Sharing & Experiencing Culture Through English Conversations - Avoid Embarrasments

We enjoyed the engaging conversations during today's session on Cultural Implications and Context within Conversational English. The participants participated actively. Our new friends from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam (Sunny), who teaches English as a Foreign Language to university students and from Mendoza, Argentina (Emanuel) who likes to be a future English professor. Hosted by our American Coach, Jaiyetee, whose expertise of Coaching in the areas of Communications, Business, Linguistics and Leadership.

Our topics evolved from various aspects of conversations, its contextual meanings and cultural implications such as learning the 'Cultural Iceberg' where there are many information that we do not know and aware of when communicating with someone whom we just met, or we work with or we have been introduced. Even when we have worked together for a while, but we did not explore the cultural backgrounds of implicit culture (the things underneath of the physical view). Often times, we are experiencing more the external appearance of the culture (what we are actually seeing). Imagine the view below, looking the physical view or its panorama,but you  are not sure how deep is the water and what exists under the surface of the water. That is how the implicit culture looks like - you cannot know it until you explore and discover more through a personal immersion. In the photo, you need to dive into the water and see what you can immerse yourself to understand what is in there.

We shared our ideas, views, perspectives and talked about;

1. Perceptions versus realities

2. Verbal communications and its implications and correct usage

3. Non-verbal communications and their unknown meanings

4. Meaning of words and phrases in different countries

5. Cultural meanings of greeting someone at a particular country in context

6. Giving gifts to a personal friend, business partner, family friends and acquaintances

7. Cultural Immersion and Experiences

In order to experience the real scenario and learn the cultural contexts of phrases, words, expressions, actions and avoid embarrassments during conversations in English, we need to learn what these mean in other cultures. Cultural Meanings and their relevance to the speaker / recipient of the information is important. We make sure that what we say will not be  offensive. Must demonstrate cultural competence, be articulate, and confident in an engaging conversation to be achieve great experience. 

When interested to participate in any future English Conversations via Skype please send your interest via email: info@ideasnconversations with your skype ID, and we will include you in the future events. You can invite your friends to participate with you to learn together. If you have specific topic that you would like to learn more, just email us with your suggested topic and we will consider for future topic agenda. 

Thank you to all our participants. Until the next session. 

Participating in Conversations Bridges New Learning and Winning Friends

Today's ability to engage in conversation via various technological platforms offer us many options in learning through conversations, practice as well as doing business internationally.

We like to engage in conversations with you and learn from each other. Join us in our regular sessions with various topics to discuss.  If you have specific topic that you would like to discuss, please let us know. We welcome the opportunity to learn about your interests so we can keep the conversations going and lively. 

How to participate?

Register via Skype ID: ideasnconversations Code: PKSkype or send an email with the Code PKSkype at the subject line or send a topic for discussion

Our goal in every session is learning new insights, information from others, ideas that will make each others become better. This is open to all, you don't need to speak English well in order to participate. We facilitate the practice of English Speaking Conversationally as well. 

For additional information, please call +1 (650) 241-3207. Your comments will be appreciated always.

Adequate English Vocabulary Sets You to enjoy Meaningful Conversations

Learn the easy way in developing the reservoir of vocabulary that you can use both in your day-to-day activities, in your work or in any personal setting.

Ideas N Conversations holds classes in your neighborhoods. Select the nearest location from the map below which blue star indicates the location of classes. 

Call us at +1 (650) 241-3207 to reserve your seat. All classes are limited in seating to maximize learning impact to everyone. Your learning during the class are usable immediately at your own environment.

To learn about other classes, please click  "Our 2013 Classes & Programs for Your Learning Convenience" 

Avoid being auto-deleted:

When you email us with your inquiries, please avoid going to a 'Spam box and be auto-deleted'. We suggest that please provide the following information, then our Coach will give you a call or reply to your inquiry.

1. Name:

2. Telephone:

3. Email Address:

4. Zip Code

We like to hear from you or from your friends who may be interested to participate in any of the classes that we conduct.

Learning Benefits through Skype Conversations across Cultures

It is a fascinating experience among individuals who take time in sharing their thoughts, ideas and experiences with others. Particularly when eliciting new learning, challenges and techniques in furthering higher level of proficiency or gaining competency in Conversational English.

Conversational English requires competency or at least an intermediate level of speaking proficiency to demonstrate topical knowledge, varied ideas, grasp of culture, multi-cultural expressions, slangs, and idioms used by speakers, as well as recognition of the locale where one is using the English language.

Recently, individuals converged through a Skype Conversational English Session - FRSKYPE, who were attracted in the subject focus 'Conversational English Session'. The session was attended by enthusiastic new friends; Jesus, who is based in Colombia, South America and a senior university student, intending of becoming an ESL Teacher in the future. Bere, who is from Mexico, only two weeks old new resident in Bay Area, California and is learning Conversational English. Sunitha, an engineer by profession from India, living in Bay Area California, and acquiring proficiency in Conversational English. The session was hosted by Jaytee, the resident expert, linguistics and business coach of Ideas N Conversations.  

The group had a great exchange of ideas, have met new friends from other locations, and learned from different perspectives, shared experiences, and challenges. Learning took place pertaining to philosophical insights regarding how we perceived others when they were/are speaking, and how we were/are perceived by others and or our listeners when one was/is speaking.

The group shared a common idea that English is a means of communicating with others who speak English, living in English speaking countries, and working in globally operating organizations that use English as their business language. 

It was shared in the forum, that to be conversationally efficient in English, one must have a linguistic ear, and linguistic competency in order to understand the sounds, words, phrases, expressions, and contextual meanings that English speakers use. 

Each participant shared some challenges in demonstrating competency or at least proficiency. Each shared different experiences where their known proficiency  was not enough to sustain the conversations across listeners and audience to be a meaningful experience.

Insights and strategic options were shared by the Host, regarding ways to learn effective Competency in Conversational English. How language are used across locations and speakers with cultural implications. How the English language was taught in other countries, and what makes up the unit of an English speakers and their community. 

The group intends to meet again and discuss other topics that will enhance additional learning which are relevant to Conversational English and related matters.

Ideas N Conversations intends to hold other sessions that will increase knowledge and facilitate learning among participants. 

Interested individuals who likes to participate in the succeeding sessions, please check back here about the next schedule. Or you can email your interest to: info@ideasnconversations.com and we will add you to the future attendees list.

Your comments are appreciated as always. Share it to us so we can learn from each other. 

English Competency is required to become a Lawful US Resident then Earn US Citizenship

Speaking the English language and competency of US Civics are requirements to earn Lawful US Permanent Residency and US Citizenship per the proposed Reform of the  Comprehensive US Immigration Laws announced by President Barack Obama when he spoke last January 29, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

The following clause appeared in the Fact Sheet of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform where it stated the language requirement for anyone who will decide to become a Lawful US Resident:

"Create strict requirements to qualify for lawful permanent resident status.  Those applying for green cards must learn English and U.S. civics.  As under current law, five years after receiving a green card, individuals will be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship like every other legal permanent resident." 

What this means to Non-English Speaking Individual?  

For those individuals who like to go and live in United States, whether to work or join their family members who lawfully earned their US Residency and or Citizenship; one thing is very important. Demonstrate speaking proficiency and communicate with competence in English. 

Other countries such as Australia, Canada and United Kingdom require English Proficiency for those who go and work there including those who will immigrate to live there. 

Another important piece of the Proposed Immigration Reform is the inclusion of Family Members;

"Keep Families Together. The proposal seeks to eliminate existing backlogs in the family-sponsored immigration system by recapturing unused visas and temporarily increasing annual visa numbers.  The proposal also raises existing annual country caps from 7 percent to 15 percent for the family-sponsored immigration system.   It also treats same-sex families as families by giving U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents the ability to seek a visa on the basis of a permanent relationship with a same-sex partner. The proposal also revises current unlawful presence bars and provides broader discretion to waive bars in cases of hardship."

What this means to Non-English Speakers with Family living in the United States? 

Demonstrate speaking proficiency and communicate with competence in English. 

Many US organizations sponsor Employment Visas for qualified Specialty Occupation, filled by foreigners with special education and technical expertise. Entrepreneurs, Graduate or College Students in US Universities and other specialized field qualify to reunite with their family living abroad under the New Immigration Reform. 

Each family member (spouses and children) who will join a Lawful US Resident in the United States must demonstrate competencies in speaking or communicating in English (verbal or non-verbal). It will be convenient to integrate in the American society when one demonstrates acceptable proficiency level in the English language.

For anyone who is already living in the United States but do nor demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency in speaking, writing, reading and comprehension. Take time to learn and invest time for dedicated English learning. There are many options and techniques to learn English cheaply. Many schools and tutors provide cheap learning experience to those who like to learn the basics of English. 

For individuals who like to get better opportunities, advancement in career and personal life, demonstrate better capabilities, competencies, excellent proficiency in conversational English, communicating effectively in English whether in business or personal setting. They  hire the services of experienced professional to coach them. 

About Your Coach:

Your coach will give adequate learning experiences to improve one's current problems. Learners will be guided on how to transform their difficulties and frustrations in conversational communication, written and verbal, presenting meaningful ideas, leading teams, convey messages to their peers and become effective communicator, team leaders and affective in their decision making as business men and women. The Coach is Learner's Guide and Advocate who will help resolve current difficulties through exercises and workshops.  Your Coach will provide you additional knowledge to develop competencies that will help you progress in career or personal life. 

 Here are Ten Basic Pointers to Learn English:

1. Begin with self-driven activities in learning English, if you need assistance hire a Coach or go to a Class

2. Learn to recognize and develop the ability to read English alphabets, words and phrases

3. Learn the correct way of enunciating English sounds, syllables, words and phrases

4. Learn adequate supply of English vocabulary to create meaningful phrases

5. Learn to say appropriate utterances in order to convey correct meaning

6. Learn to use phrases, expressions and idioms correctly with their cultural implications

7. Learn to speak conversationally so that you can engage in discussing any topic, do not speak with your Mother tongue among friends and relatives

8. Learn to develop comprehension, understanding of thoughts and ideas by reading materials that were written in the English language

9. Learn about the cultural background of the English language, the community where you are living in order to communicate with them effectively, recognize the regional differences of accents and meanings

10. Learn to write in English in order to communicate affectively in writing

We like to hear about your experiences. Share us your comments at the provided field.  Thank you.

Four Essential Techniques Lead to Learning Language Competency of Global Business with Results

There are ways in improving and learning the global Business Language - the English Proficiency.  You acquire the highest level of Business English Proficiency instead of acquiring English skills. The latter is focused on measured and tactical execution of grammatically-based language use. 

While Business English, is integrated with Communication Competency and Proficiency. It illustrates the holistic understanding about the English language, cultural implications, usage of expressions and terminologies, its functions within specific utterances for a given setting in either business or personal.  IdeasN's Coaches have the competency in developing realistic Critical Thinking  abilities. By having this ability, it becomes your important differentiator as a professional or an individual. Your capabilities in influencing, creativity and effectiveness in communication will follow. We coach you from the most basic up to achieving the highest level of Proficiency that you are capable of.

The following techniques are offered as tips for anyone to self-learn the basics that will develop your confidence to eventually become better communicator. 

Four Essential Techniques in English Learning Lead to Results
1	Learn and create adequate English vocabulary supply with understanding:  Read materials that were written in English such as websites, blogs, articles, books, newspapers, journals, magazines, researches, technical essays, industry news and English dictionary with diacritical marks. By spending at least 30 minutes a day, you will learn new technical words.  An effective learning tool is to keep a small pocket booklet on your side when reading. Write every new word that you will come across. Then take a dictionary and understand the actual meaning of the word. Go back to the original material that you were reading and understand how the word was used. Every writer uses words differently depending on the setting of the material. Many use simple words, complex terminologies, idiomatic expressions or slangs that relate to the circumstances illustrated in the material.   It is essential to pay attention on how words are formed, connected, described and expanded with time and locations.  These are all important functions of words; including their arrangement. The key is to understand how they are being used. When in doubt, always seek the assistance of a Coach who can explain to you the linguistic features used.
2	Develop a 'Linguistic Ear' that is focused on distinct sounds and enunciation:  Listen carefully to different Agents of English sounds. When listening to an English speaker, train your ear to carefully listen on the distinct sounds of vowels and consonants within words. It is somehow difficult for a non-English speaker to train one’s ear to differentiate distinct sounds without the help of an experienced Language Coach or Teacher.  Besides people, other agents of sounds are devices that broadcast people’s voices speaking English language like televisions, radios, movies, YouTube videos, electronic devices and gadgets. When listening to these devices, practice to be attentive with how words are enunciated or pronounced.  Please note, that every speaker has a unique and distinct way in producing an English sound either vowel or consonant. Understanding the cultural background and its implications to speaking will be essential. Somehow, many use the English dictionary as their point of reference in learning the linguistic sounds but the speaker was enunciating it differently. Regional differences and locations of English speakers also play a role.  It is important to keep in mind that when learning English, you need to understand your current location, its regional difference from others, and how people say certain things and differ from other English speakers in other locations – this is a dialectical difference.  There is no one sound that fits all when it comes to sounds of the non-formal English language usage. In a formal environment, majority of people try to use the formal sounds of English vowels and consonants, however certain regions cannot be avoided due to regional accents. An English Language Coach helps learners to train their linguistic ear effectively by modeling the actual sounds, word formations, enunciations and stresses of words.
3	Use of technical vocabulary, phrases, and conversational utterances: To become at least a good conversationalist, one must demonstrate adequate technical vocabulary, phrases and appropriate utterances when engaging in a conversation.  The techniques 1 and 2 above helped the learner to acquire simple ways in developing a supply of words and understanding sounds. When engaging to a conversation with other English speakers, you are expected to use and show your knowledge and proficiency level in exchanging ideas, thoughts, commentaries, share opinions on certain topics that are being discussed.  Practice makes perfect in the best option to become conversationalist.   When you are not confident, accelerate your focus and practice techniques 1 and 2. Practice with friends and family members. Read materials, then discuss the topics, use words and phrases that you come across in different materials. Pay attention on how the sounds must be enunciated. Most people who like to become proficient at their best hire an English Language Coach who will evaluate their progress and engaging activities. Hearing an unbiased feedback will help learners to gain better and faster results of higher proficiency level.
4	Immersing oneself in real-time conversational situations:   The best option to learn and validate your authentic sounds, usage and practical expressions and utterances would be to engage in a real time conversations with other English speakers. Do not be afraid to commit mistakes. Everyone commits an error - learn it from experience.  When you come across of someone rude in terms of correcting your errors, don’t give up, ignore the rudeness and don’t speak to that person again until you are better to square of.  Find others who will understand and supportive to your learning process. Most importantly is to enjoy the moments when sharing ideas and conversations.  During this event, you are technically validating your proficiency in comprehension about other’s ideas.  It is important to validate your proficiency in using the English language in a specific time, event, location, and setting whether personal or in business.  The quicker you can engage in meaningful conversations the better you become as a conversationalist. The more practice you will engage, the higher your proficiency will achieve, up to a point that you will be speaking like Native Speakers. Speak to your Coach often and solicit unbiased feedback about the progression towards higher level.

Majority of individuals who had difficulties in language, business and leadership proficiency became successful after they were coached with actual strategies, sessions, and workshops that helped them acquired the needed competency for their business and personal goals. 

As always your comments and insights are welcomed and will be appreciated. 

Are there faster route of learning the English language?

In many instances Speakers of other languages besides English have great challenges when they like to use the English language practically in Speaking or Writing. Many have had lessons in English during an earlier schooling, however these lessons did not give them the real proficiency in verbal or written communication.

When they began working in an English speaking environment, additional pressures and challenges will occur. They face difficulties in articulating their ideas with their colleagues and business audience. These  inabilities will also hinder their prospects for promotion and career advancement.

Is it possible to learn English conveniently and not attending school? 

Yes you can! Select your options. And it is for Real!

What should I do?

How will I gain an Advanced Level of  Proficiency?

 With whatever goals that you like to achieve in a short period of time, your best adviser is your Coach. The content of your sessions must be critically developed to match with the "Summary of Identified Difficulties" that will be provided by your Coach. To achieve a meaningful result, you need to work with Ideas N Conversations' Coach. 

We always appreciate to hear about your insights and experiences. Let us know what you think!

You can email us to: info@ideasnconversations.com or share your inputs to the area for your comments. Thank you.

Enrolment is Now Open - Learn Conversational English in 12 Sessions

Conversational English Lessons that will help anyone who struggles to speak English conversationally with other English speakers.

In many aspects, speakers of other languages can learn English easily specially when the Trainer or Coach will provide effective and useful learning strategies that will make them talk. When someone who enrolled in ESL for Adults has been in the same school and learning English for the last 6 Months or longer - there is a big problem with the techniques used in teaching the adults students. The curriculum is probably an old view of teaching English as a Second Language and the teachers are not competent with the current trends of teaching second language.

There are many ways to teach English specifically Conversationally focused English as a Second Language for Adults. Experienced trainers and coaches of adults students have the competencies of demonstrating essential skills to make these learners talk in English.

Ideas N Conversations Offers Six Weeks or 12 Sessions Curriculum for Adult Learners who like to enhance their speaking proficiency. Modules are based on the Identified Difficulties of each students. Workshops of 8 to 10 learners are available. There is also a Tutorial on a one on one basis with someone who preferred to be independently coached.

Call +1 (650) 241-3207 to inquire and register. Accepting enrollees now!

For Vietnamese speakers who like to learn Conversational English

For Mexican speakers who like to learn Conversational English

Unique Differences between Advanced Business English and Business English

Are there differences between Advanced Business English and Business English?

Yes, there are...

Competencies in Business English are acquired by adult English speakers through experiential immersion, assimilation and practice with contextual relevance of ideas, utterances and their meanings. In this globalized business environment, English competence has become a critical skill of an individual for competitiveness within enterprises.

First, a Business English is a specialized form of the English language that illustrates functional norms of the language that relate to different businesses. In basic context, this language form generally use common business terminologies, phrases, statements and utterances that are business in nature. Employees that work in different businesses use basic business English language to portray their ideas, opinions, and experiences. Their referential use was based from either their personal family unit, they acquired from school, or from social interactions among English speakers. Many English speakers regardless of their locations struggle to demonstrate proficiency or skill in Business English. This is because the English classes they learned in school were not focused in the skills development and practice of using English within the business environment.

Second, an Advanced Business English is specially focused to a more complex use of Business English within growing, medium size or large organizations. This incorporates functional areas of businesses and action oriented results. This type of English within the business environment is required to illustrate effective communicative competence in either verbal or written. The psycho-socio-linguistic characteristics of the Advanced Business English must be demonstrated immensely among speakers because proficiency supports credibility. With strong acumen in communicating your ideas verbally, this means possibilities for advancement is open-ended.

When you  have experienced the lack of these competencies and skills, you can contact Ideas N Conversations to discuss and explore the appropriate program for you. Their expert will conduct an assessment of your current weaknesses and strengths.

Customized lessons will be based on your 'Identified Difficulties', depending on your preferred learning style modular lessons are either one-on-one coaching or in clusters and the trainer will travel to your location.

As always, we like to hear about your insights, suggestions and or comments.  To learn more additional information, please call +1 (650) 241-3207.

Pre-Halloween Business English Learning for Engaging Communications

We coach adults, who like to become the BEST and who like to learn the techniques of demonstrable 'engaging communications'. Available lessons are Advanced Business English for Effective Communication, Leadership Skills for Business, ESL for Adults, Conversational English for Work and Personal Use.

Ideas N Conversations (http://www.ideasnconversations.com) help you achieve your English Proficiency for your business and personal use. Experienced in tutoring or coaching individuals who came from non-english speaking countries like Japan, India, Singapore, S. Korea, China, Malaysia, France, Germany, the Philippines, South American countries, United States, etc .

Our Coaches, work with individuals who are employed in any profession, expat spouses who need to learn English for their day-to-day activities, those who are in college or graduate school and others who are US born individuals who like to improve their English communication skills and proficiency for better career advancement.

What do you get from Ideas N Conversations?
1. You will learn customized lessons that will increase your communication proficiency, you don't get these lessons from traditional class types or centers
2. The lessons solve your difficulties and very important to your current endeavors
3. We turn your weaknesses to become strength because you will gain high level of proficiency in communicating your ideas with others
4. Techniques in coaching you are progressively changing to sustain your improvement and will continue to gain higher level of proficiency
5. Learn how to use the language forms in Business English as well as Conversational English, which reflect correctness in both speaking and writing. Having all these, you will get better opportunities that will advance your career, and be able to communicate better with anyone among customers and colleagues

Please call +1 (650) 241-3207 to discuss your difficulties.  We conduct group classes for those who like to learn with other learners at the same time.

Locations that may participate in our learning venues are: Morgan Hill, San Jose, Willow Glen, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Redwood City, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Newark, Pleasanton, Union city and etc.

As always, we like to hear from you and let us know your insights and or how we can help you.

Learn Conversational English "Let's Chat Live via Yahoo Messenger"

Business English the Competency of Global Workforce

Researches show that there is a growing deficiency in Business English as a competency, particularly among  workforce working globally, they are demonstrating weaknesses which ranges of 58% to 71%.  Interviewed internationally based workforce acknowledged their handicap on Business English Skills which effectively support the demand and communication requirements of their jobs. 

Regardless of the profession, white collar or blue collar job, temporary or permanent status - English has become a burden among workers and employers. This is brought along by globalization of organizations and workforce migration across cultures. 

In addition, a misconception prevails that when you speak English you already very competent in working and become a part of the driving force of a business enterprise. Unless you demonstrate its  intra-cultural implications or the so called Socio-linguistics of the English language then you are capable.

Globally, English is the understood preferred language of major business enterprises. It is the emerging conversational language required among professionals who are deployed to work internationally or has responsibilities that will interface with multi-country based business operations. Internationally inclined business men or women and their families demonstrate proficiency in the English language. 

Additionally, experienced professionals in Linguistics, Global Business and Cross-Culture arena are finding that there is growing gap regarding English proficiency particularly with limited Conversational Business English competency.

Do I like to acquire or increase my Business English Conversational Proficiency?

It is a matter of personal and business decision making. Prioritizing your business preferences for advancement or selecting to  become a misfit at workplace and feel inadequate professionally. Ideas N Conversations has some programs that will help you increase the level of your proficiency.

Would You Like to be One among of the BEST?

The programs that were carefully developed and has been coached by experienced professionals in Linguistics and Business will give you the strengths and advanced level skills that you will need to communicate effectively regardless of location. Call IdeasNConversations and use the code: IC121008 to register for any of the available program for you.

Let us hear from you, as usual we will appreciate your comments and insights.

You Become the Best of You when you Learn from the Best Coach / Tutor

Ideas N Conversations (http://www.ideasnconversations.com) can help you achieve your goals. Experienced in tutoring or coaching individuals who came from non-english speaking countries like Japan, India, Singapore, S. Korea, China, Malaysia, France, Germany, the Philippines, South American countries, USA, Canada, Columbia, Vietnam etc .

Work with any individuals in any profession, expat spouses who need to learn English for their day-to-day communication and those who are studying in College or Graduate school.

What do you get from learning with us?
1. We coach you customized lessons with significant improved learning compared to traditional tutoring class types or centers 
2. The lessons are important to you as they will remove your difficulties or deficiencies 
3. Your weaknesses will become strength because you will gain high level of proficiency
4. Lessons are time-bound and progressively changing to higher level from where you started
5. Learn how to use the English language correctly in order for you get better opportunities and communicate better with anyone

Please call +1 (650) 241-3207 to discuss your learning needs. Your proficiency will be assessed immediately, and then plan to begin your lessons. Customized lessons will facilitate maximum learning efficiency. You don't need to drive far to attend our classes. 

We like to hear from you and let us know how we can be of help to you.