[English Corner] From Details to Stories: Ronnie Nunez Helps Students Strengthen English Speaking Skills
The International Relations and Accreditation Office at the College of Management held the fourth English Corner session on December 4, featuring instructor Ronnie Nunez, who has over ten years of experience in English teaching and cross-cultural communication. Using an interactive and relaxed approach, Ronnie guided students in practicing English speaking and demonstrated how storytelling and meaningful details can make hometown introductions more vivid and engaging.
【Authentic Narratives: Bringing Your Hometown to Life】
Ronnie began with a fun guessing game, encouraging students to identify his hometown based on clues, which was an activity that quickly broke the ice. He then introduced Glenwood’s geography, population, and agricultural landscape, sharing images of local streets, the unique local dish thick-cut chocolate bacon, and memories from his childhood.
Through humorous and descriptive storytelling, Ronnie transported students into the world of his hometown. He emphasized that introducing where you come from is not about being perfect, but about telling genuine stories, sharing what you find interesting, memorable, or special so your audience naturally becomes engaged.
【A Simple Framework: Famous, Strange, and Secret】
To help students structure their introductions, Ronnie shared a practical three-part framework:
- Famous things : Iconic features or well-known local specialties. For example, Taiwanese cities often highlight famous foods such as Chiayi chicken rice, Qishan bananas, or Dashe guava.
- Strange things : Surprising or unexpected facts. Ronnie shared that many foreigners are amazed to learn that 67% of Taiwan’s cargo passes through Kaohsiung.
- Secret things : Hidden gems known mainly to locals. He mentioned a secret waterfall in Pingtung’s Sandimen and invited students to share their own hometown “secret spots.”
Ronnie encouraged students to think of their hometown as a travel guide only they truly understand, using their own tone and pace to spark curiosity, surprise, and interest in listeners.
【Building Confidence Through Group Practice: Connecting Through Shared Stories】
Toward the end of the session, students worked in groups to introduce their hometowns using the newly learned framework. Lively discussions filled the room, and many students eagerly raised their hands to share. Some described hidden night views, others highlighted cultural features or unforgettable childhood experiences.
Through storytelling and peer exchange, students not only improved their English-speaking confidence but also learned how to introduce their hometowns in ways that felt authentic and personal.
【Conclusion: More Than Language—The Courage to Tell Your Story】
With Ronnie’s guidance, students learned how to introduce their hometowns more naturally in English and how to use personal stories and lived experiences to capture their audience’s attention. Ronnie emphasized that English is not merely a technical skill, it is a tool for connecting with the world through your own stories.
The session concluded in a warm and engaging atmosphere. Students are encouraged to apply what they learned in future classes, exchange programs, international events, or interviews, confidently sharing the stories of where they come from, and where they hope to go next.
📌 Please refer to the English Corner activity schedule for this semester:
(Written by Master of Business Administration Hsin-Ni Chang, Department of Financial Management Yu-Shan Huang / Edited by College of Management Media Team)
