A Conversation in English About What Simon Knows Best

When I first met Simon, I could feel the tension. He was nervous and uncertain. He works in a technical field—an arena packed with complex processes and specialised language.

His big fear?

“I don’t think I can hold a conversation in English.“

Sound familiar?

We all start somewhere. But I always say, “It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress.“

So, I decided to ease Simon in with a few simple questions designed to help him tap into what he already knew.

“Tell me about your background.”
“What kind of work do you do?”
“What are the main tasks you handle every day?”
“How did you get into your field?”

At first, Simon hesitated. It was natural. But as soon as he started sharing his experience, the walls began to come down. The nerves faded, and the words started flowing.

What happened next? We went deep into his world. The tools, the processes, the daily challenges. Simon wasn’t just holding a conversation; he was leading it.

What surprised him most was how his expertise was the key to unlocking a rich, engaging dialogue. No fancy textbook phrases, no memorised vocabulary. Just real talk from someone who knew his stuff.

By the end of the session, Simon wasn’t just getting by—he was becoming more confident. He was discussing his field with ease, in a way that felt authentic.

The key takeaway? Start with what you know. It doesn’t have to be perfect or polished—just true. Those moments of confidence, no matter how small, are the building blocks of real communication.

And guess what? You have that power, too. Start with what you know, and the rest will follow.