Practice English Free Online

This nonprofit public speaking group is a great opportunity to build effective English communication skills.
We meet each Friday at 7:05 AM (PST). Each meeting has three components:
1. Prepared speeches
2. Impromptu speaking
3. Evaluations of prepared environment
Approximately 50% of our club consists of non-native English speakers.
You are welcome to join and listen or you can actively participate.

NOTE: The Zoom link will be sent to you approximately 1-2 hours prior to the event (please check the email associated with your Meetup acct).

Hi Team,

I am thrilled to announce that we have added a book club. Because we are practicing our conversational English we will study a few chapters each month.

This month we will focus on the business/psychology book "Surrounded by Idiots". Author: Thomas Erikson. For our first session, we will explore chapters 1-3. I encourage you to highlight any words/phrases or concepts that are unclear. I am sure you are not the only one who is confused.

This book has the potential to improve relationships in your life. You will also learn a bit about yourself.

Core Idea
Erikson argues that communication struggles often arise when people misunderstand each other’s behavioral styles—not because others are inherently foolish, but because they're different.

Red (Dominance / Choleric): Assertive, decisive, quick to act. Strengths: leadership and drive. Challenges: can seem aggressive or impatient

Yellow (Inspiration / Sanguine): Social, creative, energetic. Strengths: enthusiasm and communication. Challenges: may appear impulsive or scattered

Green (Stability / Phlegmatic): Calm, steady, cooperative. Strengths: loyalty, harmony. Challenges: aversion to change and conflict, slow to act

Blue (Analytic / Melancholic): Detail-oriented, thoughtful, systematic. Strengths: accuracy and planning. Challenges: can seem critical, cold, or overly cautious

Most people exhibit a blend of two or more colors; very few are purely one color

Hi Team, Let's explore mental health as we honor Suicide Prevention Month. When my father was growing up, mental health was not acknowledged or discussed aloud. What was your experience like growing up.

Note: at the bottom of the questions I added a few vocabulary words that you might find useful studying if you are new to the English language.

### Mental Health & Understanding

1. In your country, do people talk openly about mental health, or is it more private? Why do you think that is?
2. What words or phrases do people in your language use to describe stress, sadness, or mental health?
3. How do you think culture shapes the way we view mental health?

### Coping & Support

4. What are some healthy ways people in your country cope with stress or sadness?
5. Who do people usually talk to when they are struggling—family, friends, teachers, religious leaders, or someone else?
6. In your opinion, how can communities (schools, workplaces, neighborhoods) support people who are going through a hard time?

### Global Perspectives

7. In some countries, mental health is connected to physical health. Do you see them as connected or separate? Why?
8. What are some traditional practices (music, dance, prayer, food, etc.) in your culture that help people feel better when they are sad or anxious?

### Suicide Prevention & Awareness

9. Why do you think it is important to talk about suicide prevention, even if it feels uncomfortable?
10. What message of hope or encouragement would you give to someone who is struggling with their mental health?

Mental health
The health of your mind and emotions.
👉 Good mental health helps us feel balanced and able to handle stress.
2. Stigma
Negative judgment or shame about something.
👉 There is still stigma about talking to a counselor in some cultures.
3. Stress
A feeling of worry or pressure.
👉 Many students feel stress before exams.
4. Anxiety
Strong nervousness or fear about the future.
👉 She had anxiety before her job interview.
5. Depression
A strong, ongoing sadness that affects daily life.
👉 Depression makes people lose interest in things they used to enjoy.
6. Prevention
Steps taken to stop something before it happens.
👉 Exercise and rest can be part of stress prevention.
7. Support
Help, care, or encouragement from others.
👉 Talking with friends can give emotional support.
8. Resilience
The ability to recover after a hard time.
👉 After losing his job, his resilience helped him start again.
9. Coping
Managing or dealing with a difficult situation.
👉 Listening to music is one way of coping with stress.
10. Suicide prevention
Actions to help people stay safe and find hope instead of ending their life.
👉 Education and open conversations are important for suicide prevention.

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This nonprofit public speaking group is a great opportunity to build effective English communication skills.
We meet each Friday at 7:05 AM (PST). Each meeting has three components:
1. Prepared speeches
2. Impromptu speaking
3. Evaluations of prepared environment
Approximately 50% of our club consists of non-native English speakers.
You are welcome to join and listen or you can actively participate.

NOTE: The Zoom link will be sent to you approximately 1-2 hours prior to the event (please check the email associated with your Meetup acct).