Autumn is here, so now is the chance to learn some idioms connected with this season.

1. To turn over a new leaf:  to start fresh or make a change for the better.

2. A nip in the air: a feeling of coldness that comes with autumn weather.

3. To harvest the fruits of one’s labour: to reap the rewards of hard work, much like gathering crops (vegetables, fruite etc.) in autumn.

4. To rake it in: to earn or collect a lot a lot of money, as one might rake up leaves in the garden.

5. To be/feel under the weather: feeling slightly unwell, often used during cooler seasons like autumn.

6. Autumn years: refers to the later years of life, just as autumn is later in the year.

Now study the same six idioms in context:

i. After her mistakes last year, Sophie has decided to turn over a new leaf and focus on self-improvement.

ii. There's a nip in the air this morning; I think it's time to bring out the pullovers.

iii. After years of hard work on their small business, they are finally harvesting the fruits of their labour.

iv. With her new job at the tech company, Jane’s really raking it in these days. She can even afford to buy a brand-new car.

v. Peter’s feeling a bit under the weather at the moment; he’s probably coming down with a cold.

vi. In his autumn years, Joe spent most of his time enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside. 


Now try and putting one of the missing idioms (1-6) at the top of the page, into the sentences (a-f) below. Don’t forget to conjugate!  The answers are given at the bottom.

a. After months of refining their product, the startup company is finally ____________________ with increased sales.

b. Many people in the team have been ____________________ lately, likely due to the flu season kicking in.

c. In his ____________________ at the company, the CEO has taken on more of a mentorship role, guiding the younger executives.

d. The e-commerce platform is ____________________ this season thanks to their successful holiday sales campaign.

e. After last quarter’s poor sales performance, the company has decided to ____________________ by restructuring their marketing strategy.

f. There’s ____________________ today. Can you close the window? 





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Answers
a. After months of refining their product, the startup company is finally harvesting the fruits of its labour with increased sales.
b. Many people in the team have been under the weather lately, likely due to the flu season kicking in.
c. In his Autumn years at the company, the CEO has taken on more of a mentorship role, guiding the younger executives.
d. The e-commerce platform is raking it in this season thanks to their successful holiday sales campaign.
e. After last quarter’s poor sales performance, the company has decided to turn over a new leaf by restructuring their marketing strategy.
f. There’s a nip in the air today. Can you close the window?

Participating in meetings can sometimes be stressful, even scary, but doing so in a language which is not your native tongue, can be extremely daunting. There are, however, techniques which can help you feel more confident to speak, even if you don't feel your English is adequate. So look at the tips below and try and put them into practice next time you are faced with having to speak English in a meeting.

 1. Prepare in advance 
Review the agenda, research key topics, and prepare key phrases or vocabulary related to the discussion. This will give you a solid foundation and help you anticipate what might come up during the meeting.
 
2. Keep it simple
Use simple and clear language when expressing your ideas. Shorter sentences are often easier to understand and help avoid miscommunication. Focus on getting your point across rather than using complex vocabulary.
 
3. Practice key phrases
Familiarize yourself with common phrases used in meetings, such as:
   - “I’d like to suggest…”
   - “Can you clarify something?”
   - “In my opinion…”
   - “What do you think about…?”
Practicing these phrases can help you feel more comfortable speaking up during the discussion.
 
 4. Speak slowly and clearly
Speaking too fast can make it harder for others to understand you. It can also make you and others feel more nervous. Slow down your speech, focus on pronunciation, and take your time to articulate your thoughts. Hesitation and saying um and er is natural behaviour when talking with others.
 
5. Use active listening
Show that you are listening by nodding or using small verbal cues like “I see” or “That’s right.” Active listening shows engagement and gives you time to understand the conversation better, which helps when it’s your turn to speak.

6. Ask for clarification when needed 
If you don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Phrases like “Could you please repeat that?” or “I’m not sure I understood, could you explain it again?” are helpful to ensure you are following the discussion correctly.
 
7. Take notes
Taking notes can help you keep track of the conversation, especially when multiple people are speaking. It can also serve as a reference if you need to contribute later or follow up on specific points.
 
8. Focus on nonverbal cues
Pay attention to body language, facial expressions, and gestures during the meeting. These can give you additional context and help you interpret the tone of the conversation. Use your own nonverbal cues, like eye contact and gestures, to emphasize your points.
 
9. Practice summarizing your points
When it’s your turn to speak, try to summarize your thoughts in a few key points. This can help you stay on track and ensure that your message is clear to everyone. For example, start with, “There are three main points I’d like to discuss…”
 
10. Be patient with yourself
It’s normal to feel nervous when communicating in a second language, especially in formal settings like meetings. Remember that most people are understanding and appreciate your effort to communicate. Take a deep breath, be patient with yourself, and focus on your progress over time.