Shelley G. answered • 09/08/19
Confident, Clear Communication Starts Here!
There are many different approaches to improve English but as a communication coach, I don't believe that "one size fits all". During the first session, I do a detailed evaluation clients' goals, interests, learning style and challenges. All the while, I'll be listening to identify the issues that each client presents.
For example, a client may have a fundamental understanding of English but his/her family does not speak English at home. In that case, I gear sessions toward subjects of interest and send homework that will give us a basis for conversation. If a client is interested in history, I may send a link to a particular era for discussion during the next session. If a client is interested in art but has no time to go to a museum or even do homework, I may bring in a painting for him or her on my iPad to talk about during session. If business is the client's main interest, I may assign a TEDtalk on business development.
Other clients may have excellent fluency but a low intelligibility score. What that means is, they are frequently asked to repeat words and phrases because others don't understand them. Then the focus is on accent reduction, identifying different sounds and retraining the brain and mouth to make them more recognizable. I'll create an mp3 especially for the client targeting problem areas for them to practice at home.
In other words, whether it's grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, overall fluency or intelligibility, each client has special challenges, differing learning styles and different amounts of time to do homework. That's why I believe tailoring each session to clients' specific goals, needs, skills and learning style is the best approach.
