Thank you, ILSC!
Had a nice workshop with ILSC last week! They teach English to international and local non-native English speakers.
Accent Modification Workshop
Thursday, September 28th, 2017
6:00 pm
Are you a fluent English speaker, but still struggle with certain American English sounds and/or intonation patterns?
At this workshop, we will:
Discuss why changing an accent (or speaking pattern) is difficult and how it can be done
Touch upon psycholinguistics, motivation, identity: how do you want to sound/feel when you speak? Why?
Break down the American English sound system in a pragmatic way
Discuss and practice a few commonly mispronounced sounds
Learn tips for linking words and improving stress and intonation
Develop strategies for carrying over new patterns into everyday speech
The format will be both presentational and participatory. Questions and discussion encouraged!
305 7th Avenue
20th Floor (Door to the right of the elevator)
Those planning on working internationally or within the United States may find this workshop especially helpful.
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WORKSHOP for Improving Speaking and Communication Skills
At this 90-minute workshop, we will discuss elements of speech that are important to all speakers, whether native or non-native speakers of English, such as speech clarity, volume, rate, and dynamism.
In my practice, I have found that the majority of native English speakers are working on improving one or more of these factors, and that communicative competence and confidence comes with a greater awareness for one's own speech habits, and understanding how to improve specific areas of communication. All of the issues that my native English speaking clients face often apply doubly to my foreign clients.
The second part of the session may address specific sounds or rhythm and stress issues that are challenging for non-native speakers, or specific problems to the unique participants: speaking with greater resonance, slowing down a fast rate, the habit of mumbling, trailing off... etc.
Both parts will involve participation, and discussion/dialoguing is encouraged.
Methods and techniques for practicing, as well as carryover strategies will be discussed.
Walk away with knowledge and practical strategies to start implementing into your everyday speech right away!
Contact to discuss or arrange a workshop at your place of business.
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NEW CLASS!!! 
NEW CLASS! I am very excited to offer a new class— one that has been requested by many of my clients. It is for both native English-speaking and non-native English speakers who want extra practice in working on their speech and communication goals. It is a great opportunity to practice with a group— and as you know, I have the coolest, nicest, most interesting, fun, wonderful clients in the world. So not only will it be a great opportunity for practice, you’ll also get to meet some great people and have fun, I guarantee it.
If you are not a former client, no problem. I just ask that you take a trial session (reduced fee), so that we have a chance to get to know each other and establish your goals, so that the class is most beneficial to you.
At each class, we will start with one or two exercises focusing on different elements of speech & voice. For example, we may start with a grounding, breathing, relaxation exercise and then do another exercise for improving rate; or, it might be an exercise for improving resonance and vocal dynamism— again, the activities will be based on the participants’ needs. Every participant’s goals will be addressed throughout the class. If you are working on improving your presentation or professional language skills, you will have a chance to practice in class, with supportive feedback and constructive critique. If your issue is reducing an accent and increasing clarity and confidence, you will have an opportunity to practice— through structured exercises or games, and then carryover conversation with the group. (Individual activities for home practice will also be provided.) If you are working on speaking with a more dynamic voice, you may read part of a play script with another group member! See what your voice is capable of! Practice the talk you’re getting ready to give for your department! The possibilities are endless.
We will discuss the activities that will take place in each session beforehand, so that you have an opportunity to practice and or plan.
Life is short. Let’s keep growing and have a blast while we’re doing it.
This class will meet weekly, for 5 Wednesdays, starting August 2, 2017 from 7:00-8:00 pm. This time might change, depending on the preferences of the group. The fee for the class (for this introductory offer) is only $310.
Write to me if you have any questions at all. Looking forward to hearing from you!
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I will be presenting a free workshop on June 16 @7:00-9:00 pm at:
NY DokSeoSil (5th Floor Gallery)
312 5th Ave. (between 31 and 32 St.s)
The workshop is being sponsored by yKAN, the Young Korean American Network. See https://www.ykan.org/events/reduceaccent/ for more information.
Actress Sofia Vergara arrives at the Los Angeles World Premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Magic Mike XXL’ at TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on June 25, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) She has made her Hispanic Heritage a selling point of her professional career.
We want to incorporate our Spanish heritage as part of our own brand identity but how can we sell this concept if we are so different?
In a recent panel discussion, one of the ladies in attendance shared her story, leaving the audience in thought initially but then,"We want to incorporate our Spanish heritage as part of our own brand identity but how can we sell this concept if we are so different?
Thank you, CBS! I had a wonderful time presenting on the topic of how women can change their voices and speaking habits for enhancing their professional image. A lot was covered, some of which I will be adding to my blog soon!
I will be speaking at Columbia Business School on Thursday, February 26th at 12:30. Click the link below for more information.
https://www.cbswomen.org/#!womens-week-agenda/ctad
I will be giving a talk and Q & A in Midtown Manhattan on accents and accent reduction. See the link below for more information and to RSVP.
I was a guest on Sirius Radio's Urban View with Karen Hunter. The topic was speech, accent, and dialect, and the ways they affect listeners' perceptions. It was a lively and interesting dialogue, and I had a great time, with her and her entire, very welcoming staff. Thanks, Karen!
Everything becomes a little different as soon as it is spoken out loud.
