Short answer
Show genuine interest in learners’ ideas, while keeping a clear language focus in mind. In S06E22, Gav and Em reflect on the balance between being friendly and being “teacherly”: a lesson can be an engaging conversation, but it also needs opportunities for learners to improve their English.
In S06E22, Em describes continuing doubts about balancing interested listener and teacher. Gav keeps possible target language in mind while following the conversation.
Try this in your next lesson
Choose one question you genuinely want to ask a learner and one useful phrase to revisit afterwards.
👇 Scroll down for our practical checklist or activity and download.
Listen to the whole S06E22 discussion in our podcast episode guide here🔊.
Balance rapport with purpose
Em says she sometimes gets swept up in the conversation and misses chances to extend learners’ vocabulary or grammar. Gav describes having a language goal in mind while following a topic the learner cares about. Each teacher’s voice will be different, so reflect on what feels authentic and useful for your class.
Confidence can develop with experience. A warm tone and a clear learning purpose can work together.
Turn interest into a teaching decision
If a learner mentions a difficult meeting, ask what happened next. While listening, note one phrase that would help them explain the situation more clearly. Return to it at a natural pause and invite them to try the idea again. This is our adaptation of the balance we discuss.
A warm voice does not require constant joking. A clear correction can sound friendly when the learner understands its purpose. After a lesson, note one moment when rapport helped participation and one learning opportunity you used or missed. Refine that decision rather than trying to invent a new personality.
Gav and Em suggest: a short classroom adaptation
Use this as a starting routine and adapt it to your learners.
- ☐ Welcome learners and invite them to share ideas.
- ☐ Ask follow-up questions that show interest in the topic.
- ☐ Keep a target word, phrase or grammar point in mind.
- ☐ Notice opportunities to help learners expand or refine what they say.
📥 Download the free teacher practice card (PDF)
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