Language teaching classically places the learner in a passive role, in Neurolanguage Coaching the learner becomes much more active and takes much more responsibility for his/her own learning process. The notion of “ownership” becomes key, and the learner then finds him/herself empowered as his/her master/owner of the process. This in turn creates much more motivation and commitment to the whole process, as in the end, it boils down to the learner taking responsibility for the learning and the learning process.

Language teaching is much more directional, instructive and mandatory, language coaching assumes a more flexible, adaptable process, which is absolutely non-directive, but flows more through equal status conversations and dialogues, allowing the coachee to assimilate and then put the knowledge into practical use immediately.

Language Teaching traditionally is book-related, however, language coaching veers more to the freestyle of no books and no order of book topics, but more suited to the requirements of the coachee and the best possible way for the coachee to learn such requirements quickly and easily through whatever conversations/ actions are best suited to that coachee. It may be that some specific material can be utilized or parts of a book may be referred to, for consolidation or demonstration; this again depends on the specific needs and preference of the coachee or coach to enable the established goals to be reached.

The teacher is very much in the role of an expert within the language teaching process, often denoting a superior status, whereas the language coach acts as an absolute equal, who is also fully aware of his/her limitations and is not afraid to voice these if necessary. The language coach in addition is conscious of ethics and confidentiality and creates a trustful environment for the coachee to be able to approach sensitive topics and areas with the knowledge that all information remains within the session. This is extremely important for corporate clients and professionals, who are maybe taking language coaching sessions to improve their professional vocabulary and language in practice.

Language Coaching also creates the environment for an experiential, realistic and personalized approach whereas teaching often does not take into account the social context or cultural aspects of the coachee or how the coachee potentially interacts in these socio-cultural contexts. As already mentioned language coaching is geared towards tailor-making and adapting to the coachee him/herself and definitely veers towards a much more individualized and personalized process.

Finally, Neurolanguage Coaching also brings a code of ethics and principles which are well suited to the corporate and business world, bringing trust, intimacy and confidentiality into sessions.