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FAQ’s
I'm interested! How do I get the ball rolling with private lessons, weekly classes, or corporate seminars?
Call us and let us know what your goals are. If we are a good match, we will set up a free, in-person consultation with you, so we can further access your needs.
Will I lose my accent-of-origin if I take accent reduction lessons with you?
Absolutely not! In regard to accent reduction, it is more accurate to say you are not reducing your accent but, rather, learning a new one: an unaccented, central-American sound. If you learn French you don’t forget how to speak English! The same principle applies to accent reduction. If you learn an unaccented American dialect, you will not lose the use of your native accent; you will just be able to turn it on and off. You will have gained the ability to speak fluent English.
Can you coach me in my home or office?
Yes.
I don’t have private space. Do you have a studio we can work at?
Yes. We work out of a studio space at 520 Eighth Avenue between 36 th and 37 th streets in
Manhattan. The space is well lighted, clean, and private.
Should I take private lessons or weekly group lessons?
Private lessons are the quickest, and most thorough way to make progress, as you will be receiving all of the teachers attention for the full session, however, group lessons are an excellent alternative for those looking to save some money. If you work hard in your group lessons, and do all your homework, you should see significant, marked improvement.
What should I bring to our first coaching session? What do you provide? What should I wear?
If you are taking accent reduction lessons, we would recommend you bring the following: a pen, a notebook (we encourage all of our clients to take notes at the end of each session), a copy of the book and CD "Pronounce it Perfectly in English", and a small hand held digital voice recorder. For public speaking lessons, we work with Leon Fletcher's book "How to Speak Like a Pro". If you purchase a five or ten package plan in accent reduction or public speaking lessons, the book and/or CD will be supplied for you. The book and CD will be provided for you if you take weekly classes.
If you are taking public speaking lessons, we would recommend you wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing. Please bring a notebook and a pen.
How many lessons should I take? How long before I see progress?
That depends on your goals and skill set. Call us and tell us what you are looking to accomplish, and we will give you an idea of how many lessons you should take, and how much progress you should expect. If we seem like a good match, we will design a lesson plan for you to review, and set up a consultation.
Are Skype coaching sessions available?
Yes. You will be emailed coaching material, both hard copies and audio files, before out first coaching session. You may record the sessions. Please call or email for rates and package plans.
Where do your seminars take place?
We give on-site seminars! We travel to your place of work and bring our knowledge to you.
What is your cancellation policy?
For coaching sessions, payment is required in full at least 24 hours in advance of your lesson, and there is no refund available once payment has been made. If you have purchased a group package, and you cancel a lesson within 24 hours, you will receive a credit for class for a "timely cancellation". No cash refund is available for group packages once payment has been made.
For weekly classes, there is no refund available. At this time, there is only one ten week course scheduled, so there is no make up class available if you miss class. Every effort will be made to catch you up via phone or email, so as to prepare you for the next class.
For seminars and group lessons, there is a one week cancellation policy.
What types of payment do you accept? What will my statement reflect?
We accept cash and Master Card, Visa, and American Express credit cards. We accept debit cards with Master Card or Visa logos. You will be billed under "Speak Clear Communications". You will receive a signed, imprinted receipt for every transaction. No personal checks. Corporate checks are allowed as long as full payment is received by your coach 24 hours in advance of each coaching session, seminar or group lesson.
How is payment tendered? Will you bill me?
Payment for individual lessons is tendered at least 24 hours in advance of each lesson. We will bill for corporate clients, as long as payment is tendered before the lesson. Credit cards are charged via Chase Paymentech (touch tone processing). You will receive an imprinted receipt once your card has been authorized and charged.
What are your rates?
We prefer to discuss our rates over the phone, so give us a buzz!
Do you sell Gift Certificates?
Yes! Gift certificates in individual and group public speaking and accent modification lessons are available. Simply call the main line and arrange payment. We will email you a printable gift certificate and a receipt once your purchase is complete. |
