Begin with the learner’s task
Ask where they want to use English and what feels difficult now. A specific answer, such as “I need to explain a delay to a client”, gives you something to practise. If they are unsure, offer two familiar situations and let them choose. For a child, follow the service’s process for involving a parent or guardian.
Check the platform’s trial length and instructions before planning. There is no single trial format used by every service. On Preply, the official guidance treats the trial as time to explore goals and a study plan, and its commission model pays the tutor nothing for a new student’s trial.
Source checked 20 September 2026: Preply’s commission and trial guidance.
Try a small, relevant activity
Choose something that reveals what the learner can already do. For the client example, ask them to explain a delay in a few sentences. Listen for one useful next step, model it and let them try again. Explain your feedback in plain language instead of listing every error.
Show how you would adapt the next lesson. For example: “You explained the reason clearly. Next we could practise offering a revised deadline and checking that the client agrees.” That is a concrete learning plan, without a promise about fluency or an exam score.
Agree a manageable next step
Ask whether the activity felt useful and whether the learner’s available time fits your schedule. Explain what lessons include, how practice between lessons works and where the learner can check booking or cancellation terms. Leave space for questions, including whether another teacher or format would suit them better.
Do not invent a discount, package or cancellation promise that the platform does not offer. The learner should be able to decide with accurate information.
A follow-up message to adapt
Thanks for meeting today, [first name]. You said you want to [specific task]. We practised [activity], and your next step is [one skill]. If you would like to continue, I suggest a lesson on [topic] using [activity]. You can check available times and booking terms on my profile. Let me know if you have a question about the plan.
Send a message through the permitted channel if follow-up is appropriate. One relevant note is more useful than repeated reminders. A learner who does not book may have a different budget, schedule or goal; do not assume that silence means your lesson failed.
Review your teaching, not just bookings
After the trial, note what you learned about the learner, what they practised and what was still unclear. Review several lessons before changing your whole approach. Bookings can help you evaluate the offer, but a conversion percentage alone cannot measure teaching quality.