Idiomatic expressions related to eggs

Many people who are learning English as a second language, as well as those who have moved to a different part of the USA, struggle with learning the meaning of certain idiomatic expressions.
 In honor of the upcoming Easter and Passover holidays this weekend, here are idioms related to
eggs, a common theme in both holidays.

"A good egg" means someone you like. "Put all your eggs in one basket" means that you are assuming a higher level of risk by putting all your money in one place, or depending on only one option.

There are many more such "egg"related idioms. For a great list of them, go to http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/egg. Have a wonderful holiday!

Learning idioms is only one piece of learning English (or another language).  Another piece of this is improving pronunciation skills. Business Speech Improvement offers intensive seminars and also hourly sessions on this. To learn more about this, click here..

H-4 visa holders, congratulations!

Congratulations, H-4 visa holders!

It was announced today that H-4 visa holders, who meet certain conditions, will be eligible to apply for work permits on May 26, 2015. H-4 visa holders are the spouses of the H-1B visa holders. Many H-4 visa holders are highly skilled as well, but by the terms of their visas, could not apply for work permits previously.

Details of this announcement are here.

H-4 visa holders, while waiting to apply for work permits, may wish to work on their American English pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and idiomatic expressions so that communication during job interviews and at work will be easier.

Business Speech Improvement offers intensive coaching in 1 - 3 day seminars, hourly coaching in person for those in Raleigh-Durham, NC community, online coaching in selected cases, and concise, economical e-books. Visit us now to get started!

How to help your international employees adjust to life in the USA as a new resident

Are you planning to move to the USA in 2015, or will you be bringing international employees to the USA? There's more to welcoming them effectively than a simple "hello, we're glad you are here!".

New residents coming from other countries to study or work here are often surprised by details that are different from their native countries' ways of doing things. As one example, post offices in the USA handle mail - and only mail. They do not have banking functions, as they do in some other countries.

Speaking of banking, Americans use checks sometimes, in addition to credit and debit cards. Newcomers who establish bank accounts here should know how to write a check for the occasional place or situation in which a credit or debit card is not accepted.

Coming to the USA is a concise e-book that was written based on the questions of many professionals who moved here from Europe and S America. Get details on topics ranging from insurance to mailboxes, and much more! The more you understand, the easier life will be here for you and your family. And if you are on your way to the USA as you read this, welcome!

American English pronunciation and why you shouldn't say "furnitures"

American English is a complicated language. As a speech coach, I frequently hear complaints about all the exceptions to the rules and other irregularities that don't occur in more regulated languages such as Spanish.

Recently I saw an ad from someone who wanted to sell "furnitures". English has a concept known as mass or uncountable nouns. These are categories in which it is difficult to count each individual item, such as air, water, grass, information, sugar or peace. It also includes collections of items, such as mail, garbage, furniture or clothing.  All of these do not have plurals, so we do not put an "s" after them.

This concept and many more are included in the intensive seminar on American English Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals, to be offered October 6 -8, 2014, in Durham, NC (USA). This is a customized seminar, with only 6 learners. Each will get an individual speech assessment and a speech improvement plan designed specifically for him or her.

Feel the relief of knowing you are practicing with your speech coach's help - and knowing you are saying the words correctly! As one surprised professional commented recently, "You mean I have been saying this wrong all these years?"

 Get more information on this unique program, and enroll today!

Four Ways to Help Your New International Colleague at Work

If you have an international colleague at work, you have an interesting learning opportunity, going both ways.

Americans are more individualistic, in general, while many international employees are taught to think first of their work group, not themselves. Therefore, while Americans might ask for what they need, in some countries, other employees could expect their work group to offer this help first.

For example, if you have a new international employee, slowly and clearly explain the American concept of various types of insurance. Insurance is done differently in various countries.

If the employee is new, offer to talk about the corporate culture, or the culture of your particular unit.
What is important to your boss or mission? What changes are being planned for the near future? Does the unit do any group activities, such as a day for volunteering, or cross-departmental project teams?

Some communities have an online calendar of community events. Show that to the newcomer, as well as telling about special events you like in the community that may take place yearly. Offer to take him or her to one of these. Also offer to answer questions about general life in the community, such as schools,  recycling or recreation.

If the person's pronunciation is hard to understand, this can affect his willingness to talk in some cases.  Business speech training is available in various formats for employees; talk to Training and Development or Human Resources about this to see if the company will sponsor this training.

Business Speech Improvement offers intensive training in American English pronunciation improvement for non-native professionals, as well as related e-books and mp3 files. Speech training in general diction, learning to speak slower, presentation skills, and executive communication skills are also available.

Is it Match Day for you?

Across the globe, thousands of would-be medical residents in American hospitals are eagerly awaiting the results of Match Day. This is the day when they find out if they have been accepted for a residency program and the hospital to which they have been matched. Match Day, as it is called, can occur at various times in February and March, depending on the specialty area. However, for many people, Match Day is March 15th. It is an honor to be accepted for a residency program. Once accepted, however, many new residents, and their families, want to know more about American culture. What are aspects of American life that are different from their native lands? Coming to the USA: American Cultural Differences is an e-book that answers actual questions asked by many new residents in the USA. How do Americans tell time? What is insurance and why is it important here? What are appropriate telephone manners in the USA? How do Americans use a mailbox? What are our holidays, and how is a holiday different from a vacation? Before you come to the USA, learn about our culture from Coming to the USA: American Cultural Differences. (It's at the bottom of the page.) Be prepared for this great opportunity!

Offering foreign accent modification training to staff in the USA

The scenario goes like this. An employer hears about the availability of foreign accent modification training for his employees. He thinks about several of them who could certainly use it. Then he worries about either offending them and discriminating against them. The international employee, meanwhile, struggles to improve his American English pronunciation. He worries, too - about the puzzled looks on his listeners' faces, about his career growth and sometimes whether he will be kept on as an employee in the company. He wonders why his employer doesn't offer this training to him, like many employers do in other countries. As one employee told me, "I looked for this training for years on my own. When it suddenly appeared as being available on my computer at work, I immediately applied. I was lucky, and got in the class." The two different viewpoints are because Americans are often more individualistic, and think of their own career growth. We worry about offending others. In other countries, employees focus more on the growth and productivity of the work unit and company. Anything that can help that growth, such as American English pronunciation training for non-native professionals, is worth doing. When employees communicate better, they can contribute more, and more easily. So how does an American employer offer this training without offending a valued employee? Companies often try one of two approaches. First, the training can be offered as optional, fitting in a category of communication courses that are part of the number of mandatory hours of training per year. Two companies that did this reported considerable interest. As employees were self-selected, they were more motivated. A second approach is more directed. At a performance evaluation, explain the problem and the effect on the bottom line. Offer the training at that time, explaining clearly because you care about the valuable employee and his growth. Great speech makes business sense! Business Speech Improvement offers many types of verbal skills training. Training is offered through individual and small group seminars as well as e-books. The company is now located in Durham, NC.

Supervising international employees? Assumptions and your bottom line

Your employees' cultural assumptions may affect your bottom line - if you forget to discuss some of them. In an seminar on American English Pronunciation for Non-native Professionals, an attendee walked in one day shaking his head. "I know the answer to the problem my boss is struggling with - but of course I can't tell him," the new employee said. The entire class chorused, "Why not?" The employee replied, "I'll get fired for insubordination." Thankfully, the group included a manager of another department in the same organization, who assured the man that in this American company, he wouldn't get fired for saving his company a lot of time and money solving the problem. In another case, a new employee had an extraordinary background in her field, but was the newest hired in her department. When a supervisory position opened up, she told the group she wished she could apply. When asked why she wasn't doing so, she said, "I'm the last hired. It must go to the person there the longest," which was the case in her native country. Convinced to apply, she was quickly promoted. Here are three steps to take, with all your employees, to overcome such cultural assumptions. Remember that an employee can be American-born but be bi-cultural. 1. Let all employees know, verbally and in writing, how promotions are determined. If experience, education, motivation, certifications or other factors are involved, make that clear. Factors may be different in other countries. 2. Have supervisors explain repeatedly to new employees that questions are welcomed about procedures. This is not true everywhere. 3. If a person is exhibiting a communication behavior that is unusual to you, such as hesitating before shaking hands or being reluctant to show emotions or use the telephone, ask sincerely if things are done differently in his or her culture. Business Speech Improvement provides intensive training in verbal skills, including American English Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals. It offers e-books such as Coming to the USA:American Cultural Differences as well as others on diction, and more!

Foreign accent modification training: the challenge in the southern USA

Many non-native professionals in the USA who speak English are frustrated by their difficulty pronouncing American English clearly. In their native countries, they report, work groups are expected to do whatever is needed to help workers do better, which may include helping them speak more clearly if needed.

In the Southern USA, many employers are hesitant to bring up the topic of unclear speech, fearing a possible discrimination lawsuit or that the worker will at the least be offended and possibly resign.

The result is the worker is left wondering why no-one cares to help him, and the company is hesitant to offer accent modification training services.

There are two ways to resolve this. Employees who want this help need to ask their Human Resource or Training and Development Department if the company will pay for this training. If the company chooses to offer the training, it should be done by explaining the impact unclear speech has on the department or company, and offering this training as an option if the employee wants it. (An unmotivated employee will learn very little, if anything.) The company can also offer this training to all employees who request it, so it is not limited to specific ones.

Business Speech Improvement offers many types of verbal skills training, from intensive seminars in American English Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals to regional accent modification, seminars on how to speak slower for those who talk too fast and need help to improve, and more!

Business Speech: What Does It Mean to You?

Business speech encompasses many aspects: giving presentations to large and small groups (and individuals), elevator speeches, being persuasive, accent modification, grammar, proper tone of voice, leading meetings, being concise, listening well, and
more.

When you think of "business speech", what does it mean to you?


Business Speech Improvement (www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com) offers intensive, targeted coaching on many aspects of business speech. Economical Open Enrollment small group courses are scheduled periodically, and practical e-books on different topics are available 24/7. Great speech makes business sense!

Coming to the USA for business or a job?

Are you planning a business trip to the USA, or planning to take a job here? Two practical e-books by Business Speech Improvement offer a lot of valuable advice.

Coming to the USA : American Cultural Differences provides practical information on everything from time, telephone manners and insurance in the USA. The e-book was written in response to questions from many newcomers here.

Small Talk: Connecting with Others gives tips on ways to start conversations, continue them and then graciously leave the other person at the end. Small talk customs may vary in different cultures, and these techniques are used in the USA.

Both of the e-books and several more can be easily found at http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/category.pl?EBooks.

Business Speech Improvement provides intensive coaching and e-books in verbal communication. Great speech makes business sense!

What sounds in American English are the most difficult for you to pronounce?

If you speak American English as a second (or third) language, what sounds are the hardest for you to say? For example, is it our "th" sound, our "sh" sound, a particular vowel, or some other sound? Please indicate your native language or dialect and native country.

This is a serious inquiry, and your comments are appreciated!

Business Speech Improvement provides intensive, customized training in American English pronunciation, presentation skills, general diction, executive communication, lip-reading, idea generation strategies and more. Additional information can be found at www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com.

Have difficulty pronouncing American English clearly?

American English can be a challenge for people from other native languages to pronounce.
We have some sounds not found in other native languages, such as "th". Many of our words, such as Chicago, and women, do not follow the usual pronunciation rules. Many international businesspeople, scientists and other professionals who do business in the United States want to improve their pronunciation and seek coaching.

Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals is a three day intensive seminar to be held October 4 - 6, 2010 in Chattanooga, TN (USA).
Each learner will receive an individual speech assessment and a customized program, plus more.

Past learners report increased self-confidence as well as improved pronunciation. The course is taught by an experienced corporate speech pathologist.

Only six learners will be accepted. The fee is $1795.00 USD per person. To enroll, visit http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/category.pl?Classes.

Business Speech: Content and Format

"Business speech" means different things to different people. To some people, it means
the content of what a person says when giving a presentation to a small or large group. In other words, what message should be in a business presentation?

Other people want to know the format of how we speak in a business environment. For example, how can we use vocal pitch and intonation (how a voice goes up and down), run meetings effectively, improve our pronunciation, use proper eye contact, persuade others, speak better on the telephone or during a videoconference, or do all this in another culture.

What are you searching for when you look for information on "business speech"?

Business Speech Improvement (www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com) provides coaching and e-books on many aspects of business communication. These include accent modification, pronunciation or diction, writing and delivering business presentations, and more!

What Does A Speech Coach Do and What Should I Look For In One?

Can you identify with any of these? All names and some details have been changed.

1. Li (not her real name) is a professional chemist with valued professional skills. However, despite speaking English, she has a lot of trouble being understood by her colleagues here. Her company hires a speech coach to teach her American English pronunciation.

2. Sue has a strong regional American accent. When she speaks to clients in another part of the country by telephone or in video-conferences, they focus on trying to understand her pronunciation and miss her message. Sue's boss calls for help for her.

3. Sara needs to improve her presentation skills to be able to keep her job. Her company course on presentation skills was very poor, and Sara wants one on one coaching.

4. Pablo is a leader, and he wants training in how to get more ideas from his team. He
also wants to be a more effective communicator with them. He wants executive communication coaching.

If one or more of those situations describes you, you want a speech coach who is a great communicator herself, who is experienced and is professionally trained. One example of such training is a master's in speech pathology with experience in the sub-specialty of corporate speech pathology. Such a coach has scientific background in anatomy and physiology of how we talk, as well as experience in applying this to the corporate environment. Ideally the person will have the initials CCC-SLP after his or her name.

Business Speech Improvement provides intensive, targeted coaching in verbal communication skills. Visit www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com for more details!

Cultural surprises in the workplace for new residents

New residents to the USA, whether here for a H1B visa or some other special status, frequently are surprised about our way of life here. It is not what they had anticipated.
One woman commented on our large, clean supermarkets with so many choices. A man was surprised about the fact that others in his workplace are not taking time to do social activities with him outside of work.

If you are a new resident to the USA, where are you from and what 1 thing surprised you most about our culture? It could be in the workplace or the community. Please share your ideas!

Business Speech Improvement provides intensive training in the pronunciation of American English, cultural awareness, executive communication and more. Visit www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com for more information.

Work in the US and have a strong foreign accent?

(American English) Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals is a three day intensive course on pronunciation. In some countries, this is called elocution or diction. This "immersion-style" course will be offered June 16 - 18, 2010; a second session will be taught July 2- 4, 2010.

The course is limited to only six learners, and will be taught in Chattanooga, TN.
For more information and to enroll, visit http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/category.pl?Classes .

Business Speech Improvement also offers courses on regional accent modification, executive communication skills, public speaking and other topics. Great speech makes business sense!

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?

Professionals: need to pronounce English better?

A businessman was speaking about a client of his who spoke English but was hard to understand. "By the time I understood the word he mispronounced, he was so far ahead that I missed important information." People from other nationalities work very hard to learn American English, but sometimes their pronunciation of it causes them problems. In addition, they also have to learn when NOT to pronounce certain sounds. For example, in the word "clothes", the "th" is silent. (Only English has a 'th" sound.)

Professionals wanting to improve their pronunciation of American English are invited to register for Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals, a three day intensive seminar May 3 - 5, 2010. The course is offered by Business Speech Improvement. Details are at http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/category.pl?Classes . The class size is limited, and early enrollment is encouraged.

Some American companies are willing to sponsor an employee for this course if the employee will request it. They know that clear verbal communication benefits both the employee and the company.

New to the USA?

Whether you are coming to the USA as a visitor, an immigrant, a student, a professional or on a special visa, American customs may be different than you expect. Coming to the USA: American Cultural Differences, http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/e_books. pl is a down-loadable e-book. It covers differences in time, writing dates, temperature, greetings, American workplace culture, and many more categories.

Visit http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/e_books.pl to buy this invaluable
e-book today!