Talking Everyday English

by

Who is English Language Services NZ really for?

Many people think this site is only for the exam ESL student. Not really. I want to help anyone who is a visitor or newcomer to New Zealand to achieve better English and use it successfully and confidently for whatever they need in New Zealand and in their own country.

My clients often tell me they don’t believe that they have ‘mastered’ English. They are sure they don’t use English as well as a native speaker. I don’t think this is important! Many native speakers do not speak perfect English! What I do think is important is your confidence in everyday situations.

Everyday English

I have received many requests for help with everyday English.

For example …

A New Zealander, a native English speaker, worked all day in the tourist industry. When she saw my brochure …

‘Maybe you can help me’. I was surprised. I thought she was a confident speaker.

‘No,’ she answered. ‘I play safe, very safe. I only use vocabulary that I can pronounce and know the meaning of. In fact, I am nervous with new people and not sure how to answer their questions. I run out of words.’

And …

An international Spanish banker who I taught three times a week. 

One lesson which was not face-to-face. Every Friday he rang me at my home. He wanted to practise his listening skills, pronunciation and conversation. We only talked about the ordinary, everyday things in our lives … the weather, food, family, holidays and our views about culture and the world news. I kept a record of his errors and we discussed these in our next face-to-face lesson.

His conversation and understanding of my colloquial expressions and wacky English humour increased. He felt more relaxed and confident of his own everyday English.

Would this work for you? Yes, absolutely.

Regardless of your culture, language or occupation, I want to help you to enjoy English and communicate more effectively.

It is really rewarding for me too!

Come and develop your conversation skills with me at English Language Services NZ.

Founder of English Language Services, Ruth Crooks

English Language Services and Ruth will help you to master Everyday English.

English at Work

by

Business English? English at Work? Do you need to improve yours?

So what is Business English for you? Wikipedia says it …

‘ … refers to the communication skills used in the workplace and focuses on the language and skills needed for typical business communication …’

I believe that Business English is about all the individual’s needs in the working world. I like to call it English at Work.

My business clients usually want to express and present themselves confidently in a challenging business situation.

For example …

The Finnish baker presenting his new baking process at an international conference.

The Swedish CEO of a supermarket chain wanting to negotiate with EU chains.

The Turkish textile magnate negotiating in China.

Chinese teachers taking part in international education conferences.

A Spanish wife hosting international dinner parties for her husband’s company.

The French graduate developing his English CV and PowerPoint presentation for an interview in Germany.

What is your goal?

When you meet a client for the first time you need to find out what their personal goal is.

I met with a group of Spanish bankers. Their English was stunning. I asked why they wanted Business English lessons. Their reply was that they didn’t. They wanted to prepare for the Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) exam. I was puzzled. They told me they felt safer in Spain having a serious English qualification. They wanted to protect their positions.

Was this Business English? Maybe. It certainly was English at Work.

We have so many different cultures working in New Zealand. We know it is important to communicate with empathy across the working global community, whatever your language or culture, in and outside of our country.

Do you want to speak more confidently in an interview or at work?  Cafe? School? Hospital? Hotel? Lawyers …. and more! I have worked in many different environments in NZ and overseas. I can help you.

Come and spend some time with me at English Language Services NZ.

Share your ideas clearly with our English at Work package.

Use your English at Work in any situation to help keep your communication with colleagues clear.

Your Personal English Plan

by

So, you contact English Language Services NZ. What now?

First, we have a free consultation, online or face to face, to find out what package you are interested in, why you need it and what you want to achieve when you are in New Zealand.

Some clients are very sure of what they need and others are not. The consultation helps me to help you decide the best package for you. The consultation also gives me a ‘snapshot’ of how you use English.

Second, I prepare a sensible plan, with a package and price, for how I think I can help you. I may suggest easy stages so your progress can be checked and the programme changed if you feel that your needs have changed.

These are some of the requests I have had …

I want to work in New Zealand. I have my work visa but I’m worried about my CV and my interview skills!

A job interview requires you to present yourself, your business skills and impress the interviewer. You might want to focus on your confidence with vocabulary, pronunciation and delivery.

Usually, I recommend starting with a three-hour sequence for English at Work. Clients usually need and want more.

Actually I really just want to practise my speaking so I can talk naturally with New Zealanders!

Everyday English sessions are different. Students usually want to improve their confidence or fluency. You decide how much time you have free to practise these skills. You decide if you want to do it formally or informally such as Walk and Talk or Coffee and Chat.

Thank you, but I need help planning my trip around New Zealand. I would love to talk to a Kiwi about what to see and do!

I also have a new package, Travel Wisely in New Zealand. This is for the traveller who wants to plan a sensible, economic, well-timed trip around the country. They need someone who knows the best routes, the special places to see and the cuisine to try.

I am here for anyone who wants to improve their English experience in New Zealand!

A capable English speaker who really wants to get that amazing job but you feel that you do not have the confidence to speak well at the interview.

A new resident who wants to feel more confident talking to New Zealanders and doing everyday activities around town.

A solo traveller who wants to travel around New Zealand and needs to discuss and plan their journey with a Kiwi who knows the culture and country really well. 

Not you? Just ask!

You tell me what you do need.

I can help you!

Check out some of my helpful links on my Facebook page.

Marine Parade, Napier. Looking out over the Bay towards Cape Kidnappers.

Marine Parade is a great place to Walk and Talk and share Everyday English.

 

Walk and Talk

by

I like to walk.  It’s a great time to have some fresh air, exercise and see what is happening. I often meet visitors from other countries.

Sometimes they are backpacking or in town for work. Usually in a cafe or along the waterfront. We stop a while to chat.  Sometimes they have a question about the area. If I see someone trying to locate their whereabouts on a map, I stop and offer my help.

A few years ago I went to live and work in Madrid.

I was quite nervous. No Spanish! Only a typical tourist idea of the country and culture; beaches, flamenco, tapas and the famous siesta.

I was so wrong! I was fascinated by the dignity and grace of the city. Not a beach to be seen. Yes, there was the famous siesta but not as I thought. It was the city’s busiest time of day. No time to sleep. After their ‘siesta’ many Madrileños continued working quite late. Much later than our traditional times of 9 to 5.

How do you adapt to a culture which is so different from your own?

You live it, breathe it and talk about it. So anytime!

I was very lucky. I found out that the Madrileños were happy to talk with an English speaker who could help them improve their conversation skills and correct them. They showed me around the city and shared their culture, language and customs. I listened and asked them questions. In exchange, they also learnt about New Zealand. They wanted to know more about a country that was so far away and why someone would leave their country and family to live in theirs. These topics became our ‘classroom material’. There was always lots to talk about!

My first Walk and Talk in Madrid was with an English beginner.

Well, actually we were both beginners. We had a hilarious afternoon walking around the city, visiting a museum and stopping to share vocabulary and write down an expression or two. It became a routine. Coffee or tapas were included as it was a way to practise. I remember being told no ice cream unless I asked for it in Spanish!

If you enjoy meeting people and sharing your culture Walk and Talk is an easy, enjoyable way to practise your new language.

If you are visiting Hawkes Bay or trying to settle into your new Kiwi culture, and want to practise your English, come and Walk and Talk with me. 

 

Walk and Talk along the Napier waterfront.

A perfect place for the Walk and Talk package is along Napier’s waterfront and through the gardens.!

Communicating in a New Culture

by

How did you begin teaching English as a Second Language?

In 2001, I left primary school teaching in New Zealand to travel and work in England and Europe. I arrived in the UK and decided to avoid London and go to Cambridge. As a teacher, I thought it was one of the best cities in the world to learn and teach. I was also keen to work in other areas, maybe business or the hospitality industry.

When I first arrived in Cambridge I lived and worked at the YHA, an international hostel where I met many people from around the world who came to see Cambridge’s amazing architecture and history. Quite a few were also hoping to stay in Cambridge and study or work.

Do not hesitate to ask for help if English is really important for your next step in your career, at home or abroad.

I was often asked by non-native speakers how they could communicate effectively in English when talking on the phone, preparing CVs, letters of application and how to respond in interviews. As I helped them I began to appreciate their cultures and languages. I realised that while many of them could express themselves ok in English they still felt unsure of their accuracy and lacked confidence, especially when it came to understanding local expressions. There was a lot of fun discussing the right and wrong way to say something!

I decided to specialise in teaching ESL. Now, after teaching English to a wide range of cultures in New Zealand, Spain and England I realise that successfully using another language is often down to your choices and experiences in that country.

Were you focused? Were you brave? Did you take risks? Did you try to step out of your comfort zone?

I have to be really honest and say that while I have visited and stayed in many countries I have not mastered another language. I feel quite sad about that, particularly after living in Spain for four years. However, it was one of the best experiences in my life and it certainly helped me to appreciate all the challenges one faces when entering a new culture.

However, I was totally stunned by the multilingual talents that many of my students had. I have tremendous respect for them. They really impressed me with their determination to succeed in their new culture.

I am most happy to share my skills with you, regardless of your challenge, culture or language.

Come and talk to me!

 

Napier's coastline looking towards Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay.

Napier is a great place to study and practise English! Choose the package that suits your lifestyle.