When I first heard the phrase, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression”, I liked how it emphasised presenting yourself well. My second thought, though, was that it sounded a little scary, as if one small mistake could define the whole experience.
A simpler phrase is, “First impressions last”. It still recognises the importance of that first meeting, but it feels less intimidating. Most relationships, especially in learning, develop over time rather than in a single moment.
This is something we think about a lot during our English lesson consultations.
Why first meetings can feel difficult
When people are nervous, they often do not represent themselves naturally. The idea that everything depends on one meeting can create unnecessary pressure.
In reality, many students coming to an English consultation feel unsure.
• They may not know their English level
• They may not know what to expect
• Some have not used English in years
Personally, I think it is better to assume everyone is a little nervous, even if they do not say so.
What our consultation is really like
At our English school, the consultation is the first real chance we get to meet a student face to face and understand their English learning background, their goals, and how they use English.
Rather than making it feel like a formal interview, Masami and I try to create a relaxed first meeting. Like most people, we naturally want to help the other person feel comfortable. Sometimes it is just a small gesture that says, “Do not worry, you can relax”. That is the atmosphere we try to create during our consultation process.
What happens during the consultation
Our English lesson consultation is designed to be simple and helpful. Usually, it includes:
• A relaxed conversation about your experience with English
• Talking about your learning goals
• Understanding how you like to study
• A short English level check • Answering any questions about lessons
It is not a difficult test. The goal is simply to understand how we can help you improve your English communication.
Many students tell us, “You are very different in person” after initially contacting us. That often happens because phone calls and emails are naturally more formal. When we meet face to face, things become much more natural.
Of course, we are still a business and formality has its place. But during the consultation, it is more important for us to understand the person behind the English learner.
Why we keep the consultation relaxed
We want to hear who the potential student really is.
• Their history with English
• Their experience learning
• What they want to achieve
• What has worked before
Most of this comes out naturally through conversation and a short English level check.
Once that happens, the ice starts to break. From there we can begin doing what we aim to do, helping students become more confident English communicators.
A consultation without pressure
In the end, the consultation works as a meeting, a short interview, and an English level assessment at the same time, but without too much pressure about first impressions. It turns out a first meeting can be productive, relaxed, and useful for both sides.
It is still okay to be a little nervous though. We are too.
*****お知らせ*****
【ご自身が英語でコミュニケーションを取れているかどうか】を知りたい方、
【ご自身の英語のコミュニケーションの改善点】を知りたい方はお問合せから
【無料英語コミュニケーション力ミニ診断】と件名にご記入いただき、ご連絡ください。
毎月先着３名様のみ受付中です！
ー オンライン英語コミュニケーションプログラム ー
【あなたの心が伝わるあなただけの英語】
英語でのコミュニケーションをあなたらしい英語で。一人一人のレベル、能力、
興味に合った教材や方法を用いたテイラーメイドの英語コミュニケーションプログラムです。
”あなたの英語”でコミュニケートしたい方は、まずは無料カウンセリングをご予約ください。
