The first lesson (Part I)

You have already seen quite a few paragraphs where I mention the first lesson with your student. This posting is all about the first lesson and it is highlighting the most important aspects of it as well as the most important techniques for getting your student interested and wanting to keep you as their tutor as long as possible.

The first lesson is the crucial point where tutor and tutee get to know each other. This is the time to ask questions, give answers, watch body language, break the ice, and offer your assistance in the most friendly and professional way. Usually the first lesson is a trial lesson where the student is trying and the tutor is selling. Most tutors do not charge for this first lesson and to make it more feasible for them, they usually make it shorter (maybe 30 min.). It is up to you to decide how you want to "sell your product". In this lesson the student will make a decision whether to have you as a tutor or not.

A few rules are always useful to remember when you book a first lesson.
1. Time: make sure you have enough time before and after the lesson
Sometimes tutors would book a lesson very close to other lessons and they would get impatient with the student towards the end. The students will see that you are nervous and this will lower your chances of them signing up with you.

2. Place: choose a quieter place where there are not too many people, e.g. library, the park, etc.
If you have an office then you do not have to worry about the place. But if you do not have one, then consider the possible noise and distractions at the place where you will have the first lesson. You want to focus on your students' English, and you want your students to focus in the lesson. Also, make sure there is a table where you and your students can comfortably write and place materials on.

3. Food & drinks: avoid eating or drinking in a first lesson
First, it is not polite. Second, you may look very unpleasant if you are chewing while trying to convince your student you are the best tutor in town. Make this a requirement for your students too. Let them know that it is not pleasant if they eat and drink in front of you. If you need to, provide an etiquette lesson. I would not recommend eating or drinking during any class in general. However, if you know the student well and you have an agreement or feel comfortable enough to do that, then you may allow yourself to have a light bite or coffee in class. Make sure you do not turn your lesson site into a restaurant though.

4. Dress code: dress appropriately putting on clothes that reveal your professionalism
Absolutely no short skirts, see-through shirts, provocative clothing. Female tutors, keep it simple in terms of make-up too. Make sure you are always clean and professional. After all, you are giving an example not only by your perfect English language, but also by the way you behave and look.