📚 English Speeches' Newsletter #41

Hello, English Speeches community!

Welcome to our 41st newsletter, your essential guide for diving deeper into the English language and broadening your cultural horizons. This week's edition is packed with intriguing topics, from the surprising news in the sports world to the origins of popular idioms and the art of making powerful presentations.

• In English with News, we explore the startling case of Paul Pogba's football ban, shedding light on the seriousness of fairness and the consequences of breaking the rules in sports.
  

• Speak Like a Native uncovers the story behind the phrase "spill the beans," linking language to history and showing how English is full of interesting tales.
  

• Article of the Week provides invaluable advice on preparing effective presentations in English, a crucial skill for professional and academic success.
  

• Lastly, English Speeches brings the mesmerizing world of A.R. Rahman into focus, offering insights into the blend of music and emotion, and the power of English in sharing global stories.

Each section is crafted to enhance your understanding, enrich your vocabulary, and inspire your curiosity. From sports fans and history buffs to aspiring speakers and music lovers, there's something for everyone in this edition. Dive in and let's embark on another week of learning and exploration together!

ENGLISH WITH NEWS

Paul Pogba's Four-Year Football Ban

This week, the sports world has been shaken by the news of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba's four-year ban from football due to a doping offence. The ban follows a positive drug test indicating elevated levels of testosterone. Pogba, expressing sadness and shock, plans to appeal against this decision.

Key Words:

• Banned: (v.) Prohibited from participating. (Pogba has been banned from football for four years.)
  

• Doping: (n.) The use of banned athletic performance-enhancing
  drugs. (Pogba's ban was for a doping offence.)
  

• Testosterone: (n.) A hormone that increases athletic endurance. (Elevated levels were found in Pogba's system.)
  

• Appeal: (v.) To make a serious request for a change of decision. (Pogba will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.)
  

• Suspension: (n.) The act of temporarily preventing someone from continuing their usual role or position. (Pogba was provisionally suspended in September.)

The event has sparked a conversation about the importance of fair play and the consequences of doping in sports.

SPEAK LIKE A NATIVE

"Spill the Beans": Unveiling the Truth Behind the Phrase

Have you ever wondered where the expression "spill the beans" comes from? This idiom, commonly used to mean revealing a secret or the truth, actually has agricultural roots. Historically, beans were used as a voting tool in ancient societies. Votes were cast secretly by placing a bean in a jar; spilling the jar would reveal the votes prematurely.

This act of accidentally or purposefully revealing secrets transitioned into the metaphorical phrase "spill the beans," used in today's language to denote disclosure of confidential information.

ENGLISH RESOURCES

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ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

How To Prepare a Presentation in English

This week, we delve into the essentials of crafting a compelling presentation in English. Presentations are vital across various settings, from academia to professional landscapes. Enhancing your presentation skills, especially in a non-native language, boosts confidence and clarity in conveying your message.

Key Insights:

• Practice pronunciation and timing to ensure clarity and adherence to allotted time.
  

• Start with a strong introduction, setting the theme, and outlining the agenda to guide your audience.
  

• Employ clear transitions between topics to maintain flow and audience engagement.
  

• Be bold and concise, utilizing eye contact, anecdotes, and supporting materials effectively.
  

• Conclude with a summary and call to action, inviting questions for further engagement.

Embrace these tips to elevate your public speaking skills and make impactful presentations in English.

ENGLISH SPEECHES

A. R. Rahman: Creating Magic with Music

Delve into the fascinating world of music with A.R. Rahman as he discusses his journey, philosophy, and the innovation behind his compositions. Learn about the influence of his father, his approach to work-life balance, and his transition into a revolutionary music creator. Understand Rahman's vision for Indian music and his efforts to blend tradition with modern technology.

Key Points for English Learners:

• Innovative Lexicon and Phrasing: The speech is a treasure trove for those interested in music-related English, sprinkled with terms like 'minimalistic', 'innovation', and 'legacy'.
  

• Complex Sentence Construction: Rahman's narrative provides a great chance to analyze intricate English structures, enhancing comprehension and expression skills.
  

• Cultural Resonance: Understand the profound connection between music, personal history, and cultural identity, emphasizing the role of English in conveying diverse global narratives.

🤔 SPEECH RECAP QUIZ

Let's test your understanding of English grammar and the key points in the speech above:

1. "Music is your life, what your father did, so ________ it up."
   A. take
   B. give
   C. break
   

2. "Quality work and doing less work intentionally, so that I can ________ from life."
   A. learn
   B. escape
   C. hide
   

3. "Music, when you go into it, we don't see the time ________."
   A. flies
   B. stretches
   C. stops

Check your understanding and see if you've grasped the key points of the speech. The correct answers are waiting for you further down—keep reading to see how you did!

🔍 VOCABULARY SPOTLIGHT

This edition revisits the words 'disruptive' and 'companionship' from A.R. Rahman's philosophical and musical narrative:

Disruptive: Pertaining to causing significant change; in Rahman's context, altering traditional music industry norms through technological and creative innovation.

• Example: "A.R. Rahman's integration of electronic music into Indian classical music was disruptive, transforming the industry."

Companionship: The feeling of friendship or fellowship; in Rahman's journey, it’s reflected in the collaborative spirit and support within the music community.

• Example: "Rahman emphasizes the importance of companionship in creating music that resonates with audiences worldwide."

ENGLISH RESOURCES

Ultimate English Mastery Combo

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+3000 English Phrasal Verbs: Delve into the intricacies of English phrasal verbs with over 3000 entries, each accompanied by clear explanations and examples.

Learn English with Speeches: Embark on a transformative journey through iconic speeches. This eBook not only offers clear explanations and practical exercises but also provides insights into the cultural nuances and real-life contexts of English.

Together, these resources promise a holistic learning experience, ensuring you communicate effectively and confidently. Don't miss out on this limited-time offer to elevate your English proficiency!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In your journey to mastering English, maintaining a balance is crucial. It's about hard work, yes—immersing yourself in new vocabulary, grappling with grammar, and practicing pronunciation. But don't forget to reward your efforts and to find joy in the process.

Balance your rigorous study sessions with activities in English that you genuinely enjoy, like watching movies, listening to music, or reading books. This approach not only enhances your learning experience but also ensures that your journey remains enjoyable and sustainable.

Remember, keeping a healthy balance between work and play in your language learning will help preserve your motivation and mental well-being. So, study hard, but also allow yourself the pleasure of enjoying the language in a relaxed, fun context. This balance is the key to keeping your sanity and fostering a deep, lasting connection with English.

NEWSLETTER RECOMMENDATIONS

Are you on the lookout for something intriguing and enriching? Dive into our specially selected collection of newsletters. We've scoured various topics to bring you the best, ensuring there's something for everyone. 🌍✨

From the latest trends to timeless wisdom, our recommendations are a gateway to a world of knowledge and discovery. Whether it's for learning, inspiration, or just a good read, you're sure to find something that piques your interest.

English Quiz Answers: 1.a | 2.a | 3.b

We're grateful for your continued companionship on this language-learning voyage. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts, ideas, or inquiries. Together, we'll keep exploring, expanding, and expressing ourselves with confidence in the English language!

Keep learning and thriving,

Ricardo
Founder, English Speeches YouTube Channel

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