Today’s workforce is increasingly diverse, especially here in Orange County. Many of the best and brightest engineers, scientists, technicians and other personnel are immigrants and for them English is a second language. All too often their accents and their writing problems create communication challenges. A business meeting, a conversation with a colleague, a customer support call, or a project report can present hurdles for the otherwise capable non-native employee, as well as for colleagues and the company.
SpeechCom
SpeechCom, established in 1983, addresses these problems with training and software. The company has worked with thousands of people from more than 45 different linguistic backgrounds. Through them, SpeechCom has learned that most adults who learn English as a second language face a huge challenge. Learning a second language is difficult. There is always room for improving spoken and written English. The company works with people every day, some with minimal difficulties with English and some who are struggling,who are seeking ways to speak and write in clear, concise English.
SpeechCom constantly seeks ways to help people communicate more effectively. The company developed Speech Training in English Pronunciation (STEP), a 12-week program that helps people who have accents modify their pronunciation to gain clear, understandable spoken English. STEP Two extends training into realistic workplace communication. The Write Step develops clear business writing skills among non-natives.
All three of these programs,STEP, STEP Two, and The Write Step,are intensive, on-site training, customized to the corporate needs of the companies which employ the participants. Instruction is individualized within small groups and is based on evaluation and analysis of each person’s speech and/or writing. Audiocassettes, videotaping and printed materials are included.
SpeechCom also develops products to give people better direction, more sophisticated feedback and more effective ways to improve their English skills.
American Speechsounds
American Speechsounds is an interactive CD-ROM program that turns a personal computer into an accent improvement tutor. While it can be used as a stand-alone instructional program, it is the ideal complement to STEP.
Vocabulary Vitamin
Vocabulary Vitamin is an interactive e-mail subscription service that provides a new vocabulary word,intermediate or advanced level,every day, Monday through Friday. Subscribers hear the word pronounced, read the definition, see how the word is used in a quotation from a newspaper, book or magazine. People with accents benefit from the detailed pronunciation tips of these vocabulary words, and so do native speakers who subscribe. Part of the service is that subscribers get personalized feedback about their pronunciation and use of the words from SpeechCom experts.
What Every English Speaker Should Know
This is a helpful pronunciation guide with audiocassettes. It addresses many of the common pronunciation errors,ones that are made by most people who speak with an accent, regardless of their country of origin. The lessons will help everyone, from beginners to advanced speakers.
Through its training programs and products, SpeechCom’s goal is to offer the best possible help for those who want to master American English.
SpeechCom, Incorporated is located at 4630 Campus Drive, #200, Newport Beach, 92660. For more information, call (949) 261-0102 or visit the company Web site at www.speechcom.com.
