AEE 2348: What’s the Deal With Learning English? - All Ears English Podcast

Loading summary

Transcript78 lines

[00:00]
A
This is an All Ears English podcast. Episode 23:48 what's the deal with learning English?
[00:09]
B
Welcome to the All Ears English podcast, downloaded more than 200 million times. Are you feeling stuck with your English? We'll show you how to become fearless and fluent by focusing on connection, not perfection. With your American host, Aubrey Carter, the IELTS whiz, and Lindsey McMahon, the English adventurer, coming to you from Arizona and Colorado, usa. And to get your transcripts delivered by email every week, go to allearsenglish.com subscribe what is a big deal to you when it comes to connection? Knowing what matters to people and what doesn't is the key. Today, get four new English phrases using the word deal.
[01:08]
A
It's amazing when you can focus on your goals and let all distractions fall away. Announcing our B2C1 fluency course bundle, available this week only. In B2, you learn to make your conversations interesting and then you move on to C1, where you add nuance, sophistication and precision to your language. Get all of this for 2025 and save up to $200 off the normal price@allearsenglish.com bundle. Jump in now because the special bundle price goes away February 2nd at midnight. That's allersenglish.comb u n D L E.
[01:54]
B
Hey, Aubry, how's it going today? How you doing?
[01:56]
A
I'm great. How are you, Lindsay?
[01:58]
B
Good. Have you been shopping lately? Out there shopping? Maybe the holiday season or post holiday deals?
[02:04]
A
Totally. I'm not a huge shopper, but I do look for deals. I'll go straight to the clearance rack and often I'll wait to buy something once it's on sale.
[02:13]
B
Nice. I usually just get hand me downs when it comes to clothing. People just like family members are just like, here, I don't want this anymore. And I just take that.
[02:21]
A
I get hand me downs from my teenage daughters. Now they're like getting rid of clothes and I always go through it. I'm like, I'm keeping.
[02:26]
B
You're like, it's still in style for me. Okay. We have different style rules. But Aubry, what is something recently that you got a great deal on? Anything specific?
[02:34]
A
Yes, we got. We gave ourselves for Christmas. It's like a vacuum mopping robot that like, you know, goes around the house. You can program it. Oh, I love it. But it was on sale $250 off at Costco. So we had wanted it, we'd seen it, but it's a little pricey. And then when it we're like, okay, that's a good deal.
[02:55]
B
That's a good deal. You kind of have to go after those deals when you see those because you know they won't come back. Does it work or does it get itself stuck in the wall and just jam against the wall?
[03:04]
A
Great, because you're able to program it with, like, Bluetooth every now and then. This one actually hasn't. We used to have just the vacuum one, and it would sometimes get, like, stuck something maybe between the carpet and the tile, but this one never has. It's. I think they've improved the technology.
[03:19]
B
That's kind of awesome. I love that. So I'm excited to let our listeners know what we're getting into today. You know, at the top of the show, Aubry, I asked you, what's something you got a great deal on? So getting into this word today? Deal. Yeah, yeah.
[03:32]
A
And we use it a lot of different ways. It's not just about cost savings. That is one of the ways we use it that came up recently when you and Michelle were talking about buying in bulk. So stay to the end. We'll share that episode in case you missed it. But I heard that and was like, oh, we use this for a lot of interesting phrases and a lot of interesting ways. So that's what we're going to dive into. All the ways we use the word deal in English.
[03:56]
B
Yeah. But first, guys, hit the follow button. If you love allers English, if you love our philosophy, which is connection, not perfection, it means that we believe connection is the most important reason we're learning languages.
[04:08]
A
Right.
[04:08]
B
We're learning English to connect. We show you how to do it. Hit the follow button if you want to become part of this community. Right, Aubrey?
[04:15]
A
Absolutely. And this vocabulary is a great way to connect in English because when you find out what is a big deal for people, we're going to share this phrase, among others, something being a big deal, you learn more about their values, more about them. So this is an interesting way to connect.
[04:31]
B
I love this kind of episode where we can, you know, ask a question or insert a vocabulary word and learn so much about someone to truly connect. So let's start with the meaning we had at the top of the show. Cost savings. Right. Number one, the first meaning. Yes.
[04:46]
A
I was saying I got a deal on that vacuum mop. We could say, you know, I got quite a deal on this car. Sticker price was 25, 000 and I got it for 18.
[04:55]
B
Yeah. Wow, that is a good deal for sure. Yeah. Or I go straight to the clearance rack to get the best deals. Yeah. So you go to places like Nordstrom Rack, right? I think you mentioned, Aubrey, you like Nordstrom Rack before?
[05:08]
A
I do, I go to Nordstrom Rack, but then I go straight to the clearance rack. I'm not even going to the regularly priced disc. Good stuff.
[05:15]
B
I used to go to TJ Maxx all the time. Do you ever go to TJ Maxx?
[05:18]
A
I do, yeah. I like to go there too. I've been burned a couple times because I would buy something there that was like dry clean only didn't realize. So now I have to check labels. And I don't go there as often because I realized some of the clothing there, I can't just throw in my washer.
[05:32]
B
Yeah. Maybe it's a phenomenon of the odds. I don't know. But I used to go there all the time when I was like a teenager, a kid in my hometown. So anyways, we all have our go to kind of discount racks that we go to. Aubry. What's the second way that we use the word deal?
[05:46]
A
Yeah, the second one is something is a big deal, and it means that something is important. So as an example, maybe it'll be a really big deal if we get awarded this contract at work. And this is probably the best one for connection. If you ask if someone's talking about something and you're asking them, you know, okay, like, I can see this is a big deal for you. It's even a good way to, you know, sometimes when you recognize something is really important but you don't know what to say, you don't want to give advice right away. You're sort of, you know, saying like, I can. I can hear that. I can tell that this is a big deal to you.
[06:23]
B
Yeah. You just want to respond somehow. Right. You don't want to be a blank face. Nothing, no response, something. Oh, this seems like a really big deal. I love that. I can see this. That's a really wise comment. Right. When it comes to connection.
[06:34]
A
Exactly. Has this very similar meaning to, I can tell that this is really important for you, but even more native and natural.
[06:41]
B
I love that. And then natives also say, no big deal. Right? No big deal. So that's just kind of the opposite of that. It's no big deal to get here early. What do we mean when we say that it's no big deal? Not.
[06:53]
A
Not important? Like, oh, you know, maybe someone's like, we have to be there 15 minutes early. And someone else might say, like, no, it's really no big deal to get there. Early, like there's not going to be anything important happening. But we use this most often as a response. So let's do a mini role play to show that. Okay, I'll start us. Thank you so much for watering my plants while I was gone.
[07:12]
B
Ah, no big deal at all.
[07:15]
A
Yeah, like, ah, it was no big deal. No big deal at all. It's you wanting me to not feel like I've put you out. Right. You're. This is a connection skill, too, when you are saying you're welcome, but in a way that lets somebody know, like, I wasn't really inconvenienced.
[07:29]
B
Yeah, we find we. We need this a lot. You know, like taking care of your neighbor's plants or their cats or their dogs when they're gone. You do need something to say because people might feel guilty for having asked you do that. Or they want to repay you somehow, but you want to make sure you're really emphatic. Oh, it was no big deal at all. I was happy to do it.
[07:47]
A
Exactly. This is one of my favorite options. And I do this a lot. I want people to feel comfortable asking me for favors. I want to be able to help when I can. And I don't want them to feel guilty about it, like they've inconvenienced me.
[07:58]
B
Yeah, exactly. And then number three, Aubry, there's still another way we use the word deal. And what is it?
[08:05]
A
Yeah, it's what's the big deal? So this is telling someone they're making too much out of a minor issue. It's similar to. We recently talked about the idiom making a mountain out of a molehill. If you missed that, scroll up. Don't miss these. Make sure you're following so you don't miss these great episodes. But this. So like, you might say to someone, you know, why are you so upset? What's the big deal?
[08:27]
B
Right.
[08:28]
A
So this one you have to be a little more careful with because you are definitely implying that you think they are making a big deal about something that you don't think is that important.
[08:36]
B
Yeah. You have to be careful. You could sound kind of dismissive, what they're worried about. You could sound like you're just not. You're not taking care of the person very well. Right. So be careful there. But here's a good. I ask myself this question all the time. Every weekend between August and February. What's the big deal with football in the U.S. right? Or. Or I suppose for our listeners around the world, soccer is a bigger deal. What's the big deal with soccer.
[09:02]
A
And they would say it the same way wherever they live. Right. What's the big deal with football? And they would mean soccer. Exactly. I said this just yesterday because there was big college playoff game that everyone was making this huge deal out of. And I'm just kind of like, what's the big deal with this game? I'm just not as into it as a lot of people are.
[09:21]
B
I feel your pain. I spent all of Saturday, it was my partner's birthday and that was what would the. You know, that was what we were going to do. That was the big. The fun thing. And so the family came and we watched two games in a row. The Denver Broncos.
[09:35]
A
And then eight hours.
[09:36]
B
And then Colorado State or University of Colorado is just one game after another. And all of a sudden people were jumping.
[09:42]
A
Really took one for the team there.
[09:43]
B
So loud. Big time. Big time. And I bought the cupcakes and everything. It's okay. It's what you do. Right?
[09:49]
A
Right. This is what you do. Sometimes you have to do what our partners so. Yes, exactly.
[09:54]
B
Yeah, for sure. All right. You just realized that your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. When it comes to hiring, Indeed is all you need. Stop struggling to get your job post seen on other sites. Indeed sponsored Jobs helps you stand out and hire fast. With Sponsored Jobs, your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster and it makes a huge difference. According to Indeed data, Sponsored Jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. When I post jobs for my business, I need access to dozens of high quality candidates to choose from within just a few days. Speed matters. When it comes to building your team, there's no need to wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a 75 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility at Indeed.com AEE just go to Indeed.com AEE right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. One more time, go to indeed.com a e e. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need. Okay, Aubry, we are back for a role play. Are you ready? Let's go into it. So yeah, here. What's the scenario?
[11:26]
A
I am an auto mechanic and you have brought in your car in this role play.
[11:31]
B
Perfect. Here we go. So go for it.
[11:35]
A
What's the deal with the car?
[11:37]
B
Well, the brakes are making a squeak. Squealing noise.
[11:40]
A
Gotcha. Should be no big deal to fix that.
[11:43]
B
Well, my friend Marie recommended you and said you'd give me a deal if I mention her name.
[11:48]
A
Absolutely. Yes.
[11:50]
B
Nice. Okay, so again, a very different use. But we're not talking about football anymore. And what matters, it's what's going on with the car. Right?
[11:58]
A
Exactly. Right. That first thing I said, you bring in a car, this might be what the mechanic says. Okay, what's the deal with the car? Means what's going on with the car.
[12:06]
B
Exactly. And then I. You said, gotcha, should be no big deal to fix. So you're being very. You're just saying, I can take care of this. I can.
[12:14]
A
Yeah. I can fix it quickly. It's not going to. It's not a major issue.
[12:18]
B
Exactly. And you also took off a pronoun there. What did you take off?
[12:22]
A
Yeah. Instead of saying it should be no big deal. Yeah. We'll drop that and just say, should be no big deal.
[12:28]
B
Yep. It should be no big deal, or this should be no big deal. Either of those would be good. And then what did I say, Aubrey?
[12:34]
A
And then you said, my friend Marie recommended you and said you'd give me a deal if I mention her name. So you're sort of asking for a discount. This is the kind of deal like you're asking them not to charge you the regular price because you've been recommended by a friend or a current customer.
[12:48]
B
Yeah. And this feels very natural, right? This conversation, this back and forth inserting deal here and there in different ways. Don't you think?
[12:55]
A
Yeah, it doesn't really feel. Because they have such different meanings. It wouldn't even be like, oh, this is weird. I'm using the word deal over and over. Nope. We probably would have them all in the same conversation.
[13:05]
B
Exactly. I love that. Now there's another episode our listeners should check out that is 2337. Guys, go over and check it out. Why do Americans love bulk buying? And again, that's our conversation about Costco. And Costco is a global phenomenon. So we want to know what you all think about Costco and bulk buying. Is it common in your culture? We ask those questions in that episode.
[13:26]
A
Yes. And that's the episode that inspired today's episode because you guys were talking about how, you know, is it a better deal, right, to buy in bulk? Is there some cost savings there?
[13:35]
B
Yes. I love it. What's our takeaway for today?
[13:38]
A
Yeah, you can find out a lot about someone by discovering what they think is a big deal. So not only Is it a good connection skill to, you know, respond, oh, I can tell that this is a big deal for you. When you're having these conversations, often that's the goal to find out what is a big deal to people, right?
[13:54]
B
Yeah. It's so important. Right. Asking those questions or you're asking, is this a big deal to you? Maybe someone is kind of holding their cards close, you know, close in. What's that expression? Holding close to the chest.
[14:05]
A
Holding their cards close to the chest like you're playing poker and they're making sure no one can see their cards.
[14:09]
B
Yeah, a lot of people are that way.
[14:11]
A
Right.
[14:11]
B
Personality wise, they just aren't very expressive. So you could ask the question, hey, is this a big deal? Can we. Do you want to talk about it? Really good way to start to build connections.
[14:21]
A
Absolutely, yes. I love these phrases. Excited for you to be able to use all of them. So fun.
[14:26]
B
All right, good stuff, guys. Hit the follow button on all ears English and we will see you next time, Aubrey. Have a good week.
[14:32]
A
You too. See you next time, Lindsay.
[14:34]
B
Bye bye. Thanks for listening to all ears English. Would you like to know your English level? Take our two minute quiz. Go to allearsenglish.com comfluencyscore and if you believe in connection, not perfection, then hit subscribe now to make sure you don't miss anything. See you next time.

Summary4 min read

All Ears English Podcast - Episode AEE 2348: “What’s the Deal With Learning English?”

Release Date: January 29, 2025

In Episode AEE 2348 titled “What’s the Deal With Learning English?”, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into the versatile uses of the word “deal” in American English. Aimed at intermediate to advanced ESL learners, this episode not only explores linguistic nuances but also emphasizes the podcast’s core philosophy: Connection NOT Perfection.

Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off with Lindsay and Michelle expressing enthusiasm about exploring the multifaceted nature of the word “deal.” They highlight that understanding such versatile vocabulary can significantly enhance conversational skills and deepen cultural connections.

Exploring the Meanings of “Deal”

1. Cost Savings and Bargains

The hosts begin by discussing the most straightforward meaning of “deal” related to cost savings. Lindsay shares personal shopping strategies, emphasizing seeking out clearance racks and waiting for items to go on sale to secure the best deals.

Notable Quote:
- Michelle (02:03): “I usually just get hand me downs when it comes to clothing. People just like family members are just like, here, I don't want this anymore. And I just take that.”

Lindsay recounts a recent purchase of a vacuum mopping robot, highlighting the significant savings she achieved:

Notable Quote:
- Lindsay (02:34): “We gave ourselves for Christmas. It's like a vacuum mopping robot that... was on sale $250 off at Costco.”

2. Something Being Important (“A Big Deal”)

Transitioning from cost-related meanings, Lindsay and Michelle explore how “deal” signifies importance or significance in various contexts. This usage is pivotal for building connections, as recognizing what matters to others fosters deeper relationships.

Notable Quote:
- Lindsay (06:22): “I can tell that this is a big deal to you.”

They discuss scenarios where acknowledging someone’s concerns or achievements by labeling them as a “big deal” can be a powerful conversational tool.

3. Downplaying Importance (“No Big Deal”)

The conversation shifts to the opposite sentiment—using “deal” to minimize the significance of an event or favor. This expression helps in maintaining humility and preventing others from feeling guilty about seeking assistance.

Notable Quote:
- Michelle (07:14): “Ah, no big deal at all.”

Through a role-play scenario, the hosts illustrate how this phrase can be naturally integrated into daily conversations to reassure others.

4. Questioning Significance (“What’s the Big Deal?”)

Lindsay and Michelle address a more nuanced use of “deal”—questioning the importance someone places on an event or issue. They caution listeners about the potential for sounding dismissive when using this phrase.

Notable Quote:
- Michelle (08:27): “Why are you so upset? What's the big deal?”

The hosts share personal anecdotes, including Lindsay’s experience with a high-stakes football game, to demonstrate the delicate balance required when employing this expression.

Practical Application: Role-Playing Scenarios

To cement the lesson, Lindsay and Michelle engage in role-play exercises that showcase different uses of “deal” in real-life situations. One notable scenario involves a conversation between a car owner and a mechanic, highlighting both the inquiry about the car’s issues and negotiating a favorable price.

Notable Quotes:
- Lindsay (11:34): “What's the deal with the car?”
- Michelle (11:36): “Well, the brakes are making a squeak. Squealing noise.”

These interactions exemplify how “deal” can seamlessly fit into various dialogues, enhancing both clarity and cultural authenticity.

Building Connections Through Language

A recurrent theme throughout the episode is the importance of using language to build genuine connections. By understanding and appropriately utilizing different meanings of words like “deal,” ESL learners can engage more naturally and effectively with native speakers.

Notable Quote:
- Lindsay (13:37): “You can find out a lot about someone by discovering what they think is a big deal.”

Conclusion and Takeaways

As the episode wraps up, Lindsay and Michelle summarize the key insights, reiterating that mastering the versatile uses of common words like “deal” can significantly bolster one’s conversational prowess and cultural understanding.

Takeaway: Understanding the multiple meanings of “deal” not only enhances vocabulary but also serves as a gateway to deeper human connections.

Additional Resources

Lindsay and Michelle encourage listeners to explore related episodes, such as AEE 2337 “Why Do Americans Love Bulk Buying?”, to further expand their English skills and cultural knowledge.

Final Thoughts

Episode AEE 2348 serves as an insightful exploration into the adaptable nature of English vocabulary. By dissecting the various contexts in which “deal” operates, Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan provide listeners with practical tools to navigate everyday conversations with confidence and cultural awareness. Embracing the podcast’s ethos of Connection NOT Perfection, this episode underscores the profound impact that nuanced language understanding can have on personal and professional relationships.

Loading summary

Transcript78 lines

[00:00]
A
This is an All Ears English podcast. Episode 23:48 what's the deal with learning English?
[00:09]
B
Welcome to the All Ears English podcast, downloaded more than 200 million times. Are you feeling stuck with your English? We'll show you how to become fearless and fluent by focusing on connection, not perfection. With your American host, Aubrey Carter, the IELTS whiz, and Lindsey McMahon, the English adventurer, coming to you from Arizona and Colorado, usa. And to get your transcripts delivered by email every week, go to allearsenglish.com subscribe what is a big deal to you when it comes to connection? Knowing what matters to people and what doesn't is the key. Today, get four new English phrases using the word deal.
[01:08]
A
It's amazing when you can focus on your goals and let all distractions fall away. Announcing our B2C1 fluency course bundle, available this week only. In B2, you learn to make your conversations interesting and then you move on to C1, where you add nuance, sophistication and precision to your language. Get all of this for 2025 and save up to $200 off the normal price@allearsenglish.com bundle. Jump in now because the special bundle price goes away February 2nd at midnight. That's allersenglish.comb u n D L E.
[01:54]
B
Hey, Aubry, how's it going today? How you doing?
[01:56]
A
I'm great. How are you, Lindsay?
[01:58]
B
Good. Have you been shopping lately? Out there shopping? Maybe the holiday season or post holiday deals?
[02:04]
A
Totally. I'm not a huge shopper, but I do look for deals. I'll go straight to the clearance rack and often I'll wait to buy something once it's on sale.
[02:13]
B
Nice. I usually just get hand me downs when it comes to clothing. People just like family members are just like, here, I don't want this anymore. And I just take that.
[02:21]
A
I get hand me downs from my teenage daughters. Now they're like getting rid of clothes and I always go through it. I'm like, I'm keeping.
[02:26]
B
You're like, it's still in style for me. Okay. We have different style rules. But Aubry, what is something recently that you got a great deal on? Anything specific?
[02:34]
A
Yes, we got. We gave ourselves for Christmas. It's like a vacuum mopping robot that like, you know, goes around the house. You can program it. Oh, I love it. But it was on sale $250 off at Costco. So we had wanted it, we'd seen it, but it's a little pricey. And then when it we're like, okay, that's a good deal.
[02:55]
B
That's a good deal. You kind of have to go after those deals when you see those because you know they won't come back. Does it work or does it get itself stuck in the wall and just jam against the wall?
[03:04]
A
Great, because you're able to program it with, like, Bluetooth every now and then. This one actually hasn't. We used to have just the vacuum one, and it would sometimes get, like, stuck something maybe between the carpet and the tile, but this one never has. It's. I think they've improved the technology.
[03:19]
B
That's kind of awesome. I love that. So I'm excited to let our listeners know what we're getting into today. You know, at the top of the show, Aubry, I asked you, what's something you got a great deal on? So getting into this word today? Deal. Yeah, yeah.
[03:32]
A
And we use it a lot of different ways. It's not just about cost savings. That is one of the ways we use it that came up recently when you and Michelle were talking about buying in bulk. So stay to the end. We'll share that episode in case you missed it. But I heard that and was like, oh, we use this for a lot of interesting phrases and a lot of interesting ways. So that's what we're going to dive into. All the ways we use the word deal in English.
[03:56]
B
Yeah. But first, guys, hit the follow button. If you love allers English, if you love our philosophy, which is connection, not perfection, it means that we believe connection is the most important reason we're learning languages.
[04:08]
A
Right.
[04:08]
B
We're learning English to connect. We show you how to do it. Hit the follow button if you want to become part of this community. Right, Aubrey?
[04:15]
A
Absolutely. And this vocabulary is a great way to connect in English because when you find out what is a big deal for people, we're going to share this phrase, among others, something being a big deal, you learn more about their values, more about them. So this is an interesting way to connect.
[04:31]
B
I love this kind of episode where we can, you know, ask a question or insert a vocabulary word and learn so much about someone to truly connect. So let's start with the meaning we had at the top of the show. Cost savings. Right. Number one, the first meaning. Yes.
[04:46]
A
I was saying I got a deal on that vacuum mop. We could say, you know, I got quite a deal on this car. Sticker price was 25, 000 and I got it for 18.
[04:55]
B
Yeah. Wow, that is a good deal for sure. Yeah. Or I go straight to the clearance rack to get the best deals. Yeah. So you go to places like Nordstrom Rack, right? I think you mentioned, Aubrey, you like Nordstrom Rack before?
[05:08]
A
I do, I go to Nordstrom Rack, but then I go straight to the clearance rack. I'm not even going to the regularly priced disc. Good stuff.
[05:15]
B
I used to go to TJ Maxx all the time. Do you ever go to TJ Maxx?
[05:18]
A
I do, yeah. I like to go there too. I've been burned a couple times because I would buy something there that was like dry clean only didn't realize. So now I have to check labels. And I don't go there as often because I realized some of the clothing there, I can't just throw in my washer.
[05:32]
B
Yeah. Maybe it's a phenomenon of the odds. I don't know. But I used to go there all the time when I was like a teenager, a kid in my hometown. So anyways, we all have our go to kind of discount racks that we go to. Aubry. What's the second way that we use the word deal?
[05:46]
A
Yeah, the second one is something is a big deal, and it means that something is important. So as an example, maybe it'll be a really big deal if we get awarded this contract at work. And this is probably the best one for connection. If you ask if someone's talking about something and you're asking them, you know, okay, like, I can see this is a big deal for you. It's even a good way to, you know, sometimes when you recognize something is really important but you don't know what to say, you don't want to give advice right away. You're sort of, you know, saying like, I can. I can hear that. I can tell that this is a big deal to you.
[06:23]
B
Yeah. You just want to respond somehow. Right. You don't want to be a blank face. Nothing, no response, something. Oh, this seems like a really big deal. I love that. I can see this. That's a really wise comment. Right. When it comes to connection.
[06:34]
A
Exactly. Has this very similar meaning to, I can tell that this is really important for you, but even more native and natural.
[06:41]
B
I love that. And then natives also say, no big deal. Right? No big deal. So that's just kind of the opposite of that. It's no big deal to get here early. What do we mean when we say that it's no big deal? Not.
[06:53]
A
Not important? Like, oh, you know, maybe someone's like, we have to be there 15 minutes early. And someone else might say, like, no, it's really no big deal to get there. Early, like there's not going to be anything important happening. But we use this most often as a response. So let's do a mini role play to show that. Okay, I'll start us. Thank you so much for watering my plants while I was gone.
[07:12]
B
Ah, no big deal at all.
[07:15]
A
Yeah, like, ah, it was no big deal. No big deal at all. It's you wanting me to not feel like I've put you out. Right. You're. This is a connection skill, too, when you are saying you're welcome, but in a way that lets somebody know, like, I wasn't really inconvenienced.
[07:29]
B
Yeah, we find we. We need this a lot. You know, like taking care of your neighbor's plants or their cats or their dogs when they're gone. You do need something to say because people might feel guilty for having asked you do that. Or they want to repay you somehow, but you want to make sure you're really emphatic. Oh, it was no big deal at all. I was happy to do it.
[07:47]
A
Exactly. This is one of my favorite options. And I do this a lot. I want people to feel comfortable asking me for favors. I want to be able to help when I can. And I don't want them to feel guilty about it, like they've inconvenienced me.
[07:58]
B
Yeah, exactly. And then number three, Aubry, there's still another way we use the word deal. And what is it?
[08:05]
A
Yeah, it's what's the big deal? So this is telling someone they're making too much out of a minor issue. It's similar to. We recently talked about the idiom making a mountain out of a molehill. If you missed that, scroll up. Don't miss these. Make sure you're following so you don't miss these great episodes. But this. So like, you might say to someone, you know, why are you so upset? What's the big deal?
[08:27]
B
Right.
[08:28]
A
So this one you have to be a little more careful with because you are definitely implying that you think they are making a big deal about something that you don't think is that important.
[08:36]
B
Yeah. You have to be careful. You could sound kind of dismissive, what they're worried about. You could sound like you're just not. You're not taking care of the person very well. Right. So be careful there. But here's a good. I ask myself this question all the time. Every weekend between August and February. What's the big deal with football in the U.S. right? Or. Or I suppose for our listeners around the world, soccer is a bigger deal. What's the big deal with soccer.
[09:02]
A
And they would say it the same way wherever they live. Right. What's the big deal with football? And they would mean soccer. Exactly. I said this just yesterday because there was big college playoff game that everyone was making this huge deal out of. And I'm just kind of like, what's the big deal with this game? I'm just not as into it as a lot of people are.
[09:21]
B
I feel your pain. I spent all of Saturday, it was my partner's birthday and that was what would the. You know, that was what we were going to do. That was the big. The fun thing. And so the family came and we watched two games in a row. The Denver Broncos.
[09:35]
A
And then eight hours.
[09:36]
B
And then Colorado State or University of Colorado is just one game after another. And all of a sudden people were jumping.
[09:42]
A
Really took one for the team there.
[09:43]
B
So loud. Big time. Big time. And I bought the cupcakes and everything. It's okay. It's what you do. Right?
[09:49]
A
Right. This is what you do. Sometimes you have to do what our partners so. Yes, exactly.
[09:54]
B
Yeah, for sure. All right. You just realized that your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. When it comes to hiring, Indeed is all you need. Stop struggling to get your job post seen on other sites. Indeed sponsored Jobs helps you stand out and hire fast. With Sponsored Jobs, your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster and it makes a huge difference. According to Indeed data, Sponsored Jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. When I post jobs for my business, I need access to dozens of high quality candidates to choose from within just a few days. Speed matters. When it comes to building your team, there's no need to wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a 75 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility at Indeed.com AEE just go to Indeed.com AEE right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. One more time, go to indeed.com a e e. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need. Okay, Aubry, we are back for a role play. Are you ready? Let's go into it. So yeah, here. What's the scenario?
[11:26]
A
I am an auto mechanic and you have brought in your car in this role play.
[11:31]
B
Perfect. Here we go. So go for it.
[11:35]
A
What's the deal with the car?
[11:37]
B
Well, the brakes are making a squeak. Squealing noise.
[11:40]
A
Gotcha. Should be no big deal to fix that.
[11:43]
B
Well, my friend Marie recommended you and said you'd give me a deal if I mention her name.
[11:48]
A
Absolutely. Yes.
[11:50]
B
Nice. Okay, so again, a very different use. But we're not talking about football anymore. And what matters, it's what's going on with the car. Right?
[11:58]
A
Exactly. Right. That first thing I said, you bring in a car, this might be what the mechanic says. Okay, what's the deal with the car? Means what's going on with the car.
[12:06]
B
Exactly. And then I. You said, gotcha, should be no big deal to fix. So you're being very. You're just saying, I can take care of this. I can.
[12:14]
A
Yeah. I can fix it quickly. It's not going to. It's not a major issue.
[12:18]
B
Exactly. And you also took off a pronoun there. What did you take off?
[12:22]
A
Yeah. Instead of saying it should be no big deal. Yeah. We'll drop that and just say, should be no big deal.
[12:28]
B
Yep. It should be no big deal, or this should be no big deal. Either of those would be good. And then what did I say, Aubrey?
[12:34]
A
And then you said, my friend Marie recommended you and said you'd give me a deal if I mention her name. So you're sort of asking for a discount. This is the kind of deal like you're asking them not to charge you the regular price because you've been recommended by a friend or a current customer.
[12:48]
B
Yeah. And this feels very natural, right? This conversation, this back and forth inserting deal here and there in different ways. Don't you think?
[12:55]
A
Yeah, it doesn't really feel. Because they have such different meanings. It wouldn't even be like, oh, this is weird. I'm using the word deal over and over. Nope. We probably would have them all in the same conversation.
[13:05]
B
Exactly. I love that. Now there's another episode our listeners should check out that is 2337. Guys, go over and check it out. Why do Americans love bulk buying? And again, that's our conversation about Costco. And Costco is a global phenomenon. So we want to know what you all think about Costco and bulk buying. Is it common in your culture? We ask those questions in that episode.
[13:26]
A
Yes. And that's the episode that inspired today's episode because you guys were talking about how, you know, is it a better deal, right, to buy in bulk? Is there some cost savings there?
[13:35]
B
Yes. I love it. What's our takeaway for today?
[13:38]
A
Yeah, you can find out a lot about someone by discovering what they think is a big deal. So not only Is it a good connection skill to, you know, respond, oh, I can tell that this is a big deal for you. When you're having these conversations, often that's the goal to find out what is a big deal to people, right?
[13:54]
B
Yeah. It's so important. Right. Asking those questions or you're asking, is this a big deal to you? Maybe someone is kind of holding their cards close, you know, close in. What's that expression? Holding close to the chest.
[14:05]
A
Holding their cards close to the chest like you're playing poker and they're making sure no one can see their cards.
[14:09]
B
Yeah, a lot of people are that way.
[14:11]
A
Right.
[14:11]
B
Personality wise, they just aren't very expressive. So you could ask the question, hey, is this a big deal? Can we. Do you want to talk about it? Really good way to start to build connections.
[14:21]
A
Absolutely, yes. I love these phrases. Excited for you to be able to use all of them. So fun.
[14:26]
B
All right, good stuff, guys. Hit the follow button on all ears English and we will see you next time, Aubrey. Have a good week.
[14:32]
A
You too. See you next time, Lindsay.
[14:34]
B
Bye bye. Thanks for listening to all ears English. Would you like to know your English level? Take our two minute quiz. Go to allearsenglish.com comfluencyscore and if you believe in connection, not perfection, then hit subscribe now to make sure you don't miss anything. See you next time.