2 comments about Delta's Key to the Next Generation TOEFL Test: Advanced Skill Practice Audio CDs.

1. As I did not hear these CD's, but were sent to an English Major in eastern Europe, I will go by her outstanding ratings. They are a perfect match for the Delta's workbook; the CD's were specifically asked for because of the high rating. Since purchasing these CD's, I continually hear this student's high praise for them.



2. Getting a good score in Toefl iBT is all about practice. These 10 CDs have a lot of exercises to get you better. I was weak in speaking and writing. I had to get a minimum score of 26 in speaking and 24 in writing. The first time i attended a 2 week training classes and used a number of books and i only got 89. Then i bought this book and CDs and all i used was this one. I got a score of 108. Though it is expensive, I would certainly recommand this book and CDs.

5 comments about The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent 4-CD: Part I: Living the Art of Allowing.

1. I love listening ot this program over and over again. It has helped me to integrate this way of thinking into my everyday life in such a way that this is the way I live and think about everything.



2. This book was not at all what I anticipated and I did not enjoy it at all.



3. As I myself have been trying to practice the Law of Attraction, I found this book helped me to realize a very important point. You can ask, believe but to receive you must consciously and deliberately be aware. I have found myself in default mode meaning if you are not consciously aware it will not happen. They also give you processes (excercises) to achieve your goals. Similar to this book and one of my favorites that also show you how in a workbook format and gives you exercises is Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook



4. I've read a load of bestsellers on manifesting personal desires including this one, and I found they all have one thing in common - none mentioned karma, which I think is the ultimate challenge in fulfilling your desires. Why are so many people struggling with sickness every day? Why are there so many women looking for years for a mate? Is that because they don't desire them or they are not clear on their goals and desires? These books are there to make you feel empowered, but will your reality change? Not until they address how to overcome karma. And I hope one day, there will be a well-rounded book that talks about balancing desires and karma.



5. As always I was able to find the product I was looking for and it did arrive as scheduled. No complaints! No complications! Amazon never fails me.

5 comments about Spanish I - 2nd Rev. Ed.: Learn to Speak and Understand Spanish with Pimsleur Language Programs (Comprehensive).

1. Pimsleur is simply the best most useful way to learn a language. It's practical, actually fun, challenging and effective at getting you SPEAKING a language instead of staring at a page trying to memorize rules and vocabulary.
   
   The need to react quickly and the variety of things they throw at you really cement the knowledge and make it instinctive and not just intellectual. It's not cheap, but there is no other substitute out there that comes close to this.
   
   You will need a good book in addition to help formally learn grammar rules and you'll need to learn more vocabulary than you can on an audio program, but when it comes to hitting the ground running and internalizing a language, Pimsleur is the way to go. SIX STARS.



2. I'm happy to say that I didn't have to pay the ultra-high price-tag for this course. My uncle has opened a language products store and I'm running through some of the beginners Spanish courses to help him recommend one.
   
   Pimsleur definitely has an innovative approach. It will help an absolute beginner get off the ground, for sure.
   
   However, one would be much better off by buying the Michel Thomas beginners course (which is far better than Pimsleur and much cheaper) plus one or two others as well as the Thomas course is light-on for non verb related voacbulary.
   
   Many lessons have a point where a speaker starts instructing you in Spanish what to ask or say. He might say "ask him if he has seen the movie." So you say "have you seen the movie?" That exercise feels like an utter waste of time, the instructions would better have been delivered in English.
   
   I would recommend Pimsleur if it was $50, for sure. Until it hits that price I won't recommend it to anyone who isn't loaded with cash.



3. Good complement to a traditional Spanish language class.
   Focuses completely on listening and speaking.
   No written exercises or teaching. All vocabulary
   learning is through the interactive excercises
   which feature enough random repetition to keep
   you on your toes.
   Should be a good training for dialog and every day
   conversation. I probably would not want to use
   this as my only way of learning the language.



4. This is the way people learn Spanish natively. I know of nothing that is comparable. The method is to ask questions, then go on to others, then come back later to the first questions. Very effective, and it is South American/Central Spanish, not from Spain. The price is the only obstacle, but if you are seriously willing to learn Spanish, then the price is doable.
   
   This is the 2nd time this has been revised.



5. This is the third language I've learned the rudiments of via the Pimsleur method. I had Spanish and French in high school (during the last century) but I also picked up enough German to negotiate a hiking trip in Austria and I'd never learned it before. The Spanish CDs have been a boon to me and if you are primarily an auditory learner as I seem to be, I believe you will be pleased with them.

5 comments about 5 Audio CD Set for Music: An Appreciation.

1. would buy from again everything just as promised and recieved book fast



2. This book does a good job of putting music in an overall historical context. For example, it notes how Baroque productions, whether sculpture or music, meant to "fill space." That accounts for elaborate melodies in music, and movement in painting and sculpture.
   
   Music used to be written as much for the mind as the ear. In some vocal pieces, lyrics correspond to melody. For example, if the word "ascending" is used in the song, the notes of the melody also go up. Vice-versa for descending. If the song mentions one person, a single voice is used--three voices come in when three people are in the storyline.
   
   The musical selections are varied and enjoyable to listen to.



3. I ordered this book/ cd set because it was required text for a college class. It is well organized and clearly written. I especially like the way the listening guides in the book refer to specific portions of songs which are recorded so that the entire work can be played seemlessly in its entirity, or specific portions can be accessed individually.
   The only thing this work lacks is impossible for any work that attempts to offer a complete appreciation of music to achieve, complete scope.
   I recommend this set.



4. easy to understand and learn from, it is a textbook so that's what you are getting. Good pictures and diagrams so far. I bought here because it had the best price.



5. The book arrive as described. I thought the audio CD's were included but its still good.

5 comments about Robert F. Kennedy: In His Own Words.

1. This book is an excellent compliation of Robert Kennedy's speeches. The speeches give an excellent overview of the times and issues Robert Kennedy was living in and his responses to same. His frequent references to classical literature not only serve to augment his points, but to include the listener/reader in his knowledge base. Robert Kennedy was a man who was universally recognized as a diligent worker and one who not only set, but met personal goals. His determination was evidenced from the football field (where he played with a broken leg in college to secure the coveted Harvard letter) to the presidential platform, where he held his own with some rather formidable competitors/opponents. His knowledge of and appreciation for classical literature is a true nod to his intelligence. He became self-educated in adult life classical works. He also became self educated and personally involved in the lives and issues of minorities and persons living below the poverty line. The contrast between these areas of his self education further emphasize the complexity of this man. Robert Kennedy comes across as sincere in his efforts and his work record will certainly support that finding. Robert Kennedy was by far the most interesting of the brothers of his generation and his work record was exceptional in his tenacity and dogged determination.



2. This is a single CD approximately 50 minutes long that provides highlights of some of RFK's best, and most memorable speeches. There are 12 tracks including RFK's speech at the democratic national convention in 1964 and his speech announcing the assasination of Martin Luther King.

   This is an excellent introduction to the RFK's political beliefs, and reminds the listener why he continues to captivate the nation's hopes. The CD jacket provides a brief historical background to each of the speeches and is helpful for those with less knowledge of the current events of that time. I would also recommend a compilation of speech excerpts put together by his son Maxwell Kennedy entitled "To Make Gentle the Life of this World." Neither source provides the complete text of his speeches, but they distill the essence of what he offered America in his time.




3. RFK: In His Own Words gives the listener a taste of the atmosphere during the turbulent and dynamic times of the 1960s. It depicts RFK as one of those rare leaders who had the ability to inspire an entire generation not only in the United States but around the world with his eloquence and appeal for a better life for all. He challenged the way we think about ourselves and each other and sought to close the gaps between rich and poor, black and white. RFK: In His Own Words begins with his memorable speech in tribute to his brother at the 1964 Democratic National Convention and contains several speeches addressing the many societal issues of the 60s, mainly the divisions resulting from racial tensions and the public opposition to the war in Vietnam. You begin to get a grasp of RFK's political views and you witness his maturation as a politician and statesman. From his statement announcing his candidacy for president to his touching and largely impromptu announcement of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to a stunned audience in Indianapolis and his appeal for compassion and love and not hatred and division. It concludes with an emotional eulogy at his funeral by his brother Senator Ted Kennedy that leaves you with thoughts on what could have been if not for the tragic loss of yet another Kennedy brother who has been taken from us at a time when his leadership was most needed.



4. When you first listen to this, it takes a while to get into it. The first speech at the 1964 democratic convention has a poor audio quality and RFK takes a while to get warmed up before we hear the famous Shakepearean ode to his recently deceased brother JFK. Some editing would have helped that one. Then we hear RFK give a heartfelt, but sincere speech on the need for young people to repudiate bigotry at Ole Miss in 1966. Still pretty relevant. The 1967 speech on ghetto conditions shows amazing insight for a White man who was born rich.

   But the tour de force here is the improvised speech to Black Indianapolis residents upon the assassination of Martin Luther King. I've heard excerpts of this before, but to hear it in what appears to be its entirety is extremely moving and one of the best recorded speeches I've ever heard aside from MLK himself and Nelson Mandela's CD. To hear how RFK was able to speak so sincerely and hopefully on such a tragic occasion will really make you beleive in the nest of human nature and that alone is worht the price of admission.

   Next we hear a more measured and formal speech on the aftermath of the King killing recorded a day later. Still worht a listen about the futility of violence, all the more ironic considering that RFK himself would soon become the victim of such violence.

   I've read books that complied RFK's speeches, but that does not match actually hearing them. Do youself a favor and get this. Now all that needs to be done is to release a DVD of the 1988 documetnary RFK in His Own Words.




5. I was hesitating between giving this collection 3 or 4 stars.
   
   It was great to hear Robert Kennedy giving voice to these words, some of which have become quite famous in the years since they were spoken. And it is quite interesting to hear some of the speeches selected--such as the one he gave stepping off the plane after Martin Luther King Jr was assasinated.
   
   However, I think this collection could have been better. There are too few speeches here (I believe 9 of Robert's and Teddy's eulogy) and they are spaced very close together. Would have been interesting to hear some of his speeches over a more extended period of time to see how his thinking about issues or his speaking style evolved.
   
   Also many of the speeches are just presented as excerpts. The only part presented of the famous "GDP" speech is that excerpt--I would have liked to hear the rest of that speech.
   
   Finally, the production quality of the insert is not very good. Brief notes on the context of the speeches are given but the references to the speeches are often erroneous. It would also have been nice to have the text of the presented speeches.
   
   In the end there are not many alternatives to this CD and it does present an overview of the great RFK speeches, as superficial as that overview may be.

5 comments about First, Break All The Rules: What The Worlds Greatest Managers Do Differently.

1. I use this book in combination with StrengthsFinder 2.0: A New and Upgraded Edition of the Online Test from Gallup's Now, Discover Your Strengths in my MBA courses. First Break All the Rules is terrific for overcoming the myths that stymie managers, chief among them, fix your weaknesses and those of others. Instead, First Break All the Rules correctly advises managers to focus on their strengths, and to develop their subordinates' strengths, in order to maximize performance. Their finding that strengths-based management is better than overcoming weaknesses remains highly relevant a decade later, and I'm sure will be so decades hence.
   
   Aneil



2. This is a great book for anyone who manages people, be it one or many. The concepts in this book could flow over into your personal life as well.



3. I'd recommend First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently to all new managers - well, to all managers for that matter. The first point the book makes is that who you work for is more important than the company you work for, your job description or even your paycheck. I agree, 100%. "We have said that an employee may join a company because of its prestige and reputation, but that his relationship with his immediate manager determines how long he stays and how productive he is while he is there. We have said that the manager is the critical player in turning each employee's talent into performance. We have said that managers trump companies."
   
   The next main point they make is that everyone is different and you should spend your time finding the perfect role for them and the perfect way for them to accomplish their goals. Don't waste your time trying to improve your employees' weaknesses. Get them the skills they need or find them the resources or partnerships they need, and put them in the right roles - where their talents and drives match the job they have. They break talents and skills into skills, knowledge and talents. The first two are teachable but "talents" are inherent. I saw their talents more as drivers. A talent was more than just what you are good at but what motivates you do what you do well.
   
   The authors define 12 questions that measure the key things needed to attract and keep good employees:
   
   What do I get?
   
   1. Do I know what is expected of me at work?
   2. Do I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right?
   
   What do I give?
   
   1. At work, do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day?
   2. In the last seven days, have I received recognition or praise for doing good work?
   3. Does my supervisor, or someone at work, seem to care about me as a person?
   4. Is there someone at work who encourages my development?
   
   Do I belong here?
   
   1. At work, do my opinions seem to count?
   2. Does the mission/purpose of my company make me feel my job is important?
   3. Are my co-workers committed to doing quality work?
   4. Do I have a best friend at work?
   
   How can we all grow?
   
   1. In the last six months, has someone at work talked to me about my progress?
   2. This last year have I had opportunities at work to learn and grow?
   
   According to the authors, managers should spend their time making sure the first two sets of questions are answered: "what do I get?" and "what do I give?" They also point out that most organizations aren't set up to treat people like individuals (in the sense that we all have different talents) - instead they try to get everyone to do a job well in the same way - nor to reward people in their current role without promoting them out. They offer suggestions for how managers can work within existing company policies. They also provide a section on what to do if your manager is still working on becoming a perfect manager - a section how to manager yourself and help your manager work best with you.
   
   First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently is well worth reading for anyone who is a manager, aspiring to be a manager or frustrated with their current manager.



4. You can't take the title seriously (some Amazon reviewers do). The book is about what Gallup has found makes effective managers of people during its research for various clients over 10+ years. The central theme is that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Nothing new there. What is new, is their research that shows (a) an individual's strengths are real workforce multipliers, (b) effort spent to develop strengths really pays off, while (c) effort spend to "fix" weaknesses at best will result in mediocrity and is thus wasted effort. Ergo, a company which focuses on improving what its employees do well will (financially) outperform a company that spends its efforts on "fixing" its employees flaws.
   
   Unlike other top 10 business books, it tells you how to accomplish creating a company built on employee strengths. I really liked the chapter devoted to interviewing for finding a prospective employees strengths. Very pragmatic. Be warned - after reading it you will likely be even more disappointed with your own management than you could have thought possible.
   
   The book provides a code which you can use to go to Gallup's site and take the Strength's Finder survey. I highly recommend you do this ASAP, before reading the book, and before reading too many reviews. I suggest this because I found I could infer what some questions were testing, and that had to have influenced my answers.
   
   Obviously the target audience is the manager. The follow-on book "Now, Discover Your Strengths" fills in some gaps. For this reason I generally recommend reading the follow-on book first if you have the time to read both books.



5. Nutshell review - a good book with good insights and advice but, as is the norm for this type of book, filled lots of case studies as page fller.

5 comments about The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent 4-CD: Part II: Finding the Path to Joy Through Energy Balance.

1. I love the Abraham series. My only beef with the audio book is that it is divided into parts and you have to buy more than one purchase to get the whole unabridged version of the book. Everything else is wonderful.



2. I listen to this CD almost everyday. I find the processes very practical, in fact I'm practicing some. On a whole I find anything from the Teachings of Abraham to be revolutionary - adding so much clarity to what I already know and what I don't know.
   
   I'm more aware of my emotions - those that make me feel good. I'm more aware of my creation in the moment and the awesomeness of myself - that I can create worlds. The Teachings of Abraham does this in a gentle and deliberate way.



3. I was a little disappointed in this. It seems to be just a repeat of what was already on Ask and It Is Given. If you haven't read/listened to that yet, then this is OK, but I think Ask is better.



4. I have just listened to the final CD in this set. And they answered ALL my questions. I found it very helpful. But I know I will continue to want and need support. So I'm wondering what to order next as I already have the law of attraction and Sarah books 1 and 2 and now finding the Path to joy through engergy balance, part 2. I'm so pleased with Esther, Jerry and "Abraham" because they have said everything I needed to hear. The answers to the questions they were asked were amazing. Now It seems obvious that they're right and I think at some level I have always known these things but I wanted someone to give me permission to accept these "truths" and they have done it. You know it's a releif to finally hear these things.



5. I only listen to audio stories. The LAW OF ATTRACTION and FINDING THE PATH TO JOY was impossible to get into. couldn't even finish the first CD in both stories. Sorry. Don't waste your money on these.

5 comments about Conversational Spanish: A practical immersion course for intermediate Spanish conversation. (Audio CD + Listening guide & Grammar book).

1. I'm really happy I bought this course. I was looking for something that would improve my conversational ability and it's exactly what I needed.
   
   I really like how the conversations are applied so that it is very useful in everyday speech. You are learning conversation that people can use daily. These are exactly the types of conversations that anyone would want to have, and can expect to have, with other Spanish speakers anywhere, anytime and in any situation.
   
   I really like how the subjunctive mood is used frequently (just like in real conversation) so this really helps. I love the fact that the native speakers are from different regions, which helps greatly in understanding people with different accents. I feel that this is a definite benefit.
   
   I also like how the grammar and vocabulary are presented at the end of each conversation and that everything is explained in detail. Many times words and phrases can have different meanings when combined with other words and phrases. Understanding these is very important.
   
   Each conversation has a fast and slow track, which has helped tremendously. Native speakers do not speak slow, and this has definitely enabled me to understand Spanish spoken at faster speeds. The more I listen the better I get.
   
   All in all, it gave me the extra "boost" I was looking for, and this is definitely something I can keep using for a long time. I consider it to be a fantastic Spanish course for intermediate and advanced students, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking to improve their Spanish.



2. This is a great supplement to add to any Spanish collection. I think it's really good for learning how Spanish is naturally spoken because if it's one thing I've learned you have to incorporate a certain amount of slang and expressions if you want to blend in with the locals or at least understand what they're talking about. The tempo is slowed down a bit for the slower tracks which is good for hearing the pronunciation better but if you have a good working knowledge of Spanish then you should be fine with listening to the normal speed.



3. If you are ready to take your Spanish a step further then Conversational Spanish is what you need. It's meant for students who are ready for real conversation. This is the closest thing I've come across that actually prepares you for how Spanish people really talk.
   
   The entire program consists of conversations on various topics that I believe are essential. This is not "tourist Spanish" or anything like it. It's meant to be something real on various discussions that people have everyday. I believe that analyzing discussions between people really helps to learn so much faster because you are learning Spanish that is a necessity. You have to adapt to how Spanish is normally spoken by the people who speak it, which is exactly what you'll learn.
   
   It also helps to improve your listening comprehension. Trust me, after listening to each of the conversations a couple of times your comprehension of the language will have increased dramatically. I recommend going through each of the conversations at least 5 or 10 times and you will notice a dramatic improvement in your understanding and an increase in your vocabulary. The audio is first played at normal speed and then played again about 20% slower. Each conversation has accompanying text so you can reference the text while you listen. I actually recommend reading the text first to prepare yourself and then listen to the associated conversation without referencing the text. Each conversation has an associated vocabulary list followed by grammar notes, so you have a nice and easy way to reference everything while you learn. The grammar notes are especially useful as they help to break down the conversation and explain everything in detail.



4. With respect to my background, I am a self-described learning-Spanish-aholic that has bought and collected nearly every learning-Spanish product sold on Amazon. I am also the founder of Learning Spanish Like Crazy and the author of several articles on How to Learn Spanish.
   
   And now for my review of this Spanish course . . .
   
   I love these CDs. This course is definitely in my top 3. What I love so much about it is that the Spanish spoken in this course is not just real conversational Spanish, but real conversational Colombian Spanish. I spend about half the year in Colombia. In fact, I am writing this review from my apartment in Barranquilla on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Right away, I recognized not only the Colombian accents but also the phrases that Colombians tend to use more frequently than other Spanish-speakers, such as "no te parece?" (you don't think so?), "tranquilo" (relax), and using the phrase "de pronto" instead of "quizas" to say "maybe" instead of using "de pronto" to mean "suddenly" as many other Spanish-speakers would do. And the constant use of words such as "super," "chevere," and "rico" to mean "good." The only thing missing from this course was talk of my favorite Colombian food dishes: pargo frito, mojarra frita, patacones, arroz con coco, arroz con langostinos, ajiaco, bandeja paisa, mondongo, sancocho, jugos naturales, and, don't let me forget, the Colombian brands of cerveza: Aguila and Club Colombia.
   
   If you have ever spent time in Bogota, Cali, Medellin, Cartagena, Barranquilla or Santa Marta, you will truly love this course. And if you are thinking about spending some time in any of those Colombian cities whether to improve your Spanish or just to meet the woman of your dreams, then you'll certainly want to get this Spanish course. Not only will you learn to sound like Colombians, but you will also learn the words and phrases that they commonly use. And after you finish listening to this Spanish course, 4 or 5 times, or more, your listening comprehension will have really improved.
   
   Besides the fact that the conversations consist of real conversational Colombian Spanish, the conversations are also fun to listen to. You'll never get tired of listening to them. The speakers are energetic and speak at the same speed that they would normally speak in real life. But there is also a slowed down track following each conversation. You won't find any of that beginner stuff about "greetings, "making hotel reservations," or "ordering in a restaurnat." That's because the conversations are not designed for the typical traveler that is planning to spend just a few days in Colombia or some other part of Latin America. The conversations are designed for the Spanish-learner that wants to experience the feeling of being immersed in the language and the culture of the country that is perhaps the best place to learn Spanish, but still, unjustifiably, the most feared country to travel to for the Gringo seeking to learn Spanish. If you are sincere in your desire to learn conversational Spanish, then not only do I recommend that you buy this course, I also encourage you to come to Colombia and study Spanish here.



5. As soon as we got the Spanish disk, we had it up and running. It was fun and easy to use. Very helpful with our current homework load learning spanish.

5 comments about SmartFrench Audio CDs Intermediate/Advanced.

1. I have learned French, but when the time came to speak it with my French friends or colleagues, I was lost. These Cds were the solution. As their title says, they are for Intermediate and Advanced. For Beginner students, try 'SmartFrench - Introduction to French, vol.1' and 'vol.2'. The method used is the most sound I have found so far. In French, you read a certain way and you speak another way. It's like a huge secret that is revealed in these Cds. I recommend them absolutely if you want to learn french well.



2. My investment in SmartFrench was the best money I've spent in a long time. I'd had some French experience in my growing up years while living overseas, and some high school and college French. But though I had a basic understanding and comprehension of the language, I didn't feel comfortable enough to actually open my mouth and attempt an actual conversation! About three months ago I purchased the Intermediate/Advanced cds from SmartFrench. The best way to describe the effect that my exposure to these cds has had, is to say that my mouth feels comfortable (and even rather delightful) with French rolling about in it now! After all the listening and repetition (the cds have been my constant driving companions), I'm no longer feeling tentative about pronunciation, or even the rhythm of the language. It's as though I've learned some dance steps and am now free to, albeit somewhat tentatively, move about the dance floor!
   It's also very enlightening to listen to the French interviews and learn to understand what is being said by the non-teacher-types!
   In addition to the new freedom I feel with the language, SmartFrench has clarified a lot of what categorizes a non-French speaker as just that - and has given practical advice on how to sound more French and less obviously foreign.
   French feels approachable and adventuresome to me again, and I'm excited that I discovered these wonderful cds.



3. I learned virtually nothing from this audio tape. It is a waste of money.



4. I tried a lot of material before, but all I was looking for was good tight nicely designed, organized and natural dialogs, with different degree of complexity and good vocabulary. Up to date course. This information isn't just thrown at you, but is being guided through, by the author who created this courses. You feel more like you are in the classrom and he is tutoring you, this is so valuable when you are trying to learn it fast with our our speedy needs. The name speaks for itself. Smart person's choice definitely!
   Thanks a lot Christian!



5. If you already had some French previously, and like to brush up on speaking/listening skills, this is an excellent addition. The program uses snapshots (with common daily vocabulary) of real life interviews with French people to tune up your listening as well as speaking skills. The lessons starts with going slowly, reading the written text, and ends with the normal speed of French people speaking. Practice in your car for a couple of weeks, and you'll be amazed how much your pronunciation improves.
   
   The accompany text is just the translation of the interviews. At this level, you should have a solid background of French vocabulary and grammar, and probably don't need a detail text on the translation, except for looking up a word here and there. We're really happy that we found this excellent tool. Have fun!

5 comments about SmartFrench Audio CDs Beginner Level.

1. I recently moved to France for a short-term job, and unfortunately I studied Japanese in high school and Spanish in college. No French. So I had about 6 weeks to cram before moving to France; Smart French was luckily just one of the items I purchased.
   The primary problem I have in learning French is that words on the page and the slow speaking of most French CDs do not help you understand people on the street, or in the next office, or anywhere. Spoken French is fluid, many letters are left out, and many words are linked. This is where SmartFrench is helpful.
   If you are starting from scratch on French, like I was, I highly recommend getting a good beginning French book, a good set of beginning French CDs, and studying for a few weeks before listening to SmartFrench. Then, once you know some words and sentence structures, start listening to SmartFrench so you know what things will sound like when you hear them in real life!
   The CDs are well-produced, and move at a pace that does help you to quickly follow the 'real-life' situations. It stops in places to explain why things sound the way they do, and points out general rules. You can use the enclosed booklet or not to follow along or read the translations, I have found benefits to doing it both ways. SmartFrench gives you a very honest view of what it will be like to hear french spoken on a day to day basis, and for that alone it is worth getting--otherwise you will think you know a lot of vocabulary, and feel incredibly lost when you must follow someone's directions or answer their questions.
   Bottom line, I recommend this as a supplement to other methods of learning French. Do not use it as your first step in the process of learning French, but don't neglect to use it early in the process either. Once you have a little bit of knowledge, it will help you know better how to read to yourself and what to listen for in conversations.



2. My investment in SmartFrench was the best money I've spent in a long time. I'd had some French experience in my growing up years while living overseas, and some high school and college French. But though I had a basic understanding and comprehension of the language, I didn't feel comfortable enough to actually open my mouth and attempt an actual conversation! About three months ago I purchased the Intermediate/Advanced cds from SmartFrench. The best way to describe the effect that my exposure to these cds has had, is to say that my mouth feels comfortable (and even rather delightful) with French rolling about in it now! After all the listening and repetition (the cds have been my constant driving companions), I'm no longer feeling tentative about pronunciation, or even the rhythm of the language. It's as though I've learned some dance steps and am now free to, albeit somewhat tentatively, move about the dance floor!
   It's also very enlightening to listen to the French interviews and learn to understand what is being said by the non-teacher-types!
   In addition to the new freedom I feel with the language, SmartFrench has clarified a lot of what categorizes a non-French speaker as just that - and has given practical advice on how to sound more French and less obviously foreign.
   French feels approachable and adventuresome to me again, and I'm excited that I discovered these wonderful cds.



3. I tried a lot of material before, but all I was looking for was good tight nicely designed, organized and natural dialogs, with different degree of complexity and good vocabulary. Up to date course. This information isn't just thrown at you, but is being guided through, by the author who created this courses. You feel more like you are in the classrom and he is tutoring you, this is so valuable when you are trying to learn it fast with our our speedy needs. The name speaks for itself. Smart person's choice definitely!
   Thanks a lot Christian!
   SmartFrench Audio CDs Beginner Level
   SmartFrench Audio CDs Intermediate/Advanced
   SmartFrench: Learn French from Real French People



4. The method is great. Listening, then speaking, but for someone like myself with absolutely no French (ie a beginner)the content was inappropriate. I am planning a trip to France later this year. I still don't know any basic vocabulary, how to introduce myself. How to ask for directions, the bank, everyday stuff like that.
   
   On a positive note, I thought , hey, this is what I need for Spanish. I did very well in high school Spanish but have never been comfortable trying to speak. This method actually gets you speaking right away. So with a solid vocabulary in Spanish and a knowledge of grammer, I expect Smart Spanish to get me speaking.



5. This is an excellent program for learning to speak French the way it's supposed to be spoken. I used to speak as a child in school, but haven't spoken the language for many years. As my kid is learning French, I'm trying to help. School classes teaches the hard stuff, like grammar, etc., and not exactly how to speak/listen to the language. We tried a few other programs and were fairly disappointed until we got SmartFrench. This is an excellent program where you learn to speak, and as importantly, listen to real conversations, at different speeds. There are also text to refer to, as well as the vocabulary list for the CD materials.
   
   One thing to understand though, that this program (Beginner level) does assume some basic knowledge of the language, and therefore not exactly for the absolute beginners. For the absolute beginners who never had any experience with the language, the also excellent SmartFrench - Introduction to French 1 & 2 CDs, also by Christian Aubert are more appropriate to start with.
   
   Finally, this is not a program that teaches you to conjugate verbs and such. There are many books and others for French grammar. This program excels at the one objective, training your listening and speaking skills so that you can speak French like the French do. It's a perfect program if you've had some French in the past and want to brush up on speaking/listening.
   
   Have fun!