Let's Speak French! with Dr. Natalie Amgott

Epizódok

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  #93: 6 Strategies to Sound More Natural in French (Without Learning More Grammar) 18.08.2026 20p

  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 CELAPronunciation shortcuts to sound more naturalAnd a speaking strategy that they don't teach you in apps or textbooksVoici tes prochaines étapes:1. Download the Filler Word Guide to sound less stiff and more natural. You'll learn filler words for France and Québec and how to pick which ones to actually use in conversation.
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  #92: 14 French Words Where you SHOULD Pronounce the Final S 11.08.2026 15p

  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.  Luckily, this is one list of exceptions that’s pretty easy to learn! So if you're feeling burned out on conjugation tables or grammar rules, you'll love how easy it is to apply what you learn from this episode. Voici tes prochaines étapes (Here are your next steps): 1️⃣ Listen once without the transcript, then listen again and follow along with the transcript to check your understanding and see the English translations of the words that end in -S.2️⃣ Practice to make these words stick! I’ve also created a FREE flashcard set with all 14 words from today’s episode, plus a few bonus words. Access your flashcards here to hear the pronunciation and get comfortable with each word where you can pronounce the final -S.If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend or classmate who’s learning French. Chances are, they’ve been silently dropping some of these final S sounds, too!Podcast created by Dr. Natalie AmgottEdited by Paroma Banerjee
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  #91: How Does School Work in France vs. Québec? 04.08.2026 17p

  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 out the comparison tables with all the vocabulary for the French, Québécois, and US / Canada systems.2. Listen again and follow along with the French transcript.3. Learning French for France or Québec? Join the waitlist for Elevate French group classes.Podcast CreditsPodcast created and hosted by Dr. Natalie AmgottAudio editing by Paroma Banerjee
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  #90: The 60-Minute French Grammar Reset - Do This Every 3 Months 28.07.2026 23p

  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 make them more automatic. Tes prochaines étapes:1. Download the French Grammar Reset that accompanies this episode.2. Block out 60 minutes in your calendar for your French Grammar Reset. 3. Review the transcript of the French part of today's lesson for anything you may have missed.Bonne continuation et à la prochaine!
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  #89: “Why Can’t I Speak French Today?” And What To Do About It 21.07.2026 16p

  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 easy things to do about it. If you're having a bad day with your French or want to be prepared for the next time it happens, this lesson is for you!Tes prochaines étapes1️⃣ Map out your goals and track your progress with the French Fluency Roadmap.2️⃣ Review your understanding with the transcript for today's lesson, which includes English translations of some of the intermediate and advanced vocabulary in the lesson.If you're loving the Let's Speak French! podcast, would you consider leaving a rating and review wherever you're listening? It helps to reach more intermediate learners like you!
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  #88: Why Is French So Violent? The History Behind France's Anthem 14.07.2026 18p

  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 story behind France's national anthem Why French songs sometimes pronounce silent e'sVos prochaines étapes (Your next steps)1️⃣ Episode transcript + English translationsComplete lyrics to La Marseillaise3️⃣ Sing along to the lyrics video4️⃣ Join my free weekly French email lessons
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  #87: Je peux ou Je pue? French Pronunciation That Changes Meaning 07.07.2026 19p

  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 training your ear to become a more confident French speaker.Tes prochaines étapes: Your next steps 1. Practice the minimal pairs with the French Minimal Pairs Flashcards. 2. Listen to the episode a second time and repeat each minimal pair out loud.3. Choose one of today's minimal pairs and use both words in your own French sentences this week.
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  #86: One Verb, Five Meanings - How to Use Plutôt to Sound Conversational 30.06.2026 15p

  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 lesson: 1. Write one sentence for each of the five uses of plutôt. Check out the uses and English translations to get you started.2. Track your intermediate French with a customized playlist and tracker with the complementary Intermediate French Kit.If you learned something new today, please leave a review or share with a friend! It helps this podcast to reach more intermediate French adult learners like you.
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  #85: Meet Chiac -- One of Canada's Most Fascinating French Varieties 23.06.2026 35p

  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 to listen again and pick up any vocabulary you may have missed the first time.2. Check out Janelle's social accounts on Instagram and TikTok.3. Explore Acadian French and Chiac through Janelle's recommendations:Literature: Antonine Maillet & France DaigleMusic: 1755 & Hay Babies4. Share this episode with your friends learning French so that they learn more about the understudied Acadian French and Chiac!As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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  #84: 5 French Words You're Probably Overusing 15.06.2026 14p

  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 get the most out of today's lesson: 1. Listen once through to the lesson. 2. Check your understanding and the English translations in the transcript. 3. Download your Filler Word Guide to help you sound more natural in your next French conversations.Merci d'être là, mon ami.e! To make sure you never miss an episode of Let's Speak French!, tap the "Follow" or "Subscribe" button wherever you're listening.
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  #83: Random Free Things You Can Do to Learn French That Actually Work 09.06.2026 12p

  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 once en français. Then, check the transcript here to decide which one or two of the skills you're going to incorporate into your daily routine. Useful resources: Line A Day JournalAtomic Habits by James ClearThe transcription of this episodeEmail me to let me know how your new habit is going! You can reach me at natalie@elevatefrench.comAs an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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  #82: Are You Overusing POUR in French? 26.05.2026 13p

  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 POUR in French, and what to say instead when you're talking about looking for something, waiting for someone, or asking for something. Voici tes prochaines étapes: 1️⃣ Practice writing one phrase for each of the phrases that do require pour and for those that do not require pour. Check out the transcript for inspiration and some English translations.2️⃣ Send me your sentences for feedback! I'll give feedback to the first 20 folks I hear from. You can send them to natalie@elevatefrench.com3️⃣ Learn something new today? Could you tap the "subscribe" button so that you never miss an episode or leave a rating and review? Merci d'être là, mon ami.e!
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  #81: French Words That Sound Feminine… But Are Actually Masculine 19.05.2026 15p

  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 and make sure you know which ones are masculine by reviewing the transcript as you listen.2️⃣ Learn the 11 Rules to Determine if French Words are Masculine or Feminine. Add your exceptions to the guide as you go.3️⃣ Tap the "share" button to share this with a friend learning French so that they never have to wonder whether these everyday words are masculine or feminine.Bonne continuation et à la prochaine!
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  #80: 9 Hardest Words to Pronounce (That You’ll Actually Use in French Conversation) 12.05.2026 18p

  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 pronunciation breakdown and English definitions of each of the 9 words here.2️⃣ Download your 10 Intermediate Tongue Twisters to improve your pronunciation of vowels like U and OU.3️⃣ Next on your playlist: 4 Sounds to Improve your Intermediate FrenchLearn something new today? Rate and review the podcast to let me know. It's one of the most helpful things you can do to help podcast creators and to help me with my goal of reaching as many French learners as possible!
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  #79: Where Do Adverbs Go in French? 05.05.2026 9p

  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 prochaines étapes:1️⃣ Listen once. Then listen again while checking the English translations and the adverb rules with the lesson transcript.2️⃣ Start actively observing where adverbs go while you listen and read. 3️⃣ Tap "subscribe" so that you never miss a lesson!
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  #78: How to Use Reflexive Verbs in the Past in French (Passé Composé) 21.04.2026 16p

  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 the passé composé, so you can talk about your morning routine, last night, or what happened today with more confidence. We’ll cover affirmative and negative sentences, common speaking mistakes, and natural spoken French.How to build reflexive verbs in the passé composé with la formule magiqueHow to say phrases like I woke up, I got dressed, I went to bedHow negation works in spoken French The easiest way to make these structures automatic1️⃣ Review reflexive verbs with the transcript and download your free French Past Tense Cheat Sheet.2️⃣ Practice 3 phrases from today out loud until they feel automatic.3️⃣ Want more reflexive verbs beyond daily routine? Go back and listen to Episode #36: Douter ou Se Douter? The Reflexive Verbs Most Learners Skip.
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  #77: Stop Saying "Drôle" - Say "Fun" & "Funny" More Naturally 14.04.2026 11p

  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 being weird versus being funny. Tes prochaines étapes: 1️⃣ Check your understanding by reviewing the transcript for this episode.2️⃣ Join the weekly French lessons to get free French resources to your inbox every week.3️⃣ Learn something new? Share this episode with a friend learning French so that they never mix up "drôle" and "amusant" again!
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  #76: Should You Take the DELF? How to Pass B1 / B2 07.04.2026 31p

  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 down what examiners are really looking for at the B2 level, from using more varied grammar structures to sounding more natural and confident in your speaking.If the DELF is on your radar, this episode will give you a clear idea of what to expect and how to prepare effectively.Action steps:Check the transcript: Review the full transcript to reinforce your comprehension and notice useful vocabulary and structures for the B2 level.Learn to sound more natural with the French Filler Word Guide.
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  #75: The Simple System That Will Actually Improve Your French 31.03.2026 20p

  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 to your plate).We’ll walk through 6 practical rules to help you focus on communication, retain more vocabulary, and stop second-guessing every step.Tes prochaines étapes:→ Listen to this episode twice: first for the gist, then again for deeper understanding→ Check the transcript to review new vocabulary (and apply rule #2 😉)→ Ready to put this system into practice? Grab your Intermediate French Kit.→ If this episode helped you, tap “follow” so you don’t miss next week’s Let's Speak French! lesson.
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  #74: Want to Sound Better in French This Week? Start Here 24.03.2026 16p

  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 improve almost immediately.We’re talking:pronunciation mistakes that can completely change your meaningcommon verb errorsfaux amis that trip up even strong learnersand simple article mistakes that make your French sound offThink of this episode like a checklist. Spot your mistakes, practice them for a few minutes this week, and you’ll feel the difference within a week.Tes prochaines étapes:1️⃣ Read the transcript to check off which of the 9 most common errors you're making, and how to fix them.2️⃣ Stay in the loop for weekly French lessons: Join the newsletter.3️⃣ Tap “Follow” / “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode of Let's Speak French!