Podcasts · Education

My English Matters

My English Matters

215 episodes

We're the Shurfa sisters from Malaysia—Azimah, Amnah and Aisya. After spending eight years in the U.K. as children, we know the importance of mastering a second language.

More about the show

We created My English Matters as a platform to help second language learners learn to speak, write and communicate in English with confidence!

The My English Matters podcast is an extension of all that we do—it's a place for us to connect with you on a whole new level. You can learn with us while you're on your commute to work, washing the dishes or picking your kids up from school! So let's get started, shall we?

Episodes page 1 of 5

  1. 207. What Does It Really Mean to Be Fluent in English?

    · 48 min

    What does it really mean to be fluent in English? Does it mean speaking without making mistakes, knowing lots of vocabulary, or being able to speak quickly? In this live replay, Madam Azimah and Amnah explore what…

  2. 206. Why You Don't Sound as Fluent as You Actually Are

    · 58 min

    Do you know quite a lot of English, but still find yourself struggling to express your ideas smoothly when you speak?In this live session, Amnah looks at some of the habits that can get in the way of fluency. ---…

  3. 205. 10 Expressions You May Hear at Work & What They Actually Mean

    · 41 min

    Ever heard expressions like "the ball is in your court" or "back to the drawing board" and wondered what they actually mean?Join Amnah as she explains 10 common workplace expressions, where some of them come from, and…

  4. 204. 4 Reasons You Know English But Still Struggle to Speak Confidently

    · 28 min

    You understand English.You can read emails, watch English videos, and even know the grammar.So why does speaking still feel so difficult?In this live session, Madam Azimah and Amnah will share 4 common reasons many…

  5. 203. 5 Speaking Habits That Make You Sound Less Confident

    · 38 min

    Do you sometimes sound less confident than you actually are? It may not be your English -- it could be your speaking habits. Join us as we uncover five common habits that quietly affect your confidence and learn simple…

  6. 202. What to Focus On If You Want to Speak English More Confidently This Year

    · 44 min

    You’ve been learning English for years, but are you focusing on the right things?In this live session, Amnah and Madam Azimah share the five areas that matter most if you want to speak English more confidently. You'll…

  7. 201. How to Build an English-Speaking Habit Even with a Busy Schedule

    · 53 min

    Finding the time to do something that's important but not urgent (like learning English) often gets pushed to the back burner. There are always other things that need our attention:Work. Family. Daily…

  8. 200. You're Not Bad at English — Here's What's Really Happening

    · 38 min

    Have you ever thought… • "I'm just not good at English." • "Everyone else seems more fluent than me." • "I know what I want to say... but the words just don't come out." You may think that struggling to speak means…

  9. 199. How to Keep Talking When You Don't Know the Exact Word

    · 48 min

    We often get this question from our students:"What should I do when I don't know the exact word in English?"In this session, Amnah will share a simple framework you can use whenever this happens. --- To learn even…

  10. 198. The Hidden Habit That Makes You Hesitate When Speaking English

    · 50 min

    Do you ever know what you want to say in English but hesitate before speaking?Many learners think they need more vocabulary or better grammar.But sometimes, the real problem is actually a hidden habit you may not…

  11. 197. How to Actually Become a Confident English Speaker

    · 56 min

    You understand English.You know the words.But when it’s time to speak… you hesitate.In this live session, we’ll break down what it actually takes to become a confident English speaker. --- Want to learn even more…

  12. 196. “I Know What to Say… But I Can’t Say It” — Let’s Fix That

    · 50 min

    You know what you want to say in English…but when it’s your turn, the words just don’t come out. In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, we'll help you fix that. ___ To learn more with us, register for…

  13. 195. From Short Answers to Engaging Conversations

    · 57 min

    Most people can learn English words, but still struggle when they have to actually talk. This is because speaking English is more than just about knowing the words. It’s also about knowing how to keep a conversation…

  14. 194. You Don’t Need More Vocabulary... Here’s What You Actually Need

    · 38 min

    You don’t actually need more vocabulary to sound confident in English.Most learners already know enough words… but still struggle to express themselves clearly.So what’s missing?Join this live session to discover what…

  15. 193. Why You Know English… But Still Can’t Speak Confidently

    · 48 min

    You understand English.You know the words.But when it’s time to speak… you hesitate.In this live session, we’ll break down why this happens and what you can start doing differently so speaking feels more natural and…

  16. 192. You Don’t Need to Be Extroverted to Speak English With Confidence

    · 13 min

    In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Aida shows that you don’t need to be extroverted or the loudest to speak English with confidence. Aida shows how quiet, thoughtful learners can shine by speaking…

  17. 191. Phrasal Verbs: The Secret to Sounding Natural in English

    · 23 min

    Phrasal verbs are everywhere in English, but they can be difficult to remember. In this episode, Aisya breaks down how they work and shares simple strategies to learn them more naturally. There's also a short quiz at…

  18. 190. The Art of Real Talk: Moving Past Small Talk to Deeper Connections

    · 21 min

    Tired of small talk that goes nowhere? In this episode, Aisya breaks down why most conversations feel flat and shares five key elements that can turn polite chit-chat into real, meaningful connections that leave you…

  19. 189. 3 Grammar Mistakes That Silently Destroy Your Confidence (and How to Fix Them Properly)

    · 37 min

    Some grammar mistakes quietly affect confidence and the way you speak at work. They can make you hesitate, second-guess yourself, or hold back even when you know what you want to say. In this live session, Madam…

  20. 188. A Practical System to Improve Your Fluency (Through Short, Consistent Daily Practice)

    · 45 min

    Most English learners understand English well — but speaking still feels difficult.In this live session, we break down a practical system to improve your English fluency through short, consistent daily practice, even…

  21. 187. From Small Talk to Smart Talk: How to Build and Sustain Conversations

    · 42 min

    If you’ve ever felt awkward or unsure during small talk, you’re not alone.In this session, we’ll explore why small talk is essential for connection, common challenges faced by Malaysians and second-language speakers,…

  22. 186. Sound Smarter When You Speak: Phrases and Structures for Clear, Professional Expression

    · 1 h 00 min

    In this live session, you’ll learn how to sound clearer and more professional when you speak English. We’ll share simple tips and useful phrases you can use in meetings, discussions, and everyday work conversations.…

  23. 185. Start Speaking Without Hesitation: Techniques to Reduce Pauses and Self-Doubt

    · 50 min

    If you often hesitate, pause too long, or doubt yourself while speaking English, this session is for you. You’ll learn simple, practical techniques to reduce hesitation, manage pauses confidently, and speak more…

  24. 185. How to Express Your Ideas in Simple, Natural English

    · 42 min

    Join Amnah as she shares five ways to express your ideas in simple, natural English! To learn even more with us, make sure to sign up to our FREE course, Speaking with Confidence. Go to myenglishmatters.com/subscribe…

  25. 184. What to Say When Your Mind Goes Blank: Practical Phrases for Smooth, Confident Speaking

    · 35 min

    Do you freeze when you have to speak English on the spot? Join us to learn practical phrases and strategies that help you recover quickly, stay composed, and speak with clarity in any situation. To learn even more…

  26. 183. How to Expand Your Vocabulary Without Memorising Long Lists

    · 56 min

    Want to expand your vocabulary fast? You don’t need long word lists or hours of memorisation. In this live session, Amnah will share practical ways to move words from your passive vocabulary to your active vocabulary,…

  27. 182. Why You Freeze When Speaking English (And How to Break The Habit)

    · 49 min

    Do you ever go blank or freeze when it’s your turn to speak English? In this live session, you’ll discover why it happens and how to overcome it. We’ll also cover how you can speak smoothly and clearly, even under…

  28. 181. The Secret to Building Better Sentences

    · 57 min

    In this week’s live session, Amnah shares the secret to writing and speaking in smoother, more natural English. Learn why many learners struggle to build sentences, and discover how to make your ideas flow effortlessly…

  29. 180. How to Stop Translating in Your Head and Speak Naturally

    · 1 h 00 min

    Do you ever pause mid-sentence because you’re busy translating words from your language to English? In tonight’s live session, we’ll talk about:1. Why you keep translating in your head (and how it slows you down) 2.…

  30. 179. Confident English at Work: Phrases That Make You Sound Professional

    · 56 min

    Do you sometimes struggle to find the right words at work? Maybe you worry that you sound too casual, too direct, or not confident enough.In this live session, Amnah will share practical English phrases you can use in…

  31. 178. Stop Being Boring and Let Your Personality Shine!

    · 14 min

    Stop sounding boring in English! In this episode, Aisya shows you how to speak like your true self, bring your personality into every conversation, and choose words that make you feel confident. To learn even more…

  32. 177. How to Find Time to Learn English

    · 14 min

    Do you want to improve your English but feel like there’s never enough time? In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Aida shares practical strategies—from micro-learning moments to routine stacking and…

  33. 176. 4 Reasons Why You May Never Be Fluent in English (and What to Do About It)

    · 16 min

    Struggling to become fluent in English? In this episode, Amnah shares four reasons that may be holding you back, and what you can do instead! From practising consistently to overcoming self-doubt and finding your…

  34. Is MEM Academy right for you?

    · 37 min

    Are you wondering if MEM Academy is the right programme for you? In this session, Madam Azimah answers your questions and shares everything you need to know about MEM Academy, our online programme to help you improve…

  35. NEW Masterclass! Your Path to English Fluency

    · 2:02

    Join us for our FREE live masterclass — Your Path to English Fluency!In this online class led by Madam Azimah, you’ll discover:-Where you are right now on the English fluency scale- The steps you need to take to move…

  36. 175. Balancing Work, Advocacy, and English Growth: Izyan’s Journey

    · 37 min

    In this episode, Madam Azimah chats with Izyan Hazwani Ahmad, Head of Department at the Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC) and one of My English Matters Academy’s most active students. Tune in as Izyan shares…

  37. 174. The Excuses That Might Be Holding You Back from Improving Your English

    · 19 min

    Are you telling yourself, “I’m too old,” “I don’t have time,” or “My English is already okay”? In this episode, Aisya unpacks the most common excuses that hold people back from improving their English, and why these…

  38. 173. Break the Language Barrier, Start the Conversation

    · 10 min

    Do you find it hard to speak up in English at work, especially around colleagues or foreigners? In this episode, Aida shares practical tips to help you build confidence, improve your communication, and make the most…

  39. 172. From Shy to Confident: My Small Talk Survival Guide

    · 17 min

    Struggle with small talk? In this snippet from one of our My English Matters Academy sessions, Madam Azimah shares practical tips and reflection exercises to help shy speakers, introverts, and ambiverts feel more…

  40. 171. Don't Translate. Think in English!

    · 13 min

    Translating everything in your head before speaking English? It’s time to stop! In this episode, Aisya shares how thinking directly in English can help you become more fluent, feel more confident, and speak more…

  41. 170. Want to Be Fluent in English? Use the F.L.U.E.N.T. Framework

    · 24 min

    In this episode, Amnah shares the F.L.U.E.N.T. Framework — a simple, 6-step guide to help you build real fluency, one step at a time. From finding your ‘why’ to thinking in English, you’ll learn how to practise with…

  42. 169. How to Sound Natural in English (Even If People Say "Speak Properly!")

    · 9:28

    Have you ever been told not to say gonna or wanna because it’s “not proper English”? In this episode, Aisya breaks down what “proper” English really means, why contractions and reductions matter in real-life…

  43. 168. Back to Basics: What Every Speaker Should Know About Subject-Verb Agreement

    · 39 min

    If you’ve ever asked yourself: • “Is it ‘she go’ or ‘she goes’?” • “What if the sentence is longer — how do I know the correct verb?” • “Why do I still make these mistakes even after years of learning?” Then this…

  44. 167. How to Sound Confident (Even If You're Not)

    · 19 min

    Ever felt like your mind goes blank the moment all eyes are on you? In this episode, Aisya shares six practical tips to help you sound more confident in presentations, meetings, or everyday conversations—even if your…

  45. 166. What I Would Do If I Started All Over Again

    · 12 min

    In this episode of My English Matters, Aida shares what she would do differently if she could restart her English-learning journey. From embracing mistakes to making English part of daily life, she offers tips to help…

  46. 165. Let’s Talk: 5 Misconceptions & Comments About English Learning

    · 19 min

    Have you ever been told you shouldn’t say gonna or gotta? Or that you need to sound like a native speaker to be fluent? In this episode, Amnah looks at five common misconceptions about learning English—based on real…

  47. 164. Stop Complaining, Start Doing

    · 11 min

    In this episode, Aisya shares some tough love about why complaining won’t improve anything — unless you’re also working on the solution. She opens up about her own struggles with music practice, a friend who never…

  48. 163. 4 Must-Hear Episodes on Using ChatGPT to Boost Your English Skills

    · 11 min

    In this episode, Aida highlights four must-hear podcast episodes on using ChatGPT to enhance English skills. From conversational practice to refining writing, she shares practical tips and key insights for integrating…

  49. Join Us Live: Speak to Connect Workshop in Kuala Lumpur!

    · 2:22

    Join us for Speak to Connect—a live, 2-day workshop in Kuala Lumpur this May! Designed for English learners who want to build confidence in conversations, presentations, and impromptu speaking. Seats are limited, so…

  50. 162. What to Do When You Make An Embarrassing Mistake

    · 13 min

    Ever said the wrong word mid-sentence, mispronounced something, or completely blanked out while speaking? In this episode of the My English Matters Podcast, Amnah talks about what to do when you make an embarrassing…

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