Conversational English Sessions

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New immigrants to Canada must past one of the following English tests, Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE).  The US is similar and also accepts the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). 

Passing the test does not guarantee fluency in everyday conversations leaving many apprehensive and lacking self-confidence when conversing in English.  One of the best ways to master English conversation skills is to engage in conversations with life long English speakers. 

Conversational English sessions will improve your English speaking and listening skills in casual social situations, classrooms, formal events and professional business functions and settings.  

- Gain confidence in speaking and interacting with others.

- Improve your vocabulary (words), grammar skills (rules and structure) and pronunciation (how words are said). 

- Improve speaking and listening skills.

- Understand cultural practices and norms.

- Build your network and relationships through improved social interactions.

- Create better business opportunities.

- Gain access to global opportunities.

- Compete for better job opportunities.

- Enhance travel experiences.

- Improve the transition to a new country. 

- Increase participation in the classroom.

- Deliver effective presentations and speeches.

One of the best ways for you to improve your English speaking and listening skills is through conversations with English speakers.  Honing your speaking and listening skills are the primary goals of the sessions.  During each session you will converse with an English speaker, practice pronunciation, fluency, and gain an understanding of cultural norms.  The sessions will improve your conversation and listening skills and your confidence while speaking at work, school or in social settings.  

One-to-one conversation sessions allow you to practice in a low-stress environment, free from any pressure from others.  Group sessions are also available and provide a forum to listen and interact with others.  Either option will ensure you have an opportunity to practice and enhance your English speaking and listening abilities.  

By participating in conversations, you will boost your speaking and listening skills, pick up new words and grammar quickly, and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural norms when speaking English. 

The gaols of the sessions are to improving pronunciation, enhance vocabulary, and develop confidence in conversations.  Sessions are structured to include the following;

Tailored Content: designed to meet the requirements of different proficiency levels and age groups.  Considers the professional backgrounds, goals, and specific areas of expertise or interests.  Selected topics can relate to careers, hobbies, or personal interests.

Interactive Activities: including group projects (if participating in a group), role-plays, discussions, debates, presentations. situations like job interviews or social gatherings. 

Pronunciation Practice: tongue twisters, minimal pairs practice, and listening activities focused on intonation and stress patterns.

Grammar and vocabulary development: relevant to real-life situations such as complex sentence formation or using modals for expressing possibility.  

Building listening comprehension skills: strategies for improving listening skills such as note-taking techniques or practicing active listening.

A colleague of mine (English speaker) is a mentor in the faculty of Business at the local university.   One of the students he was paired with is from Vietnam and decided to study abroad in Canada.  Initially the student was very timid, introverted and lacking in self-confidence, not because of lack of skills or ability, but because he was not fluent or confident in speaking English despite passing the required English proficiency tests.  

The opportunity to converse one on one with an English speaker transformed his ability to speak clearly and articulate his thoughts in meaningful ways while building his confidence.  He is now the owner of a successful business and produces and stars in his own promotional videos to support his business – a result of his improvement in English speaking skills and overall confidence. 

All the facilitators are born and raised in Canada, have learned English as a first language, completed a post-secondary education and have several years of professional experience. 

Conversations are structured to cover many different situations including greetings, casual social settings, formal events, travelling, professional business functions and meetings, interviews, and will include grammar topics ranging from the present, past, future, and conditional tenses.  

Topics can be customized to your individual needs or priorities.  The sessions reinforce concepts previously learned in a fun, stress free, and engaging way.  

Private Sessions - one on one sessions with an English speaker.  You will be paired with a speaker in 25, or 60 minute weekly sessions.  For each session a topic will be selected for a two-way conversation.  Topics may be covered over multiple sessions until fluency is attained.  The pace will be determined by individual requirements.

Group Sessions – group size will vary from 5-10 participants.  Sessions will be conducted with an English speaker guiding the conversations.  Topics will be selected on a weekly basis where each participant will have the opportunity to speak.  Group sessions will only be offered if there is enough demand.