General Spanish

Spanish Speaking Secret #1

Everyday frequently used words vs. uncommon, rare and wasteful words.

When I started Spanish I learned words like plughole, dish […]

Years has passed since I wrote this blog post. I’m turning 59 on the 31st of March. 

Fritz inspired me to take up gymnastics in my late 40s. I’ve become fitter every year for more than 10 years in a row. I now enjoy 45 minute high intensity workouts with guys in […]

Did you have a chance to listen to the audio on this page?

Sideways Spanish Audio Numero Uno Gratis

I used to be nervous about sharing too much of the Sideways Approach to Spanish verbs.

It’s built into my course, but I didn’t want the “secret” just sitting out there for free…where other […]

This is from the category “Learn Spanish for yourself”. This one was really hard to pick.

In the end I found one couple that summed up the experience of so many. It’s going to be great to see them turn their lives around.

Here’s the winning entry. […]

One of the entries in the “help others” category just stood out. Here it is; […]

I’ve been working on a presentation to show people how quickly they can start enjoying speaking Spanish.

It turns out that in less than 9 minutes the sentences already start to flow.

Here are those 9 minutes for you to enjoy

Right click here to download the Audio

I’d love your feedback, […]

Here’s the second part of the World Cup lessons that Elena and I created for you.

Although we’ve kept the Spanish at a starter level so everyone can enjoy the lesson, in the second part we’ve add some more patterns to get you Spanish flowing more freely.

Here’s your Fútbol lección de español, Parte Uno

[…]

As a special Word Cup treat Elena and I created “El Mundial” Spanish lesson for you.

It’ll get you speaking real Spanish so you can chat with your amigos de España or anyone else who speaks Spanish.

Although the lesson is about fútbol you’ll use everyday Spanish patterns that build fluency. Even if you are not into […]

Normal sure fire topics for enjoyable conversations with
native Spanish speakers are;

Food

Family

Friends and travel

This month there is only one subject. It trumps everything
else. Yes, it’s La Copa Mundial (The World Cup)

It’s hands down the most lively conversation topic among
Spanish speakers for the next 30 days.

Here are some important facts you need to know about this
event

Location: South […]

Not everyone likes how I teach. Students usually love it, but the language coordinators I’ve worked with, they are another story.

Once when I was teaching English in Mexico the coordinator came into my classroom to show me how it was done.

A student asked me the meaning of an English word.

I was about to give him […]

If you just know words, even if you know thousands, you can still struggle to have good conversations with your amigos.

The good news is that once you add a missing ingredient your Spanish words come to life. I’ll show you the secret spice in a moment, but first a quick recap.

Do you remember you can […]

A popular myth is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day.

Wrong!

Mexican Independence Day is actually September 16. In fact, it’s the 200-year anniversary this year.

So, what is Cinco de Mayo?

What really happened on the 5th of May was the Mexican army won a battle against the invading French army in the Battle of Puebla.

Cinco […]

Is there such a thing as easy Spanish?

It so often seems so complicated, especially with traditional methods of teaching. Sure, parts of the Spanish language are really complex. Yet, there are also parts of Spanish that are easy to learn.

In fact, some words you can literally learn instantly.

The other day I was listening to […]

It’s only taken me 5 years to put 2 and 2 together. An idea so obvious I cant believe I didn’t see it years ago.

Now that I have discovered what was right in front of me for so long, it’s time to share it.

You see, if you have struggled with Spanish in any way, […]

Here the FSI Spanish Course FREE. It’s the one the US State Department used to teach diplomats the FBI and DEA Agents.

A warning: it’s intense…

You’ll either love it or hate it.

If it’s not for you, try my step by step lessons at Synergy Spanish testdrive.

If you do like it, you’ll be […]

This is the third lesson in our Spanish Fluency Patterns series. It’s the approach to verbs from Bola de Nieve that gets you speaking fluent Spanish.

If you missed any of the previous lessons, here’s a link to the first one – Spanish Fluency Patterns 1.

And the second […]

This Spanish audio lesson shows you the easy way to start using Spanish language patterns to speak in real flowing sentences.

It’s an extension of the idea that I call horizontal conjugation.

It takes all the confusion out of Spanish verbs and is the foundation of my Bola de […]

Wasn’t it amazing to hear how the education system didn’t even recognize George and Paul’s talent.

Not only that, they hated the classes.

You know, so many people don’t even know how much Spanish they could be speaking because the traditional methods create a barrier for them.

They never get to experience, even for a moment, the thrill […]

There were so many incredible stories, so many great reasons for learning Spanish, so many entries that would be worthy winners of the Synergy Spanish Scholarship 2009.

In fact, I was so overwhelmed by the entries that I’ll be giving out consolation prizes soon.

As they say there can only be one winner… but in this case […]

…and Spanish is a romantic language.

I have a special Spanish Valentine’s Day lesson for you today.

Along with Italian, French Portuguese and Romanian, Spanish is a romance language.

Yes, the term romance is about Spanish deriving from the language of the Romans, but it is also a romantic sound.

So, in honor of St Valentine’s Day this year, […]

I just found an interesting site that looks like a great way to learn more Spanish, make friends and practice with real native speakers.

Best of all it’s free.

So what is it?

It’s an online community for learning languages. You connect with native speakers from around the world to help each other improve your language skills.

You meet […]

What’s your barrier to learning Spanish?

Are you short of money and can’t afford to pay for lessons?

Do you think you are too old to learn?

Do you believe you have some “blockage” that stops you from learning?

Whatever you may believe is stopping you; I am here to tell you the reason can be blasted away.

I too […]

If you’re still undecided about whether or not to join us in Bola de Nieve, here are some preview lessons to help you make the right decision.

Firstly, Bola de Nieve is a direct follow on from Synergy Spanish. If you are new to Spanish then the original Synergy Spanish course […]

I just received this question in the comments about my blog post on Spanish spoken quickly.

Is there a magazine or newsletter that has English and Spanish side by side for our reading assignment?

Thanks for the question Jim.

I have seen books like that and I enjoyed them a lot when I […]

Here’s a list of Spanish newspapers with online articles. They are listed by country so if you live in a Spanish speaking county or you have a favorite county you can get keep up to date with the big issues there.

That way, you’ll have plenty to talk about with the locals when you get there.

Argentina

Online magazines in Spanish

CAR & DRIVER – Spanish version of Car & Driver

Caretas – A weekly news magazine from Peru.

cine FOTOGRAMAS – Movie magazine from Spain

DE VIAJES – Travel magazine

One of the steps to communicating well in Spanish is learning how to handle fast Spanish.

I’ve found the best way to use Spanish quickly is by practicing with a mixture of slow and fast Spanish.

A sport that requires super fast reflex actions is martial arts. Yet, when I used to study karate, we spent a […]

I just found a free Spanish course from the BBC.

Well actually, I didn’t find it. One of my students found it and let me know about it.

As the Spanish course is from the BBC, it has really high quality production.

Although I am very happy with our mix of audio and action guides in

You know, I get a lot of love for my Synergy Spanish and Bola de Nieve courses.

But every now and then I get a nasty email…

Like this one that came in the other day…

Well, with all your hype about having a ‘better way’ you are […]

Last Saturday Elena and I had a wonderful invitation to share paella.

Our friend, who’s father was Spanish, is somewhat of an expect in the art of preparing paella. And it really is an art. She pre-prepares every ingredient separately before it all goes in the pan, so the whole process takes hours.

I […]

Is there anything more wonderful than a great travel experience? It seems to re-invigorate you, jot you right out of a rut, and enliven the senses.

And if you are lucky when you return home, you’ll see your home through new eyes and really appreciate it.

The best thing about learning Spanish is you have so many […]

How to get for free over 40 hours of lesson that taught Spanish to American diplomats, the FBI, and DEA agents.You know a little part of me wants to keep this secret, after all it’s sales of my Spanish courses that feed my family, but the best thing to do is share.

Even though,