A bespoke, needs-based communication, presentation, spoken word, elocution and accent reduction course. The course is often delivered to people who have English as a second language, but not exclusively so.

Woven around the specific requirements of individual students and companies, the course often concentrates on these key skills:-

• Mental and physical preparation
• Physicality
• Presenting
• Voice
• Body language
• Elocution
• Presentation
• Telephony
• Presence
• Your e-mail 'voice'
• Charisma
• Language origin, theory and influences
• Observation and selective mimicry
• Cultural barriers and solutions

These headings are a starting point and, obviously, each student learns differently and at a different pace so therefore a bespoke and unique program will evolve from these 'anchor' topics.

Sessions tend to be either personal or in groups of up to 3 at a maximum. This ensures that a personalised approach and a concentration on the individual is not diluted by a larger classroom dynamic. This is especially important when teaching something a sensitive as language skills as often students are reticent or worried that they will embarrass themselves.

Larger courses with a maximum class size of about 12 participants can also be taught, these tend to be on specific topics and have a less holistic approach. For example a larger group might look at 'Clear Presentation in Meetings' or 'Observing your own Body Language and that of Others' as the more interactive and group-based work is good for a more numerous class.

The holistic nature of the course means that rather than attempting to 'correct' the language use and accent of an individual as if they were a child, we approach it from a much wider perspective. Adults respond much better to a topic if you can help them to think about it and find the answers for themselves rather than simply learning by rote or by correction. No-one wants to be made to feel foolish or like a small child!

The course looks at the cultural influences that are at work within a student's spoken English. Identifying where they have learned them and working with them on how to re-learn. Students are encouraged to think for themselves and, most importantly, listen to themselves in order to improve how they sound.

Courses involve not only sound recording but also video recording of participants and then analysis both from the course leader and from the student themselves about where their strengths and weaknesses lie. Each course begins by observing the participant in their work environment, seeing what it is that they do on a day to day basis and gaining an insight into their communication levels and their possible challenges.

Courses tend to be over a period of weeks (between 5 and 10) in order to give the student time to digest and observe their own improvement but shorter, more intensive courses can also be arranged. Prices vary according to requirement but are competitive and can be negotiated. Contact us here to discuss your needs. Current clients include: