Why I became an English Coach
Hi, I’m Michael and I am passionate about helping people like you gain confidence and fluency in English!
Bilingual from the age of 5 and a student of two additional foreign languages, I can easily relate to the challenges of learning a foreign language.
Sometimes students say to me “I’m just not very good at languages”, to which I reply “Well, you speak your mother tongue pretty well, right?”. Everybody can do it, it’s a question of a) the need/desire to learn and b) the right approach to be able to learn.
I believe I have that “right approach”! Allow me to elaborate…
I started my career in Engineering (Automotive) but soon decided to re-orient my career towards my passion for helping others develop.
I have taught hundreds of clients over the years - I have experience training high-flying professionals, early-mid career professionals as well as teenagers and students, with experience at Vaughan Systems, Berlitz and holding a CELTA qualification (Grade A).
Without wishing to blow my own trumpet, one of my strengths is problem-solving and after experiencing the pitfalls of traditional language training, I decided to research how people learn so that I could design an approach that works.
In short, it turns out that we humans learn in context and when we are emotionally invested. Our brains are extremely efficient at remembering what concerns us and forgetting the rest. For example, if something embarrassing happened to us at school, we will remember that far more than the topics covered in class that day.
That’s why if a class is boring, little information will be retained (and it’s not the student’s fault). When designing English Upload courses, my primary focus is: a) “How can I appeal to my client’s concerns and motivations?” and b) “How can I challenge and support my client so that meaningful progress is made?”
I take a lot of inspiration from my experience in amateur dramatics and improvisation comedy, as stories engage the senses (after all, why is Netflix so popular?) and role plays help with communication skills enormously!
I believe strongly in designing classes that are engaging, dynamic and challenging. I like to find out what motivates my clients and what their interests are to help me design around them.
As for me, I have a broad range of interests and experience such as human development, sociology, renewable energy, transportation, economics, disruptive technology (such as blockchain), etc. To unwind, I enjoy tennis, cycling and swimming.
What People Are Saying
"Michael’s classes are fun, interactive and it is obvious that they are well prepared. A great professional and person, with exceptional tact. I have absolutely no doubt that it was the right decision asking him to help me improve my English! I highly recommend him!"
David - Medical Student
"Michael prepares every class meticulously, which means we make the most of every minute. All the challenges are very enjoyable and participatory. We have gained a lot of ease in terms of expressing ourselves both on a professional and personal basis. We recommend him without a doubt!"
Celeste, Cristina, Gema & Marta - Travel Sector Managers/Directors
“Excellent Virtual English classes, Mike goes one step further in the didactic methodology to boost your learning curve”
Donato - Training & Quality Manager
