HELLO! I’M MICHELLE.
I help curious learners like you become confident English speakers.
I offer the guidance you need to
SPEAK ENGLISH MORE CLEARLY AND FLUENTLY
You probably know that the more you practise speaking English, the easier it becomes. But as an intermediate learner, you may find speaking the hardest skill to practise.
If you feel self-conscious, hesitate during conversation, or stumble over your words, you’re not alone. In fact, most learners at your level experience the same challenges!
That’s why my private coaching program is designed to help you overcome your shyness and speak English with confidence.
I’m here to ensure you make meaningful progress by offering you a safe space where you can practise and receive personalized feedback.
Have you ever wished you could…
- Express your thoughts, ideas, and opinions with clarity and confidence?
- Be yourself and feel at ease when you chat with people at social events?
- Speak up during meetings so you can get the respect you deserve?
Then together, we can make your goals a reality!
MY STORY
I’ve been helping intermediate and advanced English learners speak more clearly, fluently, and confidently since 2016.
After spending half my life in several English-speaking Canadian cities, I moved to Montreal, in the French-speaking province of Quebec. I soon realized that my intermediate-level French wasn’t enough to get a job because almost every employer sought fluent speakers.
At first, I was embarrassed to speak French on the phone, let alone in a job interview. But I needed to overcome my fear of making mistakes to improve.
I know what it’s like to feel shy or afraid to speak a second language and keep going when you hit a plateau. I got through these struggles in French, and I can help you do the same in English.
I aim to encourage you to follow your natural curiosity and discuss topics that interest you so that you can find pleasure in your English learning experience. After all, enjoying your learning journey is the key to becoming the confident English speaker you’d love to be.
“Before getting coaching from Michelle, I felt embarrassed about my pronunciation. I wanted to communicate in English with confidence.
Michelle’s patience and passion for English helped me a lot. She gave me good feedback so that I could improve.
With her help, my pronunciation got better. I enjoyed our conversations on interesting subjects.”
MY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Certificates
- Teaching English Online, Cambridge Assessment English (2020)
- Certificate in Translation (French to English), McGill University (2016–2019)
- CELTA – Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Cambridge Assessment English (2018)
Scholarships and awards
- McGill Associates Prize in Translation, McGill University (2019)
- MACES Translation & Written Communication Undergraduate Scholarship, McGill University (2017)
Since starting my business in 2016, I’ve conducted over 2,000 private English coaching sessions.
As well as pursuing English coaching and translation, I’ve worked as an interlocutor for an English speaking test since 2019.
“My goal was to find pleasure in speaking English so that I could feel confident in all my English meetings. Michelle is well prepared, and her coaching gave me many ideas to practise my English and improve.
I learned how to pronounce words the right way, take my time while speaking, and correct the mistakes that I tended to repeat.
Michelle has such great energy, and she’s a good listener. Her wonderful smile put me at ease right away!”
MY PODCAST APPEARANCES
Connect 2 French
La gratitude et les langues avec Michelle de The Heart of English
La Fabrique à Polyglottes
Dépasser le perfectionnisme en langues : progresser sans pression
Passerelles
Vivre à Montréal, une ville plurielle
ESL Talk
Teaching Speaking Skills Through Stimulating Discussions
MY HOBBIES
Get to know me better!
Reading: I’ve been an avid reader since childhood. My favourite English books include Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, Annie John by Jamaica Kinkaid, and A Manual for Cleaning Women by Lucia Berlin. Two of my most treasured French books are La vagabonde by Colette and Le château de ma mère by Marcel Pagnol.
Listening to podcasts: My day doesn’t feel complete unless I’ve listened to at least one podcast! My favourite English podcasts include NPR’s Book of the Day, Life Kit, Meditative Story, Fresh Air, and StoryCorps.
Writing: I’ve kept a journal on and off since I was 11 years old. In 2022, I got into gratitude journaling, which has helped me focus on the good things in my life.
Doing art: Before studying French-to-English translation and teaching English, I did a degree in visual art at the Ontario College of Art & Design. I specialized in printmaking and book arts. Nowadays, I practise brush calligraphy. I also enjoy going to museums.
Exercising: I practise yoga several times a week. In summertime, I like hiking in beautiful places around Quebec.
Cooking: My husband and I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. We love exploring recipes from around the world. Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Thai—we’re constantly trying something new!
THINK WE’RE A GOOD MATCH?
Drop me a line to chat about your journey to English fluency.