The Talkshop – Beyond Language Proficiency

I have learned a lot from The Talkshop Communication Training under my two mentors (Ms. Sheila and Ms. Cecile). From them I learned that in order to become an effective communicator, you have to enjoy what you are doing. Their competence and style of teaching showed that they meant business and because of that, I was influenced by them such that my attitude toward learning English greatly improved.

Regarding the design of the workshop, there were certain areas that I liked most, although at first I did not. For instance, I was asked to stand in front of the class and expound on certain adages. This gave me a sense of accomplishment or confidence in speaking my mind. Another area I truly appreciate was when I was asked to read certain inspirational books that we used in the conversation classes and practice interview sessions. This, among the many other unique language activities greatly enhanced my competence.

After having been exposed to six training camps, I can say that The Talkshop Consultants are THE BEST simply because with their help, I was FINALLY able to pass the IELTS. The Talkshop Method works! Now I am leaving for the US.

The Talkshop Consultants simply have unique ways of helping me improve, trust my communication skills, and believe in myself. They boosted my confidence, which is most essential in learning.

With regard my future training plans, I think the need is still the same—confidence, fluency, grammar, learning punctuations, vocabulary, etc; however, I personally think grammar is still my priority. And thus, I’ll be taking up more enrichment courses at the Talkshop when I travel back to the Philippines.

Vincent Tiu, 49
Businessman/Registered Nurse
Talkshop 2009

I discovered a love for teaching late in my career, at the same time that I was seeking a change in my life. By then, it was too late to take up a course on education. But thanks to the demand for language proficiency, there are schools and learning centers that offer special English courses - teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) and as a Foreign Language (EFL), among them.

Indeed, there is always room for growth and learning no matter one's age , as I was to discover at the Talkshop. Little did I realize that beyond the ESL and EFL courses that I was going to take, I would be on the road to self-discovery .

Upon enrollment, the School Director, Sheila Viesca evaluated my learning style . I was a "14" - mid-way of the analytical and creative thinking styles , "similar to Michaelangelo's" she said. This is the ideal score , a balance of analytical and creative abilities. "A lower score is characteristic of an analytical thinker who can get bogged down by details ", she continued "while artists, who can get carried away garner higher scores" . Her task is to develop her students' shortcomings, whichever the case may be , targeting Michelangelo's style to strike a balance.

The Talkshop adopts the "tapestry" approach that integrates all language skills – reading, writing, listening, and speaking, along with grammar mastery for well-rounded results. Having been educated in the "old school" , I expected to sit through the sessions to absorb whatever the teacher will impart. I was in for a big surprise.

It was a reversal of roles instead, wherein students are made to take on an active role. This is the communicative approach to teaching language. It is learner-focused rather than teacher-centered, and therefore more interesting , challenging, and beneficial for students.

I had to speak extemporaneously before a group, muster my comprehension skills to be able to integrate learnings in all language skills and competencies , tap my retention abilities (or more appropriately the lack of it) and creativity for on-the-spot writing tests, sharpen my listening skills , and conjure the discipline to write daily on my journal, among others.

Who will not benefit from such exercises which are sure to hone one's language skills ? But did I learn anything new ? Certainly I learned the rudiments of communicative style of teaching, as well as the useful jargon that are part and parcel of the English courses. I learned too about the use of American accent, which is key for those who would like to work in call centers. With this, I now know how to pronounce words that hitherto I had been taking for granted as correct. Through one of the courses, Social Graces , I learned the proper way to dine in a formal setting , and enjoyed the actual practice over "High Tea" at the Manila Pen. I had also been updated about pressing social matters and schools of thought through Talkshop's effective use of audiovisual aids .

My course was an eclectic mix of useful topics . Sheila peppered these with invaluable information on the "self" which I found intriguing . Sigmund Freud and the teachings of Carl Jung invariably found their way into the sessions, as did the seven phases of life and how one goes through its joys and pains , the Greek Gods/Goddesses in every person, along with leadership styles that characterize personality types. These were just some of the topics towards self-improvement , greater self-appreciation , and understanding of others.

Sheila Viesca goes the extra mile . Beyond her total English and leadership programs, she lends her service as a life coach to guide, inspire and empower. This comes as a welcome surprise to her students as she lends a beautiful, individualized approach to her programs . That is why Talkshop is one of a kind.

By :

Joy V. Manalac

It all started with my sister's visit to a Powerbooks store. She got hold of a flyer advertising The Talkshop Learning Centre for Language and Culture. Aware that I was looking for a fruitful summer class outside the confines of the university, she passed on the flyer. A week later, I enrolled in The Talkshop's Communications Excellence Program.

I wanted to develop my oral communication skills. The School Director, Sheila Viesca helped me, along with other students through the course that covered several helpful topics (grammar mastery, public speaking, interview skills, personality development, writing fluency, as well as social graces and etiquette).

Her most helpful advice to students: Be Open. Speak from the Heart. Such a simple tip, but easier said than done. In my case, I knew the change would not happen overnight. This would require opening up on my part. It was this desire for self-improvement that drew me out of my shell. Constant practice with fellow students in extemporaneous speaking, poetry reading, and conversation expertise put me on track.

After just a few sessions, I sported my new-found confidence, which I was able to use in real-life situations. My parents, siblings, and friends noticed the change in me, as I shed my timidity and began to open up to people.

Besides the boost to my self-esteem, I had won friends at The Talkshop. It was unavoidable, as students shared their experiences. In no time at all, what was once unfamiliar territory had become my comfort zone.

In all, the course that I attended was a complete package that improved my communication skills, both oral and written. More importantly, I felt that I had come out of it as a new person – confident, competent, and positive.

The Talkshop uses a butterfly as its emblem. You see this representation on the desks, the walls, the restroom, and even on the curtains. I thought it quaint at the time. Now I realize, it is but fitting, as it turns out butterflies from caterpillars like me.

-- Arianne Cerezo, student
arriane.cerezo@gmail.com

December 6, 2006 04:49pm

Dearest Sheila,

Again I found a free day to write to all my pals at home since today is a holiday here in Madrid. It's a Constitution Day of Spain - 28th anniversary of the founding of their Democracy. Which to my mind is really strange in comparison to our Philippine Constitution...inasmuch as it shows we have been democratized earlier (in 1935) than the Spaniards. And yet, it seems our Country has not progressed and advanced at all in a way that Spain have had in the last 28 years. A sore note to our Philippine History. Anyway, as I write you this email I'm actually viewing the DVDs you gave me about the English Language History. I must admit though that DVD transfer was not quite good - there are some jumps & cluttered scenes which are not understandable - but as a whole it's still a valuable material for my teaching job. I think when I get the chance to get back to Manila (sometime August next year) I shall try to see you again and have another recopy of the same material. I will always be indebted to you for having shared this material with me. I always get fascinated watching it every chance that I get. And surely I will not forget you for your generosity of showing me this material on English Language History. It has given me an immense "self-confidence" in teaching Business English here in Madrid. Not even the English School - the Canadian Centre - which I'm connected with, I think, would have the same material as you have. As always I give you all KUDOS for being a very excellent mentor of mine. I do hope you are doing well too at this time. About my Teaching career here, I am just plodding along and trying to enjoy every bit of it. The Pay as you know is not that much, meager by all standards here, but I am contented and happy just the same to be employed at my age. At least I get to meet a lot of people who are quite educated by local standards here. Among my students here are - a Director of Canal Isabel (Water Supply Company - like MWSS), a Director of MAPFRE (Biggest Spanish Insurance Company) and Sub-Director of Aldeas Infantiles (a UN affiliated NGO dealing with underprivileged children around the world). So, as you can see, there is really nothing that I should complain about ...except the Low wage that I get. Temporarily however it will do...until I get my spanish Visa. The only resentment that I have is, that, I am not able to learn well enough the spanish language as my time is so occupied with my Teaching job. Teaching English and learning Spanish at the same time ,is , quite a complicated business for me. I do hope to learn spanish next year when I get to put my english teaching career on a more solid ground. Right now, I'm still trying to build up my English Teaching Materials...and there's really no telling When it will stop. So that's all that I can say for today. I am hoping to see you again next year...if time and budget will permit. You take care now and my best regards to all.

-Rene Viray.