My name is Sheila Thorn. I am an experienced teacher, linguist, ex-DOS, actress, examinations writer and editor, teacher trainer, researcher, mediator and writer of teaching materials.

I founded The Listening Business in 1998. As a teacher, I knew from my own experience how quickly students can make progress when exposed to authentic listening texts accompanied by suitable tasks.

However, I was also aware that most teachers are simply too busy to prepare labour-intensive authentic listening tasks and type up transcripts. I also knew that there were virtually no published authentic listening materials on the market.

With a major birthday approaching, I decided to take a huge risk. I gave up my full-time job and began to set up my company, providing exercises to accompany two BBC radio programmes.

I’m delighted to say that since 1998 my services have been used by language schools, FE colleges, universities and companies throughout the UK and Europe. In 2004, in response to requests from teachers, I began to produce my series of Real Lives, Real Listening books.

The feedback I have received from teachers and students over the past 14 years has made me realise that I definitely made the right decision. I also realise how lucky I am to be doing work I really enjoy whilst helping other people, both teachers and students.

Further information about my services and books is available on this website. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I would be delighted to hear from you.

Sheila Thorn, BA (Hons), PGCE, RSA Dip TEFL, MSc