Tackling the English Language

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A word after a word after a word is power – Margaret Atwood

Language is a formidable foe and the certain way to win this battle is with the weapons of persistence and consistency.  Be it English or any other language, mastering the components requires effort and dedication on the part of the learner. A mentor can pave the way, but the eventual result relies heavily upon the student’s willingness to learn.

Tackling the English Language

Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure and pronunciation are the key elements of a language. The pursuit in this direction entails working on these aspects. A structured approach, backed by diligence and consistent effort, is the key to enhanced English communication skills. In addition, you continually need to push yourself or find your motivation. Mastering the English language is a daunting task and often on this treacherous journey, there’ll be an inclination to give up. Finding the zeal in you will help improve your English communication skills.

Immerse yourself in the language

In other words, embrace the English language as if it were your mother tongue! If you pick a magazine, pick one in English. If you switch on the news, opt for the English channels. Find your shows in English or at least keep the English captions on. Even while playing games on your phone, switch to the English language. If you have to speak to a customer care executive, go for the English option.

Experienced mentors shall pave the way

In order to improve your English communication skills, you need someone to lead the way. While there is enough available online to help you improve spoken English, following a proper approach ensures success and this is where trainers @ Conversation Club can help. With CC to assist with the task of improving communication skills, the learning path becomes easier and shorter. Here’s how we can help students across all age groups and backgrounds:

  • Experienced mentors to guide – English language experts help you strategize the way forward. By assessing the student’s current competence levels and by identifying the key problem areas, trainers at Conversation Club help devise the suitable English language learning plan. The plan is customized as per the learner’s requirements.
  • Professional guides to help you stay on track – With the plan in place, all it takes to master the English language is determination to go on and this is where we help you achieve the endeavour. Through regular guidance, our skilled trainers reinforce the idea of learning, thereby enhancing spoken and written English skills.
  • A constant friend who corrects and helps improve – We offer you the practical learning experience and ensure correction at each and every stage. This hand holding makes the learning program a rewarding and interesting journey for English language enthusiasts.

Be it in social circles or professional spaces, the English language these days is a mandate. From school interviews to college applications to job interviews to seemingly simple society luncheons and dinners, a command of the English language paves the way. Conversation Club is your partner and we can together achieve the objective of enhanced English communication skills.

Scorecard versus Real Life – The Marks Mystery

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Newspapers right now are flooded with pictures of students who have managed to score more than 90% in their class X or XII board exams. All schools and coaching institutes are advertising their scholars. After all, these educational setups are the ones preparing the next generation of leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs for us. God forbid if somebody scored less than 80%, the world might just end now. Wonder what Rancho from 3 Idiots has to say about this.

Do you remember your friends from school who aced in grade 10th?

Go down memory lane; even dig out a school photo if you have one. Now open Facebook or Instagram and see how many of those faces you recognize in your vast list of long-lost friends. Though their faces might be completely unrecognizable now, I am sure you remember a few.

The weirdly tall fellow who was always trying to hide in his corner desk cramped towards the wall. That pretty petite girl who was undoubtedly the class princess and object of envy. And of course, the teacher’s pets, who always thrived to secure top positions and never failed to answer any question. While you were still figuring out the question, they promptly raised their hands to answer. Exams were a battle for them and winning was the only option. Girls with long braids and boys with ruptured teenage voices, clinging on to their books, cramming it all up to ensure perfect scores.

Where are these academic geniuses in life now???

The evident ‘Hypocrisy’!!!

We talk about street smart and discuss the value of life skills. We act like the most open minded, intellectually qualified modern parents, who totally understand the relevance of true – deeper learning. As and when it suits us, we even blame the current education system and bring out all that needs to be changed or challenged. We claim to fully acknowledge the pertinence of practical growth and exposure in life.

But, while we love advertising our revolutionary beliefs, the true reflection of intelligence is still the school board exam SCORECARD.

We are the famous aunties and neighbours who pester kids about their marks in the board examinations. In fact, for a lot of parents, marksheets are currently their profile pics. We talk about an all-inclusive education system and yet when it comes to selecting a school, we go by the adverts promoting an age-old rotten rote learning system. Once the scores are released, we track down all the kids and find out their performance in board examinations. After all, marks in class 10th and 12th are the only true reflection of a child’s intelligence. If you do not remember the year Hitler attacked Jews or when the French Revolution reached villages, you are definitely doomed for life. Don’t you agree??

Truly skip the rat race!

If possible, for your child’s sake, make an honest effort and opt out of this silly competition. Life is a lesson we are still learning. There is a long way to go and how we prepare our kids today, will decide the outcome. Practical education ought to be the focus. Let them experience life beyond school books and tuition. Let them explore, make mistakes and gather pieces to start afresh! These marks will be forgotten, but the scars of this undue pressure won’t fade easily. Each child is special and full of possibilities. Ensure that there’s enough scope to experiment and weave a life worth living!

Understanding the vital role of Body Language in everyday Communication

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Do you know that as per studies, verbal communication i.e. your words only have about 7% influence in shaping the communication, the remaining 93% is governed by your facial expressions, head nods, eyeball movements etc. Be it evading contact or fidgety leg movement, the way you physically conduct yourself determines the impact of your message.

While a handful are consciously aware of the stated fact, most of us tend to overlook the pertinence of body language these days. Simply put body language is a non-verbal form of communication expressed through facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, head movements, handshakes, smiles and more. In other words, it plays a vital role in personality development i.e. how we convey emotions, build connections and influence others. As they say, your body speaks even when your lips don’t move. When something is clearly so critical, it is only but logical that we delve into pertinent aspects of non-verbal communication.

Smile: A Natural Anti-Aging Elixir

Have you ever come across this beautiful quote by Dalai Lama?
“A simple smile. That’s the start of opening your heart and being compassionate to others.”

Isn’t that so true? A smile has this amazing ability to change someone’s mood in an instant. It’s like a little spark that can light up not just your face but also the hearts of those around you, no matter how you look, a genuine smile makes you look Gorgeous!!!
I still remember the day I went for my first scan after years of trying to conceive. My heart was pounding with hope, but in a cruel twist of fate, my joy was shattered – it was an Ectopic pregnancy. The news hit me like a storm, leaving me in a state of shock and panic. Tears welled up in my eyes, and fear gripped my heart as the doctor declared my surgery an emergency.

Amidst the chaos, my doctor walked in with a warm-reassuring smile and said “We will surely try our best to help you take a baby Home”. Her smile wasn’t just an expression – it was a life line, soothing my mind and giving me the strength to face what lay ahead.

The Power of a Nod

A nod is a powerful yet often misunderstood element of body language. It can speak volumes without uttering a word, but it’s meaning shifts across cultures. In my experience as an expat, people in Kerela nod a lot – almost as if their heads are dancing to an unspoken rhythm of agreement. On the other hand, in many Middle Eastern countries, nodding is used sparingly. They believe excessive nodding dilutes the message, adding too much water to a strong cup of tea. For them a well-placed nod is like a punctuation mark, used just enough to emphasize but not so much that it blurs the intent. Funny, isn’t it?

I remember the school canteen man who had a unique way of nodding. Every time we placed an order, he would bob his head in a way that left us utterly confused – was that a Yes or a No, or just a random movement? We would stand there, awkwardly waiting for confirmation, only to see our order magically appear a few minutes later. It was like an unspoken language we never fully cracked.
Gestures can be misinterpreted. What seems like a simple nod in one culture can leave people second-guessing in another. Whether it’s a subtle tilt or an enthusiastic bow, the meaning of a nod isn’t always universal. Sometimes, it’s a handshake of the head; other times it’s just a mystery.  

Eyes Speak Louder

Jonathan Bryan’s book “Eye Can Write” is a testament to the incredible power of the eyes. Despite being unable to move or speak due to a severe disability, he expressed his thoughts emotions and dreams solely through eye movements. It’s fascinating how much we communicate without words- sometimes a single gaze can say more than a thousand sentences.

Let’s think about it: when a stranger stares at you for too long, it sends a shiver down your spine, triggering a mix of fear and confusion. On the other hand, a teacher in a classroom relies on eye contact to gauge attentiveness. If even one student keeps looking away, it can be frustrating, almost like talking to a wall. Similarly, a receptionist handling patient’s queries must maintain proper eye contact- too little might seem indifferent, too much could make you perplexed.

The eyes don’t just see, they speak. A fleeting glance can express nervousness, a lingering gaze can build trust and a sharp stare can intimidate. In every interaction, from personal conversations to professional encounters, eye contact plays a crucial role in shaping perception. Jonathan Bryan’s story proves that even without speech or movement, one can still connect deeply with the world – through the language of the eyes.

Content Credits: Huda Tasneem (hudatasneem1991@gmail.com)

Applications of English for adults in everyday life

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  • Social Interactions – Be it with your child’s teacher or husband’s friends or wife’s relatives from abroad, fluent English conversations leave an impression. From simple introductions to meaningful exchanges about personal matters, a strong grasp of the language goes a long way.
  • Career Growth – Irrespective of the profession or profile, there’s hardly a white collar job holder who can deny the importance of English in the overall career advancement. Be it preparing a presentation for an upcoming meeting or an office lunch with the management, seamless communication is simply essential.
  • Kid’s education & Upbringing – As a parent we understand the pertinence of effective communication. We expect our kids to excel academically and want them to be intellectually mature. Be it academic excellence or personality development, without a proper understanding of the English language, the mission cannot be accomplished. Parents are the foundation of learning for a child and thus if we have strong communication skills, kids shall naturally adapt.
  • Travel – Be it a short vacation to an English speaking nation or long term plans to permanently move, command of the global language goes a long way. English can simply make your life much easier in a foreign nation and different states of India.
  • Trade – Setting up one’s business, importing and exporting from other countries, communicating with vendors and customers from across the globe are just a few practical applications of English in this category. Your ability to fluently converse in English leaves a positive mark on your prospective clients / associates. Communication can impress!!  
  • Entertainment – An understanding of the language opens doors to infinite content. You can enjoy an endless variety of shows and can fully assimilate the wonderful literary works from across the globe. Horizons beautifully expand with the familiarization of this global language.

English is the accepted language of the world and thus for successful sustenance, one must get accustomed to it. Not only corporate survival depends heavily on this language, even seemingly simple daily life connections cannot thrive without a proper understanding of the English language.

Learning can be FUN!!!

The idea of learning or joining classes shouldn’t bring back nightmares of the past. Language is not just a useful tool, it is also a very interesting hobby. At Conversation Club, we understand the mental barriers faced by adults and thus accommodate for challenges. We focus on the practical aspect of communication and thus work with you on a customized learning program that focuses upon the imperatives of day-to-day practical communication requirements.

Language is a Weapon … Practice and empower yourself  

Join Conversation Club and improve your practical Communication Skills

Communication Skills & Academic Excellence

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‘Envisage’, ‘social contract’, ‘resplendent’, ‘grievances’, ‘hoarding’… these are just a few words from the very first chapter of the history book grade IX. We’ve all heard our children crib about the complex and boring chapters. We have witnessed their struggles with learning. We have seen them cram up the material and often wondered about the fruitfulness of this exercise. I mean if kids have to memorize those hefty books and not remember a word after the day of the exam, what is the point of it all??

What if the child doesn’t have to memorize it all? What if instead of just trying to remember each and every word of the sentence, they understood the idea covered in the chapter and phrased the answer in their own words. Wouldn’t this understanding of the concept enable long term benefits in terms of academic success?

The stated is just one of the many benefits of improved communication skills in the life of students.

Communication skills for students – See your child blossom!!

  • Better understanding of the scholarly curriculum – As elaborated above, the most critical aspect of enhanced language skills is the apparent ease of learning. Kids who understand the language better are not forced to robotically cram up the lessons. Owing to the evolved communication skills, they comprehend and thus enjoy better understanding and retention.
  • Increased class participation – Being able to comprehend and rephrase in their own words allows kids to ask questions and clearly answer when asked. A grasp of the English language brings clarity and thus enables two way communication between the educator and learner. Comprehension of the concept being taught thus paves the way for enhancement of the oral communication skills.
  • Emergence as a group leader – The one who has a tighter grip on the subject is naturally awarded the central chair in group discussions and class projects. Other students display natural confidence in the kid who is able to explain and thus the opportunities to lead and stand out, naturally follow.
  • Improved performance in written exams – Clarity of the subject and fluent written expression help frame better answers and thus the desired scores. Improved written communication skills further enable structured answers to meet the examiner’s criterion.
  • Overall confidence and life skills – Together the stated facets reap confidence in a child. The verbal and non-verbal aspects of communication ensure a learned and confident approach towards all kinds of academic and non-academic situations. Being able to express allows seamless exchange of ideas amongst teachers and students and parents and children.
  • Enhanced personal relationships ­– The ability to express helps form the desired bonds with other students. Kids face a lot of social issues on account of broken communication. Over dependence on gadgets and AI has fractured their ability to maintain real world relationships and this is where Conversation Club mends the broken bridges.

Working on communication skills is akin to watering the roots of the plant. It is a regular process and with the right guidance and supervision, fruits of success can be reaped. At Conversation Club, we provide a customized curriculum for students wherein the nuances of communication skills are carefully clubbed with academic concepts and thus learning among students is largely promoted.

Packed everything for survival in an English speaking world?

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Be conversation ready with Conversation Club!

An actual conversation refers to a meaningful exchange of thoughts and emotions between two adults. While we all yearn for this skill, communication these days has taken many different forms, thereby complicating the underlying rules.

We are being judged by the way we communicate!

Communication skills have always been an integral part of our personality. No wonder that in the current global era, which is largely driven by technology, communication skills go way beyond the basic ability to speak. The way we articulate our thoughts and deliver the message is of critical importance. Furthermore, English has been accepted by majority as the language driving the scenario. Be it on a personal or professional front, a speaker with a strong grasp of the English language and thus polished communication skills has an upper hand.

Be it initiating a dialogue with a gym instructor or a casual tête-à-tête with a possible matrimonial prospect or an online sales call, conversing in English language is a mandate. However, communication skills training is not just mastering the rules of the language, it entails specialization in the art of expression.

The art of articulation

Good communication skills go way beyond answering questions in small standard sentences or replying to an email in a couple of copied phrases. A skilled communicator is trained in the art of conversations. Instead of opting to text a few words and emojis, a trained English language speaker is confident enough to pick up the phone and connect over a call.

Communication skills training provides the needed practice and thus confidence to contribute meaningfully. Practical conversation skills help in every aspect of life. One who is able to assimilate the essence of a discussion is naturally able to participate better. Getting a hang of the language makes one a better listener and thus a better communicator. No wonder, in relevant managerial positions, requiring team management, a candidate adept at communication skills is universally preferred.

Even in a student’s life, communication skills play a fundamental role. Kids are currently facing a lot of competition in every arena; with expertise in English language skills, the journey to success is quite streamlined. In fact, psychologists are of the opinion that the ability to effectively communicate can also lead to positive mental health. By streamlining relationships and empowering young adults with tools of persuasion, conflict resolution and safe expression, communication skills enhance the overall quality of life. 

Travel the road with Conversation Club!!!

Why conversation club for communication skills training? Well, the answer is quite simple. This is a learning channel that focuses on the imperative practical application of the English language. While the basics are gradually worked upon, each session is designed around the functional aspects of communication. Everyday language requirements are a top priority. 

Furthermore, the sessions are customized by trained language experts to inculcate topics of interest. These discussion based sessions ensure assimilation of all relevant aspects of the communication skills training, without the mundane learning rules.

Is your kid a gadget addict?

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Time to deal with your child’s screen time!

Kids, and to an extent us adults too, are becoming obsessively glued to our electronic gadgets. Be it the smartphone, smart watch or a tab or a laptop, unless we check the status or spend time scanning social media posts, the day seems incomplete. Smartphone screen in fact has now completely replaced the morning sun. Day starts by checking for new messages and we doze off to trending insta reels. Even mothers of 6 month old babies have their favorite lullaby song lists.

And the obsession is not all fun. Owing to this excessive, uncontrolled exposure to content, youngsters are falling victim to physical & mental torture. Their intellectual growth is being hampered and continual dependence on smartphones is discouraging creativity & initiative. In fact some online games have been banned for their addiction forming capabilities & associated side effects.

This has led to a serious situation and the concern is legitimate. Children are spending way too much time with their gadgets and this behavior ought to be curbed. But how … how do we prevent our kids from smartphones and other gadgets? How do we plan kid’s screen time? How do we manage the ever increasing obsession for gadgets?  

Gadget cleansing plan:

Merely fixing a schedule for permitted screen time is not the solution to the problem. Schedules are forgotten & ignored; what you need is a creative fix.

  • Begin by identifying an offline activity that your kid is interested in. For instance, there are special classes for kids where trainers indulge in activities like yoga / dance / pilates and more. Enrolling in such sessions offline, for even an hour, will keep your kid occupied for at least 2 hours a day (including time to dress up for the class & travel); not to forget the subsequent exhaustion, which will also help maintain the sleep schedule. Such classes, when attended under the guidance of a physical trainer, will keep them in shape and ensure complete supervision.  
  • Try the reverse psychology – Instead of blaming the gadgets and urging kids to stay away from them, encourage reading. Take your child to one of the fancy bookstores in a mall and let them feel glossy covers and shiny storybooks. Let them explore and pick as per their area of interest. Such a purchase will prompt deviation and shall boost creativity in kids.
  • Go old school – Encourage play dates, get together with other parents and organize group time. In such plans, make sure there are enough board games, playing cards, carom, crafty items and such playing equipment scattered in the room. Instead of lecturing the kids to stay away from their mobile screens, leave enough distractions around them. Rather than elaborating on the problems, keep alternate solutions handy.
  • Last but not least – set an example – set out an hour a day to bond with your kid, without gadgets. Strictly no phone and no TV; this will help with the detox process and also strengthen your bond with the kid. Communication is the key!

Learning enablers @ Conversation Club!

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Words and our ability to verbally communicate is one of the most crucial tool available to humankind. While on personal front, we yearn to express and connect with like-minded people; on professional front, ability to get across a message, holds significant value. Be it seamless work execution or conflict resolution or performance measurement parameters, communication skills are a pertinent measurement criterion. We humans deploy words to enable, to heal and to emote.

However, it is not just any random combination of words that leads to communication. Effective communication skills rely upon the basic rule of coherent composition of the message and absolute transmission to the desired receiver, in a desired format. This is where the need for communication skills training arises. Communication is a skill which needs to be regularly sharpened and one where there’s always room for improvement. Communication skills training enables clarity of expression, imparts the eloquent style and lends a hand with empathetic articulation, which are all together critical at any given instance in life.

The relevance of communication skills training is underlined, but how can the objectives be achieved? Platforms like Conversation Club provide the solution.

Conversation Club is a platform that enables the opportunity to practice and improve. Communication skills learning & growth happens here through the loop of practice – feedback – correction – practice! 

Student teacher rapport

Trainers at Conversation Club are skilled at the art of communication and teaching. Backed by years of practical experience in communication domains, mentors and curriculum designers categorically focus upon establishing a rapport. Effective learning in communication skills or any domain can only happen if the trainer is equipped to understand and modulate the program as per learner’s intake. While one ought to be slow enough to ensure assimilation of information & interest, the momentum portion of the classes too needs to be cautiously managed. Trainers at Conversation Club encourage thinking and application, provide regular feedbacks, correct and thus ensure improvement in communication skills.

Assessment of the gaps and steps towards fulfillment lead towards improvement of communication skills!!!

Effective curriculum

We all have our own ecosystems. A student’s life has its own variables and these are quite different from the parameters of a working professional’s life. Depending upon our age, profession and interests, we all have different communication needs. If the needs are different, how can the solution possibly be generic?

At Conversation Club, the curriculum is designed to meet the specific requirements and is further customized to meet individual targets. Thus, there are individual sessions, where the trainer works with the student to fill in specific communication related gaps and clubbed sessions with other conversation partners, which provide the needed exposure.

Information Exchange or Communication??

There is a tricky difference between sharing information and actual communication. The former relies upon sending out the message to an individual or a group of people. Latter is about actually reaching out and getting through to the desired audience by way of effective communication. Communication skills training @ Conversation Club helps bridge this gap from information relay to actual communication.

Mnemonics for English Vocabulary & Memory Enhancement!

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Don’t we all wish there was a simpler way to retain the information; be it new words or never ending historical facts. Learning English and improving communication skills would be much easier if a memory tool could aid with vocabulary. Well certainly it would be and there are many techniques out there, which have been tried by many including mnemonics.

What is Mnemonics??

The concept, especially in the words of Oxford Dictionary, sounds a bit intimidating. The definition goes like this – the study and development of systems for improving and assisting the memory.

As it seems, mnemonics is some kind of a technique, that needs to be studied and systems have to be developed and implemented … well if it is this complicated, might as well learn the concept as it is.

Let us not allow Oxford to haunt us and let the British be with their fancy nomenclature. How about a simpler version of the stated – mnemonics are simply strategies that help retain information.  There are multiple mnemonic techniques that enable the objective and can be effortlessly comprehended and implemented; for instance songs & music. Advertisers have long been relying on this mnemonic strategy for building a customer base and ensuring long term association. No wonder we are able to hum songs from old movies that we perhaps watched when we were kids.

Learning English with Mnemonics

Well if the technique is so popular and has been used in various other fields, why not try this memory tool to brush up your vocabulary.

Vocabulary or new words in English or for that matter in any language are essential to add depth to the overall communication skills. Being able to remember words and use them in day to day conversations is a skill that we all wish to possess. Amongst the various other exercises, mnemonics can certainly help retain the meaning of new words and thus improve listening. This is in fact the first step towards English vocabulary enhancement. A learner in his / her initial stages, is able to recognize new words and perhaps decipher their meanings. Once the meanings settle in, comes the stage when one is able to use these words. It is a task that demands patience and continual effort and mnemonics can certainly help build the base.

How???

Illustration 1

Wistful – regretful / nostalgic / longing

Mnemonic – full of wish (left unfulfilled)

Illustration 2

Abase – humiliate / degrade

Mnemonic – Push off the base (push somebody down)

In addition to the word associations, rhymes, pictures and more can be used. One can further relate words with their own experiences and circumstances to enable retention. The notion is to get used to a word, to add it to one’s system and let it grind. Once the technique is repeated often enough, the words begin to occupy their special places in your head. The next time you hear the word, it resonates and while you might not remember the exact meaning, you know that the word you just heard, isn’t an alien. The familiarity deepens every time you check the meaning and correlate it with the mnemonic key. Eventually comes the stage when you are able to not just understand the word, but are also able to proficiently use it in your English conversations.

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