Student Success Stories - Nikki - Letting it flow

May 26

Nikki's Success Story - Rediscovering Her French for a Professional Life in France

Nikki’s French wasn’t new. She’d lived in France in her twenties, studied there, stayed with a host family. Back then, it came easily. But a lot of time had passed.

Now, her job was taking her back to France—this time to judge international dressage competitions. It was exciting. But also daunting. Speaking French in a professional setting is very different from chatting with your host mum over breakfast.

She knew her accent was still good. But her grammar and vocabulary didn’t feel sharp enough to keep up. That mismatch started to knock her confidence. “People think I’m fluent,” she said, “but I know I’m not quite there.” That gap felt frustrating. But also motivating.

“People think I’m fluent,” she said, “but I know I’m not quite there.."

Meet Nikki

Hear from Nikki what it was like speaking at a professional event in French, find out about her French journey and discover why we should all be using the rule of 3!
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Perfectionism Isn't Fun and Gets in the Way

Nikki’s background meant she wasn’t content with being “good enough.” She approaches language learning the way she approaches everything: with determination, structure and a clear goal.

At The French Room, she says she has found a place that supports her drive while encouraging a more flexible, expressive way to learn. A breakthrough moment came when she realised she could draw on her love of theatre in her speaking practice.

This mindset shift—moving from perfection to fun.—has helped Nikki find a new rhythm. She still values precision, but now she distinguishes between practise in class and trusting herself out there in the wild!

"When I let it flow, I actually sound better than when I stop and second-guess myself."

Surprising Use of Existing Communication Skills to Find Fluency

Another breakthrough came when she discovered that the communication techniques she uses in English—like the rule of three—translate beautifully into French. This realisation meant she didn’t have to start from scratch. She could bring her strengths with her.

That blend of technical understanding and expressive delivery gives her the edge she needed to perform confidently—not just in lessons, but in the real world.


A Live Panel, a Last-Minute Surprise—And a Fluent Response

At a major dressage event in France, Nikki was asked to join a panel discussion—on camera. She assumed it would be in English. But moments before going live, she was told it would be in French.

She didn’t freeze. She didn’t overprepare. She simply trusted herself—and spoke.

“I just decided to go with it,” she said. “And it worked.”

She navigated the discussion naturally, sharing insights, responding on the spot and holding her own in front of a professional audience. It was a moment that confirmed just how far she’d come.

Making French Part of Her Everyday Life

Nikki has integrated French into her weekly life. She is a regular at live group classes, book clubs, intensive courses online (and in-person) and is always very well-prepared when we run the occasional French Cook-Along. (Her souffle rose where many others collapsed!)

She was also one of the first students to adopt Bonjour Brilliance as part of her daily routine. In between work, childcare and all her other responsibilities she tries to come to live Rendez-Vous Tutos as often as possible because she likes the live aspect of learning, and if she misses one, she simply catches it up when it is uploaded afterwards.

“Week by week, the language becomes a part of your everyday life. Ellie builds more than just lessons—she builds community.”

Nikki’s journey wasn’t about starting over. It was about picking up where she left off—and going further than she had ever imagined.


Would you like to make French part of your everyday?

Book a free 15 minute consultation with Ellie to find your way of learning French >

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