Linguistic, rhetorical
We practice a unique type of mentoring, based on three different disciplines and their subtle interrelations: linguistic knowledge, the art of eloquence and the study of cultural differences.
We will not only take you on a journey through Europe, but also to another continent: the continent of the Other. We will help you discover the secrets of communication with those who speak another language, express themselves another way and come from another culture.
This journey, however, is not a one-way trip! It is only possible if you also make the round trip, and thus rediscover your own language, rediscover yourself and rediscover your own culture.
In language mentoring, we follow methods used in the best language schools: from inductive grammar to language immersion techniques. It is based on the work of France Education International and our admiration for the greatest authors of the French language, such as Michel de Montaigne, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Paul Valéry.
In language mentoring, we follow methods used in the best language schools: from inductive grammar to language immersion techniques.
It is based on the work of France Education International and our admiration for the greatest authors of the French language, such as Michel de Montaigne, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Paul Valéry.
In rhetorical mentoring, we generally suggest starting with a personality analysis, because we believe it’s important to develop one’s own, unique style of expression, rather than trying to imitate a model. It is based on the theories and practices developed by philosophers and psychologists as diverse as Aristotle and Cicero, or Carl G. Jung and Martin Seligman.
In rhetorical mentoring, we generally suggest starting with a personality analysis, because we believe it’s important to develop one’s own, unique style of expression, rather than trying to imitate a model.
It is based on the theories and practices developed by philosophers and psychologists as diverse as Aristotle and Cicero, or Carl G. Jung and Martin Seligman.
In intercultural mentoring, we use a variety of resources to reduce the gap between one’s original culture and the new cultural context which one wishes to experience. It draws on the structural anthropology of Claude Lévi-Strauss, the proxemics developed by Edward T. Hall, as well as the cultural mapping pioneered by Erin Meyer.
In intercultural mentoring, we use a variety of resources to reduce the gap between one’s original culture and the new cultural context which one wishes to experience.
It draws on the structural anthropology of Claude Lévi-Strauss, the proxemics developed by Edward T. Hall, as well as the cultural mapping pioneered by Erin Meyer.
However, we also teach these disciplines in combination.
Thus, the association of linguistic and rhetorical domains enables us to learn how to refine one’s speech by aligning it with one’s personality, and to adapt it to a recipient from one’s own culture.
Through the combination of linguistic and intercultural domains, however, we can discover how to bring our discourse into line with a culture different from our own.
The synergy between the rhetorical and intercultural domains, meanwhile, makes it possible to adjust one’s expression to suit the cultural norms of one’s interlocutors.
Finally, the symbiosis between the three domains – linguistic, rhetorical and intercultural – allows us to harmonize what is said and how it is said with the culture of our addressee.
It is also possible to think of these three areas in a hierarchical way, in that perfecting each additional area expands the circle of people with whom we can communicate with ease.
Thus, the association of linguistic and psychological domains allows one to learn how to align one’s speech with one’s own personality and adapt it to that of others, within one’s own culture.
Through the combination of linguistic and intercultural, domains, however, it is possible to discover how to modulate one’s speech in a culture different from our own.
The synergy between the psychological and intercultural domains makes it possible to adjust the personality of one’s culture of origin to the psychology of the culture of destination.
Finally, the symbiosis between the three domains – linguistic, psychological and intercultural – makes it possible to harmonize one’s speech and personality with the new culture.
It is also possible to think of these three areas in a hierarchical fashion, in that development in each additional area expands the circle of people with whom we can then communicate in a way that is authentic to ourselves and to others.
OUR OFFER
We offer four types of services, depending on the desired duration and intensity:
one-time services – one hour or one day –, weekly stays, monthly packages and semestrial groups.
One-time services
On-demand coaching
Our workshops, when they are one-on-one, allow for in-depth work. In the case of language improvement, this often involves the musicality of the language: pronunciation, accent, and elocution. It also consists of replacing hesitations by certainties concerning the elements of grammar, such as tenses or prepositions. By working on writing and speech organization, this coaching significantly helps to improve one’s rhetorical skills while learning to structure one’s thoughts. In other words, to express oneself with eloquence and clarity.
For psychological coaching, we generally use the Insights personality analysis tool. This analysis provides valuable keys for communicating with people who have different or even opposite personality traits to our own. It also allows us to estimate the energy required for our work, in relation to our personality. In addition, it provides a very rich description of our “motivational factors”, which is a valuable aid in making an informed choice to change our lives.. It can be associated with a measurement of our “EQ” (emotional quotient), which allows us to develop our emotional intelligence..
Intercultural coaching, on the other hand, often consists of assistance in moving to another country, i.e. preparation for living and working there. The unspoken codes of politeness, punctuality, or humor are studied in concrete cases. Knowledge of the arts – whether music, cinema, literature or gastronomy – can also be deepened in this context. Finally, an Insights analysis, put into perspective with the national averages of two different countries, can reveal the personality gap between one’s culture of origin and one’s culture of destination, and allow for an exciting and salutary adjustment.
Training days
Training sessions are generally carried out at the request of institutions that wish to make relations between different cultures more harmonious. In the context of international relations, this constitutes giving keys for exchanges with the French-speaking world. When a project requires prolonged work in the shooting of a film or a series, or in the recording of an album, these days are also perfectly adapted to accompany and advise in artistic projects.
A one or two day training session can also be conducted at the request of an organization wishing to improve the cohesion of a group by mapping the different personalities present in the group. If each personality has its own qualities, when they are too far apart, conflicting situations can nevertheless arise. By working on words, voice and body posture, it is possible to establish circumstances in which these personalities can complement each other in a fruitful way.
Weekly Stays
Our stays do not focus on the language itself, but mainly on a given theme, such as positive psychology, French philosophy or voice work.
Except for our special trip to San Francisco in the summer of 2022, they are obviously an opportunity to discover France – its landscapes, its cultures, its gastronomy – through activities such as visits or hikes, but also meetings with local craftsmen, artists and thinkers.
Monthly packages
Our 3 packages are designed for individuals and groups who wish to offer themselves the highest quality of service in order to maintain their skills in a pleasant way (“Petite France”), to allow themselves a period of rapid progress in both written and oral skills (“Méditerranée “) or to effectively reach a goal through intensive coaching (“Grand Ouest”).
Each package includes a number of coaching hours that can be used in one month. These hours can be grouped freely (minimum 1 hour for each workshop), and generally consist of custom-designed lessons, a reading of the best press articles selected by us, corrected conversation, project-based coaching and joint activities.
Most hours should be scheduled in advance, but an emergency service is also included in our 3 offerings. This can be assistance in writing messages or emails, occasional conversation, translation or advice. Depending on the package chosen, we ensure availability within 24 hours, 12 hours or 6 hours, between 9 am and 7 pm (Paris time) on working days.
The “Petite France” package is therefore ideal for a person wishing to integrate language exercise into his or her weekly routine in the same way as physical exercise. Regularity is the key to improving language skills and assimilating knowledge. This package also establishes a rhythm that is best suited for regular personality work.
The “Méditerranée” package is perfect for duos and trios, who wish to progress in a small group over a period of time. It is the dream gift for a couple who wants to prepare a stay or a move to a French-speaking country!
The “Grand Ouest” package is particularly well suited for institutions and organizations that need to prepare a larger group for a project related to the French-speaking world. It offers the group the possibility of sharing the hours, ensuring the project the comfort of daily linguistic and intercultural assistance.
Semestrial groups
Our group workshops have the advantage of being more accessible and will allow you to benefit from a group dynamic on the path to linguistic and intercultural improvement. Indeed, they allow you to overcome your oral blocks through conversations on philosophical or topical themes.
The groups are built by level and ensure continuity over a semester of 15 workshops, generally lasting 90 minutes.
For the winter semester beginning in September 2023, we will have 3 groups: B2, C1 and a C1/C2 literature group. Please contact us for the schedule of the level you are interested in.
Our coaching sessions generally take place in a hybrid format (by Zoom and in person)
Our coaching sessions generally take place in a hybrid format (by Zoom and in person)
Philippe Gruca
- Graduate of the Sorbonne and the EHESS in Paris
- Professor of Philosophy and French, having taught at the Universities of Bordeaux, Paris and Berlin, as well as at the French Institute in Berlin
- Professor at Sigmund Freud University in Paris
- Quadrilingual translator: French, Polish, English, German
- Editorial director of prestigious academic journals
- DELF/DALF accredited examiner and corrector (levels A1 to C2)
- Insights accredited consultant for personality analysis
- Mediator specialized in diplomacy and interculturality
- Founder of the atelier français
SOME OF OUR CLIENTS
Lary
Lea van Acken
PARTNERS
Contact
atelier français
Philippe Gruca
Walter-Benjamin-Platz 5
10629 Berlin
+33 664 27 49 32
Signal / Whatsapp / Telegram
+49 1523 6676 241
