Join host Luke Thompson in a conversation with Rhiannon Carter, an English coach helping learners feel awesome about their English. They discuss Rhiannon's English & Welsh roots, moving to Edinburgh, studying theology at university, early experiences as an English teacher, why learners often feel ashamed of their English, and how she can help. They also chat about fish & chips and deep-fried Mars bars in Edinburgh.
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Quick takeaways
Coaching focuses more on the emotional side of language use, while teaching emphasizes language accuracy and mechanics.
Addressing perfectionist tendencies and redefining successful communication is crucial to helping learners overcome language anxiety and intrusive thoughts.
Successful communication should not solely rely on grammatical accuracy, but also consider the impact and consequence of the message conveyed.
Deep dives
The difference between teaching and coaching
Coaching is non-directive and focuses on the emotional side of language use while teaching is more focused on language accuracy and mechanics.
Helping learners overcome language anxiety
Many learners struggle with language anxiety and intrusive thoughts about their language proficiency. It is important to address perfectionist tendencies and help learners redefine what successful communication means.
The importance of context and impact in communication
Successful communication is not solely determined by grammatical accuracy, but also by the impact and consequence of the message conveyed. Accuracy is important, but it should not overshadow the overall effectiveness of the communication.
Distinguishing between language teaching and coaching
In coaching, the focus shifts from language accuracy to emotional support and overcoming psychological barriers related to language proficiency, while teaching places a greater emphasis on grammar, vocabulary, and accuracy.
Importance of starting before you're ready
One key insight discussed in the podcast is the importance of starting before you feel fully prepared or ready. The speaker gives the example of stand-up comedy where performers need to start practicing and performing long before they feel completely ready to go on stage. This idea applies to various contexts, not just comedy, and encourages individuals to embrace the possibility of making mistakes and learning from them, rather than waiting for perfection before starting.
Challenging the expectation of perfection
Another main point covered in the podcast is the pressure many English language teachers and learners put on themselves to achieve perfection in their language skills. The speaker highlights the importance of challenging this expectation and recognizing that even teachers or advanced language learners can feel a sense of shame when they don't meet their own high standards. The conversation emphasizes the need for a more realistic and forgiving approach to language learning, focusing on effective communication rather than striving for perfection.
Join me as I meet and get to know Rhiannon, an English coach whose mission is to help you feel awesome about your English. I had never met Rhiannon before this interview, so listen as I get to know her and we chat about her English & Welsh roots, moving to Edinburgh, studying theology at university, early experiences as an English teacher, why learners often feel ashamed of their English, and how she can help. We also discuss the wonders of fish & chips and deep fried Mars bars which you can buy on the streets of Edinburgh.