What Your Voice Says About You

by | Jan 11, 2009 | Uncategorized

I found this interesting article on Career Builder. It confirms what I say to my students over and over again. Don’t speak so fast. Not only will your accent be stronger, but you might be perceived as insecure or not careful about details. There’s nothing...

response to comment about embarassing mistakes

by | Jan 3, 2009 | Uncategorized

reader wrote: “Thanks very much for putting up this wonderful blog. I have been in the US for more than 7 years. My accent now is somewhat of a hybrid between American and Indian. Still at times I end up pronouncing some words (out of no where) in my native...

When your mouth hurts from speaking English

by | Dec 18, 2008 | Uncategorized

I was inspired to write this because of what happened with one of my accent reduction students today. First I want to tell you about my personal experience with speaking French.When I go to France, the first few days that I am there it’s a struggle to get the words...

Don’t stop practicing! Here’s how:

by | Nov 28, 2008 | Uncategorized

1. Pick a topic that you can speak about for three to four minutes. Record yourself giving this speech. Listen to the recording and write down all of the errors that you have heard in your speech. Then, re-record the same speech, and try to correct the mistakes that...

No Bad Words Allowed!!

by | Nov 24, 2008 | Uncategorized

Yesterday my student said to me that he had a client in “Newport Bitch.” I told him not to use bad language in my office!!! Of course, he meant “Newport Beach.” He told me that his American client laughed a little when he said that word in front of him. Have you made...

Who are your role models for good speech?

by | Nov 20, 2008 | Uncategorized

In an effort to sound more American, some of my students try to imitate the speech of their native speaking friends, colleagues or spouses. While this is generally a good idea, you need to be aware of the fact that some native speakers may not be such great role...