A Sandwich Needs Bread Too!
I am surprised by the number of emails I get where a new contact i.e. a stranger is emailing me for the first time and they just send me a one-liner, with no polite introduction or sign-off. For example: Hi, I need to improve my English – what should I do? Or Hello, How can […]
Further to your request…
“Further to your request, I have attached my resume.” “Further to your request, I am faxing you the contract immediately.” “Further to your request, I am happy to join you for lunch.” Which sentence does not fit in? If you said the last one, you are correct. This is a great expression to use, but […]
Are You Afraid of Phoning?
Have you ever had the chance to call someone, but you didn’t? Maybe you sent an email instead, or maybe you said to yourself “Oh, I don’t need to call, he/she knows what I am thinking.” It is strange but true, many people, not just ESL students and immigrants, have a fear of phoning (in […]
Hey, Learn Some English Idioms!
English Idioms are words, phrases, or expressions with a meaning that cannot be derived from the literal translations of the individual words. English Idioms are used in everyday life, work, school, the arts, business, activities, events and sports. When you use idioms appropriately, it makes your English sound more fluent and more in line with […]
Which English is Best for You?
The thing about English is that there are always going to be different accents, different key words chosen to be stressed, different spelling rules and even grammar arguments. But which English is best for you? Frankly it depends on two things: personal choice and location. Regarding personal choice, some people who learn English as a […]
Accent Reduction – Top 10 Tips Cont’d
6 – Control your volume, and stress key content words to keep listeners focused. Content words are nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, numbers, and other descriptor words. 7 – Control your rhythm and pace. It is not a race! Use medium speed, and medium volume. 8 – Practice with tongue-twisters, alliteration and poetry. Get control of […]
Accent Reduction Top 10 Tips – Cont’d
3 – Memorize useful North American or British slang, depending on where you are, and current idioms and expressions, etc. to integrate them whenever possible. If you are not sure if an idiom or expression is appropriate, ask a teacher, tutor or coach, or a trusted native English speaking friend. 4 – Buy a pronunciation […]
Accent Reduction – Top 10 Tips
It can be very exciting studying for a year or two in a foreign country, and every year thousands of ESL students travel to English-speaking countries to have an adventure, take a break from rigorous (i.e. difficult) studying at home, and learn some English. At the same time, immigration is up in some countries, especially […]
Interested in Accent Reduction?
Then watch this clip of Steve Martin in “The Pink Panther” to see how difficult it can be, especially if you want to rush it. Heck even if you are not interested in A/R, just watch this clip now – have a laugh! I have been coaching accent reduction specifically since 2001. You have to […]
Leaving Moscow – Thoughts On Doing International Business
Today was my last day of training the fine folks at WorldMark Corporation/Oil Technology Overseas here in Moscow, Russia. Although this was not my first international training mission, it is certainly one of my fondest. The reason is that in a relatively short time (6 weeks) I have acclimatized myself quickly to a new culture, […]