Hey there! This is TOP episode 276. Fluency Hack You Need to Know
Are you tired of lacking confidence when speaking English? Does it block you from achieving your true goals? This podcast is the place for you. This is Teacher Ola Podcast. My name’s Ola Mierniczak and I empower English learners to become confident speakers. The key to fluency is in your pocket. You’ll boost your vocabulary, brush up your grammar and improve your pronunciation. Enjoy your journey to fluency!
Hello hello and welcome back to the podcast!
Have you ever wondered WHY learning English feels so hard? Here’s a fluency hack that will change the game: stop memorizing individual words and grammar rules, and start learning in chunks! You know exactly what I’m talking about because I’ve been talking about this for 6 years now. This approach is how kids pick up languages so naturally, and it’s the key to speaking fluently without overthinking.
But before we begin, I need to tell you that a few days ago I did live training for you. The topic of that Vocabulary Class was “Health” and it was recorded. You can watch it now! And do it, because it was really good, I delivered not only health vocabulary lesson but also the best tips I have for learning vocabulary in general. Go to teacherola.com/health.
When it comes to language learning, we often approach it the way we’ve been taught in classrooms: focusing on words, analysing and learning grammar rules, and memorizing separate things.
However, research and practical examples show that this method is far from the most effective. A better approach lies in learning language in chunks—entire phrases or sentences that carry meaning as a whole. This shift in focus can transform the way learners understand, use, and master a language.
Recently I’ve come across a study published in the Journal of Memory and Language. It offers valuable conclusions so I decided to share them with you here.
Participants were tasked with learning an artificial language that included grammatical gender. Instead of being taught individual words , they were introduced to full phrases which integrated both the noun and its article.
The findings were clear: those who learned from full phrases or complete sentences outperformed those who focused on isolated elements. Learning grammar from sentences not only improved their understanding but also made the learning process more natural and intuitive.
If we take a page from how children acquire their native languages, the case for chunk-based learning becomes even stronger. Unlike adults, children don’t analyze every word or focus on individual grammar rules. They have no idea what a verb is. Or what an adjective is. Instead, they absorb language in chunks. For example, they pick up entire phrases like “Can I have that?” or “It’s time to go,” without analyzing a thing. Over time, these chunks provide a foundation for understanding grammar in context.
One example from English illustrates this perfectly: the structure “Have you ever seen that?“. The meaning of this phrase doesn’t come from analyzing each word separately. Third form of the verb, auxiliary verb ‘have’ or ‘has’ for the third person singular. Instead, its significance lies in the construction as a whole, which conveys the idea of Life experience. Have you ever seen that? Have you ever eaten that? Have you ever been there? Children naturally grasp these patterns as they hear them repeatedly in meaningful contexts.
For adults, shifting to chunk-based learning can be transformative. Of course, breaking down language into smaller parts feels logical, but this is what slows down your progress on your journey to fluency.
The real power lies in understanding and using sentences or phrases that function as complete units. This approach helps learners bypass the unnatural step of piecing together language in real-time, enabling them to speak and think more fluidly.
Here are some practical reasons why focusing on chunks is essential:
One. Contextual Learning: Chunks provide grammar in action. Instead of memorizing rules, you see how grammar works naturally within sentences.
Two. Improved Fluency: Using ready-made phrases reduces the cognitive load. You can stop overthinking things, making your speech smoother and more spontaneous.
Three. Better Retention: Full phrases are often more memorable than isolated words because they’re tied to specific situations or emotions.
Four. Improved Understanding: Phrases provide a clearer picture of meaning, as they rely on context that single words lack.
The question is: how to learn in chunks? I’ve got four ideas:
One. Listen and Repeat: Pay attention to common phrases used by speakers of English. Podcasts, TV shows, and conversations are excellent sources.
Two. Learn in Context: Focus on phrases tied to specific situations, such as ordering food or introducing yourself. That’s why I repeatedly say: learn vocabulary in topical groups. For instance: food, leisure, travel, home, shopping, health and so forth.
Three. Practice Patterns: Identify repetitive structures in the language, like “the more you sleep, the more you smile.”
For. Avoid Overthinking Rules: Let phrases guide your understanding of grammar rather than starting with theoretical explanations. Don’t overthink it!
Think of language as a puzzle. Instead of focusing on each piece individually, see the bigger picture. Learn the patterns and phrases that speakers of English use naturally. Over time, you’ll start filling in the details without needing to analyze every element.
That’s the hack. That’s how you can unlock a more effective, natural, and enjoyable path to fluency. Sentences, not words; grammar in context. Only.
Before we move on to the practical part of this podcast let me tell you this. The doors to SIOL course are open right now. You can sing up until 29 January. Inside the course you’ll find a step by step program that will lead you through vocabulary divided into 12 topics, of course you learn whole sentences you basically learn SPEAKING in this program. Grammar in context, pronunciation and lots lots more.
And I give you a guarantee that if you do the course, if you show up at the Speaking Club (that is 12h of conversations in pairs) I can guarantee you will speak better and you will be able to hold a conversation in English. If not – you’ll get your money back.
Check out the agenda of the program at siol.pl, read the reviews and join us. This is your time! Let’s do it! Get rid of your fears, organise your knowledge, make English a part of your daily life and watch what happens! Results! That’s what happens if you show up for yourself. siol.pl. Sing up now.
Anyways! Practice time. Listen and repeat:
Recently I’ve come across a study.
Unlike adults, children don’t analyze every word.
They have no idea what a verb is.
Can I have that?
It’s time to go.
Have you ever seen that?
Have you ever eaten that?
Have you ever been there?
This is what slows down your progress.
Don’t forget to download a free worksheet that will summarise and help you memorise today’s episode. You’ll find it in your inbox or if you’re new here please go to teacherola.com/276.
Also! The Vocabulary Class that took place a few days ago was recorded so you can watch it now. Sign up at teacherola.com/health. In that lesson you will learn vocabulary chunks but also HOW to learn vocabulary. Teacherola.com/health.
Thank you so much for listening. I’ll see you in the next episode!
I believe in you, I know you can speak English with fluency IF you really want it! Stay fearless, take care and say it out loud! I’m your teacher, Teacher Ola, and you were listening to Teacher Ola Podcast. Bye for now.