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Epitome English serves accomplished speakers of English who are striving to reach their full potential as communicators in the language.
Individualized English Instruction for Non-Native Speakers of English
Personalized lessons and coaching
w/ regular assessment and feedback
Please contact me for info & pricing.
Classes for Advanced Non-Native Speakers of English
*The following classes are temporarily on pause.*
Conversation Dynamics
Skilled conversationalists are able to achieve a balance between being efficient and personable. One-on-one or small group oral interactions occur with high frequency and are crucial for helping people establish connections, build trust, and convey ideas directly and quickly. However, the underlying moves and norms of conversation in the U.S. are not always evident or clearly described. In Conversation Dynamics, typical American English structure and patterns of oral interaction in professional and sophisticated social settings will be decoded and practiced, and students will be guided to blend both strategy and fluency to express a concise and clear central message. Participants will have the opportunity to complete 3 short audio recordings for detailed and individualized instructor analysis & feedback.
Discussion Tactics
*See promo video in Gallery*
Discussion skills typically come into play in medium-sized groups of speakers--such as meetings of various kinds and study groups. Compared to conversation, in discussion scenarios the expectation of advance planning is often higher, but the speed of turn taking can be equally rapid. With a larger number of participants (on average) and possibly increased formality, discussion also requires successful speakers to stay on top of the pace, manage their timing and vocal techniques, and remain aware of the purpose of their comments in the greater flow of ideas. Students in Discussion Tactics will: a) review the goals of discussion-style interaction and the moves (including interruption) that speakers typically make in this oral context; b) learn to maximize the effectiveness of their participation in discussions on a variety of topics. Participants in the class will have the opportunity to record 2 (small) group discussions outside of class for detailed instructor feedback, including specific analysis for each individual.
Presenting Panache
Giving speeches in front of an audience can easily cause even confident and articulate speakers to feel nervous and unfocused. However, the ability to handle these kinds of oral events is an invaluable skill that can be utilized for both professional and personal benefit for a variety of purposes, (e.g., a presentation at a professional convention, a doctoral thesis defense, or even a speech at a wedding or funeral). Students in Presenting Panache will learn how to plan effectively to deliver successful 4 to 5-minute speeches that convey a clear message to the audience, present convincing and interesting support, and make a positive and lasting impact on the listeners. Through the experience of preparing and delivering 2 short speeches, participants in the class will be guided to develop their own style as presenters and increase their comfort level and confidence in this mode of communication. Detailed instructor analysis and feedback will be provided on each presentation.