Shows
The Free Talk Staffroom103. Hopes for the New YearWhat are your hopes for 2026? And more to the point, what are you going to do to give those hopes a chance of becoming real? Here are a few of my thoughts. But I’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment about your hopes, plans or dreams for the New Year. All the best,PatrickPS If you’re looking for a little inspiration to get your s**t together for the New Year, may I humbly recommend this book, guaranteed no woo-woo: https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/how-to-get-more-meaning-from-your lifeThe...
2026-01-0208 min
The Free Talk Staffroom100. Two things you should do while you're living it up as a self-employed teacher in JapanIt’s getting to that time of year to assess how things have gone and what to do to get ready for the New Year. But let’s leave all the teaching stuff in the classroom and instead think about your long-term future, and that means saving and investing for your retirement. If that scares you, good, then you are ready to do something about it. Watch the video above and then you could do no better than heading to RetireJapan to get started. Tell Ben I sent ya.PatrickThe thumbnail painting is here.
2025-12-1213 min
The Free Talk Staffroom99. Should you copy or be original in your teaching?The short answer is yes, both. But it depends on what stage you’re at in your career. And yes, being a self-employed English teacher in Japan is a career, if you choose to make it so.The painting at the start of the video is one of mine, here, borrowing heavily on the style of Canadian artist Tim Packer. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-12-0506 min
The Free Talk Staffroom98. What’s the status of English teachers in Japan?Does it really matter what the status is of English teachers? Yes and no, but here are my thoughts on cutting through the BS and getting on with it. If that resonates with you, you might enjoy my book: https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/the-tower-english-way-how-to-startThe painting at the beginning of the video is here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-11-2810 min
The Free Talk Staffroom97. The Napoleon Bonaparte approach to teaching EnglishNot many educators look to the French dictator for EFL classroom advice, but perhaps they should, as I argue in the video. The link to the books I mentioned is here:https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/free-talk-basics-1-3 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-11-2104 min
The Free Talk StaffroomThree new TEFL textbooks for adult beginnersI’m really pleased to announce the publication of three new textbooks designed for adult learners of English who are beginners/lower intermediate level. They are currently as cheap as I can sell them, but the price will go up in December. Full details and links to buy are below:https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/free-talk-basics-1-3 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-11-1401 min
The Free Talk Staffroom95. Why I'm wary of using AI in English teaching in Japan… and maybe you should be tooIf we welcome AI wholeheartedly to take over our core functions as teachers, things are not going to end well for us self-employed English teachers in Japan. Maybe it’s time to embrace a more human hands-on approach? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-11-0707 min
The Free Talk Staffroom94. How I use AI to teach EnglishI try to balance adopting new technology with keeping myself in the driving seat. Here, I discuss how I use AI for lessons with three of my students. Next week, I’ll talk about what I don’t want AI to do. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-10-3106 min
The Free Talk Staffroom93. How long does it take to prepare for a day of teaching?I time myself getting ready for a busy Friday and surprise myself how fast I can prepare for seven, 40-minute lessons. How long does it take you to prepare your classes?The main reason I can race through the prep time is I’ve already done it in the form of age and ability-specific textbooks, so on the day I just have to remind myself of the lessons.You can see what textbooks I use here: https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/books This is a public episode. If you would li...
2025-10-2411 min
The Free Talk Staffroom92. Remembering Matthew DonsFor more details of the get-together, go to the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/782098757904130 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-10-1703 min
The Free Talk Staffroom91. How to do level checksIf you know what your syllabus is and what grammar and vocab your materials are, doing a level check is a doddle. If you don’t have a syllabus, might I suggest you get one? Where do you get one from? This post about textbooks and writing your own might help: https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/how-to-write-your-own-textbooks-workingNeed help with grammar and what a syllabus actually is? I wrote a book to help: https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/the-tower-english-way-how-to-start This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with ot...
2025-10-1005 min
The Free Talk Staffroom90. Why I've started teaching English on SundaysWhen you’re self-employed you can pretty much choose your own work schedule, within reason. And one reason to consider teaching on Sundays is that’s when your students might be free. Just remember to pace yourself though, you still need time off …The textbook I made for use with first year university students is here: https://freetalktefl.substack.com/i/119447247/textbooks-for-adults This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-10-0304 min
The Free Talk Staffroom89. Is this how you want to spend your life?Before you answer that question, consider what you would be doing if it wasn’t for the need to earn a living? You may think you are sick of preparing lessons, dealing with kids, dealing with parents, dealing with businesspeople, but consider what else you might be doing. I’d rather be a little teapot than a corporate drone, but hey, you do you. I wrote a book about this too, called JEFWARS: How to reclaim your life’s meaning — one scribbled box at a time here: https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/how-to-get-more-meaning-from-your This...
2025-09-2603 min
The Free Talk Staffroom88. How we did our annual speech day this yearThis vid is just a few thoughts from an eikaiwa English teacher (me) on why and how to do a speech day. My thoughts from last year’s speech day are here: https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/59-have-you-thought-about-runningAnd the Instagram from speech day 2024 is here: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-09-1906 min
The Free Talk Staffroom87. Start where you are, and you might surprise yourself where you end upFor more about how we went from teaching from our living room to owning our school, see the series of posts that culminates with us buying our own place: https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/how-we-came-to-own-our-english-school This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-09-1209 min
The Free Talk Staffroom86. Questions over how best to use our first employeeI’m new to this game of hiring and training staff, but here are some half-baked thoughts about it. What do you think?Here’s an earlier post about team teaching in the classroom (with my wife), you might find useful if you find yourself in a similar spot: https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/thoughts-on-team-teaching-children This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-09-0508 min
The Free Talk Staffroom85. I've just published Free Talk Business 1-3 English courses for Japanese studentsOh, and from today and through the weekend, you can download Free Talk Business 1: Get your dream job for free as a Kindle ebook. Hurry though, the link reverts to paid only from Monday. Get it here for free from Amazon.co.jp:https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Patrick-Sherriff-ebook/dp/B0FNQS99KT Get it here for free from Amazon.com:https://www.amazon.com/-/en/Patrick-Sherriff-ebook/dp/B0FNQS99KT Get it here free from Amazon.co.uk:https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/en/Patrick-Sherriff-ebook/dp/B0FNQS99KT If...
2025-08-2904 min
The Free Talk Staffroom84. The weirdest English lessons I've ever taughtNot so weird, maybe, but certainly not covered in the textbooks. Here’s a related post about my three biggest mistakes — it’s not just students who mess up, you know — https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/my-three-biggest-mistakes-as-a-self This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-08-2204 min
The Free Talk Staffroom83. The real story of how I came to teach English in JapanYeah, origin stories are all very well, I hear you say, but how can I get more students to sign up with me? I found out accidentally what marketing chaps already knew: exude “with or without you” energy. Details are here: https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/the-secret-to-getting-more-students This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-08-1510 min
The Free Talk Staffroom82. Two tips to get your English school off the groundTwo opposite tips actually, but they kind of work together. More advice here:https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/your-secret-weapon-as-a-self-employed This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-08-0802 min
The Free Talk Staffroom81. Are you finding teaching English stressful? Here's a simple idea to set you freeAnd that simple idea is… lesson planning. But more than that, do it right and you’ll never have to plan a lesson again. If this video resonated with you, you might find these links interesting too:How to write your own textbook: https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/how-to-write-your-own-textbooks-workingHow to set up your own English school: https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/the-tower-english-way-how-to-start This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-08-0108 min
The Free Talk Staffroom80. A day in the life of a self-employed English teacher in JapanFrom the POW camps of Borneo, to the backseats of a minivan tearing through the suburbs, there’s a bit of variety in the life of a self-employed English teacher in Japan. More basic tips on teaching English to Japanese kids here: https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/a-few-little-things-you-might-need This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-07-2510 min
The Free Talk Staffroom79. Teaching English in this age of nationalism — or how Trump is affecting the businessI don’t want to cancel America, but Trumpism tests more than just my patience. By the way, I made a lesson plan to teach about Murder on the Orient Express, as mentioned in the video, here: https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/murder-on-the-orient-express This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-07-1806 min
The Free Talk Staffroom78. Stuck in low-wage English teaching? Time to start your own schoolFind yourself still getting entry-level pay but you’ve been in the teaching game for years? One solution might be starting your own school. Yeah, there are pitfalls, but there are also great opportunities. Speaking of opportunities… fancy popping out to a South African cafe bar and looking at some oil paintings? (That’s what I do when I’m not teaching). My show is on until the end of the month at Sun Beam terrace in Mabashi, on the eastern edge of Tokyo. It would be lovely to see you if you can make it.
2025-07-1108 min
The Free Talk Staffroom77. A new dawn for my business? We just hired a (Japanese) English teacherIn which I talk about hiring our first employee, and how we found her. There’s not much else I can say as I’m in new territory here myself, but watch this space.Speaking of new dawns and such, I’ll be at Sunbeam Terrace in Mabashi on the eastern edge of Tokyo this Saturday night (July 5th) for my art show “Here comes the sun”. Come along if you want to meet me, look at art or just chill. Details here: http://artbypatricksherriff.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like...
2025-07-0406 min
The Free Talk Staffroom76. The secret to running a successful English school in Japan for the long runIt’s not about your marketing plan and certainly not about discount fees.More thoughts on the business of teaching in Japan here: https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/the-tower-english-way-how-to-start This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-06-2007 min
The Free Talk Staffroom75. It's the self-employed bit of "self-employed English teacher in Japan" that is the superpowerAnd if you want to come out and see me at my July art exhibition near Tokyo, pop on over to http://artbypatricksherriff.subsctack.com: . This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-06-1308 min
The Free Talk Staffroom74. Sheer terror or mild interest? How to think about AI in English teachingIs AI going to eat our English-teaching lunch? Possibly. But I (and you) don’t really know what’s going to happen. So, here are my thoughts on what we can do right now to prepare for the future.And if that bores you, here is my guide to finding meaning in life — guaranteed no woo woo. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-06-0609 min
The Free Talk Staffroom73. Why teach concepts in English folk don't know in Japanese? And why not?There’s little point in trying to teach little Japanese kids how to write a cover letter in English. But what do you do if your livelihood depends on it? Where do you draw the line? Click for: 52 reasons why teaching English for yourself in Japan is a great idea. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-05-3006 min
The Free Talk Staffroom72. How teaching English is a subscription businessThink teaching English is a mug’s game? Well, it’s got a lot more in common with tech titans Netflix and Amazon Prime than you might think. Want more biz advice? There’s a whole lot in my book if you click here: https://freetalktefl.substack.com/p/the-tower-english-way-how-to-start This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-05-2302 min
The Free Talk Staffroom71. Are you here for the long term?If you are, it means you owe it to yourself to get your s**t together. One way is to think about funnels. Another is to buy my book, The Tower English Way, How to start and run your own little English school in Japan. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-05-1803 min
The Free Talk Staffroom70. How can you get more private students by teaching at kindergartens and the like?It’s a good question, but I’m not sure I have the answer you want to hear. You could try starting your own playgroup… This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-05-1104 min
The Free Talk Staffroom69. An English school in a boxHere’s a heads up for my latest scheme… an English school in a box. What’s that? Watch or listen to the video and find out. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-04-2607 min
The Free Talk Staffroom68. How to use QR codes to teach Japanese kids to read EnglishQR codes are your friend. At least, they can be in teaching spoken English and especially to help kids to read. Watch the video for more. Here are some useful links, as mentioned in the video:* A blog post I wrote last year of how to teach phonics to Japanese kids. * All 42 videos of me doing the phonetic sounds of English for my new improved workbook.* Here’s a link to details about The Tower English Way on how to teach English for yourself in Japan.* Here’s are link...
2025-03-1907 min
The Free Talk Staffroom67. A brand new course for adults...To the teacher: Are you sick of scouring the internet trying to find material that will stimulate your intermediate or advanced students of English? Are you sick of spending your free time planning and prepping for lessons? The Free Talk Conversation series if for you.You can get the Free Talk Conversation 3 combined textbook, workbook and video series from any Amazon site around the world.(P.S. The price for the textbook goes up tomorrow, so if you want one, I’d get it asap.)Links to the top 3 sites are here: From Am...
2025-03-0206 min
The Free Talk StaffroomAre you free tonight? Come say hello in Shimokitazawa, TokyoI’ll be at the Good Heavens British bar in Shimokitazawa to help raise money for Matthew Dons (see his GoFundMe page here) in his increasingly urgent fight against cancer. Come on out, donate as little as ¥500, and have a chat over a beer. Tomorrow is a national holiday after all. Cheers!Patrick This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-02-2303 min
The Free Talk Staffroom65. You gotta love Valentines... for English schoolsSure, it’s maybe too late now, seeing as it’s Feb. 14th already, but in general, if you can figure out an English-language-learning angle to whatever annual events happen, you are doing everyone a service. More written thoughts on that on this post here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-02-1403 min
The Free Talk Staffroom64. New students — it’s all about the birds and the beesWell, OK, not so much the birds. But certainly the bees. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-02-0205 min
The Free Talk Staffroom61. Time to get your act togetherIn which I talk about things to do this January. Not sure what you need to do to start and run your own little English school? I have a book about that — The Tower English Way. Details are linked to here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2025-01-2203 min
The Free Talk Staffroom60. Lovely to see you at the Expo yesterdayThought it might be helpful for you if I collated questions from all the folk I met at the Gaijin Pot Expo 2024 yesterday and my (slightly) more considered answers today. Yoroshiku!Patrick This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2024-12-0814 min
The Free Talk StaffroomCome say hello this SaturdayAs I say the in the video, I’ll be in Akihabara, Tokyo, this Saturday afternoon at Gaijin Pot Expo 2024 (I kept saying 2025 in the video but I meant 2024!). Come along if you’re free and want to say hello. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2024-12-0102 min
The Free Talk Staffroom59. Have you thought about running your own speech day?In which I talk about why I haven’t posted recently — been busy with running the annual speech day. Here are a few thoughts about why you might consider doing a speech day in your English teaching business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2024-07-2811 min
The Free Talk Staffroom58. Do you really want to be a one-trick pony?In which I make the case against over-specialising in teaching English in Japan. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2024-06-1404 min
The Free Talk Staffroom57. Why I teach.In which I spill the beans on why I teach. And it’s not for the money. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2024-06-0705 min
The Free Talk Staffroom56. Reasons to become a self-employed English teacher even if you have your doubts…You don’t have to be in love with teaching from the beginning to turn teaching English into a successful, enjoyable business in Japan that opens plenty more doors. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2024-05-3105 min
The Free Talk Staffroom55. Adapt to survive ... aka know which hill is worth dying on (most of them aren't)In which your head Free Talker admits his fallibility. Sometimes we — self-employed English teachers in Japan — have to admit that there is the tiniest possibility that we might in fact be wrong, once in a while. The moment you stop thinking you could be wrong is the moment you stop learning, the moment that you truly get old. Just sayin’ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2024-05-2407 min
The Free Talk Staffroom54. Alternative ways to make money when you are a self-employed teacher in JapanIt’s not just teaching, you know. As a self-employed person you are free to try your hand at any number of things that use your unique set of skills. Turn on your inner Liam Neeson. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2024-05-1710 min
The Free Talk Staffroom53. The secret to teaching English as a foreign languageAnd the secret is… well, you have to listen or watch the video to find out, but it’s something that we can all do at no cost beyond the time involved to practice this essential skill. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2024-05-1005 min
The Free Talk Staffroom52. Do you need a TEFL certificate?Patrick Sherriff, a self-employed English teacher in Japan for 16 years, weighs up the pros and cons of getting a TEFL certificate. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2024-05-0306 min
The Free Talk Staffroom51. Do you know when to call it quits?Patrick Sherriff talks about a bloke he met in a bar, when to retire and the dangers of working too long or not long enough as a self-employed English teacher in Japan. It’s complicated. Kinda. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2024-04-2605 min
The Free Talk Staffroom50. You're better off saying 'yes'Here are a few thoughts in reaction to my own video where I suggested you have to say ‘no’ sometimes. Well, it’s complicated… This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2024-04-1907 min
The Free Talk Staffroom49. Do you feel trapped teaching English in Japan?AI-generated transcript: Do you ever feel trapped?I ask that because I'm not sure that I ever felt that.Well, maybe.I certainly felt trapped in a job, and that's one reason why I became a self-employedEnglish teacher in Japan, but you may find yourself thinking you're a little bit stuck, or you get into a bit of a rut.Maybe that's middle age, I don't know.But especially if you are a foreigner living in Japan, applying your trade as an English teacher...
2024-04-1208 min
The Free Talk Staffroom48. Age discrimination? Don’t box yourself inAI-generated transcript: I saw a message on Facebook from a guy who was complaining about age discrimination in teaching.He said he was struggling to make enough money for food or rent or something and he said he had a job but he wanted a Saturday work and he was looking for Saturday work and he couldn't find places and every time he had an interview he wasRejected and he thinks it's something to do with being older.He's older than I am.So in his late 50s I Thought...
2024-04-0504 min
The Free Talk Staffroom47. Sometimes you have to say ‘no’AI generated transcript: Probably a crazy idea to record this in the middle of a bike ride.Just taking a break just before it gets dark.Maybe just enough light to see me.I wanted to make a quick video about something that happened to me this week.I had to say no to a new student.Two new students actually.Sometimes you have to.In the earlier part of my career I would have said yes.TEFL Talks...
2024-03-2905 min
The Free Talk Staffroom46. What are the pros of teaching English in Japan for yourself?AI-generated transcript: What are the pros of teaching English for yourself, being a self-employed English teacher in Japan?I can think of quite a few good reasons, but they all come down to the basic point, which is DIY, do it yourself.I think it's a philosophical position that you haveI mean I feel very comfortable doing things for myself and I've got used to it after doing this for over 16 years and maybe it takes a while to get used to that way of thinking but once you get...
2024-03-2209 min
The Free Talk Staffroom45. Is it racist to prefer to be taught a language by a native speaker? A few thoughtsAI-generated transcript:I was just on Facebook now looking on a forum talking about native versus non-native speakers of English teaching and who makes a better teacher and all that kettle of fish and I'm sort of reluctant to wade into it because very quickly ityou know like all discussions on Facebook it kind of descends into the lowest common denominator and somebody starts accusing somebody else of being racist and then they're Hitler and then it's like what?So I don't want to go there and I will not post my...
2024-03-1509 min
The Free Talk Staffroom44. What’s life really like as a self-employed English teacher in Japan?AI-generated transcript: Hello, I'm recording this on my way home, and I wanted to do sort of like a day in the life, but I don't have time for it, and it may be a bit absurd to be recording this.It's now 11 o'clock at night, I'm just after, and really I've done a 12-hour day.So, filming on the way home in the dark, lit up a bit by streetlights, maybe not very...I'm maybe not selling the life of a, what am I, a very tired, not freelancer, self-employed...
2024-03-0809 min
The Free Talk Staffroom43. What to do when a new student says they just want to improve their English conversationAI-generated transcript:Do you ever get students coming to you and asking for something specific to learn English?For example, oh I'm going to be sent to Singapore for six monthsThe Free Talk Staffroom featuring Patrick SherriffSo I don't need to tell you how to do that.The problem comes when you get somebody, and this happens quite often, there isn't an obvious need for their English.And you say, why are you interested in studying English?And they say, I want to...
2024-03-0105 min
The Free Talk Staffroom42. Who are your best students?AI-generated transcipt: hello welcome back to this weekly chat i'm in front of the lake as usual and just in the middle of a bike ride and i just thought i would make a recording where i don't disturb anybody at home or in the office or at the school whatever so today's topic who are your best studentsthinking about this really will turn your business into a success if you manage to get attract your best students let me give you an example for myself it doesn't necessarily follow for you you may have a...
2024-02-2311 min
The Free Talk Staffroom41. Career progression for the self-employed English teacher in JapanAI-generated transcript:I wanted to talk about something that maybe is an obstacle for people who want to become self -employed or are thinking about becoming self -employed and think, I don't want to.And that is the idea of a career progression, that if you're self -employed, you don't really have a career.And this is true, but the whole subject kind of bores me because I'm going to talk about it.But, you know, for much of my younger years, perhaps I was more, not obsessed, but I was...
2024-02-1610 min
The Free Talk Staffroom40. Why you shouldn't be a self-employed English teacher in JapanAI-generated transcript: Hello, I'm going to give you a couple of reasons why you shouldn't be a self-employed English teacher in Japan.There are a few, and you probably have considered these, but let me just mention them, put them out there in the open.Number one, you can't quit.Once you become self-employed, it's not an issue of, oh, I don't like this, I'm going to quit, I'm going to get a new job.It just doesn't work like that.Once you're in the game,
2024-02-0907 min
The Free Talk Staffroom39. How to upload your completed textbook to AmazonAI-generated transcript: Okay, hello.Are you ready for some exciting times at freetalktefl.substack.com?Today, tonight, it's kind of late.I've just finished teaching all day.I'm going to upload a file for a book.This is actually an older book.I've got the book here.100 English Phrases.But I wanted to update it.There are a few little things on the inside that I wanted to update.Now, as you know, as I've said before...
2024-02-0222 min
The Free Talk Staffroom38. How to publish your own English textbooks in JapanAI-generated transcript: Happy Friday.I just wanted to make this video.Well, actually I was approached in the comments section by a chap called Alan, who's in Okinawa.Hello, Okinawa.Who said, hey, tell us more about your publishing and self-publishing.And I guess he's interested in how you go about publishing your own textbooks and so on.And so that's quite a big topic.but I'm happy to talk about it because it's something I've been doing for the last 10, more than 10...
2024-01-2622 min
The Free Talk Staffroom37. A different future as a self-employed English teacher in JapanAI generated transcript:I don't want to spend every video that I make talking about myself or my business and how wonderful I am, but you could hear a but coming, couldn't you?I will make one last video like that for the moment, maybe in the future I'll talk about this again, but from next week I'm going to talk about the basics, the very basics that you needto succeed as a self-employed English teacher so back to basics that will be on Wednesday so if you're feeling oh how could...
2024-01-1910 min
The Free Talk Staffroom36. A tour of a self-employed English teacher's school in JapanAI-generated transcript: Hello.Happy Friday.I just wanted to make this video because I'm thinking about concluding the story of how we got where we are.my school developed and if you've been following on the blog I wrote a few pieces and next Wednesday I'm going to complete the series with talking about how we bought our own English school but I thought I would show you rather than just tell you about an English school this is our English school when I say our I mean my wife and...
2024-01-1210 min
The Free Talk Staffroom35. How do you teach an online English lesson?: 10 low-tech, no preparation tips to get startedAI-generated transcript: Hello, I'm going to give you some tips, 10 tips, in fact, for how to teach an online lesson.And so I thought I would do it like an online lesson.So I've got 10 points.The first point, first tip, just teach it like this.Just start your program and you start talking.I'm using Zoom.Uh, but you could use, uh, what is it?Microsoft, uh, is it meetings, um, or Apple FaceTime?Even I do some lessons with line because...
2024-01-0517 min
The Free Talk Staffroom34. Why I like this time of year, and something to get your kids writing in the New YearAI-generated transcript: I like this time of year.I'm not a big Christmassy person, although we have it, we have the tree and the advent calendars and everything, but that's for the kids.But I do like this time of year because it's, well I like the Japanese approach.Yeah, they have Christmas, but it's not over the top.You give you one present, all done and dusted.December 26th, Boxing Day in England.The Free Talk StaffroomIt's a nice time because...
2023-12-2906 min
The Free Talk Staffroom33. The Sherriff theory of value, AKA the shepherd’s pie model of businessAn AI-generated transcript: Hello, this may be one of my stupider ideas but I'm getting ready, getting the Christmas dinner ready for a party and I thought I'm not going to get a chance to record something so I'm going to do that now.So killing two birds with one stone which is kind of the topic maybe, if I can stick to it, for today.So I don't know if you can hear this.This is probably a terrible idea but we'll have a go.Yes, so my...
2023-12-2206 min
The Free Talk Staffroom32. How to get teens to enjoy reading books in EnglishWhere to download the books mentioned in the video: An AI-generated transcript of the video: Hello I'm going to give you the secret to how to get kids to read, well in fact how to get teenagers interested in reading.That sounds impossible right?Maybe it is, but this week I had a pretty good week.I introduced my new Hana Walker mysteries to the kids.A mixed result, but there was some, a few victories and I'm going to talk about that.By the...
2023-12-1511 min
The Free Talk Staffroom31. All the best ideas come in the showerAI-generated transcript: So last week I had the pleasure of speaking at Gaijin Pot Expo 2023 and it was quite a learning experience for me.I've never been to a business conference, certainly not as a featured speaker.That makes it sound more grand than it really was.I wasn't actually a featured speaker, I was just sort of like one of fouron a panel but the whole program only lasted 20 minutes so it was quite a lesson in trying to get my point across in as short a time as...
2023-12-0809 min
The Free Talk Staffroom30. Who am I? And why am I here?AI-generated transcript: Hello, well this is exciting, I wasn't expecting to do a video, I was expecting to just do apodcast, but apparently this is a new thing that Substack's doing, so why not try it out?Especially because tomorrow I'm going to be speaking at the Gaijin Pot Expo 2023 Jobs Fair.Amazingly, they've asked me, one of the organizers has asked me to speak, so I'm going to use this as an opportunity to practice what I want to say.I'm going to be on a panel to talk...
2023-12-0105 min
The Free Talk Staffroom29. Could you 10x your English teaching business?AI-generated transcript: Hello, just listen to me and today I will teach you how to 10x your English teaching business.Imagine making 10 times more money than you do right now.It's easy if you follow me.Yeah, right, something like that.Actually, of course it's not as easy as that, but in a way maybe it is.What am I talking about?I don't know.I'm talking like this because I just got an audiobook called 10x is easier than 2x.I haven't...
2023-11-2409 min
The Free Talk Staffroom28. How badly do you want it?AI generated transcript: How badly do you want it?How badly do you want to be a self-employed English teacher?I think if you answer that honestly, if the answer is very badly, or very much, I think that will be a marker of your success.Or put it this way, how much do you detest the situation that you're in right now?Are you in a lot of pain?Do you absolutely detest your work?Do you detest the life that you've found yourself leading because...
2023-11-1704 min
The Free Talk Staffroom27. A trip back to Britain, and what it taught me about teaching English in JapanAI-generated transcript: Hello, Patrick Sherriff here with the Staffroom, the podcast for freetalktefl.substack.com, and I just want to very briefly say I'm exhausted.I just got back from England.I came in yesterday, half past ten in the morning, into Haneda, so I don't know what time it is now.I don't know what time my body thinks it is.but I'm flagging, so I'll try and keep this short and sweet and just tell you the basics.This is all about a trip back to Britain...
2023-11-1005 min
The Free Talk Staffroom26. How can you use social media to get more students?It’s a trick question! You can’t… or at least I haven’t had much luck doing that. Leave a comment if you disagree.(AI generated transcript): Hello, Patrick Sherriff here with the Staffroom podcast on behalf of the, what the heck is it called?freetalktefl.substack.com Anyway, today I wanted to talk about something that I think many people obsess over and get it wrong, and that's how to use social media to get more students.I should say I'm no expert in this.These are purely m...
2023-11-0308 min
The Free Talk Staffroom25. Should you make friends with your students?Do you make friends with your students? Is it a good idea or best avoided? What do you think? Leave a comment!AI-generated transcript:The last time the Bulletin, the newsletter that I write every Wednesday, I think it's number 24, the Bulletin 24, I talked aboutHow to Team Teachfriendly, I think, and less clinical, which I think is a personal bugbear of mine.I think we are far too clinical, especially when teaching children.So it's an element of sort of amateurism that I quite embrace...
2023-10-2706 min
The Free Talk Staffroom24. Mr Shiawase and the 50-50 rule of teachingPatrick Sherriff tells the story of the valuable lesson he learnt from teaching English to Mr Shiawase. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2023-10-2004 min
The Free Talk Staffroom23. Finding your own way in teachingPatrick Sherriff talks about how finding a good place to rent set his teaching English business up for success in Japan. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2023-10-1312 min
The Free Talk Staffroom22. The mindset you need to be a self-employed English teacher in JapanHello, I'm Patrick Sherriff for freetalktefl.substack.com.And today I'm going to talk about a word that I don't like to use because I think it's a bit silly or it's a bit of a buzzword.Um, but I can't think of a better one.And that is mindset.The mindset, having the right mindset to be a self-employed English teacher or actually to be a self-employed anything.It does require a certain mindset.I don't like that word because as I say, it's just too...
2023-10-0608 min
The Free Talk Staffroom21. Teaching English in Japan - my origin storyHello, Patrick Sherriff here for freetalktefl.substack.com.I'm going to tell you a little story about how we ended up in Japan and teaching English.Back in the day, 2007, I was living with my family in the UK, in Derby.I was working for a local newspaper.My wife was working for a local Japanese company.and we were just basically making ends meet but we had two daughters and my mother-in-law to look after and we thought how on earth can we make a go of this...
2023-09-2910 min
The Free Talk Staffroom20. How many weeks do you have off a year?Auto-generated transcript:Hello, Patrick Sherriff here with the Staffroom podcast and you might be able to hear it's a bit windy where I'm recording this.I'm sitting on a bench drinking ice, not ice, but a cold coffee can, canned coffee from the machine while looking out on the, I guess, beautiful Teganuma.It's a big sort of marshland just on the outskirts of Abiko.Anyway, I'm on my bike ride and you may wonder, what?Riding your bike on a Friday afternoon?Aren't you busy teaching?
2023-09-2207 min
The Free Talk Staffroom19. The most dangerous number in a teaching businessTranscript (auto-generated):Hello, I'm Patrick Sherriff and I just wanted to talk a little bit more about what I wrote last for Free Talk TEFL.substack.com for the bulletin which is number 19, which if you go to the website you can find it all written out.I don't want to rehash that.What I was talking about was why I'm a self-employed English teacher and why I believe it's the best way.Basically, like a good communist, you should own the means of your production.If you do...
2023-09-1511 min
The Free Talk Staffroom18. Why I use a textbook to teach EnglishTranscript (auto-generated):Hello, I'm Patrick Sherriff and I'm going to talk about why I use a textbook for teaching English.You may think that textbooks are old-fashioned and a bit fuddy-duddy.Maybe you have a memory, like I do, of secondary school and very tedious textbooks that you go through line by line.Certainly that's how they do it in Japan.066some of the more boring teachers just go through a textbook line by line or read it out and that's not what I'm talking about if you have...
2023-09-0808 min
The Free Talk Staffroom17. Thoughts about business models and teachingPatrick Sherriff talks about funnels, business models and business mindsets for the self-employed English teacher. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2023-09-0109 min
The Free Talk Staffroom16. Thoughts on just because it's easy, doesn't mean it's worthlessPatrick Sherriff talks about taking pride in teaching English, even if you don’t think it’s much to brag about. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2023-08-2506 min
The Free Talk Staffroom15. Thoughts on why your school needs a newsletterPatrick Sherriff speaks off the cuff about why your school, or any business for that matter, needs a newsletter. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2023-08-1809 min
The Free Talk Staffroom14. What to do when a student quitsCry. Scream at the moon. Rip up their nengajo. And do this… This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2023-08-1104 min
The Free Talk Staffroom13. The secret to thriving as a self-employed English teacherAnd the secret is… well, you’ll just have to listen to the podcast, won’t you? It’s only six minutes, and I don’t fluff my lines much. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2023-08-0406 min
The Free Talk Staffroom12. You just have to be a bit above average, that's allPatrick Sherriff suggests that excellence at English teaching, or any other business activity, only requires you to be a little above average. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2023-07-2803 min
The Free Talk Staffroom11. Why I don't give students homeworkPatrick Sherriff argues that assigning homework is counterproductive in the English classroom. AKA homework sucks This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2023-07-2105 min
The Free Talk Staffroom10. The only 12 grammar rules you need for teaching EnglishPatrick Sherriff spells out the most used grammar points all English teachers should know. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2023-07-1408 min
The Free Talk Staffroom9. My three biggest mistakes as a self-employed English teacherPatrick Sherriff discusses the three biggest mistakes he’s made as a self-employed English teacher in Japan. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2023-07-0704 min
The Free Talk Staffroom8. How much should you charge for your English lessons?Patrick Sherriff (with “help” from his cat, Rako) talks about two numbers that will help you figure out what to charge for your English lessons in Japan, or anywhere for that matter. A transcript of the podcast can be found here at www.freetalktefl.substack.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2023-06-3007 min
The Free Talk Staffroom7. So, how exactly do you teach an English lesson?Patrick Sherriff reads the latest Bulletin newsletter for self-employed teachers of English as a foreign language. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2023-06-2305 min
The Free Talk Staffroom6. The good news about bad English chain schools in JapanYes, English as taught by chain schools in Japan, is typically overpriced, poor quality and very often mind-numbing for teachers and students. But, ironically, that is a reason for hope for the savvy English teacher. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2023-06-1614 min
The Free Talk Staffroom5. Why I don’t teach exam EnglishLots of English teachers make coaching students to pass tests a cornerstone of their English teaching business. Here, I give five reasons why I think that’s short-sighted and not the best business model for you. Sign up to the free newsletter and get a lesson plan on Monday, advice on Wednesday and this podcast every Friday delivered straight to your email inbox. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2023-06-0911 min
The Free Talk Staffroom4. Five myths about teaching English in Japan you should ignoreAre English teachers in Japan rich? Do you have to have a university degree to teach English in Japan? Patrick Sherriff, a 20-year veteran of the eikaiwa business picks five myths about the business that you can and should ignore.Sign up to the free newsletter and get a lesson plan on Monday, advice on Wednesday and this podcast every Friday delivered straight to your email inbox. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freetalktefl.substack.com
2023-06-0210 min
The Free Talk Staffroom3. Who wants to be a self-employed English teacher in Japan?Some folk see a stigma to teaching English as a foreign language, maybe because it can be an entry level job with little to no requirement to speak Japanese — think world traveller just needing some cash, or JET teacher just looking to prolong the adventure. But so what? I’d argue there are (at least) seven kinds of folk who turn to teaching English as a foreign language, and each has every opportunity to make a good, fulfilling life for themselves running their own show in Japan. Are you one of the seven? Sign up to the news...
2023-05-2614 min
The Free Talk Staffroom2. Where do you get your first students from?Which of these methods do you think will generate the most new students: The internet? Walking the streets? Starting a playgroup? Talking to neighbours? Advertising in the newspaper? Putting up posters? Or having a swanky logo? I outline the top five methods that worked for me and that will work for you in this week’s Staffroom podcast (given in REVERSE order of what works, so you have to listen all the way to the end to get the best one. Crafty, huh?)Stuck for something to teach?Go to the Free Talk TEFL website he...
2023-05-1912 min
The Free Talk Staffroom1. Why have a plan?Patrick Sherriff gives five reasons why it’s a good idea to plan your lessons. Points made are:* Helps you keep the focus of your lesson on the important stuff* Gives you something to fall back on in an emergency* Means you know what the kids have learnt over time so you don’t repeat yourself* It’s not cheating to use other folks’ plans because you are free to do what you do* Adds to professionalism… and your bottom line.But listen to the episode to get all th...
2023-05-1205 min