Discussions with Dao

Here's your English lesson for the week! Some great new conversational vocabulary to argue with. [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/224684332" params="color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /] Remember: 1) You can download the audio 2) You can adjust the speed Opening Dialogue Kevin: Dude, back off. She's with me. Jon: Say what? Kevin: Don't make me repeat myself. Jon: For real, I got no clue what you're talking about. Kevin: You don't think I see you trying to swoop in on my girl? You better check yourself before you wreck yourself. Jon: And what girl are you talking about? Kevin: My girl! My one and only. The love of my life, bro. Jon: Uh, you mean that chick who's making out with that guy over there? Kevin: Wha-- Sarah, no! Key Phrases Say what? (interjection) What did you say? / What are you talking about? Example: You got fired from your job-- say what? = Am I hearing you right-- you got fired? Note: this is used to emphasize shock or disbelief For real (adverb) seriously, really Example: For real, we should hang out more often.= Seriously, we should spend more time together. check yourself before you wreck yourself (verb) think carefully over your situation before you make your next move Example: Trying to cheat? You better check yourself before you wreck yourself = You need to reconsider this whole cheating idea. Note: usually used as a threat to make out (verb) kissing aggressively Example: Those two made out all night. = Those two wouldn't stop kissing all night. Other usage: "to understand/comprehend" (i.e. I can't make out what he's saying. = I can't understand what he's trying to say.) Take 2 "My one and only" Significant other Plus one Boo/Bae Oh, Faux Pas Don't argue over boys/girls. It's not worth it. Credits Special thanks to: DJi5Cream for the opening "Red Velvet - Happiness" Kevin MacLeod for the transitions: "Schmetterling" and "Brandenburg Concerto No4" Picture courtesy of Jin

Here's some great new conversational vocabulary to add to your arsenal: small talk about your job. Remember: 1) You can download the audio 2) You can adjust the speed Opening Dialogue Jon: Hey, how's the new gig? Harry: Ah, not too shabby. Only a couple weeks in-- I'm still feeling things out. Jon: Yeah? Any surprises? Harry: Not really. To tell you the truth, my mind's been on vacation. Jon: What? Already? Didn't you just start? Harry: Hear me out. Me and my girl's 10 year anniversary is coming up. I want to be upfront with my boss about taking time off, but I'm just starting. So I've been holding off. Jon: So when do you think you're going to ask? Harry: In about 5 minutes... Key Phrases gig (noun) job, work Example: She got a new gig as a recruiter. = She got new work as a recruiter. Note: same spelling and pronunciation as the "gig" that means computer space to feel things out (verb) to reserve your opinion until you spend more time with something Example: I'm still feeling things out in Boston.= I can't really share my opinion about Boston until I spend more time here. to be upfront (verb) to be honest/direct Example: He wasn't upfront about being divorced. = He didn't tell people he was divorced. to hold off (verb) to wait until later Example: Let's hold off on traveling until I save more money. = Let's wait until I save more money before traveling. Take 2 "Not too shabby" Not bad Pretty good It's aite Oh, Faux Pas Establish rapport with colleagues and supervisors sooner than later. This way, it'll be less awkward when you need to make a request. Credits Special thanks to: DJi5Cream for the opening "Red Velvet - Happiness" Kevin MacLeod for the transitions: "Schmetterling" and "Brandenburg Concerto No4" Picture courtesy of Jin

Lacking Emcee Teamwork, Deviating from the Schedule, Botching the Grand Finale -- the three major problems of the ATV 2015 Miss Asia (Boston) Grand Final Jon Dao - The Conversation Coach www.commdao.com

Awhile back, Raddad requested that I show how people argue. I think he more or less wanted to learn the proper ways of how to debate. I'll be paving the way towards that, but in the meantime here's episode eleven of my speaking and communication focused podcast: CommDao Speak Easy. This show includes: Opening Dialogue (Sample Conversation) Key Phrases (Vocabulary from the Dialogue) Take 2 (Sentence Variation) Pronunciation Practice Faux Pas of the Day (Explanation of Common Mistakes in Communication) [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/221521170" params="color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /] Remember: 1) You can download the audio 2) You can adjust the speed Here are the show notes: Opening Dialogue Father: I got a call from your school today. They say you've been skipping? Son: Tch, like you care. Father: And what is that supposed to mean? Son, I'm working my ass off, day in and day out, for you! So you can get an education-- Son: That you didn't have. Yeah, yeah, you've told me. But Dad, what you want for me, isn't what I want. You think you care, but you're just selfish! Father: I don't like this attitude here, but if I've been misunderstanding this whole time, you can't close yourself off. You got to talk to me. If it isn't school, what is that you want to do? Son: I'm going to quit school and become the greatest magician in the world! Key Phrases ~to skip (verb) to avoid; to not attend Example: We decided to skip the movie. = We made the decision not to go to the movie. Related: to play hooky (this expression is usually used for school) Note: "to skip" can also refer to how someone walks like you care (interjection) you don't care Example: Oh, like you care.= You don't care. Note: this is used very sarcastically in tone, just like "that's a real shocker" ~ to work one's ass off (verb) to work REALLY hard Example: I worked my ass off for that promotion.= I worked really hard to get that promotion. Note: watch out for the cuss word "ass"; can be substituted with "butt" day in and day out (adjective) all day, every day Example: She was traveling day in and day out for her job.= She had to travel a lot (almost everyday) for her job. Note: usually used in relation with something that's a duty (i.e. work, school- related); you can't say "I'm on my smartphone day in and day out" Take 2 "What is that supposed to mean?" What do you mean by that? What are you getting at? Just what are you trying to say? Oh, Faux Pas Don't finish other people's sentences. Credits Special thanks to: DJi5Cream for the opening "Red Velvet - Happiness" Kevin MacLeod for the transitions: "Schmetterling" and "Brandenburg Concerto No4" Picture courtesy of Jin

Here's the latest episode of my speaking and communication focused podcast: CommDao Speak Easy. As is the plan with every 5 episodes, it's time to reflect on what we've learned. One of the most important steps to improving is making sure you take time to review. In this episode, there will be a brand new dialogue, but all the key phrases will come from the previous 4 episodes. The show rundown: Opening Dialogue (Sample Conversation) Key Phrases (Vocabulary from the Dialogue) Take 2 (Sentence Variation) Pronunciation Practice Faux Pas of the Day (Explanation of Common Mistakes in Communication) [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/216751990?secret_token=s-RoyAq" params="color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /] Remember: 1) You can download the audio 2) You can adjust the speed Here are the show notes: Opening Dialogue Frank: My bad, Sarah. I didn't recognize it was you. Sarah: Hah, it's okay. It's been awhile. How's the girlfriend? Frank: Oh, actually I'm afraid Liz and I broke up. Sarah: Oh... Frank: But that was ages ago. I've been seeing someone new for this past month. Sarah: That's a real shocker. Famous Frankie. I guess that rules out the chance between us, hm? Frank: But Sarah, why would there ever be a chance between us? You have man hands. Sarah: What? No! I don't have man hands. Ah, it was just a dream. Damn it. Even if my dreams I can't hook up with Frankie. Take 2 "Why would you do that?" What were you thinking? Are you out of your mind? What's going on in that head of yours? Oh, Faux Pas Don't share your dreams. Credits Special thanks to: DJi5Cream for the opening "Red Velvet - Happiness" Kevin MacLeod for the transitions: "Schmetterling" and "Brandenburg Concerto No4"

For those who wanted some cooking vocabulary, this is eggs-actly what you needed! Here's episode nine of my speaking and communication focused podcast: CommDao Speak Easy. This show includes: Opening Dialogue (Sample Conversation) Key Phrases (Vocabulary from the Dialogue) Take 2 (Sentence Variation) Pronunciation Practice Faux Pas of the Day (Explanation of Common Mistakes in Communication) Remember: 1) You can download the audio 2) You can adjust the speed Here are the show notes: Opening Dialogue Server: What can I get you? Tim: Well, I was thinking about some eggs. Server: Eggs, ah? How you want 'em? Tim: Well, I-- Server: Scrambled? No, that’s too basic. You want something else? How about sunny side up? TIm: Uh, well-- Server: Ah, I got you. You don’t like that raw, runny stuff. I guess poached might be too close to that too, huh? Then, that rules out eggs benedict. You, sir, are one tough customer. Tim: But, I-- Server: Boiled? C’mon, you don’t go to brunch to order boiled eggs. Tim: No, that’s-- Server: Deviled eggs? Does it look like we’re catering here? I got not clue what to do with you. You’ll have to give it to me straight. What do you want? Tim: I’ll just take a coffee. Server: What kind of coffee? Key Phrases scrambled eggs Processed by: Helicon Filter; sunny-side up Sunny_side_up_by_yomi955 poached 3027160761_c6477ab2e7_o eggs benedict Eggs_benedict boiled egg Boiled_egg_-_Two_pieces deviled eggs 1280px-Deviled_Eggs_-_3-23-08 ~to rule out (verb) to exclude; to disqualify Example: The heavy rain rules out a camping trip. = We can’t go camping because it’s raining so bad. Note: we usually "rule out" possibilities, options, or ideas. If we rule out a person, that person must have been a suspect. runny (adjective) not solid; liquidy Example: I didn’t boil the egg long enough so the inside is all runny. = The inside of the egg is liquidy because it’s not completely cooked. Note: this is the same reason we say someone might have a "runny nose" when a person has a cold. Take 2 "You're one tough customer." You're hard hard to please. You're pretty picky. Related phrase: You're one tough cookie. (This means, that person is really tough/strong.) Oh, Faux Pas Don't be a pushover. Don't be afraid to interrupt. Credits Special thanks to: DJi5Cream for the opening "Red Velvet - Happiness" Kevin MacLeod for the transitions: "Schmetterling" and "Brandenburg Concerto No4"

Here's the full report from Gamescom, and the details of how the rest of the book publishing will proceed!

Bar talk context! Here's episode eight of my speaking and communication focused podcast: CommDao Speak Easy. This show includes: Opening Dialogue (Sample Conversation) Key Phrases (Vocabulary from the Dialogue) Take 2 (Sentence Variation) Pronunciation Practice Faux Pas of the Day (Explanation of Common Mistakes in Communication) [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/219505638" params="color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /] Remember: 1) You can download the audio 2) You can adjust the speed Here are the show notes: Opening Dialogue Bartender: What can I get you? Harry: Tequila. Bartender: Tch, afraid we’re all out-- Bachelorette party earlier. Harry: Is that right? Okay, how about some Jameson then, unless you’re out of that too. Bartender: Don’t worry, we got it. You want that neat or on the rocks? Harry: Decisions, decisions. Let’s do that one neat. Bartender: Coming right up. Key Phrases ~afraid (verb) I'm sorry but... Example: I’m afraid I can’t go. = I’m sorry but I can’t go. Note: "afraid" can also mean "scared" or "frightened", but through the context, we know this is not the case in the opening dialogue. is that right? (tag question) oh really? Example: Sarah got married last weekend-- is that right? = Oh really? Sarah got married last weekend? Note: be careful with your intonation. neat (adjective) alcohol straight, no ice, and no mixture of club soda or juice Example: I’ll have that Bourbon neat. = I want that drink straight without any ice. Note: "neat" is used after the drink (i.e. Bourbon neat, NOT neat Bourbon) Note: "neat" can also mean "interesting" (i.e. That toy is neat) Note: "neat" can also mean "clean" or "organized" (i.e. His desk is neat) on the rocks (adjective) alcohol poured over ice, served on ice Example: I’ll have that Bourbon on the rocks. = I want that drink with ice. Take 2 "Decisions, decisions" Hmm Let me think Give me a second Oh, Faux Pas Don’t lose confidence if someone asks you to repeat. Credits Special thanks to: DJi5Cream for the opening "Red Velvet - Happiness" Kevin MacLeod for the transitions: "Schmetterling" and "Brandenburg Concerto No4"

TV interview context! Here's episode seven of my speaking and communication focused podcast: CommDao Speak Easy. This show includes: Opening Dialogue (Sample Conversation) Key Phrases (Vocabulary from the Dialogue) Take 2 (Sentence Variation) Pronunciation Practice Faux Pas of the Day (Explanation of Common Mistakes in Communication) [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/218579045" params="color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /] Remember: 1) You can download the audio 2) You can adjust the speed Here are the show notes: Opening Dialogue Christina Spears: Tom, as we’re winding down, I wanted to share with you a question from a fan. Britney out of Boston wants to know, “What’s your type?” Thomas Shane: Hmm, a girl with a good personality and good looks of course. Christina: Hah, that’s a real shocker. Thomas: Oh, not personal enough for you, huh? Well how about a girl with nice toes. Toes to feet are like chocolate chips to cookies. Christina: And now we’ve gone into TMI. Thomas: Britney, are you quipped with some nice toesies? Christina: Britney, I hope you’re satisfied. We’ve all learned the true colors of Thomas Shane thanks to you. Key Phrases That’s a real shocker. That’s surprising (sarcastic) Example: Oh, you forgot your phone again? That’s a real shocker = I’m not surprised you forgot your phone because you do it all the time). Related phrases: "You don't say" and "No duh" TMI (abbreviation) too much information Example: Talking about your bathroom habits is TMI. = Don’t tell me what you do in the bathroom; I don’t want to know that information. Note: this is used in situations where the information is too personal or gross; you can't use it related too school (i.e. that lecture had TMI for me to remember) ~to be quipped with (verb) to be equipped with, to have Example: This new car comes quipped with GPS. = This new car has a GPS system built in. Note: for verbal expressions only; you can't use it in academic writing true colors (noun) true personality Example: She revealed her true colors when she stole his wallet. = Now we know her true personality because she stole his wallet. Note: usually used in a negative context Take 2 "As we’re winding down" Since we’re almost done We’re just about out of time Nearing the end here Oh, Faux Pas Don't let the pressure of questions get to you. Stick with your first answer. Credits Special thanks to: DJi5Cream for the opening "Red Velvet - Happiness" Kevin MacLeod for the transitions: "Schmetterling" and "Brandenburg Concerto No4"

Pick up sticks! Here's episode six of my speaking and communication focused podcast: CommDao Speak Easy. This show includes: Opening Dialogue (Sample Conversation) Key Phrases (Vocabulary from the Dialogue) Take 2 (Sentence Variation) Pronunciation Practice Faux Pas of the Day (Explanation of Common Mistakes in Communication) [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/216449043" params="color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /] Remember: 1) You can download the audio 2) You can adjust the speed Here are the show notes: Opening Dialogue George: Ah, I can’t believe all these places are booked! There go my chances of impressing her parents tomorrow. Well, some place is better than no place I guess... Lisa: Hi, this is Lisa at Olive Garden, how can I help you? George: Uh, hey Lisa. I’m looking to make a reservation for five at 7. Lisa: Okay, party of 5 George: Did I say 5? My bad, I meant to say 4. It’s gonna be me and my fiancee’s parents. We’re actually gonna be sharing the deets of the engagement. Lisa: ... Anything else to add? George: Well, it’s been kind of a rocky relationship, but what couple doesn’t have its ups and downs, right? Oh, uh, you probably weren’t asking about that huh? Lisa: Any food restrictions that the kitchen should be aware of? George: Well, you might want to keep the bread away. Seriously, her dad loves the stuff. If you put an entire loaf on the table, I bet he could wolf the whole thing down on his own. But if you’re asking about allergies? No, we’re all good Lisa: Great; we’ll see you tonight at 7 George: Oh wait, no! I need this for tomorrow... Key Phrases ~ to be booked (verb -> adjective) to be reserved (already) Example: The hotel is all booked (up). = All the rooms at this hotel are reserved (already). Note: You can also use "book" as an active verb. For instance, we need to book plane tickets to go to her wedding. ~ looking to: (verb) want to, plan to Example: I’m looking to buy a new car soon. = I want to buy a new car soon. Don't confuse this with "looking forward to" This verb might be more common in the Southern states (i.e. Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, etc.) My bad (interjection) I made a mistake, I'm sorry, Oops Example: I forgot to call you. My bad. = I made the mistake of forgetting to call you. Note: you can NOT use "my bad" for things that are out of your hands. For example, we CAN say "I'm sorry to hear that." However, we can't say "My bad to hear that." the deets (noun) the details Example: Give me the deets of the party. = Let me know the details of the party (i.e. the venue, time, etc). Note: very conversational and shouldn't be used in essays to bet ~: (verb) to be very sure of something Example: It’s pretty cloudy today. I bet it’s going to rain = I’m pretty sure it’s going to rain because it’s so cloudy. Fun fact: the origin of this word comes from the idea that a person is so confident that s/he is willing to bet (gamble) money. Take 2 "What couple doesn’t have its ups and downs?" What couple doesn’t argue from time to time? Are there any couples who don't disagree here and there? Oh, Faux Pas Remember the deets of a reservation are always the same and be sure to verify them. Credits Special thanks to: DJi5Cream for the opening "Red Velvet - Happiness" Kevin MacLeod for the transitions: "Schmetterling" and "Brandenburg Concerto No4"

Remember: 1) You can download the audio 2) You can adjust the speed Here are the show notes: Opening Dialogue Kevin: Sarah, you ready to head out yet? Sarah: Don't rush me. Kevin: Look, you're going to rock whatever outfit you pick, so just pick one. Sarah: Kevin, I already I told you: don't rush me! Cut it out! Kevin: Babe, just because you feel bad for Nik, don't take it out on me. I mean, you did tell him about us, right? Sarah: Not exactly. Kevin: What do you mean "Not exactly"? Sarah: I told Nik I couldn't date him because... I'm dying. Kevin: Why would you do that? Why wouldn't you just be up front? I'd normally say "Don't sweat it", but man, Sarah! Take 2 "Why would you do that?" What were you thinking? Are you out of your mind? What's going on in that head of yours? Oh, Faux Pas Shyness is a personality trait, not a speaking style. Credits Special thanks to: DJi5Cream for the opening "Red Velvet - Happiness" Kevin MacLeod for the transitions: "Schmetterling" and "Brandenburg Concerto No4"

Four more years! Here's episode four of my speaking and communication focused podcast: CommDao Speak Easy. This show includes: Opening Dialogue (Sample Conversation) Key Phrases (Vocabulary from the Dialogue) Take 2 (Sentence Variation) Pronunciation Practice Faux Pas of the Day (Explanation of Common Mistakes in Communication) [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/215481670" params="color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /] Remember: 1) You can download the audio 2) You can adjust the speed Here are the show notes: Opening Dialogue John: What the hell, Nik? Thanks to you, we were one man short and had to forfeit the game. Nik: ... John: C'mon, man. What's with the cold shoulder? It's not like you to no show. Nik: You wouldn't understand. Nobody does... John: Cut the crap! You know that's not true. Nik: Whatever. John: Wh-whatever? Dude, I don't know what's going on, but that is not how you treat your friends, especially your best friend. Nik: I'm sorry, John. You're right. It's just... it's Sarah. John: What's up with Sarah? Wait... who the hell is Sarah? Key Phrases ~ what the hell?: (question) what is your problem, what are you doing [very aggressive] Example: What the hell? = What is wrong with you? Note: don't confuse this with "the hell". For example: What the hell do you think you're doing? In this case, the base question is "What do you think you're doing" (implying the person is doing something wrong or inappropriate). By adding "the hell" it makes it more aggressive in tone. You might also hear people use "the fuck" (i.e. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?") ~ to give a cold shoulder: (verb) to ignore, to be unfriendly Example: She gave him the cold shoulder after he forgot her name. = She was unfriendly to him after he forgot her name. Related phrase: "to have a chip on one's shoulder", which means to carry a grudge. For example: She's had a chip on her shoulder ever since he forgot her name. ~ cut the crap: (verb) to stop; to cut it out (more common) Example: My roommate keeps making a mess. He needs to cut it out. = My roommate needs to stop making a mess. Note: will rarely be used for 1st person. For example: "I should cut my smoking out" sounds awkward. ~ to no show: (verb) to not show up, to skip, to be absent Example: I was excited about my blind date, but she no showed. = My blind date didn't come. Note: very common in conversation, but not good for essays. ~ what's up with~: (question) what's the matter with ~, what problem is happening with~ Note: don't confuse this with the simple "What's up?", which is a greeting akin to "How are you?". If we wanted to ask a friend about another friend, we would NOT say "What's up with Tom?" because that means "What's the problem with Tom?". If we wanted to ask our friend how Tom is doing, we would say "What's new with Tom?" or "Have you heard from Tom?" Take 2 "You know that's not true." That's a lie! You're wrong! That's so not true. Oh, Faux Pas Don't cuss.

http://commdao.com/2015/07/19/commdao-speak-easy-podcast-3/ Opening Dialogue Jon: Harry, I got no clue what I’m doing. The only good thing here is the garnish. Harry: Don’t sweat it, mate. The key to cooking is simplicity. Jon: Yeah, simple’s what I’m good at. Too bad it always turns out bland. Harry: Tell you what, I know one incredibly easy add-on that you could add on. Jon: Sauteed onions? Harry: Sauteed onions… Jon: Jinx! Ow! Harry: You said jinx… Key Phrases ~ got no clue: (verb) to have no idea, to not know Example: I got no clue what to say to her. = I don’t know what to say to her. Also: have no clue Note: you can also use the past tense (i.e. had no idea, had no clue); however, when using “got” most people will say “have got no clue” ~ to sweat it: (verb) to worry, to not relax Example: Don’t sweat it, be happy! = Don’t worry, be happy! Note: almost always used in the negative in order to have a positive meaning ~ tell you what: (transition) Let me tell you, How about this Example: Tell you what, we can watch Magic Mike XXL instead of Ant-Man. = How about this, we can watch Magic Mike XXL instead of Ant-Man. Note: often used for offering advice or giving another option ~ jinx (response) a word used after two people accidentally say the same word at the same time Variation 1: “Jinx, buy me a coke.” Variation 2: silence, followed with a punch. The Best Jinx Rant Take 2 “Too bad it always turns out bland.” It’s a shame it always turns out bland. It’s a bummer it always turns out bland. It sucks that it always turns out bland. Oh, Faux Pas Keep your conversations organic. Don’t focus too much on vocabulary. Sometimes you’ll learn a really cool phrase, but try to force it into a conversation un-naturally. Don’t try to memorize scripts that you can use in conversation. Try to have an actual conversation. When you’re talking with someone, what do you actually want to learn about him or her? Then, make use of the vocab that you already know. Afterwards, you can try to learn some slang that would apply to the situation, but you need to try to have real conversation. Even people from the US have this problem. They speak perfect English, but how many times have you had the same “How are you?” conversation over and over again… Speaking perfect English is useless if you use it in boring communication. Break out of the routine.

Firstly, thank you all for such an overwhelming and positive response. Here's the second episode of my speaking and communication focused podcast: CommDao Speak Easy. I've taken all the feedback to heart, and now the new format of each episode will include: Opening Dialogue Key Phrases Take 2 (Sentence Variation) Pronunciation Practice Faux Pas of the Day Here are the show notes: Opening Dialogue Keith: Aw man, this place is a bust. Dave: Should've known better than to listen to Bobby... you want to head out already? Keith: I dunno. Whatcha thinkin? Whadaya wanna do? Dave: Well, I'm gonna have one more, and then we can bounce. Keith: Aite, I'm gonna take a piss. Grab me another beer too, will ya? Dave: Hey... uh, 'scuse me! What else you got on tap? Barkeep: Well, the usual, of course: Sam Adams Lager, Bud Light, Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Pabst Blue Ribbon. Dave: Eghhhh... Key Phrases ~ to be a bust: (verb) to be a disappointment, to be a failure Example: I thought I could make money from gambling, but that was a bust. = Making money from gambling was a failure. Note: people can't "be a bust". For instance, you would never say, "I was a bust at today's game." Other uses: "to be busted" can mean two things: 1) to be broken 2) to be caught. (1) I let my brother borrow my car, and now it's all busted. (2) That guy tried to steal from the store, but he was busted. ~ to head out: (verb) to leave Example: We need to head out soon if we want to catch the movie on time. = We need to leave soon in order to watch the movie. ~ to bounce: (verb) to leave (even more informal) Example: We need to bounce soon if we want to catch the movie on time. = We need to leave soon in order to watch the movie. ~ to take a piss (verb) to urinate, to pee, to use the restroom/bathroom (very rough, vulgar) Example: I always have to take a piss before I watch a movie. = I need to pee before watching a movie, every single time. Note: you will rarely hear girls use this phrase; almost always used by guys ~ on tap (adjective) draft beer Example: People buy beer in bottles or cans, but if you get it on tap, the taste is always better. = Beer comes in many forms, but draft beer is the best. Note: you will rarely hear girls use this phrase; almost always used by guys Take 2 "Grab me another beer too, will ya?" Grab me another beer too, would ya? Grab me another beer too, could ya? I'll have one more with ya. Oh, Faux Pas Asking for recommendations or what selection is available is okay-- as long as the place isn't busy. Don't be surprised if the server/bartender responds rudely to your question during peak hours. Remember: it's not a problem with your pronunciation, but the timing of your question. Credits Special thanks to: DJi5Cream for the opening "Red Velvet - Happiness" Kevin MacLeod for the transitions: "Schmetterling" and "Brandenburg Concerto No4"

Long overdue, I present to you a brand-new speaking and communication focused podcast: CommDao Speak Easy. In each episode, there'll be a sample conversation in the opening dialogue, enacted by yours truly. Maybe an occasional guest appearance here and there. Then, a dissection of the key phrases used in the dialogue. After that the Faux Pas of the day, and your advanced communication tip. Here are the show notes: Opening Dialogue Bobby: Yo, Frank! Get a load of this guy. What's he wearing there? Frank: Oh, Bobby, observant as ever, aren't we? I do believe those garments are known as "jorts". Bobby: You sure they ain't capris? I got a lady friend who likes to rock a brown pair, but I think they look even better on the ground-- if you know what I mean. Frank: Bobby, have you no shame? Key Phrases ~ to get a load of: (verb) to bring to attention, to get someone to check something out Example: Get a load of all these people here! = Check out (Look) at all the people here! Note: this version of "check" means "look", not review or study. For instance, you could not say "I'm going to get a load of my notes when I get home." ~ to rock~ : (verb) to wear (confidently) Example: Nobody can rock jorts. = Nobody can wear jorts (confidently and/or look good in them). Note: you can also "rock" different clothing styles, hairstyles, and make-up Note: the origins of this verb does, indeed, come from rock music; rock musicians had the ability to excite a crowd (i.e. rock a crowd) ~ If you know what I mean: (tag question) a phrase you can tack on to the end of any sentence to imply sexual innuendo Example: I'm pretty good with my hands-- if you know what I mean. = I am quite adept at using my hands in a sexual manner. Note: the modern day equivalent is "That's what she said" Have you no shame? (response) You should be ashamed of yourself. Example: You didn't wear pants to work. Have you no shame? = You should be ashamed of yourself for not wearing pants to work. Note: similar to using "never have I ever" for "I have never", "have you no shame" is an inversion of "you have no shame" Note: can be used aggressively if your tone is right Oh, Faux Pas Do not use "lady friend" to refer to your girlfriend, fiancee, or spouse. Advanced Communication Tip If anyone ever makes a comment that you find inappropriate, anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, you have to be firm. Don't take Frank's approach. Credits Special thanks to: DJi5Cream for the opening Kevin MacLeod for the transitions