How to host a language table

A language table is a small group of people practising a language together over a coffee. Someone has to bring everyone together, and that someone is the host. You do not need to be fluent or be a teacher. Hosting is free. You just need to be friendly and a little organised.

Here is how to do it, step by step.

1. Pick a place you like

Choose a public café or pub that is comfortable. It should be happy for a group to sit for an hour or two. Quiet weekday mornings and late Saturday mornings tend to work well. There is space and the noise is not overwhelming. If you can, ask the staff beforehand and let them know a small group is coming.

Aim for a table that fits four to six people. That is big enough for a lively conversation and small enough that everyone gets to speak.

2. Choose your language

Pick one main language for the table. Use English as a bridge for people who need it. Say the level you expect, such as "all levels welcome". It is much easier for a beginner to join a table that says so clearly.

3. Set the time and the plan

Decide a start time and a finish time, usually around an hour and a half. A simple plan keeps everyone comfortable. For example, spend the first half hour in the target language. Then switch and spend half an hour in the other, or in English for the learners. Having a plan means nobody has to guess what to do.

4. Share it and take bookings

Add your table in the app with the venue, the time and the number of places. It takes about a minute. It appears on the public page so people can find and book it. Booking helps you know how many people to expect, and helps the venue too.

5. Welcome people at the door

Arrive a few minutes early so you are there when people turn up. Say hello, introduce people to each other and explain the plan. A first line such as "Hi, I'm [your first name], welcome. We'll chat in [language] for half an hour and then swap" is enough.

Some people will be nervous. Remind them that mistakes are the point, and that nobody is marking them.

6. Keep it fair and kind

A good host looks after the room without dominating it. Here are some habits that help:

• Invite quieter people in with a gentle question.
• Gently move on from anyone who talks for a long time.
• Keep corrections kind and short. Ask before correcting if you are not sure it is welcome.
• Have a few conversation starters ready for silences.
• Everyone pays for their own drink.

7. Finish well

Thank everyone, mention the next table and remind people to book. Some hosts like to ask for one thing each person enjoyed or learned. It is a warm way to end and it helps people want to return.

Staying safe and comfortable

Tables take place in public venues. Nearly Fluent is for adults aged 18 and over. Everyone agrees to the community guidelines when they join. If anything makes you uncomfortable, you can ask someone to stop. You can also report it in the app.

Read the safety page before your first table. The first table cards have topics and a plan for switching language, ready to print.

See how to run a language exchange without Meetup fees. A weekday morning table also suits people who are free in the daytime. See language practice for over 50s.

Ready to host?

Choose a place, a language and a time, and add your table in the app. Join free and add your table in the app. Your first table will probably feel a bit awkward, and your second will feel much easier.