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)

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)