Clients ask, "Why don't Americans help us?"

Many clients from other countries in the Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals seminar offered by Business Speech Improvement ask the same question: why don't native-born Americans help them improve their pronunciation of American English? In their native countries, their work groups naturally help the newcomers with various aspects of their job, including their communication skills. In the USA, though, native-born Americans are afraid this would offend their non-native co-workers; in addition, many people don't have the time or skill to know how to make corrections efficiently and effectively.

If you yourself or your valued employees want to improve your American English pronunciation,
learn about upcoming seminars at www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com/accents .
What would better pronunciation do for you or your employee?

What's the best way to learn to speak English better?

One of the most common questions I get as a communication coach from my professional clients from other countries is, "How can I speak better English quickly?" I then ask them, "How much time do you speak English now?"

Many times people from other countries only speak a limited amount of English at work or when in the community shopping. At home they speak their native language, and many of their friends are from their native country, so they speak that language with them as well. Some also take English as a Second Language classes, or for those more fluent, classes in a local college.

But the best way to learn a language is to surround oneself with native speakers of that language and actually speak it as much as possible. At work, ask to get on company or departmental committees, or get involved in your neighborhood association or a recreational activity that involves speaking. This is not selfish; when you speak better English, you will be able to help your children and spouse with their English as well. The more you speak English, the easier it will be. Many communities and some companies have free classes available for spouses as well to help them become more involved in their new communities.

For those from other countries who want to improve their American English pronunciation, Business Speech Improvement offers a three day intensive class on Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals. Visit http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/category.pl?Classes to enroll in the next session!

Pronouncing American English more clearly

"I want to speak (American) English better but I don't know what to do to sound clearer" is a comment of many of the clients of Business Speech Improvement. They (or their companies) are often calling about the intensive course, Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals. They or their companies are frustrated about the difficulty they are having communicating clearly.

This three day intensive course offers instruction that focuses on pronunciation. Learners receive an individual assessment and a customized program, which includes some professional vocabulary.

Open enrollment, company-specific and individual classes are available. For details, visit www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com.

Trouble with American English Pronunciation?

Newcomers to the USA, whether they are here with H1B visas or other reasons, often struggle with pronunciation, culture and language skills. Many learned British English, which has many differences in grammar, vocabulary, intonation and pronunciation from American English. My Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals seminars often discuss some of these differences. For example, the British may pronounce "schedule" as "shedule", while Americans say
"skedule". The British may say the noun "progress" as "progress" (with a long "o" sound), while Americans say "prahgress". For those who want to change their pronunciation patterns, the next open enrollment Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals seminar will be January 10 - 12, 2010; a few spaces are still open at www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com/class3.htm.