Lost for words? Let’s change that.
For people who want to speak better English — and feel better about speaking it.
Ever been in a conversation where you know exactly what you want to say, but the words just won’t come?
Perhaps you’ve rehearsed what you’re going to say in a meeting, only to find yourself staying silent. Or maybe you’re perfectly comfortable understanding English, but speaking it is another matter entirely.
And then there’s that little voice in your head: What if I make a mistake? What if I sound foolish? What if I can’t find the right words?
Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing. Sometimes the problem isn’t how much English you know. It’s everything that gets in the way of using it.
That’s where English with Confidence comes in.
Who is English with Confidence for?
Learning or speaking English isn’t easy for everyone. Sometimes, the challenge isn’t knowing the words — it’s feeling confident enough to use them.
English with Confidence may be especially helpful if you:
- Feel anxious or self-conscious when speaking English, even when you know what you want to say.
- Are neurodivergent and would benefit from a flexible, personalised approach.
- Find traditional language lessons stressful, overwhelming or intimidating.
- Worry about making mistakes or being judged when you speak.
- Want to feel more comfortable using English at work, in education or in everyday conversations.
- Have studied English before but still find it difficult to speak confidently.
There’s no pressure to keep up, perform or get everything right. We work at your pace, in a way that feels comfortable and manageable for you.
A different approach to learning English
English with Confidence brings together two areas of my professional experience: nearly 40 years in English language education and assessment, and my training as a mindfulness teacher.
Of course, we’ll work on your English. Vocabulary, fluency, pronunciation, accuracy and the practical skills you need to communicate effectively.
But we’ll also pay attention to something that traditional language lessons can sometimes overlook: how you feel when you’re speaking.
Perhaps you overthink every sentence. Perhaps you’re so worried about making mistakes that you avoid speaking altogether. Or perhaps you’d simply like to express yourself more naturally and confidently.
Whatever your starting point, we’ll work together to develop your skills and find ways of making speaking English feel less daunting.
My approach is informed by mindfulness, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be expected to meditate during your English lessons! Where helpful, we can explore simple techniques for managing nerves, reducing self-criticism and becoming more comfortable with uncertainty.
The focus is always on you, your English and what you want to achieve.
English for everyday life
Want to join conversations more easily, express your opinions or feel more comfortable speaking English socially?
We’ll focus on the language you actually need, with plenty of opportunities to practise in a relaxed, supportive environment.
English for work
Meetings. Presentations. Interviews. Those unexpected questions that seem to make your mind go blank.
Whether you’re preparing for a particular professional challenge or simply want to communicate more confidently at work, we’ll develop the language and strategies to help you participate more effectively.
What can you expect?
- Personalised, one-to-one online English lessons.
- Practical speaking activities based on real-life situations.
- Support with fluency, vocabulary, pronunciation and accuracy.
- An encouraging environment where mistakes are part of learning.
- Optional mindfulness-informed techniques to help with speaking anxiety and overthinking.
- Lessons tailored to your individual goals and level.
A little about me
I’ve spent nearly 40 years working in English language education, teaching, managing programmes and developing assessments, including five years with Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
I’m also a qualified mindfulness teacher, which has given me a different perspective on how confidence, anxiety and self-criticism can affect the way we learn and communicate.
English with Confidence brings these two areas of experience together.
My aim is simple: to help you become a more confident, capable English speaker, without feeling that every conversation is a test.
Lessons and pricing
Lessons take place online via Zoom and are tailored to your individual needs, interests and goals. Whether you’re looking to build everyday conversational confidence, communicate more comfortably at work, or feel less anxious about speaking English, we’ll work at a pace that suits you.
Individual online lessons — £35 per hour
Book lessons as often as you like, whether you want regular support, occasional practice or help preparing for a particular speaking challenge.
Five-lesson package — £150
Five personalised, one-hour online lessons at a discounted rate. A great way to build your confidence, develop your English and make steady progress over time.
Save £25 compared with booking individual lessons.
Ready to find your words?
You don’t need perfect English to get started. Just a willingness to have a go.
If you’d like to find out more, get in touch for an informal conversation about what you’re looking for and how I might be able to help.