I've been teaching online for some years, and I've noticed something interesting. The students who feel most confident and engaged aren't always the ones with the highest English level. They're the ones who prepare well—not just their materials, but themselves.

Most preparation advice is obvious: "Review your notes," "Have your materials ready," "Test your internet." But I want to share five unusual tips that I've seen transform how students show up to lessons. These aren't about grammar or vocabulary. They're about creating the right mindset and energy.

1. Have a Warm-Up Conversation

Fifteen minutes before your lesson, talk to someone. It could be your friend, your family, or even your pet. Talk about your day, your feelings, or any other topic that interests you. 

Thisis helpful because nervousness often comes from silence. When you sit alone, waiting for your lesson, there's a chance that anxiety will arise. But when you're already speaking English casually and naturally, something shifts. Your brain thinks, "Oh, I can do this. I'm already doing it." You move from "I'm nervous about speaking" to "I'm already speaking."

2. Move Your Body

For some minutes before your lesson, focus on stretching, dancing, a walk, jumping jacks, or any other physical exercise that energizes you. Get your energy flowing.

Nervousness lives in your body, but moving can help you to release it. You also increase oxygen to your brain, which helps you think more clearly and speak more fluently. Plus, you create a clear boundary: "This is preparation time. And now I'm ready."

3. Write Down One Curious Question

Before your lesson, think of something you genuinely want to ask your tutor. It can be about English, culture, or a topic of life that's relevant to you. It's also great if you write it down. 

This kind of preparation can have a positive effect on mindset. Instead of thinking, "I hope I don't make mistakes," you think, "I have something interesting to discuss." The lesson becomes a conversation between two curious people.

4. Create a Small Ritual

Light a candle. Make tea. Arrange your materials. Play soft music. Do something intentional with your space.

This might sound small, but it's powerful. It sends a message to our minds that says, "When I do this ritual, something important is about to happen." Over time, this ritual becomes a signal that calms your nervous system and prepares your mind. 

5. Say Something Kind to Yourself

Before you start, write down or say aloud one kind thing about yourself as a learner. "I'm brave for trying." "I'm making progress." "I'm doing my best."

This might feel awkward at first, but it has benefits. When you approach the lesson from a place of kindness rather than judgment, something opens up. You relax, you learn better, and you enjoy it more.

The Real Secret

These five tips have something in common: they're all about how you show up, not what you know. They're about creating a mindset of readiness, curiosity, and self-understanding.

The truth is, your English level matters less than your energy, your openness, and your willingness to be present. When you prepare yourself, and not just your materials, you show up differently. 

So before your next lesson, try one of these tips. See what shifts. I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised. 

Join Me For More Useful Tips

If you would like to explore more effective methods to make the most of your learning time, and if you would also like a personalized plan for your learning journey, then I welcome you to sign up for a counseling session with me. You can find the session referenced in this article. 

This session allows us to personalize your learning experience by identifying your unique aims and learning style. Then we can develop a plan for your learning that can help you to gain the most benefit from your lessons. 

Wishing you all the best in your online learning! :)