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	<title>Compelling Conversations &#187; Speaking Skills</title>
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		<title>Do Informational Interviews Have a Place in Business English Programs?</title>
		<link>http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/12/15/informational-interviews-place-business-english-programs/</link>
		<comments>http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/12/15/informational-interviews-place-business-english-programs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:52:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Eric Roth</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[adult ESL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business English]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ESL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Speaking Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VESL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[workplace communication skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[workplace English]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[advanced ESL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business English]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[English as a Second Language]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[English Language Learners]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[English teacher]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fluency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[informational interviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[interview skills]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://compellingconversations.com/blog/?p=525</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Speaking skills &#8211; especially in stressful situations &#8211; matter. Most quality Business English and VESL (Vocational English as a Second Language) programs provide extensive training and practice  in both short and long job interviews. Job interviews are stressful &#8211; especially for English language learners.  In fact, many adult, community college, and university ESL programs also [...]
Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/21/links-esl-teachers-informational-interviews/' rel='bookmark' title='More Links for ESL Teachers About Informational Interviews'>More Links for ESL Teachers About Informational Interviews</a> <small>Informational interviews have become a common practice among American professionals,...</small></li>
</ol>

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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">Speaking skills</a> &#8211; especially in stressful situations &#8211; matter.</p>
<p>Most quality Business English and VESL (Vocational English as a Second Language) programs provide extensive training and practice  in both short and long job interviews. Job interviews are stressful &#8211; especially for <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">English language learners</a>.  In fact, many adult, community college, and university ESL programs also include mock job interviews in the curriculum so ESL students can learn how to better answer simple and difficult questions. After all, many career experts recommend native speakers practice and practice again for these high-stakes interviews. It behooves <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">English language learners</a> to practice, practice, and practice some more for job interviews.</p>
<p>During these difficult economic times, however,  Business English trainers, advanced ESL (English as a Second Language), teachers and VESL (Vocational English as a Second Language) job coordinators should focus on an even wider range of interviewing skills. Many people have to interview co-workers, customers, strangers, and even more senior professionals at work. <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">Speaking skills</a> &#8211; in particular interview skills &#8211; matter.</p>
<p>Informational interviews – where future professionals ask questions to working professionals that hold a desirable position – achieves this goal &#8211; and a few more.   Informational interviews deserve far more attention in English language programs, but especially in Business English programs and VESL classes since informational interviews provide practical opportunities to develop business contacts and remain a savvy  job hunting tactic.</p>
<p>A common practice in the United States in many white-collar professions, informational interviews allow students (or individuals seeking a career change) to meet more successful and senior professionals in a field. From scheduling an appointment and preparing questions to  collecting information on common business practices, this professional exercise tests the fluency and language skills.  Informational interviews also expand their personal network of valuable business contacts. Sometimes these 20-30 minute interviews, often at offices, offer surprising insights into the typical work experiences and best workplace practices. Topics can range from the biographic to industry trends.  Best of all, informational interviews can also lead to job leads, internships, and even new jobs.</p>
<p>This real world assignment can work with high-intermediate and advanced Business English clients. In fact, asking clients or students to find, research, and conduct an informational interview requires a certain level of fluency and confidence – outside the classroom. This challenging, authentic class assignment requires <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">English language learners</a> to perform a vital workplace skill, respond in real time to a potential supervisor, and ask appropriate questions.</p>
<p>What are appropriate questions? Here are a few classic informational interview questions:</p>
<ul>
<li>How did you first enter the field? Why?</li>
<li>How has the industry changed since you began your career?</li>
<li>Can you describe a typical day at work?</li>
<li>What are some trends that you are watching?</li>
<li>What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?</li>
<li>What question should I have asked that I didn&#8217;t ask today?</li>
</ul>
<p>These simple questions often provide illuminating glimpses into the professional lives of successful professionals.</p>
<p>I recommend requiring a &#8220;trip report&#8221; or  a presentation to show the results of the informational interview with fellow Business English students,. This reflective exercise requires students to concisely summarize their interview.  Learning how to conduct an informational interview is a crucial skill that they can use over and over again during their business careers. Many graduate programs strongly recommend (and sometime mandate) their students conduct regular informational interviews.</p>
<p>From my perspective,  adding  information interviews to Business English classes and VESL programs seems extraordinarily sensible.  It also qualifies as an effective use of precious instructional time. Practical and popular, this multidimensional assignment consistently engages students and provides surprising insights in a university setting. I&#8217;ve been requiring informational interviews for several years in my university courses for both native and non-native English speakers. Students consistently rate the informational interview highest among the course assignments &#8211; and often praise it on course evaluations.</p>
<p>Therefore, I&#8217;m quite confident that quality Business English and VESL programs can clearly benefit from adding this real-world, authentic task to their curriculum too.</p>
<p>Ask more. Know more. Share more.<br />
Create Compelling Conversations – in English!<br />
www.CompellingConversations.com</p>
<p><a class="a2a_dd a2a_target addtoany_share_save" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Fcompellingconversations.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F12%2F15%2Finformational-interviews-place-business-english-programs%2F&amp;title=Do%20Informational%20Interviews%20Have%20a%20Place%20in%20Business%20English%20Programs%3F" id="wpa2a_2"><img src="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/add-to-any/share_save_256_24.png" width="256" height="24" alt="Share"/></a></p><p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/21/links-esl-teachers-informational-interviews/' rel='bookmark' title='More Links for ESL Teachers About Informational Interviews'>More Links for ESL Teachers About Informational Interviews</a> <small>Informational interviews have become a common practice among American professionals,...</small></li>
</ol></p>
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		<title>Ask Your English Students to Review TED.Com videos &#8211; and Create Compelling Conversations</title>
		<link>http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/08/students-review-ted-com-videos/</link>
		<comments>http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/08/students-review-ted-com-videos/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:58:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Eric</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[academic matters]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[oral skills]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://compellingconversations.com/blog/?p=420</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How can you encourage your advanced ESL students to develop their speaking skills and tap their interest in our rapidly changing world? Create compelling classroom assignments that respect their intelligence, engage their curiosity, and model great speaking skills. Let your students be hunters, gathers, and presenters of new information to their classmates! Adding a homework [...]
Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/' rel='bookmark' title='English Teachers Confront the Billion-Person Question'>English Teachers Confront the Billion-Person Question</a> <small>&#8220;How can rural Chinese students develop their listening and speaking...</small></li>
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>How can you encourage your advanced ESL students to develop their <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">speaking skills</a> and tap their interest in our rapidly changing world? Create compelling classroom assignments that respect their intelligence, engage their curiosity, and model great <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">speaking skills</a>. Let your students be hunters, gathers, and presenters of new information to their classmates!</p>
<p>Adding a homework assignment that requires ESL students to go the &#8220;ideas worth sharing&#8221; website at <a title="TED " href="http://ted.com">www.TED.com</a> accomplishes all these goals. For the last four years, I have asked both college and international graduate students to select a short <a title="TED.com" href="http://www.ted.com">TED.com </a>video, watch it, and prepare to share their impressions in class.  Since many students have evolving English language skills and the course is an advanced oral skills class,  they just take notes. What&#8217;s the title? Where was the lecture given? Who gave the lecture? Date? How did they open the presentation? Was their a significant quote? What sources were orally cited? How would they rate the video on a scale of 1-5? Why did they choose this <a title="TED" href="http://www.TED.com">TED </a>video? Why do they recommend we watch it too?</p>
<p>Students will often watch several<a title="TED" href="http://www.ted.com"> TED </a>videos before choosing a favorite one. This advanced ESL homework assignment seems to capture their imagination as they explore the <a title="TED" href="http://www.TED.com" target="_blank">TED</a> website. The next day, students discuss the TED video that they selected in small groups of four. Afterwards, I ask for &#8220;brave volunteers&#8221; to share their impressions &#8211; i.e., review &#8211; with the class. Usually everyone wants to present so we extend the lesson to a second class where I videotape all the presentations. The class sessions are always illuminating, engaging, and surprising as I learn more about students, their interests, our evolving world, and their English language <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">speaking skills</a>.  This democratic <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">speaking skills</a> activity creates an atmosphere where &#8220;everybody is a student,  and everybody is a teacher.&#8221;  Result: the entire class creates compelling classroom conversations!</p>
<p>As the old American cereal commercial used to say, &#8220;try it &#8211; you&#8217;ll like it&#8221; &#8211; at least with more advanced English students!</p>
<p>For ESL teachers who want a more formal assignment, you can also use this <a title="this more detailed worksheet" href="http://www.compellingconversations.com/worksheets/ted-video-summary-and-commentary.pdf">more detailed worksheet. </a></p>
<p><a title="TED worksheet #2" href="http://www.compellingconversations.com/worksheets/ted-video-summary-and-commentary.pdf">http://www.compellingconversations.com/worksheets/ted-video-summary-and-commentary.pdf</a></p>
<p>Ask more. Know more. Share more.</p>
<p>Create <a title="Compelling Conversations" href="http://www.CompellingConversations.com">Compelling Conversations</a>.</p>
<p>Visit<a title="Compelling Conversations" href="http://www.CompellingConversations.com"> www.CompellingConversations.com </a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a class="a2a_dd a2a_target addtoany_share_save" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save#url=http%3A%2F%2Fcompellingconversations.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F06%2F08%2Fstudents-review-ted-com-videos%2F&amp;title=Ask%20Your%20English%20Students%20to%20Review%20TED.Com%20videos%20%26%238211%3B%20and%20Create%20Compelling%20Conversations" id="wpa2a_4"><img src="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/add-to-any/share_save_256_24.png" width="256" height="24" alt="Share"/></a></p><p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/' rel='bookmark' title='English Teachers Confront the Billion-Person Question'>English Teachers Confront the Billion-Person Question</a> <small>&#8220;How can rural Chinese students develop their listening and speaking...</small></li>
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		<slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>English Teachers Confront the Billion-Person Question</title>
		<link>http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/</link>
		<comments>http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 Jun 2011 11:34:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Eric</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Compelling Conversations]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Teaching English in China]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://compellingconversations.com/blog/?p=471</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#8220;How can rural Chinese students develop their listening and speaking skills with very limited opportunities to speak with actual native speakers in person?&#8221; This question remains the billion person question! English language learners across Asia – in China, Thailand, and Vietnam – and the entire globe – confront this profound problem. As somebody who has [...]
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&#8220;How can rural Chinese students develop their listening and <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">speaking skills</a> with very limited opportunities to speak with actual native speakers in person?&#8221;</p>
<p>This question remains the billion person question! <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">English language learners</a> across Asia – in China, Thailand, and Vietnam – and the entire globe – confront this profound problem. As somebody who has only taught English for a limited time in a developing Asian country and has never had the pleasure of teaching English in China, I have to admit that I am not completely sure. I will, however, try to answer to the best of my ability.</p>
<p>Clearly, this challenging question illuminates both the deep desire of many Chinese to speak with native speakers &#8211; and often hope to sound like native speakers. At the same time, many experienced EFL teachers and linguists often emphasize that students need  &#8220;realistic expectations&#8221;  for themselves, and <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">English language learners</a> don&#8217;t need to sound like native speakers to speak with native speakers. The rarity of native speakers may also indicate some official ambivalence about closing societies opening up. The good news, of course, remains that advanced technology, provides dozens of options that simply didn&#8217;t exist 50 years ago for English language students.</p>
<p>As <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">English teachers</a> working in China are keenly aware, China remains a relatively closed society where officials maintain a strict censorship policy. Surveys often place China among the ten least internet friendly nations. In this context, it&#8217;s almost impossible to disassociate English from some broader cultural associations and ambitions.  A few older Chinese officials may even still view the presence of native English speakers with some suspicion in more remote, backward rural areas.</p>
<p>Yet during both the successful Beijing Olympics and Shanghai World Expo, the  national Chinese government strongly promoted the study of conversational English so more Chinese could help international tourists feel comfortable in China. The exponential growth of English, as the lingua franca of the business world, across the major cities of China has been amazing in the last decade. The Chinese government has clearly endorsed the widespread learning of English among children and adults in both urban and rural areas. The opportunity, however, to actually hold conversations in English often remains limited.</p>
<p>So what is to be done? We can&#8217;t let the ideal become the enemy of the good. <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">English language learners</a> have many choices today to hear excellent examples of English spoken. Students can listen to podcasts and available quality English language radio programs, speak English on Skype with English tutors, and watch hundreds of fine American, British, and Australian films. Many of my Chinese students tell me that they joined conversation programs like English Corner to practice simple conversation, and some language schools have afterschool English clubs. Bolder students might try forming friendships with native-English speakers on social media sites. Today a billion people who have never personally seen a <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">native English speaker</a> can still listen to the authentic voices of native-speakers in more ways than ever before… even if there&#8217;s not a single native speaker in town.</p>
<p>I also suggest EFL teachers create speaking opportunities both in class – in small groups or pairs – and consider adding speaking elements to homework assignments.  Fluency, after all, requires practice and speaking English – even to a fellow Chinese, non-native speaker – will develop their evolving English <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">speaking skills</a>. Practice may not make perfect, but it will push students to make real progress.</p>
<p>Let&#8217;s help English students get into the habit of asking and answering questions – to the best of their ability – about topics they care about in English class everyday. How? Focus on student interests. I&#8217;ve had considerable success, for instance, using <a href="http://www.compellingconversations.com/pdf/being_yourself.pdf">Being Yourself</a> from <a href="http://www.compellingconversations.com/">Compelling Conversations</a> with intermediate and advanced students because so many students find themselves fascinating.</p>
<p>Bottomline: adding short, meaningful conversation exercises to every English class should help EFL students gain the confidence and experience they need to hold real conversations. English students may not have a chance to speak with a native speaker today, but we can help make sure they can create a real conversation when they talk with native speakers tomorrow… or the year after tomorrow.</p>
<p>Yet I&#8217;m confronting this <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">billion-person question</a> from the perspective of an American college professor who has taught dozens of Chinese students at an elite university. What advice do other <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">English teachers</a>, especially teachers who have taught in rural, relatively isolated areas with few native speakers, have? Are there some low-tech solutions that I&#8217;ve overlooked?  How would you answer this <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">billion-person question</a>?</p>
<p>Ask more. Know more. Share more. Speak more.</p>
<p>Create <a href="http://www.compellingconversations.com/">Compelling Conversations</a>.</p>
<p>Visit <a href="http://www.compellingconversations.com/">www.CompellingConversations.com</a></p>
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		<title>Fluency Requires Practice</title>
		<link>http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/02/07/fluency-requires-practice/</link>
		<comments>http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/02/07/fluency-requires-practice/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 2011 07:05:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Eric Roth</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[&#8220;To know and not do is to not know.&#8221; The Talmud Fluency requires practice. Our students also know that speaking English can be both satisfying and stressful. Therefore, we require speaking activities in class &#8211; and strongly suggest ways to speak more out of class. Our students want to be fluent, but they often hesitate [...]
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&#8220;To know and not do is to not know.&#8221; The Talmud</p>
<p>Fluency requires practice. Our students also know that speaking English can be both satisfying and stressful. Therefore, we require speaking activities in class &#8211; and strongly suggest ways to speak more out of class. Our students want to be fluent, but they often hesitate to practice their <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">speaking skills</a>. Many students do not want to risk making mistakes, being misunderstood, and feeling awkward. Some prefer to silently take notes, and speak as little as possible in their English classes. We have all probably faced this situation. </p>
<p>Yet, as far as I know, there is no magical shortcut to fluency except practice. Our English students must practice speaking &#8211; in pairs and in small groups &#8211; even if it feels awkward. &#8220;Practice makes perfect&#8221; goes a popular proverb. Although perfection seems like a dubious ideal, practice certainly makes progress. And our students want to make meaningful progress in their <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">speaking skills</a> and gain greater fluency. </p>
<p>That&#8217;s why creating a comfortable class atmosphere remains essential. One effective way to reduce grade anxiety or classroom stress is to clearly emphasize that some activities will focus more on fluency&#8221; and other speaking activities will focus more on &#8220;accuracy&#8221;. For instance, including one casual fluency activity per class helps students simply exchange ideas and engage in low risk, safe communication between themselves. </p>
<p>Speaking exercises can be added across the ESL curriculum. You can often drop a short communicative exercise even in acadenuc writing classes. Fluency, after all, requires practice. Casual, ungraded classroom conversations also increase student confidence and create a more lively ESL classroom.  </p>
<p>Asking students to reflect and share their experiences as an English learner can often lead to fascinating conversations and compelling essays. Here&#8217;s a favorite fluency activity called <a href="http://www.compellingconversations.com/pdf/studying_english.pdf">Learning English</a> that I&#8217;ve used with both intermediate and advanced ESL students in both oral skills and writing classes. When I taught advanced ESL at Santa Monica Community College, I often used <a href="http://www.compellingconversations.com/pdf/studying_english.pdf">Learning English</a> to introduce their first essay. Students often responded with enthusiasm. Perhaps your English students will too. </p>
<p>Ask more. Know more. Share more.<br />
Create <a href="http://www.CompellingConversations.com">Compelling Conversations</a>. </p>
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		<title>Conversation Tip #9: Ask Clarifying Questions!</title>
		<link>http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2010/09/20/conversation-tip-9-clarifying-questions/</link>
		<comments>http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2010/09/20/conversation-tip-9-clarifying-questions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 06:28:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Eric Roth</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Conversation Tips]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[What is a clarifying question? What do you mean? Can you be more specific? Can you give us some examples? What do you exactly mean? Sometimes our English students need help asking questions, especially critical questions that allow them to clarify concepts and better participate in conversations. One crucial skill that needs to be explicitly [...]
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What is a clarifying question? What do you mean? Can you be more specific? Can you give us some examples? What do you exactly mean? </p>
<p>Sometimes our English students need help asking questions, especially critical questions that allow them to clarify concepts and better participate in conversations. One crucial skill that needs to be explicitly taught &#8211; after being informally modeled in class discussions &#8211; is asking for clarification. In fact, I consider the ability to ask appropriate follow-up questions a vital life skill. </p>
<p>Here are some simple questions that students can, and often should, ask to collect more information. I often encourage students to make a general statement or bold claim, and support their opinion with some reason.  Proverbs and advertising slogans are great for this purpose. </p>
<p>Sunshine promises happiness.<br />
Just do it.<br />
Laugh and be well.<br />
Bad luck can&#8217;t last forever.<br />
You create your own luck.<br />
Be bold. </p>
<p>Yet these absolute statements require qualification and clarification, especially in the context of an academic discussion or intense conversation. Therefore, it&#8217;s natural to ask some practical clarifying questions in a friendly, open-minded way. </p>
<p>Here are some useful examples of common clarification questions:<br />
What does that mean?<br />
Can you be more specific?<br />
Why do you think that?<br />
How did you reach that conclusion?<br />
Can you share some examples?<br />
To what extent, does that saying apply here?<br />
What do you really mean?<br />
Can you clarify that for me?<br />
How does that statement apply to&#8230;.?<br />
Can you spin that concept out for us?<br />
What are the implications of that statement?<br />
What are you implying? </p>
<p>We can also ask questions to confirm information or paraphrase.<br />
Are you saying that&#8230;.<br />
Are you claiming&#8230;.<br />
Do you mean &#8230;.<br />
So you are saying&#8230;<br />
Do you want me to&#8230;</p>
<p>This simple exercise is also quite helpful when teaching hedging language and formal definitions to add precision.  Since I primary teach graduate students who must participate in classroom discussions and answer questions after giving presentations, I consider this ability a vital skill for intermediate and advanced <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">English language learners</a>. </p>
<p>How do you clarify information? What questions do you ask as follow-up questions when you feel confused? What questions do you teach your students to use to collect more details or verify information? Why? </p>
<p>Ask more. Know more. Share more.<br />
Create <a href="http://www.CompellingConversations.com">Compelling Conversations</a>.<br />
Visit <a href="http://www.CompellingConversations.com">www.CompellingConversations.com</a> . </p>
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		<title>CATESOL Accepts Presentation on Informational Interviews</title>
		<link>http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2010/01/19/catesol-accepts-presentation-informational-interviews/</link>
		<comments>http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2010/01/19/catesol-accepts-presentation-informational-interviews/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 07:43:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Eric Roth</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[adult education]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://compellingconversations.com/blog/?p=368</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ "Informational Interviews: A Practical, Illuminating Speaking Assignment" will demonstrate the importance and relevance of this unusual assignment for a wide range of ESL students. Although officially listed for college/university instructors, the long assignment can be adapted for high school, IEP, vocational, and Business English classes. 
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>How can <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">English teachers</a> help adult, college, and university students expand their network of professional contacts while improving their interview skills? What practical speaking exercise includes both off-campus interviews and classroom presentations? How can ESL teachers add informational interviews to their oral skills curriculum? What are informational interviews, anyway? What makes them vital to adult <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">English language learners</a> in 2010?</p>
<p>Thanks to the selection committee of <a href="http://www.catesol2010.org/">CATESOL 2010</a> State Conference, I will have a chance to share my answers with fellow California educators in late April. &#8220;Informational Interviews: A Practical, Illuminating Speaking Assignment&#8221; will demonstrate the importance and relevance of this unusual assignment for a wide range of ESL students. Although officially listed for college/university instructors, the long assignment can be adapted for high school, IEP, vocational, and Business English classes. <a href="http://www.catesol.og">CATESOL</a> includes California teachers of English to speakers of other languages from all levels of education and many public and private institutions. </p>
<p>Naturally, I look forward to sharing the good news about information interviews, a common practice in the United States where individuals interview working professionals about potential occupations. My presentation will cover the several building block assignments that are used to prepare students to find a professional to interview, conduct a successful interview, and give a compelling trip report in class. Each step covers vital vocational and <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">speaking skills</a>. </p>
<p>Hopefully, this small professional presentation will encourage more ESL teachers to assign informational interviews and help their ESL students find satisfying jobs. Given the relatively grim outlook for jobs in California, the definition of &#8220;satisfying&#8221; might be more flexible than in the past.  Informational interviews, therefore, allow job seekers to meet working professionals in their field, collect detailed information on working conditions and professional practices, and expand their network of valuable industry contacts. Sometimes informational interviews also lead to job leads, internships, and even jobs. Practical and popular, this assignment consistently engages students and provides surprising insights. </p>
<p>More later on informational interviews. </p>
<p> Ask more. Know more. Share more.<br />
Create <a href="http://www.CompellingConversations.com">Compelling Conversations</a>.</p>
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		<title>Vietnam Embraces English Classes &#8211; and Looks for Communicative English Teachers</title>
		<link>http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2009/04/02/vietnam-embraces-english-classes-and-looks-for-communicative-english-teachers/</link>
		<comments>http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2009/04/02/vietnam-embraces-english-classes-and-looks-for-communicative-english-teachers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2009 05:36:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chimayo Press</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Good schools cultivate student curiosity, and English lessons should allow students to display their experiences and perceptions. Further, students who have been forced to take years of English class should be able to speak English - and I literally mean speak English. Conversation skills are not a bonus for excellent students; they remain an essential life skill for international students, entrepreneurs, and immigrants. Therefore, English teachers can and must allow students time and opportunity to develop their speaking skills in class. Why is this still controversial in 2009? 

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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>My recent trip to Vietnam to meet <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">English teachers</a> and lead a professional development seminar at the American-Pacific University, Vietnam lead to many wonderful moments and a few surprising conversations.</p>
<p>Teaching English in developing countries always poses challenges, and Vietnam falls into that category. Lt me share a few selective details to provide a brief introduction to education atmosphere for <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">English teachers</a> who prefer a communicative approach to grammar drill and kill tasks. Consider the gap between a traditional  teacher-centered education philosophy and modern student-centered approaches for teaching English. </p>
<p>- An English language magazine cover story proclaimed: &#8220;Let Students Ask Questions.&#8221; The two-page article presented the idea of students &#8211; even college students &#8211; asking classroom questions as an overdue reform.<br />
-Vietnam, the world&#8217;s fasting growing economy, has embarked on a rapid expansion of English language classes. The official government ministry of Education and Training has even adopted a new slogan: Friendly School; Active Students. This new slogan presumably indicates that the old approach was something else!<br />
- Several APU high school seniors, in long interviews, indicated that they were forbidden from even talking in their old public high school English classes. These same students informed me that English class in the public high school ranged between 50-70 students. Sometimes the English instructor was believed to be unable to actually speak English.  As a result, the class focused extensively on grammar and fill in the blanket tests.<br />
- A few APU students expressed gratitude that they could have actual classroom discussions because this was a new educational experience for them. &#8220;We ask questions, and the teacher responds,&#8221; laughed one senior. Imagine the possibilities! </p>
<p>These few glimpses into Vietnam&#8217;s evolving education system indicate an increasingly awareness that communication skills matter. They also confirm that students, parents, and teachers want better schools and more communicative English language classes.</p>
<p>So let me repeat two favorite themes. Good schools cultivate student curiosity, and English lessons should allow students to display their experiences and perceptions. Further, students who have been forced to take years of English class should be able to speak English &#8211; and I literally mean speak English. Conversation skills are not a bonus for excellent students; they remain an essential life skill for international students, entrepreneurs, and immigrants. Therefore, <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">English teachers</a> can and must allow students time and opportunity to develop their <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">speaking skills</a> in class. Why is this still controversial in 2009? </p>
<p>Ask more. Know more. Share more. Speak more.<br />
Create <a href="http://www.CompellingConversations.com">Compelling Conversations.</a><br />
Visit <a href="http://www.CompellingConversations.com">www.CompellingConversations.com</a></p>
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		<title>English Teaching Professional Strongly Recommends Compelling Conversations!</title>
		<link>http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2009/01/29/english-teaching-professional-strongly-recommends-compelling-conversations/</link>
		<comments>http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2009/01/29/english-teaching-professional-strongly-recommends-compelling-conversations/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:48:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chimayo Press</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA["In sum, <em>Compelling Conversations</em> is a recommended resource for teachers who want to make their conversation classes more learner-centered," wrote reviewer Hall Houston. "It should be especially appealing to those who who to escape the confines of the Presentation-Practice-Production approach and do without a formal grammatical or functional syllabus. It reflects the authors' considerable professional experience, and would be a notable addition to any English teacher's bookshelf." 
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Consider my global soul satisfied this morning!</p>
<p><strong>English Teaching Professional</strong>, a glossy magazine for ESL teachers and language school directors, gave a glowing review and strong recommendation to <em>Compelling Conversations: Questions and Quotations on Timeless Topics.</em> <strong>&#8220;In sum, <em>Compelling Conversations</em> is a recommended resource for teachers who want to make their conversation classes more learner-centered,&#8221; wrote reviewer Hall Houston. &#8220;It should be especially appealing to those who who to escape the confines of the Presentation-Practice-Production approach and do without a formal grammatical or functional syllabus. It reflects the authors&#8217; considerable professional experience, and would be a notable addition to any English teacher&#8217;s bookshelf.&#8221; </strong>The review also features a large copy of the book cover. Wow!</p>
<p>Houston also writes, &#8220;In my own teaching, I have found questions and quotations to be highly effective in promoting student discussion.&#8221; The review continues. &#8220;Questions are useful in that they require a response from the listener. Asking them also helps students master the tricky rules of the interrogative.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;Quotations are brilliant flashes of wit expressed in the shortest space possible, often just a sentence or two,&#8221; observes Houston. &#8220;The authors have compiled a formidable collection of quotations by famous people from Napoleon and Aristotle to Tom Cruise and Sylvester Stallone. Some will have the students roaring with laughter <em>&#8216;My movies were the kind they show in prisons and airplanes because nobody can leave.&#8217;</em> &#8211; Burt Reynolds), while others require careful introspection (<em>&#8216;Love is not just looking at each other; it&#8217;s looking in the same direction.&#8217;</em> &#8211; Antoine de Saint Exupery).&#8221;</p>
<p>The reviewer goes on. &#8220;The authors also add some wise proverbs here and there. My two favourites were &#8216;Recite &#8220;patience&#8221; three times and it will spare you a murder&#8217; and &#8216;When money talks, truth keeps silent&#8217;, which are from Korea and Russia.&#8221; Houston, by the way, is the author of the outstanding ESL textbook <em>The Creative Classroom: Teaching Languages Outside the Book</em>. Coming from Houston, these words are especially pleasing.</p>
<p>My co-author Toni Aberson also appreciates that Houston, an English teacher working in Luzhu, Taiwan wrote the review in a British magazine with British spellings about an English textbook published in the United States. This international element adds a special delight to a long, three column review. &#8220;I just love it!&#8221;, exclaimed Aberson. We certainly live in a wonderful time to be <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">English teachers</a>.</p>
<p>While I my copy of English Teaching Professional two days ago, the January 2009 issue has been out for at least a week. The review appears on p.44 in Issue 60. Subscribers can access the full review at <a title="ET Professional" href="http://www.ETProfessional.com" target="_blank">http://www.ETProfessional.com</a>.</p>
<p>This positive book review might help explain the recent surge of class set orders. It also helps explain the sudden collection of emails and calls from Vietnam, Russia, Italy, and Canada in the last week about Compelling Conversations and possible collaborations. The appreciation of fellow ESL professionals gives me additional confidence, joy, and popularity. Sweet!</p>
<p>Let&#8217;s enjoy our 21st century lives!</p>
<p>Ask more. Know more. Share more.<br />
Create <a href="http://www.CompellingConversations.com">Compelling Conversations</a>.<br />
Visit <a href="http://www.CompellingConversations.com">www.CompellingConversations.com<br />
</a></p>
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		<title>Looking for An ESL Book to Improve Speaking Skills?  SMDP Recommends Compelling Conversations!</title>
		<link>http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2009/01/23/looking-for-an-esl-book-to-improve-speaking-skills-smdp-recommends-compelling-conversations/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2009 04:10:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chimayo Press</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Have you been looking for a good ESL manual? If you
have, I think this is one to consider. The topics cover:
Your Life, The Civic Life, along with the everyday aspects
as dating, enjoying money, handling stress.

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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Santa Monica, California attracts artists, scholars, busboys, maids, actresses, models, sales people, mechanics, and film directors from around the world. Naturally, this upscale, coastal city provides many adult education classes, private language classes, and hosts English as a Second language workplace programs. The local newspaper, The Santa Monica Daily Press (SMDP), also covers immigration issues in great depth and publishes articles offering advice to new Americans and citizens.</p>
<p>Last week book editor SMDP Dane Robert Swanson wrote a very positive book review, in simple clear prose, directed at Santa Monica immigrants. Noting the importance of literally speaking English to achieve the American Dream, Swanson suggested immigrants practice their conversation skills and build their vocabulary using Compelling Conversations in their classrooms and in local cafes.<br />
Naturally, I&#8217;m very pleased with this long, strong book review written in a simplied English style. As an ESL writing instructor, however, I wish the reviewer had used more transitions between paragraphs to add greater cohesion.  English students can read more than simple sentences when collecting information on new books. Still, Swanson&#8217;s instincts to write short sentences is spot-on for local immigrants. Consider me grateful and pleased! </p>
<p>Here, without editing, is the entire July 16 book review.</p>
<p>Visit us online at smdp.com FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2009 9<br />
Call us today at (310) 458-7737<br />
B Y D A N E R O B E R T S W A N S O N<br />
BOOKREVIEW<br />
‘Compelling<br />
Conversations’<br />
Eric H. Roth and Toni Aberson<br />
Chimayo Press</p>
<p>America is a great land of opportunity. I am sure we<br />
all want to get ahead in this country. We want to find the<br />
type of employment that is suited for us. We wish to<br />
advance in the work world. We wish to make friends.</p>
<p>The best way to get ahead in the world is to speak the<br />
mother tongue of the country you are living in. In this<br />
case, we are talking about English. With so many<br />
“English as a Second Language” courses being taught<br />
there is no excuse for not learning. The problem is, what<br />
book do you use to learn from?</p>
<p>Have you been looking for a good ESL manual? If you<br />
have, I think this is one to consider. The topics cover:<br />
Your Life, The Civic Life, along with the everyday aspects<br />
as dating, enjoying money, handling stress.</p>
<p>The editors put it together in an easy to use form. You<br />
have conversation starters such as, “How much time do<br />
you spend each week in cars? Why?”</p>
<p>There is a section in each chapter for vocabulary<br />
building. A section on common sayings is included, as<br />
well. To increase the conversation we have such questions<br />
as this: “Do you prefer to drive in the city or the<br />
country? Flat or hills?”</p>
<p>Each chapter in the book concludes with quotations.<br />
An example is this one by Woody Allen, “I have bad<br />
reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by<br />
two guys.”</p>
<p>This manual helps conversation by giving common<br />
subjects to talk about. Since English is one of the confusing,<br />
difficult and strange languages for a foreigner to<br />
grasp and be comfortable conversing in, the compilers<br />
pack in 45 chapters over 30 questions, 10 or more targeted<br />
vocabulary words, some proverbs, and quotations<br />
per chapter.</p>
<p>Each chapter focuses on a promising conversation<br />
topic. They start with easy questions and continue on to<br />
questions a bit more abstract. Each question is there to<br />
allow the speaker to share his life experiences along with<br />
his insights.</p>
<p>This manual will go best with the advanced ESL student<br />
or even at coffee shop conversation clubs. It will<br />
bring about authentic, not stilted communication, which<br />
should be the purpose of an ESL course. It is easier for a<br />
person to learn a language through conversation rather<br />
than by a given list of vocabulary words. That is what<br />
makes this a welcome addition to the material which can<br />
be used for the immigrant who must learn English to<br />
advance in the world.</p>
<p>    Eric H. Roth has taught many ESL courses at Santa<br />
Monica College, UCLA Extension, Cal State Long Beach’s<br />
American Language Institute. Toni Aberson has taught<br />
English and supervised teachers for over 35 years and<br />
holds to the view that when you have a lively classroom<br />
you have optimal learning going on.</p>
<p>    This manual is available at Amazon.com. It can also be<br />
purchased on the Web site: <a href="http://www.CompellingConversations.com">www.CompellingCoversations.com</a>.<br />
There is a substantial discount available for schools and bookstores.</p>
<p>DANE ROBERT SWANSON is the best looking book reviewer in Santa Monica and wishes to get feedback from you.<br />
Smdp_review@yahoo.com.<br />
&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</p>
<p>Thank you Dane, for the wonderful review.<br />
&#8220;Gratitude is the memory of the heart.&#8221; French proverb</p>
<p>Ask more. Know more. Share more.<br />
Create <a href="http://www.CompellingConversations.com">Compelling Conversations.</a><br />
Visit <a href="http://www.CompellingConversations.com">www.CompellingConversations.com</a> </p>
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		<title>Tutoring English Students on Speaking Skills? Set Clear Expectations!</title>
		<link>http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2009/01/18/tutoring-english-students-on-speaking-skills-set-clear-expectations/</link>
		<comments>http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2009/01/18/tutoring-english-students-on-speaking-skills-set-clear-expectations/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2009 02:46:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chimayo Press</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ESL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA["All's well that ends well"]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[I strongly suggest you establish clear expectations about both content and business matters. Some tutors even present a written contract outlining their rates, the location and times of meetings, and payment policies. One of my university colleagues makes students sign a form allowing her to videotape the entire tutoring session for her research. Another demands prepayment for packages of 10 sessions at a time. I've never been that formal, but I have also never been burned the way some tutors have been. In fact, I've had only very positive experiences with clients. 
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Are you tutoring English students on <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">speaking skills</a>? How do you effectively teach <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">speaking skills</a> to a private English language learner?  What will you actually do for 60-120 minutes together? How will you make the conversation lessons meaningful enough that your client feels satisfied and wants to retain you for future lessons?</p>
<p>Speaking English means being able to actually holding clear, comfortable conversations. Yet holding a conversation in English remains a challenging task for many ESL and EFL students. Personally, I blame an old-fashioned, grammar-obsessed curriculum for creating the common situation where students can recite obscure grammar rules, but can’t discuss their weekend plans or talk about the movies. Yet here we are. Students want to develop their <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">speaking skills</a>, but crowded English classes provide little opportunity for authentic conversations. Therefore, many English students hire English tutors to help them develop their conversation and <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">speaking skills</a>. </p>
<p>Yet effectively tutoring English students in conversation can be more difficult than it sounds. What does the student want to learn? What will you really teach? How will progress be measured? While sometimes younger students just want to talk and be heard, I have traditionally worked older, more serious students. Time is money, and money matters. </p>
<p>I strongly suggest you establish clear expectations about both content and business matters. Some tutors even present a written contract outlining their rates, the location and times of meetings, and payment policies. One of my university colleagues makes students sign a form allowing her to videotape the entire tutoring session for her research. Another demands prepayment for packages of 10 sessions at a time. I&#8217;ve never been that formal, but I have also never been burned the way some tutors have been. In fact, I&#8217;ve had only very positive experiences with conversation clients. </p>
<p>Why? Perhaps luck; perhaps because I carefully screen potential clients. I only work with professionals, graduate students, and/or friends and spouses of friends with a solid foundation in English. Be explicit about what you want and don&#8217;t want to teach a client. Be prepared to provide options for potential clients that you reject. </p>
<p>I also set very clear expectations. This process eliminates potential confusion and establishes clear benchmarks. We will review X number of articles and discuss Y number of topics during the next month or semester. We will cover a significant amount of ground in a comfortable, relaxed manner. </p>
<p>For students who want to improve their conversation, I strongly suggest that you select the topic and materials in advance. You can use newspapers and/or magazines to find appropriate articles to begin the conversation. I used to assign the articles a week ahead and give English students my conversation worksheets. </p>
<p>Partly as a result of these tutoring lessons over a few years, I wrote Compelling Conversations: Questions and Quotations on Timeless Topics. The conversation book includes 45 chapters with over 1400 questions, 500 quotations, and 450 targeted vocabulary words. The combination of poignant questions, vocabulary lists, proverbs, and witty quotations makes your job much easier. Each chapter is self-contained.<br />
If you have a weaker student looking to improve their <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">speaking skills</a>, then I would advise using a picture dictionary. There are several fine choices. You might use the Oxford Picture Dictionary to open conversations, and I would be tempted to ask the client to bring in photographs and ads each week. Confession: I almost always referred weaker students to other English tutors who enjoyed working with lower level ESL students.</p>
<p>Naturally, you will need patience tutoring ESL clients on <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">speaking skills</a>. Be prepared to repeat words, listen very carefully, and remind students to pronounce word endings. Many students will want to work on their pronunciation. Recording your tutoring lessons can be quite helpful for students.<br />
You can also ask/assign them listening activities on the web. I like Voice of America&#8217;s Special English programs for intermediate and advanced students. You will have to direct lower levels to websites to practice their listening and <a href="http://compellingconversations.com/blog/2011/06/05/english-teachers-confront-billion-person-question/">speaking skills</a> with drills. They will love the work; you might go mad repeating vowel sounds and noting stress words.</p>
<p>Finally, the key to tutoring ESL students &#8211; or anyone else &#8211; remains respecting the student, meeting their needs, and providing a solid structure for your lessons. I have found that using a set text, developing a known routine, and combining conversation, vocabulary and some writing skills makes for a successful and satisfying experience.</p>
<p>As William Shakespeare noted four centuries ago, &#8220;All&#8217;s well that ends well&#8221;. Therefore, you should also have the grace to know when to end your lessons. Some clients will want to keep working with you. Yet you remain the tutor. Therefore, set a clear goal for your package of lessons, and conclude when the students have reached that goal. As the Hollywood cliché goes, “leave them wanting more.” </p>
<p>What are your plans and goals for tutoring English students this year?</p>
<p>Ask more. Know more. Share more.<br />
Create <a href="http://www.CompellingConversations.com">Compelling Conversations</a>.<br />
Visit <a href="http://www.CompellingConversations.com">www.CompellingConversations.com</a> today! </p>
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