Conducting a Consultation

Getting Ready

• Check the client’s history.

• Check for materials you usually need.

• Preparation minimizes interruption.

Greet the client and introduce yourself.Greet the client & introduce yourself.

The Consultation

Sitting side-by-side shows you’re working together.

• Review the Ground

Rules and the writing task.

• Explain our procedures (if necessary).

• Remind the client about the time available.

• Set goals together.

Look at the client directly when you’re not reading.

Mirror what the client says to be sure you understand.

Smile, nod, and use verbal signals (“OK”) to indicate listening.

• Read the assignment together.

• Ask the client to read the paper aloud.

• Listen, take notes, get a sense of the whole as much as possible before interrupting.

• Ask clients to read aloud to keep actively involved.

• As they read, they may make corrections and notice problems.

• Encourage self-correction.

Non-native speakers may prefer you read the text aloud slowly while they follow.

Model good writing processes. Edit a wordy sentence and ask the client to do the next one. Use a reference book.

Ask questions rather than give advice, so the client becomes an active learner.

Making observations allows you to direct the client’s attention to writingissues without being evaluative.

• If a client cries or complains, sympathize by listening.

• Defuse anger by deescalating. As the angry person gets louder, try getting softer. Let him/her know you are listening. Never argue. (You don’t have to agree, either.)

Special Circumstances

• Leave the client with nothing to do.• Discuss teachers or grades.• Use evaluative language.• Write on the client’s paper.• Tell, rather than observe, model, or

question.• Talk more than the client.

Never . . .

Closing

Review what you’ve accomplished,suggest follow-up, and say goodbye.

• Consultations should not last more than 45 minutes.

• Long consultations may mean you are covering more material than your client can retain, that you are talking too much, or that you are doing too much of the work.

Complete your records and take a well-deserved break.