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Hi Reader A recent poll I shared showed something interesting: Many people said they feel like a quieter version of themselves in another language. But I do not think this is a weakness. Learning another language is an incredibly complex skill. You are not just memorising vocabulary or grammar. You are learning new ways to express ideas, build relationships, understand culture, and see the world from different perspectives. That ability is powerful. People who speak another language often develop greater adaptability, empathy, cultural awareness, and communication skills. They learn to navigate different environments, connect across cultures, and think more flexibly. At first, though, it can feel difficult to fully express your personality in another language. Your humour, confidence, opinions, and natural way of speaking may feel slightly out of reach. This is something I see often in coaching. Over time, clients stop focusing so much on “speaking perfectly” and start expressing themselves more naturally and authentically. They become more confident contributing ideas, leading conversations, and communicating in a way that feels true to who they are. Not a quieter version of themselves. Just a more multilingual one. Have you ever felt different when speaking another language? Tip of the monthPick one real-life situation from your workday, like writing an email, giving feedback, or explaining a project. Write or say it in your native language first, then in your second language. Notice the differences in tone, phrasing, or focus. Reader, did you know that this helps you train your brain to hold multiple perspectives and communicate more effectively in any language? May 2026Meg P.S In my lessons, I create a safe, welcoming space for feedback and suggestions, and I want the same for this newsletter. Let me know what you'd love to see more (or less) of. I’m listening. Fully certified Business English coach
“Megan is an excellent teacher! Our classes are so dynamic that the 50 minutes pass too quickly. Having lived in different countries and loving to travel gives her knowledge of other cultures and languages which enriches our conversations.” |
I'm an English coach, polyglot, entrepreneur, and digital nomad who loves to talk about education, travel, and business & entrepreneurship. Subscribe to my newsletter, I look forward to meeting you!
Hi Reader I recently had a student ask me “Is it ok to talk about that in English lessons?”. My response was of course yes! In fact, I encourage it.𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝘂𝘂𝗺. You’re not just learning words....you’re learning how to express yourself in real life.And real life includes:PoliticsCultureIdentityEqualityMental healthClimateReligionWork-life balanceGender roles…and anything else you 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 talk about with colleagues, clients, and friends.𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘁...
Hi Reader, As we step into Spring, this newsletter will hopefully be the last one sent from England for a while, as I start a new Spanish adventure. I'll be joining you again as a language learner, ready to navigate new vocabulary and cultural quirks, so stay tuned! One of my favourite things about learning languages is the unusual and entertaining tradtions that are part of each culture. For example, in France and Italy children stick paper fish on people’s backs as a prank (April Fish). In...
"Where are you from, Reader?" It’s a simple question on the surface, but for many of us with international lives, it’s anything but straightforward. Do I say the country I was born in, the one on my passport, or the city I currently call home? Do I define myself by the languages I speak, the cultures I’ve absorbed, or the people I’ve connected with along the way? I’ve never felt like I fully belonged to one box, one label, or one place. Instead, my identity is shaped by movement, curiosity,...