My Approach

While we all have our own unique personalities, there can be traits, sounds, words and movements that can hinder our communication, often unintentionally. Each language also has it's own characteristics. A true master of a language is one who can convey their thoughts and feelings in a dynamic manner.

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Accent Reduction

Accent Reduction is the technical shift in the physical placement of the mouth and tongue to create optimal sound for a specific language. The accent of a language is the flow and the flair that makes you an effective speaker, and easily understood- not just a user of the words.

 

English is so tricky because it is used as a primary language all over the world. So which accent is right? North American, or "broadcasters" English is what you are most used to hearing in the media and in music. It's the plainest of the English accents, and so it's most easily understood.  

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I use a series of single letter worksheets, looking first at perfect physical placement, then in a word, sentence, paragraph and free speech.  For most people it's The Big Five (TH, R, V, W, T), plus a few language specific sounds.

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What is wonderful about accent reduction is that it is completely customizable. Perhaps there are just a few, key consonants and vowels that can help, while still maintaining your overall voice. Or--you are a perfectionist, media personality or actor and looking to create perfect pronunciation. Whatever you're looking for--I'm here to help.  

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Public Speaking​

The word conjures images of debates, presentations for hundreds of people, or speaking to a camera. But the truth is, we public speak every day. Our lives (thankfully) still rely on public communication and the art has many disciplines.

 

Your voice, pitch, pace, diction, vocabulary, structure, eye contact and body language all contribute to being a great speaker.  There are also techniques to conquor stage fright remove those frustrating umms and ahhs, to speak without pausing, interview preparation and social media performance. 

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I use worksheets,  your own content or presentations, readings, vocal and physical exercises. I often have a lesson plan, but I am quick to adapt to a current need or question in each class. 

 

 Our classes together will create your personal speech style-and we build on the disciplines to make you the most dynamic speaker in the room.