On the morning of September 22, 2026, INSPiRE Library organized the Author Talk: “Master English – Unlock Your Future” at Hall 6M, attracting more than 500 students. The program featured Nguyen Canh Luan, an English teacher, author, and educational content creator who has achieved an IELTS score of 8.5 and a TOEIC score of 990, with nearly 10 years of experience in English language teaching.
Rather than beginning with formulas or theoretical lessons, the program addressed a question that resonates with many English learners: how can we move from simply “knowing English” to actually using it in study, communication, and everyday life? Drawing on his own journey of learning and using a foreign language, the speaker offered practical perspectives on how learners can get started, maintain self-directed learning habits, and gradually turn English into a practical skill that can be applied in real-life situations.
One of the highlights of the program was the Pronunciation Challenge, where students had the opportunity to tackle English sentences containing consonant clusters and final sounds that are often difficult to pronounce accurately. Instead of simply receiving information, students were invited to come forward, practice, receive immediate feedback from the speaker, and adjust their pronunciation on the spot. The activity helped bridge the gap between knowledge and practice while highlighting the importance of developing English through actual language use in specific situations.
The program also explored self-directed English learning from a range of practical perspectives. How can learners develop their own ideas instead of memorizing answers? How can they maintain regular Speaking practice without frequent access to an English-speaking environment? How can they overcome the hesitation and fear of speaking? These were among the issues discussed during the session, reflecting some of the common challenges students face when turning their English knowledge into practical communication skills.
The Q&A session was another important part of the program, giving students the opportunity to share their own challenges in learning English and engage directly with the speaker. Questions covered a wide range of topics, including expressing ideas, developing conversations, pronunciation and accent, maintaining motivation, dealing with situations where they forget a word or are unsure about grammar, and building sustainable learning habits. Through this direct dialogue, the program not only addressed specific questions but also encouraged students to reflect on their own learning journeys, ask questions proactively, and explore approaches that work best for them.
From an educational perspective, “Master English – Unlock Your Future” encouraged students to adopt a broader perspective on foreign language learning. English was presented not simply as a subject, an examination, or a certificate, but also as a tool for accessing knowledge, engaging in academic exchange, connecting with the international community, and expanding future career opportunities. Developing the ability to use English confidently and proactively can therefore become an important part of students’ learning journeys and personal development.
The program also highlighted the role of books and authors in supporting self-directed learning. Through the two books IELTS Speaking Journey – Speak Your Way to Band 6.0 and IELTS Speaking Journey – Break Through to Band 8.0, students were introduced to additional approaches to Speaking practice and insights drawn from the author’s teaching experience. Bringing author–work exchange activities into the university environment helps connect readers with books while encouraging students to actively seek out and make use of resources that support their independent learning.
As the program came to an end, the message “Master English – Unlock Your Future” represented more than just the title of an exchange session. It also suggested an approach to English learning: start with small steps, practice consistently, actively explore suitable learning methods, and stay committed to continuous improvement. Through a morning of interaction with the author, more than 500 students had the opportunity to listen, ask questions, practice, and reflect on their own journey toward mastering English.
Program highlights:
