Join Talking Towns
Add your business to the Talking Towns network

We think it is important to find ‘real world’ speaking opportunities for our foreign students.  As an independent shop owner with knowledge of your local community, we thought it would be great if they could talk to you.  We have started a scheme that encourages our students to talk to independent shop owners.

How does it work?
We have created a webpage detailing all the shops taking part in the scheme. Students simply choose a shop they are interested in and turn up.  On arrival, they explain that they are taking part in the scheme and ask if it is possible to ask a few questions.

Which towns are taking part in the scheme?
We are currently looking for businesses in Durham, Newcastle, Alnwick and Whitby.

What will they ask about?
If you decide to take part in the scheme, you can let us know what you are happy talking about and even suggest questions the students could ask.  Possible topics include:  the products you sell, your motivation for starting your business, places in the North East that you recommend visiting, local history, the pros and cons of living in your town etc.

How much of my time would they take?
The students would probably take no more than 10-15 minutes of your time.

What if I am busy when they come?
The students will be instructed not to disturb you if the shop is busy.  You can also let us know the best times to visit (e.g. Monday mornings).

Will this be good for business?
Probably not, our hope is that the people who use the website will visit a number of shops, in which case it would be unreasonable to expect them to buy something in every shop.  Ideally, we are looking for shop owners who just enjoy meeting and talking to new people.

Why do you need a website?  Can’t they just come and talk to me?
Yes, outgoing students are quite capable of starting their own conversations.  Many English learners, however, don’t have the confidence to ask questions to someone they don’t know.  They are worried about not being understood and inconveniencing people.  The scheme is intended to give English learners an excuse to start a conversation.

Can I withdraw from the scheme?
Yes.  If for any reason you would like to withdraw from the scheme, you can email us at info@durhamschoolofenglish.co.uk   and we will remove you from the website immediately.
Name:
Email:
 
Join Talking Towns

Shop's Address:
What do you sell?:
Website:
Please upload a photo of your shopfront or a photo of you in your shop (preferred):
Ideally, we would like students to be able to just turn up at your shop. 
However, if you would like them to make an appointment by email, please tick this box:
If you would like to write a short welcome message, you can do so here.  Maybe something along the lines of, " Hi, I run a small shop that sells candles, and I have been living in Durham for 20 years.  I love my job and I love Durham.  If you would like to practise your English, feel free to come in and talk to me."
When are the best times for students to visit you?
Day:

From:
To:
Day:
From:
To:

Day:
From:
To:
Please tick the topics you are comfortable talking about / have knowledge about:
Recommendations
(attractions, restaurants):
Local politics:
Your hobbies:
Being self-employed:
Local events:
Your business:
Local history:
How your area has changed:
Local problems:
Good things about the area:
Are there any other topics you would be happy talking about?
It could be a hobby or interest that you have.
Lower level speakers sometimes find it hard to make their own questions.  In order to help, we would like to provide them with some questions.  Which of the following would you be happy answering?
What motivated you to start your business?
Which local restaurants do you recommend?
Which local attractions do you recommend?
Where do you recommend visiting in the UK?
What problems are there in your town?
How has your town changed since you have been here?
What do you like about your town?
What do you know about your town's history?
Apart from your business, what are you passionate about?
Thank You
Shop's Name:
Crossgate Centre, Crossgate, Durham City, DH1 4HF.   Registered in England & Wales.  Company No: 11362162
Copyright © Durham School of English 2018  
               
Durham School of English
Innovative English Language Teaching