Podcast Summary: All Ears English Podcast
Episode: AEE 2475 - Are You Indecisive? How to Say It in English
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon & Michelle Kaplan
Date: September 9, 2025
Overview
In this episode, Lindsay and Michelle dig into how to express indecisiveness in American English — both with casual and advanced vocabulary. Through relatable stories, listener questions, practical examples, and a friendly back-and-forth, they explore terms like teeter, waver, go back and forth, and vacillate. The hosts also share personal anecdotes about decision-making struggles and perform a lively role play. The aim is to give ESL learners natural-sounding tools to communicate nuance in conversations, whether with friends or colleagues.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Listener Question: The Word “Teeter”
- Background: The conversation kicks off with a listener named Ken asking about the use of the word teeter in everyday English.
- Hosts' Take:
- Lindsay explains teeter is a slightly rare word but valuable for advanced learners.
- Michelle shares personal decisions where she has been “teetering” (e.g., home design choices).
- Both hosts agree that teeter means hesitating between options, often used about decisions or opinions.
- Example:
- “You’re teetering between buying a used car and a new car.” (Lindsay, 06:12)
2. Concrete Examples of Indecisiveness
- Everyday Scenarios:
- Moving to a new place, picking class times for children, making hiring decisions, or choosing a new home.
- The hosts describe situations when decisions feel especially tricky due to competing priorities.
- Notable Moment:
- “Hiring’s another example… There’s so many great options out there…you can see the good things in everyone.” (Lindsay, 07:51)
3. Expanding the Vocabulary Toolbox
- The hosts encourage listeners not to rely solely on teeter, introducing several alternatives:
- Go back and forth: Most common, everyday expression.
- “I’m going back and forth between the red shoes and the black shoes.” (Michelle, 11:28)
- Waver: Slightly less common, still natural.
- “I’m wavering between the roses and the tulips.” (Lindsay, 11:42)
- Vacillate: Advanced, formal, or academic.
- “She vacillates all the time between her choices.” (Michelle, 13:10)
- Memorable analogy:
- “Like a fan moving back and forth across the room.” (Lindsay, 13:10)
- Go back and forth: Most common, everyday expression.
4. Personal Reflections on Decision-Making
- Michelle recounts:
“For years, I teetered back and forth about if I wanted to ultimately live in the city or move to the suburbs..." (Michelle, 07:07) - Lindsay’s thought:
“It’s the worst when…you can see the good things in everyone. Right. And you think, if I choose this person, I don’t get this aspect of this other person…” (Lindsay, 07:51)
5. Fun with High Level Words
- Use higher-level language for academic tests or to impress friends.
- “If you’re taking IELTS, these would be band nine. Teetering, wavering, vacillate. Definitely insert these into any speaking responses…” (Lindsay, 14:45)
- Admitting that sometimes advanced words aren’t common in casual conversation, but they boost vocabulary range.
6. Role Play: Indecisiveness in Action ([14:13])
- Two friends try to make evening plans, naturally using the new vocabulary in context.
- “I’m going back and forth. I don’t know if I want to see it or do something outside.” (Lindsay)
- “Let’s stop teetering and choose.” (Michelle)
- “I’m wavering on that because I heard it’s super crowded.” (Lindsay)
- “You always vacillate on decisions when you hear there’s a crowd.” (Michelle)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------| | 03:14 | “You’ve shared before with our listeners that you’re sometimes indecisive and struggle with making decisions. So the worst.” | Lindsay | | 06:12 | “You’re teetering between buying a used car and a new car.” | Lindsay | | 07:07 | “For years, I teetered back and forth about if I wanted to ultimately live in the city or move to the suburbs...” | Michelle | | 07:51 | “It’s the worst when…you can see the good things in everyone. Right. And you think, if I choose this person, I don’t get this aspect of this other person’s skills...” | Lindsay | | 11:28 | "I’m going back and forth between the red shoes and the black shoes.” | Michelle | | 11:42 | "I’m wavering between the roses and the tulips.” | Lindsay | | 13:10 | “She vacillates all the time between her choices. She has to ask everyone their opinion…like a fan.” | Michelle | | 16:15 | “I think everyone can relate to this feeling. There’s always something. I don’t know anybody who goes through life just sure and without any question of decisions.” | Michelle | | 14:45 | “If you’re taking IELTS, these would be band nine. Teetering, wavering, vacillate. Definitely insert these into any speaking responses...” | Lindsay |
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [02:10] – Opening chat: The hosts share personal moments of indecision.
- [03:43] – Listener’s question: Introduction and reading of Ken’s email.
- [04:28] – Explanation: “Teeter” (meaning, physical vs. figurative use, idiomatic examples)
- [06:12] – Practical example: Comparing new and used cars.
- [11:26] – Other vocabulary: “Go back and forth”, “waver”
- [12:48] – Advanced word: “Vacillate”
- [14:13] – Role play: Making plans and showcasing vocabulary in a conversational setting.
- [16:11] – Takeaway: The importance of relatable language for indecision and connection.
Takeaway & Closing Thoughts
- Universal Experience: Indecisiveness is something everyone can relate to, and discussing it openly is a great way to build connections.
- “There’s always something. I don’t know anybody who goes through life just sure and without any question of decisions.” (Michelle, 16:15)
- Language for Nuance: Learning these higher-level phrases enables more precise, natural communication — whether for exams like IELTS or everyday conversation.
- Practical Application: Listeners are encouraged to try using these terms the next time they face a tough decision and to have fun with language, incorporating both common and advanced expressions for variety.
- Connection, Not Perfection: The hosts reinforce their message that expressing yourself, even imperfectly, is more valuable than striving for error-free speech.
A final word from Lindsay:
“Now we have the vocabulary to do it.” (16:46)
