Nao705

Nao705 Tutor Interview

Q. Hi Nao705! Thank you for taking the time to do this interview. May we ask you to briefly introduce yourself?

A. Hello. I’m Nao705, an English language tutor.

At Cafetalk, I offer pronunciation and grammar lessons designed to help you build a solid foundation based on the “mechanics of English sounds and word order,” rather than simply memorizing, so that English comes more naturally to you.

As students speak, I sometimes see them relax a little and say, “Ah, so that’s what it feels like,”
Or hear them talk about how:

• “That meeting just now went much more smoothly than before,”
• “I really feel like my message is getting across better than before,”
• “I can understand what the other person is thinking more naturally than before.”

   Witnessing these changes is what drives me to teach.

   Simply memorizing vast amounts of material or just speaking won’t help you learn to speak naturally. However, once you understand the mechanics of sound and the flow of English word order, both how you acquire the language and how you communicate will change dramatically. I often say that English is a language where understanding the mechanics matters more than sheer effort.

In my lessons, we'll work together patiently and steadily, building each essential foundation one by one until you grasp them intuitively.

Q. Please tell us more about your hometown and the area where you currently reside.

A. My parents are from Shiga prefecture, but I grew up in Saitama prefecture, and I now live in the Kawagoe region.

Recently, Kawagoe has become known as a famous tourist destination, but it still has plenty of quiet residential neighborhoods and natural areas where you can feel the seasons changing at a leisurely pace.Since there’s a small stream and a park right near my house, I often go for walks and look for wild birds.

Even though I connect with many people online, my daily life is quiet and peaceful… or rather, it can feel quite ordinary. Perhaps because of this “leisurely vibe,” my students sometimes tell me that “even though it’s a language lesson, I can speak without feeling pressured and focus on having fun.”

Q. What motivated you to become a tutor on Cafetalk?

A. It all started with the pandemic.

As in-person teaching became difficult, I was looking for a way to continue teaching regardless of the location. At the same time, it was also a period when I had been refining my teaching methods through trial and error, and had finally become a clear, consistent approach for me. Rather than simple memorization, it was about understanding the mechanics of sound and the thought processes behind English (the flow of word order). That alone changes how English is understood.

Even as an adult, you can acquire natural English. Feeling that I could deliver this message online, I started offering lessons on Cafetalk. While my core principle remains unchanged, I continue to refine my approach to make it easier to understand and easier to apply.

Q. What are you usually up to when you're not teaching on Cafetalk? What are your hobbies and interests?

A. My partner and I often go out together to take photos. That said, he’s the one taking the photos, while I usually spend my time birdwatching or going for walks. Sometimes we drive out in the middle of the night to wait for the sunrise. To be honest, I don't sleep very well in the car, so it can be a bit physically draining at times (oops). However, I do love watching the sunrise in the quiet of the early morning and seeing the scenery gradually change.

I also used to ride a road bike. I've taken a bit of a break from it lately, but I want to keep that sense of physical activity. I believe that words and sounds aren't just things we understand with our minds, but rather, they're things we feel with our bodies.

Q. A lot of students are probably curious about the atmosphere in your lessons. What can a student imagine a lesson with you to be like? What’s your teaching style?

A. My students come from all walks of life, including students, working professionals, people who use English for business, homemakers, senior citizens, returnees, those with native English-speaking family members, and aspiring translators. Some are absolute beginners, while others use English for work or teach English professionally.

What they all have in common is the desire to truly master English, not just get by, but to make it their own.

• “I can get my point across, but something feels off.”
• “I can say what I want, but I can't quite convey the same feeling.”

   I feel many people are stuck at this learning stage. I believe that language acquisition is, at its core, something each individual builds on their own. I believe that English language tutors play a role in supporting that learning process within their respective fields.

   In my case, I feel I can provide particularly strong support when it comes to “laying the foundation.” Once students develop a sense of English pronunciation and the logical sequence of thought, their ability to absorb new information improves, it becomes easier to see what they need to learn, and they gain the confidence to continue their studies. This foundation is essential for learners at every level, from beginners to intermediate and advanced-level learners.

   In fact, even advanced learners who already use English will find that establishing this foundation allows them to use the language with further ease. Furthermore, if you build this foundation from the very beginning, you'll find it easier to absorb new knowledge and expressions later on, which will help you use the language more naturally. As a result, I believe that while it may seem like a detour, it actually leads to a highly efficient learning process. Once your pronunciation becomes consistent, you’ll notice a change in how others respond to you. As your understanding of English sentence structure and word order becomes clearer, your explanations will become shorter and more effective. By building from the ground up rather than just polishing the surface, your ability to communicate in English will gradually become more consistent.

   I often hear feedback from students, such as the following:

• “I’m able to keep conversations going longer than before.”
• “Business meetings have become easier.”
• “I feel closer to the people I'm talking to.”
• and “I've become able to convey even subtle nuances.”

   One student even told me with a smile, “Lately, I've been having so much fun with English".

It seems that the English language, which my students had been studying out of necessity, had, before they knew it, become something they wanted to engage with on their own. So far, I've mostly focused on sharing stories from people who are already using English, but beginners who want to start learning English from the very basics as adults are, of course, more than welcome. If you're looking to build “English you can use with confidence” rather than just “getting by,” I believe these lessons are a good fit for you.

Q. Which lessons would you recommend to your students?

A. For first-time students, I ask that you choose a starting point based on your current goals and proficiency level. For those who want to improve their pronunciation, I recommend my:
“英語の発音矯正（アメリカ英語）/English Pronunciation Correction (American English)” lesson.

For those who want to learn to construct English sentences naturally, following how “native-speakers think,” I recommend my:
“ネイティブ感覚の英文法 / Native-Style English Grammar” lesson.

While focusing solely on pronunciation or on mastering how native-speakers think can be effective, refining both your pronunciation and your sense of grammar will help make English a more reliable tool for communication.

For those who want to explore both at once, I also offer a 90-minute introductory lesson. For those who want to start off by clarifying their learning approach and direction, I offer “英会話の学び方コーチング / English Conversation Learning Coaching.” For those aiming to take a certification exam, I also provide “TOEICカウンセリング / TOEIC Counseling.”

I offer self-study support for those who want a little guidance or a place to ask questions while studying on their own. In addition, as a unique service, I provide diagnostic reports that objectively assess the naturalness of your current English conversation skills.

Please feel free to choose any of my lessons that you are interested in. If you're unsure, feel free to join a consultation lesson so we can chat and figure out the best direction for you together.

Q. Finally, would you like to leave a message for your current and future students?

A. There are many ways to study English. If you're feeling like you want to make a small change right now, or if you'd like to enjoy learning English more naturally, Please do not hesitate to come and chat with me.

Just by slightly adjusting your approach, you'll start to see a difference in your progress. Step by step, but steadily. Moving beyond just “getting your point across” to English that truly connects you with others.

I look forward to meeting you.

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Nao705

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