My student got the job at Porsche. I wasn't the one being hired, obviously, but I was pretty chuffed too.
That is one of my favourite parts of teaching: somebody prepares for a moment that genuinely matters, does the hard work and later tells me it went well. Not every opportunity ends with an offer, of course. But good preparation means walking in knowing you've given yourself a fair chance.
Whether it's an interview, a presentation or a meeting with senior colleagues, there is a difference between knowing English and feeling ready to use it when people are listening.
For an interview: build answers, not scripts
You might be asked, “Tell me about a difficult situation you've handled.” A rehearsed answer can sound impressive until the interviewer asks what you personally did, or why you made that decision.
I prefer an answer you can adapt. Start with the situation, explain your action, then describe the outcome. For example:
“We were working towards a tight deadline when a supplier delayed a delivery. I spoke to the team, adjusted our priorities and kept the client updated. We completed the essential work on time.”
That is an illustrative example, not a student's personal story. The useful part is the structure: specific, credible and easy for the listener to follow. You can use it with your own experience.
For a presentation: make the first minute count
The first minute often feels the hardest. So give yourself a clear opening that tells your audience what they're about to hear.
“Good morning. Today I'll explain where the project stands, what we've learnt and the two decisions we need to make.”
It's not particularly fancy English. That is the point. Your audience can follow you from the beginning. Then you can focus on your ideas rather than hunting for the perfect opening sentence.
For a meeting: prepare for the interruption
Imagine you're explaining a proposal and someone says, “I'm not sure that's realistic.” Do you know how you'd respond without sounding defensive?
You could say, “I can see why you'd be concerned. Could I explain the assumptions behind the timeline?” That's a useful combination of listening, diplomacy and confidence. Try saying it aloud in your normal voice, rather than in your best imaginary boardroom accent.
A five-minute rehearsal to try today
- Choose one real question you're likely to face.
- Answer aloud for 45–60 seconds without reading.
- Listen back. Was your main point clear within the first ten seconds?
- Ask yourself one uncomfortable follow-up question and answer that too.
- Repeat the original answer, keeping what worked and removing anything unnecessary.
Preparation shouldn't make you sound memorised. It should make you more flexible when the real conversation goes somewhere unexpected.
Let's practise the moments that matter
In my coaching, we work with the questions, situations and communication challenges in front of you. We can refine the language, practise pronunciation and delivery, then try it again with a different question.
And yes, I may ask the question you're hoping nobody asks. Slightly annoying, but far better to get stuck during practice than when it counts.
If you've got something coming up, tell me what you're preparing for. I'd be happy to help you feel more ready.