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 2 of 5

  1. 161. How to Handle Difficult People Smartly

    · 14 min

    In this My English Matters Podcast episode, Aida shares strategies for handling difficult people confidently, even when communicating in English. She recounts personal stories about managing a frustrated customer and a…

  2. 160. The FREE Framework: A Simple Formula to Overcome Nervousness When Speaking English

    · 13 min

    In this episode, Amnah introduces the FREE Framework: Focus, Reframe, Exhale, and Express to help you overcome nervousness when speaking English. Learn simple, practical steps to stay calm, speak clearly, and build…

  3. 159. Podcast Gems: Top Episodes to Check Out

    · 8:02

    In this special Eid-themed episode of the My English Matters Podcast, Aida shares the top three most-loved episodes. From mastering "congratulations" to slowing down speech and using key phrases in group discussions,…

  4. 158. Don't Let ChatGPT Erase Your Voice

    · 17 min

    In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Aisya explores how ChatGPT can help make writing sound polished but lifeless. She breaks down the signs of AI-generated text and why overusing it can make you come…

  5. 157. My High School Friend’s Visit and the Power of Communication

    · 8:28

    Reuniting with an old friend after years apart can be both heartwarming and eye-opening. In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Azimah shares the story of her long-awaited catch-up with Raheela, her friend…

  6. 156. Aspiration vs. Inspiration – What’s the Difference & Which One Drives Success?

    · 12 min

    Inspiration gives you a spark of motivation, while aspiration drives you toward long-term goals. Though they seem similar, understanding the difference can shape how we grow! In this episode, Amnah explores these…

  7. 155. 5 Fun Ways to Improve Your English with a Friend

    · 10 min

    In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Aida shares five fun and practical ways to improve your English skills with a friend! From using new words in conversations to texting in English and reenacting…

  8. 154. Words Matter: Boost Your Confidence with a Richer Vocabulary

    · 12 min

    In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Aisya shares how expanding your vocabulary can boost your confidence and help you communicate more effectively. She shares her own experiences and offers practical…

  9. 153. The 4 Types of English Learners - Which One Are You?

    · 35 min

    In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Amnah explores the four distinct types of English learners to help you discover which one you are! Are you the Budding Speaker 🌱, the Hidden Gem 💎, the Aspiring Star…

  10. What's Your English Confidence Persona?

    · 5:26

    🌟Uncover Your English Confidence Persona! 🌟 What’s your communication style when it comes to English? Take our fun, free quiz, What’s Your English Confidence Persona?, to find out! In just 60 seconds, you’ll gain…

  11. 152. The Pressure of Perfection: Why Perfection Isn’t the Goal

    · 11 min

    In this episode, Madam Azimah shares her struggles with perfectionism and how comparing herself to others held her back. She also explores why authenticity matters more than flawlessness and offers insights on…

  12. 151. 4 Ways I’m Rethinking My Goals (and How It Relates to Your English Learning Journey)

    · 17 min

    In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Amnah shares four ways to rethink your goals for 2025 to enhance your English learning journey. From starting the year strong and aligning goals with your priorities…

  13. 150. Reflect and Celebrate: Your English Growth in 2024

    · 10 min

    In this end-of-year episode, Aisya helps you reflect on your English progress in 2024—celebrate your wins, recognise areas for growth, and appreciate your journey so far! Looking ahead to 2025, discover actionable…

  14. 149. What to Say if You Have Nothing to Say

    · 11 min

    In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Aida shares tips for handling conversations when you feel stuck! With strategies like asking open-ended questions and embracing silence, Aida helps listeners approach…

  15. 148. Overcoming the Fear of Making Mistakes in English

    · 14 min

    Afraid of making mistakes when speaking English? In this episode, Aisya explains why mistakes are your greatest teacher and shares how to embrace them with confidence! Learn practical tips to shift your mindset,…

  16. 147. Stop Repeating Yourself: Five Ways to Keep Your Content Fresh

    · 11 min

    Do you catch yourself saying the same thing over and over, wondering if your audience is even listening? In this episode, Madam Azimah shares five creative strategies to avoid repetition and keep your message…

  17. 146. 25 Ways to Improve Your English Before 2025

    · 19 min

    In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Aisya shares 25 simple ways to improve your English before 2025! From setting goals and learning grammar basics to boosting speaking and listening skills, these tips…

  18. 145. Turn Your Car Into an English Classroom!

    · 15 min

    Stuck in traffic or on the go? In this video, Madam Azimah shares a creative and practical way to turn your car into an English classroom! Learn how to improve your English skills with simple activities, including…

  19. Your 2025 Roadmap to Fluency - Save Your Seat for This Exclusive Training!

    · 4:13

    Ready to make 2025 the year you finally master English? Join Amnah in this special episode as she shares all about Your 2025 Roadmap to Fluency — a free, limited-time training designed to help you level up your…

  20. 144: How Long Will It Take to Be Fluent in English?

    · 9:28

    In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Aida answers the question, "How long will it take to be fluent in English?" She also shares practical tips on immersing yourself in English, speaking daily, and…

  21. 143. Lessons from Debaters: Practical Insights for Workplace Persuasion

    · 21 min

    In this episode, Madam Azimah explores the value of debating skills—even for second-language speakers—and shares six practical tips to help you speak confidently and think critically, from thorough research to…

  22. 142. Instant Writing Boost: Must-Try ChatGPT Prompts

    · 18 min

    In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Aisya shares ChatGPT prompts that can instantly improve your writing! From generating creative ideas and titles to refining tone, editing, and simplifying complex…

  23. Sign up to join our FREE email series: 3 Strategies to Sharpen Your Writing (With or Without AI)

    · 2:46

    Have you ever stared at a blank page, feeling unsure of how to start your writing? Perhaps you’ve hit send on an email, only to second-guess every word? Or maybe you use AI tools like ChatGPT, only to feel like the…

  24. 141: 5 Reasons Writing Skills Matter—Especially in an Age of AI Writing Tools

    · 7:24

    While AI tools can assist with writing, they can't capture your unique voice, insights, or the human touch—making strong writing skills essential for standing out professionally. In this episode of the My English…

  25. 140. Writing with ChatGPT: Dos, Don’ts, and How to Get It Right

    · 7:42

    In this episode of the My English Matters Podcast, Aisya covers the dos and don’ts of using ChatGPT for writing. Learn how to make the most of this AI tool, avoid common mistakes, and find out whether universities…

  26. 139. How to Use ‘Weekend’ Prepositions Correctly in English

    · 6:26

    Is it 'at the weekend', 'on the weekend', 'over the weekend', or 'during the weekend'? In this episode of the "My English Matters" podcast, Aida explains the correct use of prepositions when talking about the weekend…

  27. 138. Nervous When Speaking English? Lessons from My Own Journey

    · 19 min

    Feeling nervous when speaking English? In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Amnah shares her personal journey from a shy six-year-old to a confident speaker. Learn how to turn nervousness into a strength…

  28. 137. From Rejected to Respected: Nadiah's Journey to Confident Public Speaking

    · 53 min

    In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah is joined by Nadiah Najib from PLANMalaysia. Nadiah shares her journey of overcoming the fear of public speaking, offering practical tips and relatable…

  29. 136. Following Up: Part 2 - Tips for Professional Follow-Ups In Person & Over the Phone

    · 20 min

    In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Amnah explores the art of effective follow-ups, focusing on in-person and phone communication. Want to speak English with confidence? Visit…

  30. 135. Following Up: Tips & Phrases for Professional Follow-Ups

    · 26 min

    In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Amnah shares practical tips and phrases for crafting professional follow-ups that balance empathy and efficiency. Learn how to write effective emails and texts that…

  31. 134. Improving Your English Through Movies & TV Shows

    · 8:53

    In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Aida shares fun and effective tips for levelling up your English skills with movies and TV shows, offering insights on selecting suitable content and techniques to…

  32. 133. Are You an Extrovert? Tips for Speaking English Confidently

    · 16 min

    If you find yourself energised by social interactions and love being at the heart of lively gatherings, this episode is for you! Learn how to harness your extroverted strengths to speak with greater confidence, and…

  33. 132. Are You An Introvert? Don't Let That Label Affect Your Confidence in Speaking English

    · 13 min

    If you often feel drained after social interactions, this episode of the My English Matters podcast is for you! In this episode, Amnah discusses the unique challenges that introverts face when learning and speaking…

  34. 131. Quiz: 15 Common Idiomatic Expressions for Everyday Situations

    · 19 min

    What are idiomatic expressions? Idiomatic expressions are phrases where the meaning is different from the literal meanings of the words. They are commonly used in everyday language and can be a bit tricky to understand…

  35. 130. Understanding the Differences: "You're Welcome" vs "Your Welcome" vs "You're Welcomed"

    · 17 min

    Do you find yourself puzzled by the phrases "you're welcome," "your welcome," and "you're welcomed"? Understanding the differences between these expressions can be tricky. In this episode of the My English Matters…

  36. 129. Learning English with Movies and Games: An Interview with Ata Hanifee

    · 21 min

    This episode is a continuation of last week's conversation with Ata Hanifee, a Malaysian PhD student currently studying in the UK. Madam Azimah dives deeper into how Ata became fluent in English, exploring the unique…

  37. 128. Life in the UK as a PhD Student: An Interview with Ata Hanifee

    · 46 min

    In this episode, Madam Azimah interviews Ata Hanifee, a Malaysian student currently pursuing his PhD in London. Ata shares his experiences adapting to an English-speaking environment, the words and phrases he has…

  38. 127. Singular vs. Plural Forms in English

    · 14 min

    In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Aida answers a set of questions from one of our students. If you've ever wondered about the nuances between the singular and plural forms in English, this episode is…

  39. 126. Speaking Too Fast? Discover Why and How to Slow Down

    · 21 min

    Do you often find yourself speaking too fast and struggling to be understood? In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Amnah discusses five reasons why you may be rushing when you speak, and shares tips to…

  40. 125. How to Sound More Polite: Phrases to Improve Your Communication

    · 12 min

    Asking direct questions may make you sound rude when interacting with strangers, and can make the other person feel uncomfortable. So in this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah talks about how to…

  41. 124. American or British? Which Accent is Better?

    · 8:56

    Is there such a thing as a "superior" accent? What is a "bad" accent? In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Aisya addresses a question frequently posed by our students: Which accent should we adopt to…

  42. 123. Concluding Sentences: Tips for Ending Responses Effectively & Professionally

    · 18 min

    Join Amnah as she shares tips and phrases to sound professional, ensuring your conclusions leave a lasting impact and effectively reflect your competence when answering questions! Join our FREE Training called Grammar…

  43. 122. "Traffic Jam" or "Traffic Jammed"?

    · 8:37

    In this special Eid episode of the My English Matters podcast, Amnah discusses the difference between "traffic jam" and "traffic jammed", inspired by her recent holiday travels! Do you want to learn to speak English…

  44. 121. 10 Words Learners Often Mispronounce and Get Confused About

    · 12 min

    What's a crepe, and is it not the same as a creep? In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Aisya breaks down 10 words that English language learners often mispronounce or get confused about, and shares tips…

  45. 120. The Difference Between "Few", "Fewer", and "Less"

    · 7:01

    You've probably heard the general rule that "fewer" is used for countable nouns, like "fewer apples," or “fewer problems,” while "less" is used for uncountable nouns, like "less water,” or “less trouble.” Seems…

  46. 119. "Avoid to Make Mistakes" or "Avoid Making Mistakes"? 10 Common Collocation Preposition Errors

    · 13 min

    Is it "I want to avoid to make mistakes," or "I want to avoid making mistakes"? Find out in this episode of the My English Matters podcast, where Aisya discusses the importance of getting your preposition collocations…

  47. 118. Ten Idioms with the Word "Head"

    · 18 min

    In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah explores ten interesting idiomatic expressions featuring the word "head". From 'head over heels' to 'off the top of my head,' get ready to discover the…

  48. 117. The Difference Between "I Am Not" and "I Do Not"

    · 18 min

    Confused about the difference between "I am not" and "I do not" in English? In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah breaks down the subtle distinctions between these commonly used phrases. Do…

  49. 116. Are Tenses Important?

    · 33 min

    In this episode of the My English Matters podcast, Madam Azimah discusses the significance of tenses in English. Learn why mastering tenses is crucial for effective communication and how understanding temporal…

  50. 115. Are You Really "Lazy"? Exploring Alternative Phrases for People Who Say They're "Lazy"

    · 17 min

    When you’re constantly using the word “lazy” for yourself, it can affect the people around you. They may form negative opinions about you, and this can even affect your professional reputation. So in this week’s…

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