English American Style

Hazel is nervous at her first photography club meeting because she doesn’t know anyone. In this episode, she learns what Americans mean by “break the ice,” how to use the phrasal verb “warm up,” and how to pronounce “introduction.” You’ll also hear where the idiom “break the ice” came from.
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Hazel is learning how to edit videos, but a few things have her stumped. In this episode, learn the idiom “piece of cake,” the phrasal verb “figure out,” and how to pronounce “satisfaction.” You’ll also discover the bonus idiom “task at hand” and hear these expressions used naturally in Hazel’s story.

Have you ever heard someone say they’re “under the weather”? In this lesson, Lisa explains this common American English idiom through a story about Hazel and Asher. You’ll also learn the phrasal verb “bounce back,” practice pronouncing “dehydrated” and “enthusiastically,” and hear the story behind the expression. Listen, repeat, and practice answering two questions in English.

Have you ever had a funny feeling that you forgot something? Follow Hazel’s story while learning the idiom “funny feeling,” the phrasal verb “creep up,” and how to pronounce “prescription.” Lisa also explains two common American pronunciations of “aunt.” Practice natural, everyday American English with English American Style. Hear it. See it. Say it. Use it.

Welcome to English American Style! Meet Lisa Rogers, your conversation coach, and learn how this podcast can help you speak everyday American English with more confidence. Each week, you’ll practice an idiom, phrasal verb, and pronunciation word through stories and real conversation. Follow the English American Style approach: Hear it. See it. Say it. Use it.

Many of you know that these past couple of months have been quite busy for me. I had been traveling, and I moved into a new apartment (more on that in another newsletter). In the beginning of December, I flew from New Hampshire to California to meet two of my students! 

This week in the US (United States) we are celebrating a day of love called Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is celebrated every February 14th. Typically, this is a day when people who are in love express their feelings of love for each other. It is customary that couples exchange gifts and give each other greeting cards. Typical gifts are flowers, the red rose is a symbol of love; candy, especially chocolate; and jewelry. 

It’s the year of the pig. So what does this mean, exactly? In the Chinese culture, each year is identified with a different animal from the Chinese zodiac, and there are 12 animals. This year 2019, is the year of the pig. The pig is a symbol of wealth and prosperity, so you would think that if you were born in the year of the pig that it would be a good year for you, but no, no, no- this is not the case.

As most of you know, the holiday season is widely celebrated here in the US, as well as in other parts of the world. One tradition during this season is to decorate a Christmas tree with ornaments and lights. Sometimes the ornaments have sentimental value and they are usually very colorful and festive. Typically there are two types of Christmas trees in the US. We decorate "real” trees which are also called “live” trees. 

November 14th was my daughter’s 27th birthday, She is visiting me so we celebrated her birthday like we used to when she was a child. Our family tradition was to always have cake for breakfast the morning of the birthday. So when the birthday boy or girl awoke, they would come into the kitchen to find the table decorated with presents (also known as gifts), balloons and a cake. Can you name the items in the picture?