Teaching Matters: Tips on Tutoring Conversation Skills to Adult ESL Students
“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” ―Tony Robbins (1960- ), American motivational speaker What does it mean to effectively tutor conversation skills to an English language learner? How can you make the most of your time – typically 60-120 minutes – together? … The post Teaching Matters: Tips on Tutoring Conversation...
Read MoreWhy Not Create a Safer, “Global” Version of Compelling Conversations? (Part I)
“Only the educated are free.” —Epictetus (55-135), Greek philosopher Over the years, many English teachers have asked if I plan a “global” version of Compelling Conversations so it can be used everywhere, including closed countries like China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. What does this mean? As in most … The post Why Not Create a Safer, “Global”...
Read MoreSharing is Caring: Substituting Connectivity for Communication
“Technology is a word that describes something that doesn’t work yet.” –Douglas Adams (1952-2001), English author and satirist Is the cult of oversharing online preventing us from establishing genuine connections? Do we expect more from our phones than our neighbors? Is this natural or healthy? “I share, therefore I am” Many believe relying on instant...
Read MoreReview: How to Have More Engaging Conversations in Everyday Life
“Confidence contributes more to a conversation than wit.” – Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680), French writer How can we help English language learners in the U.S. have more long-lasting, compelling conversations with native speakers? Sometimes it can be difficult to transition from small talk to a more personal, in-depth conversation. Feelings of intimidation, or...
Read MoreReview: How to Have More Engaging Conversations in Everyday Life
“Confidence contributes more to a conversation than wit.” – Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680), French writer How can we help English language learners in the U.S. have more long-lasting, compelling conversations with native speakers? Sometimes it can be difficult to transition from small talk to a more personal, in-depth conversation. Feelings of intimidation, or...
Read MoreMaking Introductions, Part 2: Small Talk
“A conversation can be easy. Just ask a question and then listen.” -Robert Bly (1926-), American poet and author Previously on the blog, we discussed the importance of first impressions. A firm handshake goes a long way, but what happens afterward? How do we teach English language learners to keep a conversation going post-introduction? When speaking with someone new, many Americans...
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