Teacher Amber P's Page

Free Conversation discussions are one of the best ways to improve fluency. Basically, the more you practice speaking and the more topics you practice speaking about, the more fluent you will become. I provide a topic and some questions in advance so that you have time to think about the topic before our session. For many students, having their ideas clearly in mind helps to the speak more easily. As you speak, I will note any needed pronunciation or grammar improvements for us to work on together. I will also teach your more natural phrasing and expressions so that you will sound more like a native speaker.

Before I became a teacher, I worked for 17 years as a business manager. The language we use in a business setting has a big impact on the impression we make. Communication also involves more than just words, and what is appropriate in a business setting also depends on culture. Understanding and mastering these skills can help you to be successful in your career. My background in the western business world give me the tools to help you succeed!

Often when learning a new language, we develop much of our vocabulary from books and dictionaries. While this vocabulary is very useful, native speakers use hundreds of phrases and idioms in every day speech that are not often found in written form. When a non-native speaker uses English idioms and expressions correctly, it signals to the listener that they are comfortable with the language. As we work on these together you will begin to sound more like a native speaker and increase your listening comprehension in conversation.

Each language requires us to use different mouth mechanics - the way we use our tongue, lips, teeth, and throat to produce sound. Some sounds that are commonly used in English might never be used in your native language. For that reason, clear and accurate English pronunciation involves training the muscles in your mouth and face differently. Just like any other muscle in the body, the more you train your mouth muscles, the stronger and more capable they will become. This is an area of language that I find fascinating and fun and I would love to share with you tips and tricks that will help you in this area.

Even with a high level of knowledge of the English language, the impression that we make is largely affected by whether we use language that is appropriate to the situation. Language that is correct but inappropriate can result in seeming rude or awkward. These situational differences are challenging to grasp in another language and culture, but I can help you master it! Let's practice together!

Some of the most powerful people in human history achieved that power, at least in part, by being excellent public speakers. However, in some studies, public speaking is listed among people's greatest fears even when delivered in their native language. I have been a student of public speaking for over 20 years. In that time, I have delivered presentations to audiences of hundreds of listeners. Starting in 2018 I began teaching the art of public speaking and have worked with over 100 students. Some who had never given a presentation in front of an audience were initially terrified at the thought of it. But by the time they graduated they were all capable of giving a confident, clearly organized, and dynamic 15-minute presentation. I would be delighted to help you to develop your skills as a public speaker!

As a manager in a large, luxury salon and spa for 17 years I was responsible for hiring and training customer service specialists. Having interviewed hundreds of candidates I am confident that I can help you to avoid interview pitfalls and go to your interview confident of making a great impression!

After learning a Southeast Asian language for 4 years I moved to a country where the language was spoken. I thought I knew the language quite well, but I quickly found that I struggled to understand everyday conversations. Why? Because although I had learned a lot of grammar and vocabulary, I had not learned small talk! Small talk is different than the language that we learn in books and schools but is important to developing relationships. I can help you learn it. Let's practice together!

Do you get nervous when you take a test? You are not alone! The best way to calm your nerves is to be well prepared. For 3 years I helped students in Southeast Asia prepare for the IELTS Speaking exam, and I can help you too! Although there is no way to know in advance exactly what will be asked on your exam, as we practice together, I will give you tips and tricks that will help you to go into your test knowing what to expect and with full confidence that you will give your best answers!