• Prepare for Video Conferencing Interviews
• Research the Organization
• Anticipate Questions and Prepare Your Answers
• Work With an English Language Coach
• Practice with an Audience

Prepare for Video Conferencing Interviews

There is so much going on in an interview, and you may be nervous. The last thing you want is to miss a critical question because of technology issues. If your interview will be remote, make sure you are clear about which platform the company is using and practice with that platform if you are not already familiar with it. Some industries use Zoom, others prefer WebEx, and still, others use Microsoft Teams.

All of these systems have evolved during the pandemic, so find out if you will need to create an account, download the software, or use a password to enter the meeting. Set up your account ahead of time and use it to call a friend to practice your on-camera presence.

Test your audio quality and internet speed in advance. Avoid dialing in from your phone if possible – this can appear unprofessional. Pay attention to your lighting and how your face and upper body are framed in the video. Make adjustments where necessary.

Deeply Research the Organization

Find out as much as you can in advance about the organization where you want to work, and your future department in particular. Read all the relevant parts of their website.
Look up their key people on LinkedIn, especially the ones who may be interviewing you. Try to get a feel for the culture of the organization from their web presence.

Better yet, if you know someone who works there, offer to take them to lunch in exchange for telling you what they know about what it’s like to work there. This takes time, but you really can’t skip it.

Anticipate Questions and Prepare Your Answers

There are many places online where you can find lists of common interview questions. Research these and prepare answers for the questions you anticipate you may be asked. A common question we always prepare with our clients is “What would you say is your biggest weakness?” This one can be tricky, so you definitely want to identify your answer ahead of time.

You will probably be asked for specific stories from your previous experience. Think back over your entire work history and identify times when you solved a problem for someone with your own initiative, whether or not it was an expected part of your job. These are often the stories that best show who you are. Rehearse them out loud until you feel comfortable.

Don’t forget that an interview is a two-way conversation; asking questions about the job posting and the company’s priorities is always a good idea. You will want to look ahead also. Talk about the future and share your vision. How will you help the organization succeed? How will your skills help them meet their goals?

Work With an English Language Coach

An English language coach will help you feel more confident and equipped for your interview. The one-on-one experience of interacting with a coach will give you the individual support you need. English with Purpose coaches are highly qualified to help you advance your career and specialize in interview preparation for international professionals.

Practice with an Audience

If you are applying for a high-level position, you will likely have a panel interview with several people from the organization. This is a different experience than a one-to-one interview. Whenever possible, you should practice with an audience to simulate this scenario. English With Purpose offers a discreet online community of business professionals where you can learn and practice advanced English skills, including mock interviews.

As you network with others in our welcoming and supportive community, you will get valuable feedback and gain confidence.

Setup a Consultation For Interview Preparation

Are you ready to land the perfect job or get promoted? Contact English With Purpose today. Our qualified and caring coaches in Washington DC are prepared to help you move ahead in your career.

The post 5 Tips to Prepare For An Interview In English appeared first on English With Purpose.

1. Declare 30 minutes of English speaking time at home every day. 

There are many great reasons to search online for English conversation practice groups and participate, but if you need to reduce your screen time and you happen to live with others who speak English in some way, why not just create a daily habit with them?

Perhaps you live in the U.S. and your children are native speakers now, or perhaps your roommate or spouse is an English speaker or learner. I can tell you from experience that many couples or families pledge to improve their English together when they first move to the U.S., but it quickly falls apart under the daily stressors of life. This is normal – if you really need to express your needs to a loved one, it’s best to do it in your primary language. For this reason, you need to formalize the speaking practice process and make it a habit. Choose a specific time each day when everyone is available. Use a speaking prompt if needed, or choose an audio news story to listen to first and then talk about it. Try it first for one week, see how it goes, and adjust from there.

2. “But what if I live alone?” Find a weekly phone buddy!   

Some of our clients are living and working alone right now. We know this isn’t easy. An English practice phone buddy can help you with both human connection (which we all need) and improving your conversation skills. Brainstorm a list of five people in your life who you would like to connect with more often. Of these five, are there at least one or two who would agree to have a 30 or 45 minutes conversation in English with you each week? Reach out to these people today and propose this idea. Be sure to pick a consistent weekly time for your phone chat that works for both of you, and mark it on your calendar. To ensure consistent practice, make this arrangement with at least two people, so if one person cancels or postpones you will still have your practice time. Consistency is key here. 

3. Walking is magic for just about everything, including practicing English

By now you have probably heard a lot about the physical and psychological benefits of taking walks. Why not extend these benefits to language learning? Prior to the pandemic, we hosted a hiking and conversation group for English learners – the idea is that the relaxing effects of nature and physical movement loosens people up, increases their fluency, and helps adult learners retain what they practice. It’s a fun and efficient way to work on your target language, and it’s also supported by research.

An easy way to practice your English while also getting the benefit of fresh air and exercise is to take a walk and try to describe what you see in English in your head. Carry a notebook and write down anything that you don’t have the words for (or use the notes function in your phone). We recommend not stopping to look things up on your phone – stay present in the moment and connected to the environment around you. You only need to capture what you don’t know in some way, and then you can look up your missing words or phrases later when you get home.

4. Listen to the radio or a podcast in the background while doing another activity

Choose a talk radio program or podcast and listen to it while doing an uncomplicated activity that engages your brain in a different way, such as washing the dishes, preparing a meal, cleaning your house, or working with your hands in any way. For many of us, the physical activity settles our brain and helps us focus. You may find yourself tuning in and out of the listening content, but that’s OK – the point here is to listen in a more relaxed, passive way instead of focusing on every word or worrying about what you don’t understand. Try it and see if it feels different – our brains are mysterious and you never know what language input is actually getting in there and in what way. This is just a different way to absorb input.

Be sure to choose something you genuinely enjoy listening to rather than something you feel will give you ‘the best’ practice. Our guide to choosing podcasts for practicing English listening is here.

5. Set a timer and try to form your thoughts entirely in English for 15 minutes a day

Practice actively switching over from your first language to English in a structured way. Say to yourself, “I am going to think in English now” and set a timer for 15 minutes. You can experiment with free-forming thoughts, or you can choose something you know you need to spend more time thinking about and focus on that. It probably won’t feel automatic at all in the beginning, and you may find yourself translating your thoughts at first or switching back and forth between languages, but that’s OK. It’s a practice that takes time and repetition. Once you’re able to think almost entirely in English for 15 minutes, you can extend the time to 20, 25, and then 30 minutes. The effectiveness comes from the intention of the practice, so it works even better if you try to do it at the same time every day. 

6. Play music with English lyrics and sing along

If you love music, you’ve probably had the experience of singing along to songs in other languages when you have no idea what the lyrics mean. In addition to being fun, did you know this is a fantastic way to practice your pronunciation? Music engages different parts of our brains – it’s a ‘doing’ rather than ‘thinking’ approach. You’re not thinking so hard about how to position your mouth and tongue – you’re just tapping into the rhythm of the song and following along as best you can. So pick some of your favorite songs with English lyrics and create a playlist to sing along with! For even better practice, search for karaoke versions with the vocals removed.

7. Write by hand for six minutes without stopping

Grab a journal and pen, set the timer for six minutes, and write continuously by hand in English about anything and everything that comes to your mind. Don’t stop to think about grammar, word choice, punctuation, or any mistakes. This is a fluency rather than accuracy exercise. The idea is to let go of the impulse to be correct in English and challenge yourself to keep your pen moving for the full six minutes. You can read it at the end if you like, but you don’t have to. Do this daily and increase the time in increments – when six minutes no longer feels intimidating, then increase it to eight, then ten, etc. More of the benefits of automatic (or ‘free’) writing is on our YouTube channel here. 

8. Make lists on paper in English and then expand on your list

This is a great brainstorming exercise if you are having trouble getting motivated to practice or think in English. Again, it’s best to do this by hand with a journal and pen. Set a timer for six minutes. Choose a category for making a list – this can be anything, such as “things that make me happy” or “foods I refuse to eat” or “the best things about summer”. List everything you can think of for six minutes. Then choose any item on your list that resonates with you, set the timer again, and write about that topic or speak your thoughts out loud for six minutes.

Credit to the wonderful Deb Norton and her book Part Wild for this last exercise. You can find endless ideas for list topics here on her blog.

Whatever you do to practice English, remember that to be effective your practice needs to be 1) achievable 2) consistent and 3) enjoyable. There is no right or wrong way, especially right now when so many of us have multiple pressures or are experiencing pandemic fatigue. 

If your language practice has dropped off during the pandemic, there’s no need to feel bad about it. You can start again today with just ten minutes and some creativity. So choose something from above and give it try! Let us know how it goes.

On that note, I’m shutting down the computer now to hike some trails and be with my thoughts in nature. See you outside!

The post Eight Ways To Practice Your English Skills Without Technology appeared first on English With Purpose.

The Key Differences Between “Teacher” & “Coach”

If you consider yourself an advanced English speaker, but it is not your first language or “native language,” you may find it a struggle to advance your career. Working in an English-speaking environment can put you at a disadvantage when getting raises, emailing using professional etiquette, and participating in company culture events.

Do you struggle to write quality work emails in English, using the proper jargon for your industry? Do you lack confidence when making professional video calls? Maybe you dread making small talk at business and networking events because you are not yet confident. Both approaches will potentially help you in your career but may be helpful at different times during your journey as you improve fluency in advanced English.

English Teacher

• Beginning English students often start with an English teacher in school.
• Passive Learning: Little interaction with peers and a pre-defined curriculum may be in place.
• English teachers often teach ESL classes (moving you from basic to advanced English).
• Focused on vocabulary, pronunciation, and learning grammar – all of the basics of learning a new language.
• You are the student, and the teacher has the information and knowledge you seek in a position of power.

English Coach

• Advanced English speakers often seek English coaches to guide them on specific issues they face.
• Active Learning: The coach has the goal of keeping the client engaged, motivated, and committed.
• The client directs the learning based on their unique industry and workplace needs.
• Coaches work with each client to guide, encourage, and build motivation.
• Coaches help you experience the language and can help you focus on your industry and career goals.
• The coach and the coachee have equal status.

Why Choose an English Teacher?

English teachers are an excellent resource for learning language translation, regional dialect, grammar, and accent refinement. They can share knowledge with you to improve your understanding of business English and help you overcome challenges you face at work by increasing your accuracy. Some people prefer to learn submissively and not be challenged to attain any specific goals other than overall improvement. The teacher’s relationship with the student puts the learning responsibility on the teacher rather than the student. If you are not comfortable being in charge of your learning, it can be comforting to have passive guidance rather than a more direct approach.

English teachers often work off of a curriculum, which means there are pre-defined objectives for each session. The structure can provide some assurance that you will cover specific topics during your business English language classes. The information they cover will most likely be suitable for a wide range of industries, which can be helpful if you are unsure what your exact career objectives are, and the exposure you want.

Why Choose an English Language Coach?

Having a private English coach at your disposal offers many opportunities to unlock your career potential through effective verbal and written communication. The fastest way to advance your advanced business English skills is to challenge yourself using a talented English Coach. With support from a peer group, you can get real-life practice to test your new skills.

• Personalized Attention
• Professional Accreditation
• Convenient Online Options (In-person coaching will be available when safe.)
• Interactive Courses & Offerings
• Focused Goals
• Caring Coaches

Online Community Interaction

Coaching is a personal relationship. We develop a personal relationship instead of sticking to a set class that follows a set curriculum. We believe that learning is a cooperative process between the coach and the client. Your coach will mentor and guide you into greater English fluency, even for the most advanced.

Don’t waste time and money on classes that cover things you already know. One-on-one conversations with your English coach will help you focus your studies on areas where you need the most help. We will discuss how you can continue to apply the apps or other tools you already use to heighten your command of the language.

Coaching Improves Your Professional Conversations

Move beyond basic language lessons and short conversations. We will focus on advanced English you require in your specific profession. Whether your business interactions are online or in-person, we can help you build confidence in your English speaking.

Interactive Coaching Gives You Confidence

Find out immediately whether you are pronouncing new words correctly. Learn whether you are using proper English grammar. These real-time interactions with a caring coach will increase your confidence. You’ll be ready and prepared for upcoming professional conversations.

A Private Online Community

Besides our one-on-one coaching, we offer a private online community of like-minded career professionals from around the globe. This community offers private and exclusive access to practice advanced English with other international business professionals. You can join monthly live events and engage in English language improvement in exciting and interactive ways.

Move Towards Greater English Fluency

Stop feeling stuck in your language fluency and stuck in your career. Contact English With Purpose today to take the first step towards confidence as an international professional.

The post English Teacher Vs. English Coach appeared first on English With Purpose.

However, we understand it can be challenging to find the right coach or program to help you speak and write with confidence. Let us help you identify some key things you should look for when choosing an English coach.

• Qualifications & Experience
• Excellent Reviews from Clients
• A Relationship Built on Respect
• A Personalized Experience
• Answers & Concerns Are Addressed

Is This a Qualified & Experienced English Coach?

You need a coach with professional qualifications and experience. An English degree is great, but has this coach assisted other professionals in fields similar to yours? Notice the coach’s specific expertise (conversational English, written English, online interactions, etc.).

How Did Previous Clients Review This Coach?

Reviews are one of the best ways to find out what you need to know about a coach. The following questions can help you identify qualities to look for in an English language coach.

• Do their previous clients recommend them?
• Have clients found them to be helpful and kind?
• Are they on time for online meetings?
• Are they prepared and calm?
• Do they make learning enjoyable?
• Do they keep the lessons relevant to the client’s industry and jargon?
• Is there any negative feedback?
• Did previous clients feel their goals were met?

Will My English Coach Respect Me?

One of the most critical elements of a successful coaching relationship is personalities that work well together. You want a coach you can interact with easily and who respects your expertise in your industry. You should be treated as a peer and professional equal. Our English language coaching relationships are built on mutual respect and a desire to see each other succeed in life and the world.

Is This a Personalized Experience?

Any English language tutoring experience should be tailored to your goals and career field. Your coaching experience needs to include the ability to learn the nuance, vocabulary, and cultural skills necessary to succeed in your specific industry. Ask your potential coach how they will help you succeed and tailor their approach for you.

Are My Concerns Being Addressed?

A professional and experienced English language tutor and coach will be willing to answer all of your questions and address your concerns. Before booking a consultation with us, please prepare a list of your concerns and questions. Be sure to ask us about the format of the coaching sessions and how often they take place.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Let English With Purpose help you gain more confidence in your English writing and speaking. Start with a free Zoom meeting to discuss your personal goals and needs. Contact us today.

The post How To Choose An English Language Coach appeared first on English With Purpose.

You can find podcasts for almost any purpose (news, entertainment, storytelling, learning new skills and subjects) and on pretty much every topic. I know I’ve said this before, but there is really no excuse to avoid improving your listening in English if you know this is an area you struggle with.

There is so much out there and it’s easy to find something that interests you. You can and should enjoy yourself while practicing your listening skills.

When I started teaching listening comprehension in 1996, we had to source our own audio samples if we wanted to expose students to real-life language.

Sure, there were textbooks with CDs (or cassette tapes!) but the dialogues were scripted, slower than real life because they were aimed at beginners, and often unnatural (side note: why do scripted language listening exercises always start with those weird music interludes?) It was nearly impossible to find appropriate language samples for upper intermediate to advanced English learners.

As a graduate student in training, I spent a lot of time recording news reports from National Public Radio on cassette tapes with my old stereo. If I heard something on the radio I thought would be useful for class, I rushed into my study to grab a blank cassette and try to record the segment in time (Hey NPR, if you are reading, I promise to finally send you that donation check, OK?) This was probably a violation of copyright law, but all listening teachers did it because we needed real life language samples for our upper level students. Sometimes I would have friends over for dinner to record their spontaneous conversations to use in class and then transcribe the conversations. It was SO MUCH WORK.

My point with all this is: those days are over! If I need a specific type of language sample about any possible topic, I only need to use the right search terms to find it, and the same goes for you.

On the flip side, there has been such an explosion in the sheer number of podcasts that finding what you need can be overwhelming.

Here are some tips to guide you:

1. Ask yourself: what exactly do I struggle with when listening in English?

For example: speed, vocabulary, different dialects and types of speakers, topics that are unfamiliar to me. You want to choose podcasts that target your weak areas.

For example, if you are still struggling with general comprehension, then news podcasts are a good place to start because the speakers are trained professionals who use a neutral-sounding dialect and the topics are familiar.

But if you generally understand 80% or more when you listen to news topics and you can always understand the main idea, then it’s time to move on to more challenging audio samples. People talking naturally on the street do not sound like on-air journalists. You should search for entertainment, culture or political podcasts where people of different backgrounds spontaneously discuss a topic and do all the things that happen in natural conversations – like interrupt each other, mumble occasionally, speak in a nonstandard dialect, and use slang and idioms.

If you really want to be challenged, then you can move on to humor. Comedy podcasts are among the most challenging for English as a second language listeners for many reasons, primarily slang, idioms, cultural references and the style of humor itself, which is often cultural.

2. Choose subjects you are genuinely interested in and enjoy learning about.

To stay motivated you should make your listening time a pleasure, especially if your time is limited. It should be a little challenging, but not feel like an obligation or struggle. Try out several different podcasts and if you don’t like one, just move on to another until something really grabs your interest.

3. Read lists of popular or award-winning podcasts so you can choose more efficiently.

You could lose a whole day searching Apple podcasts. Instead, try any of the following lists for recommendations:

Every December The Atlantic magazine releases a list of the 50 best podcasts of the year. This list is my personal favorite because I think they do a great job of curating the selections and they offer detailed summaries and descriptions. I point my clients to this list when they need to find appropriate podcasts for increasing their listening practice.

Gimlet Media has produced several award winning podcasts, so their website it worth browsing.

Discoverpods has an awards contest every year, which allows you to browse by category (best comedy podcast, best news podcast, best true crime, etc.) so you can search according to your interests. Don’t forget to check out the runners-up as well.

These lists should get you started. Now, go find three podcasts you can’t wait to listen to and work them into your daily practice, committing to listening at least 15 minutes a day.

If you do this for a month, you should feel a shift in your listening comprehension. Let me know how it goes!

The post How To Choose A Podcast For Listening Practice appeared first on English With Purpose.