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FAQ’s
I'm interested! How do I get the ball rolling with lessons or seminars?
Call me and set up a free, in-person, 20 minute consultation.
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 un-accented 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. I 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.
What should I bring to our first coaching session? What should I wear?
If you are taking accent reduction lessons, I would recommend you bring the following: a pen, a notebook (I encourage all of my clients to take notes at the end of each session), a copy of the book "Speaking With Distinction" by Edith Skinner ("Speaking with Distinction" can be purchased at The Drama Bookstore at 250 West 40th Street between 7th and 8th Ave.), and, if possible, a small hand held tape recorder. I know tape recorders are pretty "old media" but, unfortunately, they are still the most cost effective way to record the spoken word. These accessories should run you about $35 to $40 total.
If you are taking public speaking lessons, I would recommend you wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing. Please bring a notebook and a pen.
Where do your seminars take place?
I give on-site seminars! I travel to your place of work and bring my knowledge to you.
What is your cancellation policy?
For coaching sessions, I require 24 hour notice to cancel or rearrange in order to get a full refund. 48 hours for seminars.
Do you accept credit cards and debit cards? What will my statement reflect?
I accept Master Card, Visa, and American Express credit cards. I 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
How is payment tendered? Will you bill me?
Payment for individual lessons is tendered at the end of each lesson. I do not bill for individual lessons. I prefer cash or credit cards. No personal checks. Credit cards are charged at the end of the session via Chase Paymentech (touch tone processing). You will receive an imprinted receipt once your card has been authorized and charged.
Payment for seminars is scheduled on a case by case basis.
Do you draw up contracts?
I find with coaching, most people prefer keeping things informal; usually we come to terms in person, and that acts as a verbal contract. I like to keep things flexible and simple; you are only required to give me 24 hours notice to cancel and you do not have to commit to a series of lessons.
For seminars, I draw up an invoice, and require a purchase order number. Once I have a purchase order number, the completed invoice confirms my services.
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