Scheduled Events:

Accent Modification Live Demo – 9/13/10

Would you like to speak more clearly so that others can understand you? This workshop provides the opportunity to learn and practice important skills to speak more clearly with an accent. Join us for a free 1 1/2 hour workshop that will help you make immediate changes to become a better communicator in American English. 

• Monday, September 13, 2010 from 6:30 – 8 pm
• The Sound Center, Northfield Office – One Northfield Plaza, Northfield, IL 
• Registration required – Call 630-435-5622 or email us at info@thesoundcenter.com
• FREE

The Professional Woman’s Voice - 11/6/10 & 11/9/10

Workshop for the University of Chicago Women’s Business Group

What does your voice convey?  Competence?  Sarcasm?  Flirtatiousness?  Energy?  Our voices have become more powerful as face-to-face communication has decreased. Though we may know first impressions are formed quickly, many don’t realize how much can be done to improve the voice…and just how important it is to make these changes.

 Ask yourself:

• Is my voice pleasant or is it too high or low, too quiet or loud, too tense or flat, too nasal or monotone?
• Do I cringe when I hear my voice on a voice mail message, a recording or microphone?
• How is my voice helping or hindering me while talking to a prospect, the Board, my boss?

Harness the power of your voice! Increase your confidence, improve your professional presence, and become a more powerful speaker.  This interactive workshop will demonstrate:

• The Top 5 Elements of a Powerful Voice and the Top 5 Pitfalls Women Should Avoid
• Hands-On, Experiential Exercises to Relax, Discover and Strengthen Your Voice
• Overcoming Vocal Faults and Challenges

Two Locations – City and Suburbs:

• Tuesday, Nov 9, 2010, 6-8:30 PM
• Gleacher Center, Room 600, 450 Cityfront Plaza, Chicago, IL  

OR

• Saturday, Nov 6, 2010, 9-11:30 AM
• The Sound Center, 2021 Midwest Road, Suite 200, Oak Brook, IL
• Registration Required – Contact Elene Cafasso, 630-832-2784 or elene@enerpace.com
• Payment in Advance Only 
  • UCWBG member $ 25.00
  • Non-member $ 35.00
  • Student $ 30.00

Events and Classes – Bring them to you!

These events can be brought to your company, organization, or group. Our trainers provide insight and expertise on a variety of topics related to effective communication, business English, and voice enhancement.

Presenting-YOU!

Would you like to actually be prepared for your next presentation? Do you love the spotlight, but wish to improve the sound of your voice? Would you like to be able to think on your feet? In this 2 ½-hour workshop, you can practice your upcoming presentation, improve your interviewing skills, or even work on your telephone communication. Video feedback and suggestions will be provided to help you reach the next level, regardless of where you are starting. This is an opportunity to get comfortable in front of an audience, enhance your sound and delivery style, and improve fluency.

SPEAK WITH POWER!

This full-day workshop is a must for anyone who speaks publicly! You’ll discover:

• How to redesign vocal imperfections so that you’ll speak with the clear, strong sound of your REAL voice!
• How to move confidently so that you’ll repleace weak, awkward gestures and gain freedom of movement while speaking!
• How to speak with conviction so that your words will have power and genuine impact!

BECOME THE SPEAKER YOU’RE MEANT TO BE!

You Can Have a Great Voice!

Most people take great care of their physical appearance, knowing that a first impression is formed quickly by those they meet. What about the sound of their voice? Although people cringe when they hear themselves on voicemail or on a tape, they don’t realize how much can be done to improve this aspect of communication…and just how important it is to make these changes.

The Anatomy of an Accent

Accents-whether foreign or regional-are complex patterns of speaking. If someone wants to change the way he or she speaks, it isn’t enough to change a few sounds. Learn the elements of the sounds of an accent, and how these elements fit into the even larger parameters of language and culture.

Accent Modification Courses

Courses can be tailored to meet the needs of your group. Whether you need an intensive, fast-paced course or a long-term solution, we will use excellent materials and interactive instruction methods to help accelerate progress and result in more intelligible and effective communicators.

Accent Modification Full Day Workshop

You may have considered modifying your accent for awhile, but didn’t have the time. In just one day, you can gain an understanding of the vowels, consonants, and intonation patterns that you need to learn to transform the way you speak. You will leave with tools and practice materials tailored to you so that you can continue your progress.

That Sounds Good! Serve your Customers Better

• Foreign Accent-Specific: Does your sales force and customer service department effectively communicate with people with a foreign accent? Are you losing sales as a result? Contrary to common practice, speaking loudly will not help! However, there are ways to remove communication barriers and serve your customers better. In this presentation, you will learn several tips for communicating with people for whom English is not their first language.
• Exploring Communication Differences: In addition to foreign accents, much of the population has a speech, language, or hearing impairment. People with communication differences are often misunderstood, or worse, shunned. This presentation will provide you several simple and easy techniques your company can employ to connect with respect and understanding. Whether inside or outside of your company, to maximize your revenue and work more efficiently, communication is key!