Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I improve?
Of course, the answer depends on a few things:
1. What your goals are.
These should be real goals that you can clearly work towards. For example:
I want to make a presentation in English
I want to participate more in meetings in English
I want to show more empathy
I want to be able to persuade people in a professional way
I want to get a promotion
I want to get a new job
I want to travel to a new country
I want to relocate to a new country
I want to start my own global company
I just want to get better in my English ability.
I just want to enjoy speaking English and learn more.
2. The number of hours each week you can study and work to improve yourself.
You need to be realistic here. If you schedule too much, it defeats the purpose. The key is plan and achieve.
3. You need to try to do everything possible (within reason) to do what you say you will do each week.
You must prepare for each session properly so that our time together is effective.
However, the sessions with me are not the only important thing.
The most important things about improving yourself in English and in your life is the self-study and review. When you learn new things, you must review them.
If you do not take the time to review, you are wasting your time and money.
Based on the number of hours you can study each week, I will also give you appropriate tasks to do to help you reach your goals.
Everything will be enjoyable, and it will not feel like “work.”
If you prepare for the sessions, review what you learned in the sessions, and do the tasks I give you, you will definitely reach your goals.
Any more questions about this or anything else?
Click here to schedule a free meeting with me!
Looking forward to speaking with you.
Why have an English Coach?
The Problem With Language Schools
I imagine many of you have taken English lessons at English schools. With cheerful teachers, these lessons are very enjoyable way to learn English and are very popular. However, how much did your English improve? Did you reach your goal?
Most English learning programs are too focused on conversation-only or grammar-only. They use the same textbook for most students.
Students take one or two short lessons a week, maybe learn a new word or two, and then are told, "see you next time." There is very little follow up, so students lose motivation between lessons.
Because they lose motivation, they don't review what they learned in the lesson, and they don't study more at home.
They still go to the lessons, but they don't make much progress.
Because they don't make progress, their motivation eventually gets lower and lower until they quit.
Does this sound familiar?
Any more questions about this or anything else?
Click here to schedule a free meeting with me!
I look forward to speaking with you.
Why you, Steve?
There are hundreds of English conversation schools in Japan with native English teachers.
There are many Japanese English teachers as well.
I have respect for all of them.
These are the reasons why my clients say they chose me and stay with me:
He is passionate about helping all of his clients, and he cares about each client like a dear friend or family member.
He is available for us 7 days a week.
Because He has 22 years of successful business experience in Japan and in America, he truly
understands each client’s situation.
Because he has given hundreds of presentations himself, he understands how to deliver an excellent presentation. He has helped many people with this.
Because he has participated in thousands of meetings himself with people from around the world, he understands almost everything we need to know to attend a meeting in English and how to lead a meeting effectively.
Because he has had Japanese people as clients for so many years, he understands how to explain
new words and phrases in a way that is easy to understand. When I make a mistake, he fixes it in a way that is easy to remember and is enjoyable.
Because he was a headhunter for 5 years and has helped hundreds of people find new jobs, he has helped many Japanese people prepare for English interviews.
Any more questions about this or anything else?
Click here to schedule a free meeting with me!
Looking forward to speaking with you.
Do I need a textbook?
Some clients like using textbooks, and others do not. That is totally up to you and your preference. If you do like using a textbook, I will make a recommendation based on your goals. I do not have a certain textbook that I force you to use. Every client is different and has a unique situation.
Whether we use a textbook or not, I will forward you at least 5 articles and videos every week about topics that are interesting to you and will help you reach your goals. You can email me about them (and I will reply with proofreading, feedback, and my opinion), we can discuss them in our sessions together.
Any more questions about this or anything else?
Click here to schedule a free meeting with me!
Looking forward to speaking with you.
I will never pressure you to continue with my coaching.
Why do you use the words “sessions,” “meetings,” “clients,” and “coach,” and not “lessons,” “students,” and “teacher?”
Why do you use the words “sessions,” “meetings,” “clients,” and “coach,” and not “lessons,” “students,” and “teacher?”
I use words like “sessions,” “meetings,” “clients,” and “coach,” because those are the professional terms that I believe should be used to show our partnership.
Any more questions about this or anything else?
Click here to schedule a free meeting with me!
I look forward to speaking with you.
What about National Holidays?
What about National Holidays?
I do not take off for National Holidays. I understand that National Holidays are sometimes the best times for clients to meet with me, but sometimes clients need to make plans with their families and friends on those days. If you need to reschedule the meeting with me because you have plans on a National Holiday, you can reschedule it for a day and time that fits our schedules. It's no problem at all.
You never lose a session because there is a National Holiday.
Any more questions about this or anything else?
Click here to schedule a free meeting with me!
I look forward to speaking with you.
Is any level of English OK?
Yes, any level is OK. Some of my clients started as Beginner level, some started as Intermediate level, and some started as Advanced level. I have helped them all improve quickly, and I would be happy to help you, too!
Any more questions about this or anything else?
Click here to schedule a free meeting with me!
I look forward to speaking with you.
I really want your coaching, but I am worried about the fee.
I understand that everyone has unique situations. Yes, depending on your situation, I will be as flexible as possible. Let’s meet, talk about your situation, and I will do the best I can for you.
Any more questions about this or anything else?
Click here to schedule a free meeting with me!
Looking forward to speaking with you.