Communicating With Migrants Doesn’t Have To Feel Difficult
Learn to adapt your conversation style to be more easily understood, with or without interpreters.
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SOUND FAMILIAR?
When language gets in the way of understanding
If you work in a local authority, you’ll recognise this. Conversations about housing, benefits, safeguarding or school admissions become harder when the person you’re supporting has a low level of English and is adapting to a new country.
Sometimes they nod politely. Sometimes the conversation goes round in circles, and both of you leave feeling unsure of what was agreed.
And you worry that you’re speaking too fast, or that if you slow down, they might feel patronised.
what your client may be experiencing
To them, your speech may sound like a stream of noise.
This causes feelings of anxiety and overwhelm which can seriously reduce their ability to focus on what you say. If they are confused they may be ashamed to admit it, or not know how to ask the right questions.
When this happens, nobody gets what they need – not you, and not them and not the people relying on them.
BUT IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY
And that's exactly what you'll learn in this workshop!
HI, I'M SHELLEY PURCHON
I’m the founder of English Unlocked and for 25 years I taught English to people from all over the world, including asylum seekers and other migrants. I became highly skilled at adapting my speech so that even beginners could understand me.
When other people discover this clearer way of speaking, their conversations become slower, calmer and more interactive.
And the best part?
This practical workshop takes just two hours. The years I spent mastering this skill through trial and error are condensed into one short, impactful workshop.
Straight away your clients will understand you more easily, and so will interpreters.
Even when you speak extremely slowly, you won’t sound patronising. You will phrase ideas more simply and replace colloquial language with words which are globally understood.
This fun and interactive workshop is only available from English Unlocked.
Watch the video for more detail on what we cover in the workshop!
What Your Conversations Will Feel Like After The Workshop
Your clients will notice and appreciate your new way of speaking.
You’ll see your clients visibly relax, and you will feel more relaxed too.
Migrants will ask more questions, instead of nodding politely.
Conversations will feel more interactive and your rapport will improve.
How To Speak To Learners of English As A Foreign Language
Master the skill of speaking in a way that migrants find easier to understand.
This training is available online or face-to-face for groups of up to 20 people.
If it’s just for you, we’ll put you on a waiting list. You’ll receive a notification when the next session is taking place.
Prices for groups range from £600 to £800 depending whether a consultation to develop bespoke training is required.
What you’ll learn
By the end of the workshop, will be able to adapt your communication style with confidence and skill. You will feel calmer and more confident during appointments with asylum seekers, refugees and other migrants.
What English sounds like to a beginner, through a short foreign-language listening exercise
See how your speech looks on a soundwave recorder. Are you leaving enough gaps?
The seven communication mistakes that can seem patronising, and what to do instead.
The everyday words and phrases which cause confusion for learners of English.
How to speak to beginners in a way that is very slow but dignified.
How to speed up for those with better English while still sounding crisp and clear.
What Others Say
5 Star Feedback
THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR YOU IF
You work with the public or have a frontline role supporting migrants, including:
- Resettlement teams
- Leaving Care teams
- UASC support workers
- Social workers
- Employability advisors
- Housing and homelessness staff
- Foster carers
- Caseworkers and casework coordinators
A Real Example From Resettlement Work
Safeguarding is one of the hardest concepts to explain to people who grew up outside the UK.
It’s abstract, unfamiliar and, in some languages, has no clear equivalent. When translated literally, it can sound harmless, meaning its importance is easily missed.
In our workshops, we show staff how to move away from terms like “safeguarding concerns” and instead explain safeguarding in simple, concrete language. Small changes in phrasing make a real difference.
When people genuinely understand safeguarding, they are more likely to ask questions, engage in two-way conversations and leave feeling informed and included. This is a clear example of how the right communication approach builds trust and improves outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to some of our most commonly asked questions below
How long is the training?
All our workshops are 2 hours long.
Can you hold this training in-house?
Yes. We can deliver the workshop online or in-house. Depending on your location, in-person training may incur a small additional cost.
Who delivers the training?
This workshop is usually delivered by our founding director, Shelley Purchon.
Is this just for groups?
No, we also deliver training to individuals, who can book on to mixed-group sessions. The tips in our mixed-group sessions are relevant to staff in a wider range of roles. To find out more, request a mixed group session when you click on ‘Enquire now.’ In our reply we’ll let you know which workshops we have coming up, and we’ll add your name to the waitlist if nothing is scheduled already. Prices start at £60 per person.
Can you help us solve a different communication problem?
Yes. Here are some examples of communication difficulties which other clients have brought to us-
- how to explain grooming to Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children
- how to explain housing legislation to people at risk of homelessness
- how to explain data protection over the phone
- how to explain what volunteering consists of.
Is there any follow-up?
Yes. Bespoke workshops include a consultation before and after the workshop.
Can we book this for mixed teams with different roles?
Yes. Many organisations book this for mixed groups – the skills are useful for all front-facing staff. If that’s your situation we recommend booking a workshop specially designed for mixed groups, rather than a bespoke one.
Do you offer a discount for third sector organisations?
Yes. Please mention this when you book.
We use interpreters. Do we still need this workshop?
Interpreters are essential for certain conversations, especially if the topic is legal, medical or financial. But booking an interpreter isn’t always justified, and even with an interpreter, meanings can get missed. This workshop complements – not replaces – interpreter use. To learn about our training on ‘How to Work Effectively with Interpreters’, check our website.
We already have cultural competency training. How is this different?
This workshop focuses specifically on language, not culture. It teaches you practical communication techniques you can use immediately, alongside any broader cultural awareness training you already have.
Is the workshop accessible for staff with different learning styles?
Yes. The session is interactive, visual and practical, with plenty of examples, opportunities to try techniques and space to ask questions.
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