A general conversation where I can assess your level and what you require. It's also a great way for you to see if I'm the right teacher for you. :)

Topics include teaching you how to Introduce yourself, speaking about your job, your best friend, travel and many more. New vocabulary is fun and exciting to learn. Depending on the topic of conversation, you will learn how to speak about specific topics using the vocabulary that you have learnt throughout the lessons. As an example I will teach you to use the word “trying” as an adjective. I will teach you the difference between “do” and “play” in the sporting context. You will learn how to remember prepositions easily.

General Informal Tutoring with Brends

A conversation is a relaxed way in which to get to know someone. It’s a way to communicate our feelings, desires, needs and opinions. My conversation practice lessons are centered around IELTS speaking lessons. I am however very curious and love learning and if you are open to speaking, you will have the opportunity to have a conversation about anything that you want to speak about. From more serious topics such as politics, climate change, psychology and GBV to travel and food or families and children to name but a few. 

Conversation practice is also about listening. It’s not possible to have a conversation with someone if we are not listening to each other. You will have the opportunity to speak for the entire hour while I ask leading questions. You will feel safe speaking to me about any topic. I will gently correct you when you make the same mistake over and over again. But mostly this is your space to speak and I would like to encourage you to speak freely.

Conversation Practice with Brends

I love reading and I love having someone read me a story. It’s relaxing and therapeutic. I believe that reading is the key ingredient to learning the English language. I have a variety of books for you to choose from.

Reading with Brends

You are welcome to ask me to help you create the perfect CV and cover letter for any job application. Your CV is very important because first impressions last. If you are being interviewed for a job my interview practice and role playing exercises will increase your chances of getting the job.

Job applications and interview practice with Brends

Are you an academic who needs help editing articles for publication? Or navigating the complex world of PhD’s and dissertations? Understanding the hierarchy within the university structure? Do you need to give a lecture in English? Having worked at The University of Cape Town as well as at Rhodes University in numerous faculties from the Registrar's office to Journalism and Drama, doing numerous jobs, such as support, administration, teaching and staff training, I know that I can stimulate you and encourage you in your academic career.

Academic English with Brends

If you are interested in business my business lesson plans will help you sound confident during meetings and when presenting at conferences. Regardless of your position or industry you will learn how to communicate in the business world. You will feel more confident and you will want to participate in meetings and with your international colleagues.

General Business English with Brends

Licensed and qualified to sell real estate/property.

I don't have any degrees. I am an entrepreneur and always have been. I started my first business during my last year of high school. Subsequent to that I've always generated my own income somehow. I've met students on italki without degrees who are teaching in Universities. I've met students on italki without degrees who are in business for themselves.

I have extensive business experience in Real Estate, Website Design, Social Media Management, Layout and Design of major publications including newspapers and academic journals. I am hoping to help English learners improve their business language skills.

To design a full website for a client including all graphics using html, javascript and full CSS and to optimise for website search engines.

● Design and layout work for commercial printing including business cards, brochures, pamphlets, letterheads, receipt books, posters, academic text books.
● Design and layout of Grocott’s Mail, including adverts and mastheads.

● General discussion and informal tutoring via skype
● Most of my students are adults from Europe.

To mentor intern/candidate Real Estate Agents.