Here are some examples of things you might learn in the first stage of the English Conversation and Pronunciation Course:
Example Workshop Topics
 
Pronunciation:
The has 2 sounds: 'Thuh' and 'Thee'
A: I saw the [thuh] President yesterday.
B: What! The [thee] President of the United States?
A: Yes, exactly.

'Thee' is used for more emphasis or before a word beginning with a vowel or silent letter. "Thuh" is before words not beginning with a vowel or silent letter.

A also has two pronunciations:

Phrasal Verbs:
These can be confusing, but are very often used in informal English:

Word and Sentence Stress:
Stress is usually found on words in a sentence that tell us important information.

Discourse Markers:
Using these words and phrases makes your conversation sound more natural:
Anyway...
Mind you...
All in all, though...
To tell you the truth...
By the way...

Accent Reduction:

How to Pronounce OR: as in HORSE
This vowel sound is long. Lips must be very round and the jaw must be slightly down. Inside the mouth, the tongue is down and the sound is made in the back of the mouth. Check this in a mirror.

This sound is often confused with its shorter neighbour, the sound ‘O’ as in Pot. The two sounds must be distinct or else can lead to misunderstanding. Try the following words. The word in capital letters is your target sound.

The jaw is slightly lower for ‘O’ and the ‘O’ sound is much shorter!

Shot   SHORT   

Pot   PORT

Cot    CAUGHT

At then end of this course your English speaking and conversation should be perfect. Everyone will understand you and you will be very confident speaking.
             On this Course you also get:
                      At home Practice:   
 
                 Computerlabaudio
  • Use the list of words beginning with "TH", practice saying these words in the way that has been learned. Now do the same for the "OR" sound list.
  • Listen to the CD Recording or online student audio clips, try to practise the sounds, record yourself if necessary.
As well as exercises like this, there are also games, group work, conversation, listening and recognition exercises.

Other Topics Covered:
  • Pronunciation: Rhythm and intonation, sound stress, vowel sounds, sentence stress, silent letters, drills and accent softening.
  • Conversation: Informal Speech, conversation starters, giving advice, common errors when speaking, actives and passives and how to sound polite. Commonly confused words, phrasal verbs and idioms.
  • Conversation, discussions, debates and anecdotes.

The Second Part of the Course
So, you have chosen to learn English with us again. Great Choice!

What you get:
  • More one to one attention
  • Expert vocal coach
  • Accent Reduction
  • Speaking assessments
  • Higher level course &  more in-depth conversations and discussion
  • Free Refreshments, Folder, paper, Course Materials, Handouts and a CD.
Remember, many words in English sound similar, so it is very important to pronounce word correctly, for people to understand you.


See the Student section for more activities.