just like you did when you learnt your first language when you were a child.
We need language to communicate with the world around us, to do the things we want to do in our lives. Things like ordering a coffee, asking for directions, talking to our future partner, or negotiating a business deal. But if it has no real use, or has little meaning to you, it will be very hard to remember the new words and structures.
This is why, 'grammar textbook English' that is constructed to demonstrate grammar rules in books, is a waste of your time. It has no real meaning to you and so it's quickly forgotten. Grammar is important, but the only time you should look at grammar is when you need to apply it to a real life situation to communicate a message with the right meaning.
So the right way to practise speaking is ... out loud while you are doing real things in your life, like cooking or walking your dog for example. You can do this by yourself or with family and friends. The magic combination of personal meaning and physical action will make it so much easier for you to remember the language. It will create strong connections in your brain. And it will normalise the process of using English.
To put it very simply, we learn by having experiences doing real meaningful stuff!
The importance of having real experiences with English is why I offer monthly online LIVE Events. If you want to find out more about my next LIVE event visit my website:
https://www.speakwithnick.it/index.php/eventi/ 
And then come and have a real experience with me!
That in a nutshell is why real practice is so important.
Do you have any questions for me? I’d be so happy to hear from you, simply reply to this email.
Speak to you soon, ciao for now!
Nick.
This podcast is an extract from my free email entitled “The Importance of REAL practice”, July 2023” To learn more about me visit my website speakwithnick.it

Hi, I’m Nick Simcock, an English Language coach. I help Italians to unlock their English. A transcript of this podcast can be found in the description.
The Magic of Music. The very first sounds we hear from the womb, when we are only about 20 weeks old, are the sounds of our mother’s body and the constant beat of her heart, the rhythm of life. At around 25 weeks we can hear the reverberation of our mother’s voice and other noises coming from the outside world. Even before we are born we are listening to the symphony of life.
In all corners of the world, who hasn’t experienced the magic release of dopamine (one of the feel good chemicals in our brain) as we lose ourselves in music. Pleasing melodies, changes in musical direction, rhythms and lyrics all speak to us on an emotional level, consoling us in times of difficulty, energising us, or stimulating our creativity and imagination. 
Music can give us ‘goosebumps’, also known as ‘chills’ or ‘frisson’. Those shivers down your spine as your body and mind are thrown into an ecstatic state of joy. The health benefits of listening to your favourite music are countless: from high tempo beats for physical exercise, to slow soft meandering tones for relaxation. And how many of you also use songs to learn English?
I’ve been helping Italians with their English for more than 15 years and when I meet new students there are nearly always two important things missing: 1. a lack of real listening and 2. a lack of real practice out loud. Fortunately, English learners have a huge archive of pop songs from the past and present to help them to improve.
As an English language coach one of my mottoes is ‘stop studying and start practising’, but singing is even more fun and there are many great benefits to the karaoke method. The lyrics in pop songs, from The Beatles to Harry Styles are colloquial, which means when you listen and sing along you are using genuine spoken English, full of contractions and common idiomatic phrases. And those repetitive melodies that won’t leave your head keep you practising long after you’ve stopped listening. To take this learning method to the max, make sure that you sing out loud and pay close attention to forming the exact same vocal sounds. The last step is to take your favourite phrases from the song and adapt and use them in your own life.
For 20 years I’ve been hosting and producing a radio programme called “The English Lesson” which you can listen to on radiobelluno.it. I simply play a popular song from the past or present and translate it into Italian. It works for both people who are simply curious about the meaning of the song and for those who are learning English.
So whether you’re an Elvis impersonator under the shower, a Beyonce Knowles in the bath or a Rolling Stone in your car, tune in, pump up the volume and sing along with your favourite artists. And remember, incorporate your favourite phrases into your daily speaking practice! Ciao for now!
A full transcript of this podcast can be found in the description.You can find out more about me on my website - speakwithnick.it

Hi, I’m Nick Simcock, an English Language coach. I help Italians to unlock their English. A transcript of this podcast can be found in the description.
For dog lovers
Are you a dog owner, do you have a four legged friend? When I was a kid we had a miniature smooth-haired dachshund called Sam. I remember coming home from school knowing that our new family member was going to be waiting for us. I remember my Mum telling me that it was a ‘big responsibility having a dog, like having a baby that never grows up’, but it was lots of fun too.
The joy of having a cute puppy, for me and my sister especially, was immense and exciting. New routines and responsibilities, those first difficult nights when he was crying, the initial excitement of taking him for a walk - ‘walkies!’, and house training to stop the puddles and smelly piles on the carpet.
For a small dog Sam was big on personality and very head strong, and unfortunately was never taken to obedience classes. So while he was adorable, he also stole food, wanted to attack any other dogs (even though he was only 20cm high), would escape from the house and run away, and couldn’t be let off the lead. Today the internet and TV are full of dog trainers with top tips to keep your pooch in line, but dog training just wasn’t very common back then. The dog is a pack animal and as such is happy when he has a top dog to obey. My Mum was the only one who had some control over Sam, just because she was the food provider. The famous phrase is ‘don’t bite the hand that feeds you’. In the 1980’s an Irish dog trainer called Barbara Woodhouse became very famous with her TV programme ‘The Woodhouse Way’. She firmly believed ‘there are no bad dogs, just bad owners’. The best thing about the show was watching her discipline the owners with her high pitched strict school teacher voice, you could almost see the dogs laughing and thinking, ‘I told you it was you!’
Now, many years later, my family and I have our own dog and although I’m not a severe school teacher type, I like to think I make a pretty good alpha male. If you follow me on Instagram or Youtube then you’ve probably already seen Gypsy, our salt and pepper miniature schnauzer. With the help of some treats I have put in some time to teach her some simple commands. One essential command is a raised hand and a call so she comes back to me when she’s off the lead. This usually works unless she’s taken by the scent of a deer or another dog, in which case I admit it’s not always effective.
Some people prefer cats to dogs and I don’t mind cats, but I am 100% a dog lover. I find cats are often aloof and unconcerned by your presence, but a dog will attentively love you till the end no matter what. All pets are a great source of love and companionship for many people, who would otherwise be lonely. They also keep us fit. I love my morning walk with Gypsy. She’s such great company and always ready to listen with zero judgement. She constantly reminds me to live in the moment.
If you have children, some space and time, then adding a dog to your family is a great decision. They teach such great lessons like, responsibility, caring and kindness, respect, patience and the power of unconditional love. And, due to their shorter lifespan, one of the biggest life lessons of all. One day when you finally have to say goodbye to your faithful friend you will likely realise that they loved you so much more than you ever did or ever could.
A full transcript of this podcast can be found in the description.You can find out more about me on my website - speakwithnick.it
Ciao for now!

Hi, I’m Nick Simcock, an English Language coach. I help Italians to unlock their English. A transcript of this podcast can be found in the description.
English Summer Holiday Memories
Here in Italy the schools have closed for Summer and it’s holiday time again. If you are lucky enough to be able to take time off now to avoid the august crowds, then maybe you’re already on holiday, listening to this podcast on a beach, in the mountains or in a bustling city. 
But what memories do you have of your summer holidays as a child? I don’t have many photographs of when I went on my family holidays in the 70’s and 80’s in England. We only had real film cameras back then and we didn’t take many photos compared to today, of course, that doesn't mean I don’t have some special memories.
I used to live in the Midlands in the UK and a common destination for us was Wales. One of my earliest memories was camping with my mum and dad and sister at Lake Bala. I remember standing in the middle of a blue tent as heavy rain pounded on the canvas and wind whipped the sides, watching little rivers of water flow all around us and wondering if the tent was going to protect us from the elements.
I do also have some sunny, although faded childhood memories of being at the seaside town of Tenby in South Wales in the mid 1970’s. Sandy beaches, buckets and spades, walks along the coast, old fishing villages, caravan parks, bed and breakfasts, fish and chips, ice cream, and, ‘fingers crossed, hope you’re lucky with the weather!’
And after the holiday when you were back home chatting with friends and neighbours the number one question was always, ‘how was the weather?’. Now I live in Italy and I find it interesting that the number one question after a holiday for Italians is ‘Come era il cibo? / how was the food?', a telling sign of different climates and different cultures.
The English dream of good holiday weather, warm sun and blue seas. By the end of the 1970’s, with more flights available and package holiday deals, for the first time in history the Brits were spending more on holidays abroad than at home. And showing off your tan to your neighbours once you got back to cold rainy England, was considered proof that the weather was amazing.
The British cultural change to holidaying abroad is represented in a classic British TV comedy series, which aired between 1975 and 1979, called Fawlty Towers. It starred the Monty Python legend John Cleese as a grumpy owner of an outdated seaside guest house. It made hilarious fun of the traditional British seaside holiday and further encouraged us to get on a plane and jet off to new glamorous foreign destinations. If you listen to my podcast to improve your English I fully recommend the series Fawlty Towers.
And so, what memories will you take home with you after this Summer? What memories do you see your children making? I wish all of you happy summer holidays!
A full transcript of this podcast can be found in the description. You can find out more about me on my website - speakwithnick.it
Ciao for now!

Hi, I’m Nick Simcock, an English Language coach. I help Italians to unlock their English. A transcript of this podcast can be found in the description.
Water - love, fear and free diving
Our fascination with water is always all around us. Standing on a beach and watching the neverending waves gives me a beautiful sense of calm and clarity. Whether I’m next to a fountain in a town square, sitting on a river bank, taking a hot relaxing bath or a refreshing shower, invigorating my body with a swim, or drinking a cool glass of water, I’m constantly drawn to it: 2 parts hydrogen and one part oxygen, H2O, water.
The human body is around 60% water. Our brain is around 70% water, so if you want to keep thinking straight remember to drink enough water. Our love of water is not surprising when you consider that we come from the oceans. Scientists are unanimous that somewhere down the evolutionary chain we used to be fish!
But it’s not all plain sailing. The fear of water is very common and somewhat natural. It goes without saying that we are not fish and water is not our normal environment. Also, according to the W.H.O. drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional death worldwide. So caution around water is always wise.
Thalassophobia is the fear of deep water and what lies beneath. I think we can attribute at least some of this fear to the famous novel Jaws by Peter Benchley from 1974 and the following film by Steven Spielberg. While a great white shark is a fearsome creature, it’s not the vindictive or cruel killer that it’s usually portrayed to be.
I always remember that when I was a child on holiday at the seaside and the conversation inevitably turned to swimming in the sea, my mum would always say the same thing, “I don’t go swimming where I can’t see the bottom, you don’t know what’s down there, do you!” And so, this narrative rubbed off on me and gave me a fear of deep water too. Thalassophobia is an irrational fear and in recent years my curiosity and subsequent love of free diving meant that I was able to overcome it.
Free diving, if you don’t know, is emerging yourself in water without an air tank and relying on the air you have in your lungs. It’s often talked of as a dangerous foolhardy activity, but with the right knowledge and buddies it’s as safe as riding a bike.
For me free diving is an amazing and exhilarating journey that makes me question my own limits and nature. It taps into our ancient aquatic past and triggers the mammalian dive reflex, which is a physiological response that lowers your heart rate and shifts your blood to your vital organs. There are many other fascinating and alluring aspects to free diving. If you’re interested, contact your local water centre and find a course or instructor.
Between my love and fear of water, love definitely wins. My fear is still present but it’s now more a form of respect and wonder.
Be safe, never dive alone, and most importantly enjoy the water!
A full transcript of this podcast can be found in the description. You can find out more about me on my website - speakwithnick.it
Ciao for now!

Hi, I’m Nick Simcock, an English Language coach. I help Italians to unlock their English.
This podcast is an extract from my free email entitled “Hope”, June 2023. A full transcript can be found here in the description.
Hi, Nick here from Speak with Nick. I hope you are well and practising your English. If not, don’t feel bad, because today is a great day to start!
A phrase I often hear from people is “I hope to improve my English. ”I want to tell you that you don't need hope! What’s more, hope could be holding you back!    
Hope is a beautiful concept. It's a lovely thing to say to someone else. Phrases like, ‘I hope you are well’, or ‘I hope your new job is going well’ are great also in written messages. They let someone know that you are genuinely interested in their well being and success.
BUT if you use hope in the first person in a phrase like ‘I hope to improve myEnglish’ it can sound like you are waiting to win the lottery, or maybe someone else to do it for you. If you base your future desires on hope then you will likely be disappointed.
The truth is, no one is going to do it for you. English will not magically appear in your head while you sleep, you must take action and create the change you want in your life!
"The great aim of education is not knowledge but action." said Herbert Spencer, an English Philosopher.
So what does taking action really mean? Many people feel lost when they think about learning a new language, it seems like a huge mountain to climb. "Where do I start?" people ask. 
Well, to climb a mountain you start from where you are and you take one step at a time. Simply practise the English you have now out loud everyday, to do the things that you need and want to do. 
As you are taking your baby steps, make notes about the words and structures that you are missing. Find the answers in books or online and integrate the English into your life in a way that has meaning for you.
If you love going for walks in nature with your dog, then practise speaking out loud about that. If you need to talk about your company’s business reports with clients in London then practise speaking out loud about that.
Watch videos online, like my Instagram account. Join an immersive language group like my Go Bilingual experience, listen and repeat the words and phrases out loud,  just like you did when you learnt your first language as a child.
Language isn’t something to study and memorise, it’s something to use! We learn by doing!
So remember, you don’t need hope, you need to take action and the rest will come naturally.
This podcast is an extract from my free email entitled “Hope”, June 2023” To learn more about me visit my website speakwithnick.it
Thanks for listening. Ciao for now!

Hi, I’m Nick Simcock, an English Language coach. I help Italians to unlock their English.
Take a deep breath! We use this phrase in English when we are about to face something challenging, exciting, maybe dangerous or frightening. So we take a deep breath with the idea of calming our nerves and making ourselves feel strong and confident.
I’ve known this phrase for as long as I can remember, but what’s the truth behind this common expression? Most of the time we don’t think about our breathing. We take it for granted like our heartbeat. It’s a natural process that doesn’t require any thought, it just happens by itself. 
But if you take the time to listen to your breathing you can learn a lot about yourself. According to Mindworks.org there are 8 breathing patterns that reveal the health state of body and mind. They include shallow, chest-only breathing, when you only use the very top of your lungs, which is a sign of stress. And also breath holding in moments of anxious expectation, such as when we check our email. But when our body and mind are in a state of health we breathe through the nostrils and deeply into the belly. Our breathing is relatively quiet, relaxed and patient.
I started to become really aware of my breathing first practising yoga, then when I began my journey into the world of freediving. Freediving or apnea is a pastime and sport where you emerge yourself underwater without an air tank and simply hold your breath for as long as you can. I’ll definitely do a podcast about my passion for freediving, but now back to the original question:
Does taking a deep breath make you calm, strong and confident? Yes without doubt, in an article on everydayhealth.com they list various benefits of deep breathing including lowering your blood pressure, managing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and helping to reduce tension headaches.
But don’t just take my word for it, try some deep breathing for yourself. Find a comfortable quiet space, you can lie down if you want, or simply sit in a comfy chair. Slowly breathe in through your nose and feel your stomach rise - gentle place one hand on your belly to feel this rising movement. Hold the breath for a second and then gently breathe out. Take 3 or 4 full, slow deep breaths. I normally breathe in for a count of 4, hold for a count of 2 and then breathe out for 4 or more, and hold for another count of 2, and then repeat. Just do what feels comfortable for you. You can find plenty of guides online. I do deep breathing every morning to prepare for my meditation, during the day if I need to de-stress, and in bed before falling asleep.
Remember also that whatever language you are speaking it’s essential that you have enough air passing through your vocal cords to make them vibrate. So take 3 or 4 deep breaths, find your calm centre, feel your strength, let go of fear and doubt and just say it and do it!
You can find out more about me on my website www.speakwithnick.it
Ciao for now!