What Do You Need?

This is one of my favourite questions.

I ask it out loud, but I also listen for this answer in people’s words, intonation – and especially in what they are not saying.?

What Do You Need?

I ask this question in my discovery call for my English coaching holidays in a less direct way.

'What would be a great result for you spending a week here with me?’?

This question helps the person realise what they really want, and manage expectations/goals.

You may want perfect English but that’s not something achieved in a week.

A good result could be to stop feeling paranoid about making mistakes; to find the courage to lean in and trust your voice in English;? to turn it from being ‘for work’ into ‘for me.’

My conversation holidays are powerful in their ability to unlock a lifetime of loving English. Truly transformational.

What Do You Need?

These 4 words underpin my English Needs Analysis, a dry name for a process that looks into your heart to see how you feel about English.?

My English Needs Analysis is a process to help you discover and articulate any fears, weaknesses or mindset hangups about language learning, to determine which style of online teaching (and which teacher) will help you reach your goals with ease.?

Different learning methods suit different minds.

If it feels like you are swimming upstream, it’s time to change method.

I truly believe there’s a way to feel great about English for everyone, we just need to find the recipe.?

Struggling with English

In both my Needs Analysis and my holidays, people worry I’m going to be offended when they confess that they hate speaking English.

Instead, I rub my hands together in anticipation...?

These are the people whose lives I can change.?

These are the people I’m here on this planet to help!

Because Life Isn't Perfect

A few of you know that I occasionally work at a local restaurant. I began to take financial pressure off my business and subsequently realised that it was a great way to gain perspective ON my business.?

I like being part of a team which works hard to give a great, friendly service.?

For 4 hours we charge around loaded with great food and delicious world wines and coordinate a seamless dining experience that relies on each of us being aware of what the other is doing.?

Last night I was showing a couple to their table when the girl began apologising that she was going to be a ‘difficult customer,’ and that I was going to find her ‘crazy’.?

'What’s up?' I asked.

She said she was fighting OCD and this was her first time out in a long time.?

'What do you need to feel comfy here?' I asked. 'How can I help you enjoy your meal?'

Her answers were unusual but not impossible, and I could quickly assure her I would make them happen. We moved on to talking about other things.

‘What do you need?’ saved her from having to explain her struggles with a stranger, and in front of her partner (something she seemed resigned to need to do). ?

What Do I Need??

‘What do you need? was asked of me recently.?

I have found myself within a small, big-hearted support group of women working in local well-being/ethical businesses.

We’re still working out which form the group can take (and what to call it), but I dropped quick a message into the WhatsApp group when I was struggling earlier this week.

I was writing a blog about Scottish Wildlife Crime after finding an injured golden eagle.

I felt out of my depth and was privately battling with how outspoken I dared be.?

‘What do you need from us?' The group quickly asked.?

I paused, not quite sure how to reply.

I had got what I needed already.

I'd reached out and heard unconditional, unquestioning support in response.

Links:

Online English Needs Analysis

English Conversation Holidays in Scotland

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