Unusual Channel
By Ma. Renette B. Uy

Speak English like it's second nature

I have just attended the Training The Trainers' Course called Polishing Your English . It was held for five days in Bacolod City and conducted by John Clements Consultants, Inc. This course is to enhance what I already know about the English language. It is more of re-thinking my English grammar, how I use it and if I used it correctly, that's what it is. And of course, prepare myself in training the applicants when they apply for a job at the call centers in Manila . It is more of equipping them in the English language so they will be able to have that confidence when they come face to face with their interviewer. I have learned a lot from this training course. Geez, grammar lessons was a long time ago and the rules that went with grammar then, actually, was not something I memorized and use in a conversation. But during the training, not only did I polish my grammar and language rules, I also realized how important it is to use or practice this rules, not take it for granted and I would like to share it with you. The objective of the course is simple: to be able to know the correct usage of prepositions, tenses, articles, and the like; of course, more importantly, to be able to communicate effectively.

I didn't realize the importance of speaking the English language until I attended this course. I speak the language as the need arises; like if I am speaking with a foreigner, when I used to conduct training programs or do presentation work before, when spoken to by someone in the English language, etc. It was not something I need to do like take a bath or drink water. But guess what, nowadays, if you want to have a good job, you must know how to speak English; not a one liner-English but one paragraph the least. It's the universal language anyway. Seriously, new graduates out there, if you know you are not proficient in English, you might as well attend this kind of training course to help you land a good job.

Take for instance, working in a call center. If you are interested to work in a call center, it is important to know how to use the proper tenses. It is common error for some who take for granted the correct usage of past, present and future tenses. Not only that, you have past perfect, present perfect and future perfect, whatever! Geez, can you imagine if you have to memorize all the rules for these tenses? Only an English teacher will do that because they teach it. But guess what again, there are English teachers out there who do not know how to use it correctly, (no offense, but it's a reality) I don't know why but guess who suffers? I have to admit it is confusing especially after attending the course. Maybe because I have forgotten or maybe because English for me is simple conversational. I was never conscious of my tenses, who would ever? Of course, I know the basic rule or my English teacher will cut me in half! Anyway, I just want to say that if you're interested to work in a call center, you better start polishing that English.

Furthermore, I would like to encourage students to practice their English, in school while talking to classmates, at home, anywhere for that matter. It is an advantage or edge when applying for a job. And since, call centers are starting to be such a great job opportunity, teachers must be vigilant in making sure that their students are practicing to speak the English language. Not only teachers should be vigilant but parents too. As parents, we send our kids to the best school if we can afford it. We are assured that they will be taught the English language proficiently. But what happens to those who cannot afford schools that teach or practice English as the first language? Are we to believe that they do not have a chance anymore to land a job in a call center or any job for that matter? I hope not because it would be such a pathetic case of helplessness. Perhaps, teachers of both public and private schools have to take this seriously. English teachers, private or no private school, must make sure that the English subject is taught correctly. It is, I believe, an essential part of education. A few years back, there was a mandatory law passed that subjects in social studies and the sciences must be in Pilipino. Why? I don't see anything wrong in teaching it in the English language like how it was before. There is the Pilipino subject and it was enough then. Actually, it was easier that way then. But of course, for political reasons the law had to be passed. Such a pity because, suddenly, kids are failing their history or science subject because they find it difficult to remember the Pilipino word for “nimbus clouds” (if ever there is) and it was pointless! I couldn't understand the rationale for translating everything in Pilipino when there was nothing wrong teaching science or social studies in English. I am a Filipino by heart and mind but let me ask you… when you started working in an office, did you ever use Pilipino to make sales reports, marketing plans, advertising slogans, training modules, business correspondence, etc.? I don't think so! When I used to work, there was never a time I used Pilipino to do my reports. It was not appropriate. It's funny ‘cause I have always heard the cliché, “those who are poor in mathematics are those who excel in English and those who are poor in English are very good in mathematics . ”   Well, it'll be good if we excel in both but it is a rarity nowadays, I maybe wrong too. That is why I believe English should be taught seriously in schools and also in our homes like second nature. Personality is not just good looks and good grooming. One should also be a good speaker to have that confidence in anything like applying for a job, talking to a foreigner, writing reports, etc.

Hey guys, it's never too late to polish that English. If you hear any seminars or training on English proficiency, go and sign up for it. You'll never know what job opportunity awaits you. One thing is for sure though, you won't write or do your work reports or correspondences in Pilipino, it's always in English! I believe in the ability of each Filipino to always excel in whatever he does, motivated and challenged by new innovations and technology but sometimes attitude does not come with it. Sad state, huh? But like I said, never too late for anything, like change for a start.

Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.