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).

Let's discuss fun holidays:

1. What is a unique or unusual holiday celebrated in your country that people from other countries might not know about?
2. How do you usually celebrate holidays with your family or community?
3. Some countries have holidays to celebrate food (like La Tomatina in Spain). If your country had a food holiday, what food should it celebrate?
4. Have you ever celebrated a holiday from another culture? What did you enjoy or find surprising about it?
5. In some places, people celebrate New Year’s with fireworks, in others by cleaning or eating special foods. How is New Year’s celebrated where you are from?
6. If you could create your own holiday, what would it celebrate and how would people enjoy it?
7. Some holidays are focused on remembering ancestors (like Día de los Muertos in Mexico). Why do you think remembering the past is important to many cultures?
8. What is a holiday that makes you feel especially connected to your community or country? Why?
9. Some holidays are about having fun or being silly (like April Fool’s Day or Holi). Do you think these kinds of celebrations are important? Why or why not?
10. What holiday from another country would you like to experience one day, and what about it interests you most?

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).

Hosted by: Kathy Salata, MBA, TESOL (UCLA)
Starts: November 2025| Online via Zoom Thursdays, November 6, 13, 20

About Your Host:
I’m Kathy Salata, a college professor with an MBA from UC Irvine and a TESOL Certificate from UCLA. I’ve hosted a thriving Adult ESL Conversation Group with over 2,500 members worldwide, helping learners improve their communication skills while connecting across cultures. My background in business, communication, and education allows me to bridge the gap between language learning and professional success.
Topics covered:

• What is corporate culture? (formal vs informal, hierarchy, punctuality, dress, etc.)
• Workplace values: teamwork, accountability, and time management
• Communication styles: direct vs indirect cultures
• Understanding implicit rules (reading between the lines)
• Cross-cultural misunderstandings and how to avoid them
• Body language and professional etiquette across cultures
• Giving opinions and feedback tactfully
• Avoiding miscommunication in global teams
• Email etiquette: greetings, closings, CC/BCC rules
• How to introduce yourself professionally (in person & virtually)
• Participating in meetings and discussions
• Networking across cultures (LinkedIn and in person)