The Birdsong approach
Your voice.
Your context. Your choices.
In private coaching, we start with a real communication situation and build on what you already bring.
We look at
the whole moment.
English is part of the conversation. So are your expertise, your relationships, the expectations in the room, and the contribution you want to make.
When communication becomes difficult, it is easy to assume that you need better words. Sometimes you do. Sometimes you need more time, a clearer question, or another way into the exchange.
We begin with curiosity about what happens and what you already do that helps. Your multilingual experience is part of what you bring to the work.
Birdsong Field Note 01 · Mary’s reflection
Who owns understanding?
A client asked me to explain something differently. The change came when I found a clearer example. Her question helped us both understand.
Mary Lefaiver · Birdsong Founder
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A multilingual client asked me about the difference between “Achievable” and “Relevant” as we worked on a SMART goal. I had used the framework for years. My explanation still came out unclear.
Her request for a different explanation gave us another way forward. I tried a concrete example, and we clarified the distinction together.
Without the question, she might have left believing that her English was the problem when it was really my explanation that needed to change.
When we work across languages, understanding is something we build together. Asking someone to explain again can be a thoughtful, capable response.
A practice you can carry with you
Notice. Try. Reflect. Adapt.
01 · Bring your context.
Choose one situation. Look at the people, the pace, the stakes, and what you want to contribute.
02 · Notice what works.
Find the strengths and strategies you already use. Decide what you want to build on.
03 · Try another way.
Practice responses that sound like you. Take a small experiment into a real conversation.
04 · Carry it forward.
Reflect on what happened. Adapt what helps and keep it in your toolkit of approaches.
What stays with you
Imagine this instead.
You find a way into the meeting and make your point.
When a question surprises you, you have ways to respond.
You draw on your experience as the interview unfolds.
Your writing sounds like you.
You express a different view with care for the relationship.
You bring your experience and perspective into the conversation.
Strategies you have practiced in your own words.
Small experiments tied to real conversations.
A toolkit of approaches you can keep adapting.
A real place to begin
Bring the moment.
We can look at it together.
Your perspective, the people involved, and what you want to contribute give us a place to begin.
Your context. Your choices.