Training for Non-Native English Speakers


Language By Design has been providing training for non-native English speakers since its creation in 1997. We pride ourselves on being a full service language and communication training provider, specializing in the high-tech sector.

“Karen O’Neal has provided language training for us over the past few years. She has worked with individuals and small but personalized groups. What makes Karen an impactful trainer is her ability to connect with diverse learners and pinpoint their needs. Rather than focusing on general English training, she helps learners focus on targeted topics for improvement. Beyond the classroom, Karen is also incredibly collaborative and flexible. We work with many training vendors, and Karen’s expertise and flexibility definitely make her stand out.“
Training Coordinator
San Jose, CA

Founder Karen O’Neal and her associates are specialists in second language acquisition and education. Karen has an extensive background in language learning, having studied several languages. She studied in France during college and holds a BA in French from San Jose State University. She also lived in French-speaking Central Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer and learned a local dialect called Sango. After returning to the United States, she earned her MA in Teaching English as a Second Language at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Examples of programs:

Basic English Skills Development

  • We created a program for assemblers in a manufacturing facility to help them improve their English and communicate better in a very diverse work pool. The process involved a needs assessment based on manager/supervisor interviews, participant skills assessment, multi-level course development, and evaluation of individual progress.
  • For a bio-tech company, we developed an English language program for lab maintenance workers. This program involved a close collaboration of department leaders and Language By Design instructors. These courses were considered successful in improving employee retention and promotion and were renewed for several years.

Communication for Foreign-Born Professionals

  • An IT department at a semiconductor company approached us to improve the communication skills of their diverse team. We designed a customized year-long curriculum of classes and one-on-one coaching in oral and written communication for over 40 voluntary participants. After witnessing the success of this program, two other departments offered similar courses for their engineers.
  • At a medical equipment company, several foreign-born professionals requested coaching to enhance their public speaking. We delivered individualized programs focusing on skills for making a greater impact whether it was to facilitate staff meetings, update upper management, or request funding. The coaching integrated presentation skills with pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.

Topics of our custom-designed programs for non-native English speakers:

  • Pronunciation

  • Oral fluency

  • Public speaking

  • Meeting facilitation

  • Listening comprehension

  • Reading skills

  • Writing and grammar

  • E-mail fundamentals

  • Negotiating preparation

  • Cross cultural adaptation

  • Vocabulary enhancement

  • Idioms and jargon