Jennifer
Howdy! Welcome to SpeakTexan! I’m so glad you’re here.
I’m a native Texan, born and raised, and have spent over 20 years helping learners of all levels master English. In addition to having a university degree in English, I am a published author, an experienced editor, a former community K-12th grade teacher, and a dedicated Talk Time (Austin Public Library’s English conversation practice program) volunteer. With signature Texas warmth and honesty, I’m here to guide you on your language journey, no matter where you’re starting from or where you’re headed.
I can help you practice your conversation skills, perfect your emails and etiquette, show you around town, and explain all those little confusing things that Texans (and Americans, in general) do or say!
If you have questions or would like to arrange an in-person English practice session with me, please send an email to jennifer(at)speaktexan.com or fill out the form below.
Services
Coffee/Tea Chat
A relaxed and generally unstructured hour-long conversation on topics you choose either in advance or “on the fly,” held in a comfortable and convenient public place such as a local cafe, library, park, etc. Think of me as your patient, non-judgmental and very curious friend who can’t wait to hear about your day and offer thoughtful answers to your questions.
The goal of a coffee chat is mainly to practice fluency (ease while communicating clearly with relatively few pauses or hesitations) over accuracy (correctly applying language systems such as grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation). The vast majority of native English speakers are more fluent than they are accurate while talking with each other!
Austin Outings: “Walk and Talk”
Some people think (and speak) better on their feet! We can visit a local museum, “window shop” along the storefronts in the Domain, or even chat while looking for ingredients at HEB, Trader Joe’s, or HMart.
A changing environment as we have a free-flowing conversation ensures that there’s always something to discuss and new vocabulary to learn together. Additionally, if you’re feeling bold, I can help coach you through everyday interactions with strangers we encounter on the street or in the store.
Let’s explore Austin together! With so many fun things to do around town, we’ll have lots to discuss. Whether we spend a morning, an afternoon, or a full day together, you’ll learn a lot about your new home.
Cultural Navigation: “Specific Settings & Situations”
Shopping, healthcare, banking, signing a lease, talking to your child’s teacher… all of these things can be confusing and scary when you are try to settle in the U.S and learn English at the same time!
Many people feel anxious about calling for a dentist appointment, talking to an automobile mechanic, giving a presentation at work or ordering at a restaurant, so let’s practice these types of situations in English together. Depending on the topic, we will use authentic materials whenever possible (real emails, texts, menus, order forms, etc) to simulate a realistic scenario and review useful phrases, idioms and culturally appropriate body language to communicate effectively.
In-person and on-call options available
policies
Session Scheduling
Please contact Jennifer or Tien directly by email to schedule language practice sessions, make changes to plans and ask specific questions
One-on-one SpeakTexan English practice sessions are typically 1–2 hours long, depending on the scheduled activity and any travel time required. Special arrangements can be made in advance for group practice sessions, topic-specific conversation workshops, etc
Please arrive on time and let your coach know if you are running late. If you are more than 15 minutes late without notifying us, the session will count as a no-show, and the full session fee applies.
Cancellation & Rescheduling
- We try to offer as much flexibility as possible, so we simply ask for 24 hour notice if you want to cancel a session. If you would like to reschedule a session, we will do our best to find a time that works for everyone.
- If you wish to receive a refund after cancelling a session (at least 24 hours beforehand), please send an email requesting one directly to Tien or Jennifer
Payment for Services
Jennifer and Tien each handle their own billing and payment collection, so will communicate with you directly about their hourly rates and payment procedure as part of the scheduling process.
Payment is generally expected before a session takes place. If your session extends longer than the original time planned, you will be billed for the extra time as appropriate.
Courtesy & Comfort
Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to change, reschedule or cancel a session.
While we encourage warm conversations, open-mindedness and good humor in all our sessions, we expect everyone to show respect and kindness.
Respect everyone’s time and energy by following the policies and procedures described above–if you have questions, just ask!
About
Jennifer Marchman
…grew up in Waxahachie, TX, which is just 30 minutes south of Dallas. She is married to her high school “sweetheart” and has three grown children, two boys and a girl.
In addition to co-founding SpeakTexan and volunteering for Talk Time at the Austin Public Library, Jennifer works as a postpartum doula for GALS, a local non-profit that helps take care of women during pregnancy and immediately after birth. She is also the author of the award-winning historical time travel series, The Mender Trilogy.
In her free time, Jennifer practices flamenco dancing and is working on improving her Spanish and French skills. She also makes pretty good sourdough bread.
