Let's Speak French! with Dr. Natalie Amgott
Let's Speak French! with Dr. Natalie Amgott is a podcast designed to help intermediate adult learners overcome their French learning jitters. The host breaks down structures, vocabulary, and cultural tidbits for confident speaking while traveling or working in France or Québec. Each episode provides step-by-step lessons for those feeling rusty with high school French.
Episodes
#93: 6 Strategies to Sound More Natural in French (Without Learning More Grammar)
Sometimes what you need to get momentum with your French isn’t a whole new grammar lesson!In this lesson, Dr. Natalie Amgott walks you through 6 easy ways to sound more natural in French. 5 of them involve subtracting something that you know rather than adding anything new!You'll learn: When to drop the NEWhether to use NOUS or ONHow to use filler wordsWhen to use ÇA vs CECI and CELAPronunciat
#92: 14 French Words Where you SHOULD Pronounce the Final S
You’ve learned that the final S is usually silent in French, but not always!In this episode, you’ll learn 14 common French words where you SHOULD pronounce the final S, including ours, bus, vis, cactus, fils, and more. We’ll also look at a few words where both pronunciations are accepted.These small pronunciation details can make a big difference in how natural and confident your French sounds. L
#91: How Does School Work in France vs. Québec?
What does "le bac" mean? When do you use "le collège," "l'université," and "le cégep?"In this lesson, you'll learn how the school systems work in France and Québec, including the specific vocabulary for schooling from ages 2-22. You'll also learn how the vocabulary differs for schooling in France vs. Québec!Voici tes prochaines étapes: 1. Check o
#90: The 60-Minute French Grammar Reset - Do This Every 3 Months
If you're freezing up in conversation because you keep stopping to conjugate your verbs, then what you need is a grammar reset.In this science-informed episode for A2, B1, and B2 intermediate French learners, you'll learn exactly what to do when it feels like you're hitting a wall with your French. You'll learn why you sometimes forget verb conjugations while speaking and how to ma
#89: “Why Can’t I Speak French Today?” And What To Do About It
Why does French feel so hard all of a sudden? Are you really getting worse at French? Why does it feel like you forgot all of the basics? Today we're diving into the science behind the questions you're asking yourself about why you have some days where you feel like your French gets worse. You'll learn six reasons that your French might feel worse as an intermediate learner and six eas
#88: Why Is French So Violent? The History Behind France's Anthem
If you've ever heard La Marseillaise, the French national anthem, you may have thought:"Wait...did they really just sing that?"In this episode, we're breaking down the history, vocabulary, and meaning behind one of France's most recognizable national symbols. You'll learn:Why French people don't say "Happy Bastille Day!"How La Marseillaise got its nameThe st
#87: Je peux ou Je pue? French Pronunciation That Changes Meaning
Are you telling people that you can or that you stink? One small sound can make all the difference!In this episode, you'll discover minimal pairs—French words that differ by just one sound but have completely different meanings. You'll practice five of the most common sound pairs that English speakers struggle with, learn why your brain has trouble hearing these differences, and start trai
#86: One Verb, Five Meanings - How to Use Plutôt to Sound Conversational
Did you learn that "plutôt" means "rather?" OUI et NON. Plutôt is one French verb that gets used all the time in conversation, but it doesn't only mean "rather." In today's lesson, you'll learn the five conversational contexts where you'd want to use plutôt, including how to use it as a strategy to elegantly correct yourself when you make a mistake speaking French. To get the most out of this less
#85: Meet Chiac -- One of Canada's Most Fascinating French Varieties
Did you know French in Canada extends beyond Québec? And that each variety brings a different history and different linguistic structures to the table?Today, you'll learn all about Chiac and Acadian French from Janelle Poirier! To get the most out of this episode, listen once through and slow down the speed on your podcast player if needed. Then, follow these steps:1. Check out the transcript
#84: 5 French Words You're Probably Overusing
Do you just repeat the same words in every French conversation? Although common words like "bon" and "très" get used all the time in French, it's helpful to know alternative so that you sound more like yourself and can express your personality in French!Today, you'll learn alternatives to five overly used words by French learners: bon, très, chose, avoir, and dire. To g
#83: Random Free Things You Can Do to Learn French That Actually Work
When you're short on time, how can you get the most bang for your buck with your French? In this episode, you'll learn 6 unusual but easy ways to improve your French that don't involve another workbook, class, or grammar lesson. Your goal? Listen through and pick one or two of these new habits to add to your routine.To get the most out of this episode, listen through the French lesson
#82: Are You Overusing POUR in French?
As English speakers, we use the word "FOR" all the time. But that doesn't always translate to "POUR" en français. It often translates to a different preposition or nothing at all. In today's lesson, you'll learn cases where we do need to use POUR in French to talk about duration, gift giving, and purpose.Then you'll learn several cases where we can't use POU
#81: French Words That Sound Feminine… But Are Actually Masculine
Why is it LE problème and LE pique-nique? Today you'll learn words that sound feminine in French, but are actually masculine. Plus, you'll learn about the "baguette trick" (and how to avoid it). Finally, I share my gift to you - the 11 Rules to Determine if French Words are Masculine or Feminine.Tes prochaines étapes (Your next steps)1️⃣ Check the English definitions of the words
#80: 9 Hardest Words to Pronounce (That You’ll Actually Use in French Conversation)
You're spending too much time on the wrong words (l'écureuil). Today we break down the 9 words that are the hardest for my intermediate learners over the last decade of teaching. You'll walk away being able to use these 9 USEFUL words in everyday conversation, and will no longer avoid words just because the pronunciation is tricky.Here are your next steps to make it stick!1️⃣ Check the
#79: Where Do Adverbs Go in French?
In this episode, you’ll learn a simple system to finally understand where adverbs go in French. You'll learn what to do with short (bien, mal, trop) vs long (lentement, facilement) adverbs, what happens in the passé composé, and why words like probablement don’t follow the “normal” rules.If you’ve ever second-guessed where to put bien, souvent, or probablement… this one’s for you.Tes prochaine
#78: How to Use Reflexive Verbs in the Past in French (Passé Composé)
You know reflexive verbs like se lever, se réveiller, se laver, se coucher, but using them in the past tense can feel like a different story entirely.How do we say "I woke up"? Where does pas go in the negative? And why do so many learners freeze when they try to say these phrases out loud?In this episode, you’ll learn a simple framework for using everyday reflexive verbs naturally in th
#77: Stop Saying "Drôle" - Say "Fun" & "Funny" More Naturally
Does "drôle" actually mean funny? And what's the difference between "drôle," "rigolo," "marrant," and "amusant"?In this French lesson, you'll learn 7 ways to talk about "fun" and "funny" things in French, using the appropriate words for France or Québec. You'll learn exactly which expression to use when a person is b
#76: Should You Take the DELF? How to Pass B1 / B2
If you’ve ever thought about taking the DELF, you’ve probably wondered: Should I take it? What is it actually like? How do I prepare for B1 or B2?In this episode, I’m joined by one of my extraordinary students, Pami Banerjee, who recently passed the DELF B2. She shares her experience preparing for the exam, what surprised her on test day, and the strategies that helped her succeed.We also break do
#75: The Simple System That Will Actually Improve Your French
Do you ever feel like you’re doing a lot in French… but not actually making progress?In this episode, I’m sharing the simple system I wish I had when I was learning French, and the exact one I’m using now to learn Italian faster and more effectively. If your French feels a little scattered, frustrating, or stuck, this will help you bring structure to what you’re already doing (without adding more
#74: Want to Sound Better in French This Week? Start Here
Want to sound better in French this week, without studying for hours?In this episode, I’m sharing 9 of the most common mistakes I hear from intermediate (and even advanced) French learners, and how to fix them quickly so that you sound more natural and confident in French.These aren’t big grammar lessons or complicated rules. They’re small, high-impact tweaks that you can notice, practice, and imp
#73: Ça va-tu? - 10 Québec Expressions You Didn’t Learn in School
If you’ve ever arrived in Québec feeling confident in your French… and then heard people speaking and thought “Attends… c’est du français ça?” — this episode is for you.In this episode, you’ll learn 10 of the most common Québec French expressions you’ll actually hear in everyday life — whether you’re traveling, working, or chatting with Québécois friends and colleagues. From “Ça va-tu?” to “c’est
#72: French vs North American Conversation Styles - A French Man's Experience Working in the US
What's it like to work in the US, from a French perspective?In this episode, my guest, Denis Gras, shares the cultural surprises he experienced while working in an American environment, especially when it comes to communication styles. We talk about politeness, directness, small talk, and the subtle differences between French and North American conversation norms.To get the most out of this le
#71: 9 Uses of PASSER You Didn’t Learn in French Class (AVOIR or ÊTRE?)
The French verb PASSER doesn’t just mean “to pass.” In fact, it has so many meanings that it can completely change depending on context, and that’s exactly why it confuses intermediate learners.In this episode, you’ll learn 9 essential uses of PASSER, with clear examples and simple explanations (in French). Then we tackle the big grammar question: When does PASSER take AVOIR vs ÊTRE in the passé c
#70: How to Use Quelque Chose, Quelqu'un, and Quelque Part & Their Negative Forms
Learn exactly how to say "something, " someone," and "somewhere," and the grammar rules for quelque chose + de + adjectif. Voici tes prochaines étapes (Here are your next steps!):1️⃣ Make it stick by reviewing the transcript.2️⃣ Take the quiz to practice the negative forms of these words.3️⃣ Check out episode #19 to work on advanced negative forms. Bonne continuation et à la prochaine!P.S. Learn s
#69: Why Isn't Vocabulary Sticking? Try These 4 Strategies
4 Strategies that take just 50 minutes per week to help you improve your vocabulary by leaps and bounds.To get the most out of this lesson: 1️⃣ Get your customized reading list here.2️⃣ Use the double-play method to check what you learned.3️⃣ Send a message to me (Natalie) @elevatefrench on Instagram or Facebook to let me know which book you're picking to implement these vocabulary strategies!
#68: Intermediate French Enemy - How to Actually Use LA PLACE
And no, it doesn't mean "place" like you think it does!You'll learn 8 ways to use "la place" in your everyday conversation, and what to say when you're talking about the places that you go. 1. Access your Customizable Study Template to track the 8 uses of "la place" and all the vocabulary you're learning. 2. Check out the 8 uses and the examples (with English translations).3. Tap "Follow" so that
#67: Stop Being Scared of DONT: 3 Ways French Speakers Actually Use It
Have you been avoiding using DONT ? This lesson will hep you use it in your everyday speech to sound more natural and less repetitive. After you listen to the lesson, voici tes prochaines étapes:1. Check the transcript to review expressions with DE. 2. Take the DONT Quiz to make it stickIf you learned something new today, leave a rating or review to help this podcast reach more intermediate learne
#66: How to Talk About U.S. States & Provinces in French: EN, AU, DANS LE
Take your intermediate French to the next level with the Intermediate French Class!
#65: Why Your Work French Is Too Formal (And What to Say Instead)
Sound more natural in your next French conversation with these everyday slang and idioms that you can use at work or in daily conversations. 1️⃣ Join the free workshop: Speak Real French - Slang & Idioms for Intermediate Learners2️⃣ Review the 8 expressions you learned in this episode with the French transcript.
#64: The One Tense Intermediate French Learners Overuse
J'irai ou je vais aller? Learn how to stop overusing the futur simple and when to use the futur proche or the present tense instead. Tes prochaines étapes: 1. Follow along with the transcript to view the examples from today's lesson.2. Download your French Fluency Roadmap to track your French goals, vocabulary, and progress in 2026.3. Tap the "Subscribe" button so that you never
#63: Set a French Goal You’ll Actually Stick To (Step-by-Step)
Your guide for setting a SMART French goal that you'll actually stick to.Tes prochaines étapes [Your next steps]1. Download your French Fluency Roadmap to set and track your SMART French Goal, week by week.2. Check the French transcript for this episode to make sure you're ready to set a SMART Goal.3. Share this episode with a friend learning French so that you can keep each other assignab
#62: A Cozy French Lesson - How Christmas Feels in France
In this A2/B1 level French lesson, you'll learn about food, music, and cultural traditions for the holidays in France. Tes prochaines étapes [Your next steps]1. Get your free French travel course to learn how to navigate travel mishaps that will occur with transportation, lodging, and restaurants as you travel in France and Québec.2. Check out the transcript for the French lesson.3. Tap the &q
#61: French Listening Anxiety? Here’s What Actually Helps
How to improve your listening comprehension, based on scientific research on the "double play" method. You'll learn listening strategies and how to feel less anxious while listening. Prochaines étapes: 1. Download your French Listening Without Stress guide. 2. Tap "Subscribe" so that you never miss an episode!
#60: C'est BON ou C'est BIEN? Get It Right Every Time
A lesson for both intermediate and beginner French learners to avoid the common mistakes between BON and BIEN. Tes prochaines étapes (Your next steps)1. Check your understanding with the transcript.2. Got a question about BON vs BIEN? I love hearing from you! Drop me a line at natalie@elevatefrench.com. 3. Tap "Follow" so you never miss an episode of Let's Speak French!
#59: Why Aren’t You Fluent in French Yet? (And Why You’re Doing Great)
Frédéric Patenaude, French teacher and polyglot, breaks down the best ways to go about learning a language (and learning multiple languages over the decades). If you're ready to make real progress with your intermediate or advanced French, you'll love Frédéric's tips for improving your study habits and the mindset shifts you need to finally speak French more proficiently. Voici tes pro
#58: Beyond “Merci Beaucoup”: Natural Ways to Say Thanks in French
Improve your intermediate French with these better alternatives to "merci beaucoup" to sound more nuanced in your French for work, travel, or casual conversation. Tes prochaines étapes [Your next steps]1️⃣ Get the French Professional Email Template to politely communicate in formal email contexts. 2️⃣ Review the transcript and pick three new expressions that you'll aim to use in your
#57: Stop Getting Lost Listening to French News - Passive Voice 101
Improve your B1 and B2 French listening comprehension skills with the passive voice, which is frequently used to talk about French news. Your intermediate French action steps 👇🏻1️⃣ View the lesson examples in the transcript here.2️⃣ Take the Passive Voice Quiz to get immediate feedback on your use of this tricky structure. 3️⃣ The passive voice doesn't get talked about enough in French learnin
#56: Liaison Rules You Need to Know to Sound More French
Improve your French pronunciation with these 14 liaison rules for liaison obligatoire, liaison interdite, et liaison facultative! Your action steps: 1️⃣ Check out the transcript of this lesson.2️⃣ Record yourself practicing the examples in the transcript, or just talking about your day. You can send it to Dr. Natalie for feedback on Instagram @elevatefrench in direct messages!3️⃣ Did you learn som
#55: Beating the Intermediate French Plateau: Brittany’s Middlebury Immersion & Tips
What's it like to stay in a dorm and speak only French for 7 weeks as an adult? Brittany Kreek shares her experiences and her tips for going from beginner to the top of Middlebury's language program level in just 4 years. She'll tell you how to study on the days that you aren't feeling motivated and how to stay focused as an adult!Vos prochaines étapes (Your next steps):1️⃣ Overcom
#54: The Scariest Day Speaking French + How to Stay Calm When You Freeze
Learn how to get by in French when disaster strikes! Specifically, you'll learn intermediate tips to improve your French for the B2 and C1 levels. Tes prochaines étapes: 1️⃣ Download your Intermediate French Kit to gain confidence with speaking, grammar, and pronunciation.2️⃣ Tu as compris? Follow along with the transcript for this episode to check your comprehension and review the new vocabul
#53: The French Verbs Everyone Mixes Up - Arriver, Partir, S’en Aller
Learn how to use 3 verbs that confusion intermediate learners - arriver, partir, and s’en aller! Discover what “arriver” really means, when to say “je m’en vais,” and how to sound more natural by using "arriver" to talk about what you can and can't do.Your action steps: 1️⃣ Take the quiz to test your understanding!2️⃣ Check your understanding with the transcript3️⃣ Checkout Part I of
#52: The Art of Avoiding the Imperative - Decode Your French Airbnb Rules
Are you overusing the imperative? Turns out French speakers avoid using the imperative with four other grammar structures to sound more natural and polite. Your action steps: 1️⃣ Follow along with the transcript and review the content here. 2️⃣ Practice using the imperative! Create a story on Instagram where you tell your friends what they should do by avoiding the imperative. Use the subjunctive,
#51: French Conversation Starter Pack - Talking About Movies
Get a conversation going with your French coworkers, family, or Francophone friends! Your intermediate starter pack to starting more conversations in French. Voici tes prochaines étapes: 1️⃣ Get your Past Tense Cheat Sheet so you can easily talk about what you've seen and read with the passé composé and imparfait.2️⃣ Review the transcript for this lesson. Make sure to tap the subscribe button
#50: Tu me manques - 4 Uses of the Verb Manquer
Tu me manques or Je te manque? Clarify how to use the verb Manquer to talk about what you miss, what you don't have, and what opportunities you have missed out on. Vos prochaines étapes: 1️⃣ Take the MANQUER quiz!2️⃣ Check out the transcript to check your understanding
#49: What the Best French Learners Do — with Dr. Julia Gorham
What are the best techniques to improve your spoken French? In this conversation with Dr. Julia Gorham, professor of French at The Australian National University, you'll learn how to improve your French with research-based tips. Tes prochaines étapes [Your next steps]:1️⃣ Follow along with the transcript here2️⃣ Make sure to tap the "subscribe" button so you never miss an episode!Hav
#48: The Number 1 Grammar Struggle I See - LUI vs LE and LEUR vs LES
When do you use COD vs COI - what even are they and why do you absolutely need them to improve your intermediate French?Your action steps after listening: 1️⃣ Join the Intermediate French Class to improve your fluidity and learn all the small words (such as COD vs COI) that make a big difference in your speaking and listening skills2️⃣ Review the transcript for today's lesson 3️⃣ Need to gain
#47: What Makes French Sound REAL - How to Stop Sounding Stiff
Why do you sound like a textbook and how can you fix it? Tes prochaines étapes [Your next steps]1️⃣ Improve your French with the free live class - Speak Real French: Slang & Idioms for Intermediate Learners. Save your spot here for the September 2025 free live class and practice!
#46: LE, LA, LES or DU, DE LA, DES? French Articles Made Easy
Which article should you use and when? And when should you use DE versus DU, DE LA, DES? Breaking down all the review you need to speak more confidently at the intermediate level in this episode. Tes prochaines étapes [Your action steps]1️⃣ Take the quiz to test your understanding!2️⃣ Check the transcript and listen again to make sure you know exactly when to use the definite and partitive article
#45: Not a Language Person? Think Again!
Can you actually be a "numbers person" or a "language person?" In this lesson, you'll learn: What the science has to say about being a "language person"How neuroplasticity research can help you improve your FrenchThe power of movement for when you get stuckHow to stop thinking "I'm bad at this" and why it'll be good for your French skills!Key tak
#44: B1 French Listening Practice - Discussing the Québécois Film Mommy
Improve your intermediate listening comprehension with this episode. You’ll hear a spoiler-free review, key vocabulary, and cultural insight—all at the B1/B2 level, so you can build your comprehension while discovering something new.Tes prochaines étapes [Your next steps]1️⃣ Check your understanding with this short quiz! You’ll get immediate feedback.2️⃣ Review the transcript of this episode. 3️⃣
#43: What to Do When They Switch to English - Tips for Every Level (A2, B1, B2, C1+)
You've been learning French forever, but they still switch to English on you when you speak to them in French!If you're tired of servers, coworkers, or friends switching to English, this episode is for you! You'll learn tips for every level (A2, B1, B2, and beyond), plus why they're switching to English in the first place (spoiler alert: it probably isn't personal!). Tes procha
#42: “Ça m’est égal”? My Host Bro Said “Non!” - 8 Must-Know French Expressions with EN
Think “ça m’est égal” sounds natural? Pas vraiment. In this episode, you’ll learn 8 everyday French expressions with EN—including the ones that don’t translate literally.Spoiler: You’ll learn how to actually use Je m’en fiche (and even Je m’en fous!). Tes prochaines étapes [Your next steps]:Want to master how “EN” works ? Grab your free 8-Step Practical WorkbookFollow along with this episode’s tra
#41: 5 Must-Know French Verbs - Entendre, Écouter, Comprendre & More
Learn when to use entendre, écouter, comprendre, and their pronominal forms like se comprendre and s’entendre — plus a quiz to test your understanding!Tes prochaines étapes [Your next steps]:Take the quiz: Do You Really Know How to Use Entendre, Écouter, Comprendre & Co? Check out the transcript. Tap “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode!
#40: French Small Talk – Describe Your Weekend with Passé Composé & Imparfait
Learn how to talk about your weekend using the right past tense, passé composé vs imparfait. We’ll go over useful phrases, sentence starters, and tips to avoid common mistakes. You’ll even get a chance to practice out loud!🎧 Perfect for intermediate learners who want to sound more natural in conversation.👉 Grab the transcript here. Ready to finally master the past in French? Join the Master the Pa
#39: TOUT, TOUS, TOUTE, or TOUTES - Say It Right Every Time
Is it tout? tous? toute? toutes? And wait… do you pronounce the S or not?! 😵💫If these four little words have ever left you second-guessing in conversation, you're not alone. In this quick episode, you’ll finally learn how to use and pronounce all four forms of TOUT correctly, with simple examples you can actually remember.You’ll learn:The difference between tout, toute, tous, and toutesWhen t
#38: Stuck on a Word Mid-Conversation? These Vocabulary Tricks Help
Have you ever found yourself mid-sentence in French… only to blank on the one word you need?In this short and actionable episode, you’ll learn:The key difference between recognition and recall when learning vocabularyWhy you can recognize words but struggle to use them in conversation2 research-backed strategies that will help you actually retain and use new vocabulary over timeA simple 1-month ha
#37: Is Québec French Real French? Saint-Jean Baptiste + “Moving Day” Explained
If you’ve ever wondered why Québec French sounds so different, or if someone’s ever told you it’s not “real” French, this episode is for you.To celebrate la Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Québec’s national holiday, we’re diving into:2 grammar tips for Québec FrenchWhat’s up with “Moving Day” in Québec on July 1st8 phrases you'll use everyday that are specific to Québec.Whether you're planning a trip
#36: Douter ou Se Douter? The Reflexive Verbs Most Learners Skip
You already know reflexive verbs like se lever, se laver, and se réveiller, but did you know there’s a whole world of reflexive verbs that have nothing to do with routine?In this episode, we go beyond brushing your teeth and dive into reflexive verbs you’ve probably seen before… but didn’t realize were reflexive — like se douter de, s’en vouloir, and se débrouiller.You’ll learn:The four categories
#35: Bread on the Board: How to Make French Idioms Stick
How can you learn all the little phrases that don't translate exactly to English? And should you even be using these phrases? In this episode, you'll learn: 5 idioms that don't translate literally into English6 idioms that are surprisingly similar to English Why storytelling and visualization help expressions stickTes prochaines étapes (Your next steps): 1️⃣ Review the idioms with the
#34: How Long Does It REALLY Take To Get Fluent? With Alice Crafford
How long will it take to reach your goal in French? How long before you can do your daily life without too many hesitations in French? In today's conversation with Alice Crafford, you'll learn: The important distinction between fluency and proficiencyAbout Alice's Fullbright studies in FranceHow to better leverage Duolingo to learn more FrenchHow to overcome the intermediate plateauTes prochaines
#33: When Should You Pronounce the S in PLUS?
Should you pronounce the S in "PLUS" in French, or not? In this episode, we break down the four cases where you need to pronounce the S in PLUS and the 3 cases where the final S is silent in PLUS.You'll also learn what the meaning differences are!Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your intermediate French, you'll learn something new from this episode!Tes prochaines étapes: 1️⃣ View th
#32: The Ultimate Guide to TENIR: 1 French Verb, 15+ Uses
You'll use this verb in every day French conversation. We're breaking down 15 ways to use the verb TENIR to improve your intermediate French, including to talk about what you need and want and to check in on friends. Your action steps: 1️⃣ Take the TENIR verb quiz.2️⃣ Tap "Subscribe" to make sure you never miss an episode of Let's Speak French! Looking for more daily French lessons? Follow Dr. Nat
#31: Does AI Really Help You Learn French? (+ How NOT to Use It)
Can AI tools like ChatGPT actually help you speak better French, or will they just make you sound like a robot?In this episode, I’m diving into the research to uncover when AI tools do help with pronunciation, confidence, and grammar… and when they totally miss the mark.You’ll learn:3 ways AI can support your French learning3 times you should not rely on itWhy you still need real human interaction
#30: 3 Signs You're Avoiding the Subjunctive - And How to Actually Use It
Intermediate French learner? Chances are you've heard of the subjunctive. And chances are you're avoiding it. In today's lesson, we break down: 3 reasons why you're avoiding the subjunctive (consciously or subconsciously)What the subjunctive is & why you need to use itHow to start using itYour action steps: 1️⃣ Join the Subjunctive Workshop!Choose your date: May 12 or May 14Rep
#29: Out of Your Comfort Zone, Into French – TAPIF & Living in France with Eva Wilson
Eva Wilson shares her journey from classroom French to real-life fluency as a TAPIF (Teaching Assistant Program in France) participant. Whether you're dreaming of living in France, curious about the TAPIF program, or just trying to get over your fear of speaking up in French, Eva's story is the perfect mix of relatable, inspiring, and practical.🎧 In This Episode, You'll Hear:Why “good
#28: 11 French Phrases to Sound More Professional - For Work, Hotel, & Service Encounters
Communicate more naturally in French work and travel contexts with these 11 phrases. In this episode, you'll learn what phrases to expect in French work settings, as well as common phrases you'll hear at the hotel. Learn the phrases from this episode with the transcript here. Your next step: ✅ Get on the waitlist for the May 2025 workshop: Mastering the Subjunctive in Everyday French! You&
#27: Speak French When Travel Goes Wrong – Must-Know Phrases
Real-life travel mishaps — flat tires, hotel mix-ups, and restaurant snaufs — and the exact French you’ll want in those moments. No fluff, just useful phrases and tips to help you stay calm and communicate clearly en français when things don’t go as planned.Whether you're heading to Paris, Québec, or anywhere in between, you’ll feel more prepared (and way less panicked) after this one.🎁 Ready to g
#26: Write French Emails for Work & Beyond
Need to send emails in French for professional or personal life, but unsure how to sound polite, natural, and not too formal? In this episode, you’ll learn the structure of a typical French email for France and for Québec, must-know phrases to start and end your message, and how to avoid common mistakes. Whether you're writing to a coworker, Airbnb host, or someone you just met, you'll walk away w
#25: The Art of “S’en Foutre” to Learn French without Stress - with Jennie Décime
What if the key to speaking French with confidence was… caring less?Follow along here with the French transcript for today’s episode. I’m sitting down with French teacher and entrepreneur Jennie, who shares her top mindset shifts for learning French without stress or perfectionism getting in the way. 🔥 Why overthinking is the #1 thing slowing you down (and how to stop) 🔥 The surprising power of no
#24: 11 Rules to Determine if French Words are Masculine or Feminine
Is a French word really feminine if it ends in -E? In this episode, we’re busting that myth and breaking down 11 essential rules to help you confidently determine if a French word is masculine or feminine (without just guessing!).🔹 Learn the most common endings for masculine vs. feminine words 🔹 Discover key exceptions you need to know 🔹 Get a step-by-step strategy to memorize these rules easily📖
#23: Sound More Natural in French - The Filler Words You Need
Want to sound more like a local? French is full of filler words like tsé, genre, quoi, and du coup—small words that don’t change the meaning of a sentence but make your speech flow naturally. In this episode, we’ll break down key filler words used in France and Québec so you can sound more fluid and confident when speaking French!📩 Grab Your French Filler Word Guide - A handy PDF with all the word
#22: Why You Should Say “Merde” More Often – Surprising French Expressions You Need to Know
French lucky phrases and words of encouragement. From “bonne chance” to “merde” and “je touche du bois,” you’ll learn when and how to use these expressions like a native.Action Steps:✅ Follow along with the transcript to reinforce what you learn. ✅ Add these expressions to your French Fluency Roadmap so you can start using them naturally. ✅ Try using at least one of these phrases in a conversation
#21: Are immersion experiences worth it? - Charlie Whitesides from Street French
A chat with Charlie Whitesides from Street French, who learned French from scratch and speaks with an unmistakable Parisian accent. We tackle: Are immersion experiences worth it? What should you do when you get stuck? What should you focus on to make real progress with your French, starting today?
#20: Avoid Embarrassing French Mistakes - What These Words Really Mean!
Are you really asking if that jam has preservatives, or did you just say something super embarrassing? Welcome to the word of les faux amis or false friends! In this episode of Let's Speak French!, we break down 21 words that sounds like an English counterpart but meaning something totally different, including le conservateur vs le préservatif and les stores vs les magasins. Here are your acti
#19: Advanced French Negation - 10 Essential Structures For Your Next Conversation
When should you use ne plus, ne jamais, ne guère, ne rien, personne ne vs. ne personne? We're breaking down 10 negation structures that go beyond ne...pas and will help you to communicate with more fluency at the B1 and B2 Intermediate levels. Your action steps: 1️⃣ Take the Negation Quiz2️⃣ Check out the French transcript for this episode3️⃣ Tap the "Follow" button where you're
#18: French Pronunciation Hacks for Intermediates - 4 Sounds to Improve
Breaking down the hardest words to pronounce for intermediate learners, including the U vs. OU, U vs EU, and UI sounds.Your action steps:1️⃣ Grab the10 Intermediate Tongue Twisters to Improve Your Pronunciation2️⃣ Tap the "Follow" button where you're listening to be in the loop for your weeklyLet's Speak French! lesson. 3️⃣ Follow Dr. Natalie for more French lessons @elevatefrenc
#17: French Reading Made Easy - Intermediate Tips with Frédéric Patenaude
Boost your intermediate French by reading novels in French. In this episode, I chat with Frédéric Patenaude, founder of French with Frédéric and the podcast Learn Quebec French. We break down the best reading habits and strategies to learn more French.
Follow along with the transcript of our French conversation and the vocabulary lesson here.
We break down:
What book should you read in Fre
#16: Crêpes 101 - The French Holiday Tradition You Need to Try
Explore La Chandeleur, the delightful French holiday celebrated on February 2nd. Discover the history behind this tradition, why crêpes are the star of the day, and learn how to bring a little French culture into your kitchen.
What You’ll Learn:
The origins of La Chandeleur and its connection to light and prosperity.
The difference between sweet crêpes and savory galettes.
Essential French
#15: Irregular Verb Boot Camp - The Refresher You Need
How to conjugate the most common irregular verbs in the present, passé composé, imparfait, futur, conditionnel, and subjonctif.
Your action steps:
1. Choose your level
2. Sign up for Beginner French Foundations Reboot
or
Intermediate French
Classes start soon and only open for enrollment twice per year!
#14: How to Think in French without Translating
Your action items to start thinking in French:
1️⃣ Enroll in the Intermediate French Class with Elevate French January-April 2025 cohort for the support and momentum you need with your French.
2️⃣ Let me know on Instagram which technique you're going to try out this week to think in French! I'm just @elevatefrench on Instagram and I can't wait to hear from you
Bonne continuation, mon ami.e!
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