Babbel’s Post

Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year for 2025 is… NOT A WORD. It’s 6-7! The only thing that used to come to mind when I saw “6-7” was that age-old joke kids giggle about: 👉🏽 “Why is 6 afraid of 7? Because 7 ate (8) 9!” 😁 But now, 6-7 is something no one can quite define. Somehow, this random number has become a viral expression — shouted by students, trending on TikTok, popping up in classrooms, songs, and memes. It can mean everything, nothing, or whatever you want it to mean. So, I decided to dig deeper — to understand the why behind the weird. And what I realized is this: “6-7” isn’t about language at all. It’s about belonging. It’s about vibing with your tribe, connection beyond explanation. Maybe that’s what communication is evolving into — less about structure or grammar, and more about shared emotion and energy. 🎙️ This Wednesday on OATS UNCUT, I explore how something as seemingly absurd as “6-7” actually reveals where our conversations — and our culture — are heading. Because sometimes, communication isn’t about what we say… It’s about the vibe we create. #LanguageCulture #GenZSlang #NewTrends #ModernCommunication #WordsMatter #ViralTrends #67Meaning #LanguageEvolution #YouthCulture #TikTokTrends #CulturalShift #Podcast #OATSUNCUT #OratorAcademy #CoachVineeta #VineetaKhanna #ViralReel #CommunicateWithConfidence #CommunicationSkills #PublicSpeaking #ModernLanguage #WordOfTheYear #67Meaning #TikTokCulture #ConnectionMatters

Embarking on a new language journey? Start by mastering the basics—counting from 1 to 10! This foundational skill not only boosts your confidence but also enhances your ability to engage in meaningful conversations. What strategies do you use to learn numbers in a new language? Let’s connect! #LanguageLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment #LifelongLearning #KeepEfikalive #AbbyJosh

Let’s talk about transferrable skills. Here are the top five things that being a teacher taught me about presenting. 📚 👉 Before I was a marketer, I was an ESL teacher in China and Vietnam. Yep. I had to engage a room of 20+ high-energy kids that did not always want to sit in their chairs, pay attention, or participate in the lesson. Lemme tell you, the first year of this was HARD. It felt like a Sisyphean task to accomplish all three of these in a 45 minute lesson. 😥 I was told by my peers: “Act like a game show host.” “Act like Mary Poppins.” “Be serious.” “Be funny.” “Talk more.” “Talk less.” Obviously not all of this was helpful because advice is not a one-size fits all. Then, something clicked in year two. I figured out my very own teaching and presentation style. Suddenly, my chaotic classroom was orderly and participation was consistent. I did not walk into the classroom with my heart pounding in anticipation of the chaos that was about to kick off. 💡 Fast forward about two years later: I started doing presentations in my (in person) marketing role. Was I nervous? Not really. If I could handle a room of 20 misbehaved kids I could certainly keep the attention of 5 adults. 😁 Here is what I did that worked both in the classroom and in the conference room. ▪️ Lessons and decks need to tell a connected story. Misunderstandings can lead to things getting derailed so you should create a prequel to set the scene for expectations. ▪️ Over-explain and backtrack to re-connect earlier parts of the lesson/deck to the current talk track. This helps them feel more connected to the topic and reinforces understanding. ▪️ Create natural points to pause for questions or discussions. Once you lose attention/engagement it’s all downhill.   ▪️ Build on past materials to reenforce confidence and continuity. People like to be reminded of things they’ve learned and see it stack up. ▪️ Get the room engaging with each other as an energizer. Try to balance this with a cool down discussion so that you maintain excitement while keeping attention. It all comes with practice and finding the style that works for you. #PresentationTips #Marketing

💬 What if every school message was effective, empathetic, and time-saving? With Message Mentor from TalkingPoints, educators can now craft best-practice family messages—without the time drain. ✅ Built-in guidance for tone, clarity, and engagement ✅ Rewrite or generate messages on the spot with smart prompts ✅ One-click spelling and grammar help ✅ Staff keep full control—use, edit, or discard suggestions 📈 Save time. Build trust. Boost impact. Message Mentor strengthens communication and staff capacity. 🔗 Learn more → https://hubs.la/Q03zz-Bs0 #TeacherSupport #SchoolLeadership #EdTech #FamilyEngagement #K12Communication #AIforGood #AIintheClassroom

Presenting to small audiences If there’s 6 people or less, then you have a very intimate setting. Full on PPT to 5 or 6 people gets a bit awkward. So instead, make it a conversation or discussion. Don't be afraid to throw out your plan if the context changes. #Academia #PHDChat

Is the Phonetics course certified? 🎓 Let’s clear the confusion! In this insightful talk, Dr. Shachi, Founder of Maahi Language Solution and Podcaster, shares everything you need to know about course certification and its real value in the teaching journey. Tune in and stay informed! 💬 . . . #PhoneticsCourse #TeacherTraining #Geniuspark #LanguageLearning #JollyPhonics #EducationMatters #CertifiedCourse #TeachingCommunity #EarlyLearning #SkillDevelopment #EducationReels #DrShachi #LearnWithExperts

📚 Reading for the sake of reading is boring. Reading to form and challenge opinions, ideas, build perspectives and unlearn previous schemas - now that is lit. As adults, it's important to facilitate a young reader to optimise their reading experience by using tools such as TAG. In three simple steps, we can model how to respond to a text. Pro tip: TAG is easily scaffolded as a feedback gathering strategy for students working in collaboration, especially, written pieces, like group reports, presentations and posters #Cambridge_English #ReadingCulture #LiteracyMatters #EdLeadership #EnglishTeachers #EnglishReaders #EdChat #TeachingReading #StudentEngagement

Ever feel totally out of the loop with what kids are saying? It's a common experience! Language evolves so quickly. Just when you think you've caught on, a new phrase pops up, leaving you wondering where it came from. Staying connected requires constant learning and a willingness to embrace the ever-changing nature of communication. What strategies do you use to keep up with new slang? #Communication #GenerationalDifferences #LanguageEvolution #StayingConnected

🚀 Group work in MFL lessons: brilliant in theory, chaotic in practice? If you're struggling to make group work actually work in your language classroom, you’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. In my latest blog post, I break down exactly how to plan, launch, and manage group work so it’s purposeful, productive, and yes—even enjoyable. From setting expectations to handling disruptions (hello, penalty cards!), this blog post will give you practical tips you can use tomorrow. ✅ How to structure tasks for real learning ✅ How to group students strategically ✅ How to build routines that make group work easier over time ✅ How to reward collaboration and manage behaviour—without drama 👉 Read the blog now: https://lnkd.in/e27TMNni 💡 The more you do it, the smoother it gets. Let’s make group work a habit, not a hassle. 💬What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to group work in language lessons? Let’s swap ideas 👇 #LanguageTeaching #GroupWorkStrategies #ClassroomManagement #TeachingTips #EducationBlog #SecondaryLanguages #PedagogyInPractice #LinkedInTeachers #GaelleMFLCentral

Names are not just words. They are identity. Consistently mispronouncing someone’s name can make them feel like an outsider. It sends a message, even if unintended, that they do not fully belong. That is why the Foundation has created a microlearning called Does Pronunciation Really Matter? (Click here to view: https://lnkd.in/dUEeTFvR) Based on insights from Ian R. Mackenzie’s webinar on creating an inclusive hearing room, this short lesson explores why language choice matters and how small changes in practice build trust and respect. In just a few minutes, you will learn why correct pronunciation is more than courtesy. It is a step toward fairness and inclusion in the hearing room. Competence builds confidence. Try this microlearning today and strengthen your practice.