There is No Such Thing as “Perfect” English
An English dictionary is not a rulebook, but a suggested guideline. It is based on the pronunciation, spelling, and usage of most educated speakers.
Improve Your Vocabulary With Our New “Commanding Words” Word-A-Day Calendar
The truth is, every time we speak we are being judged on our intelligence, success and competence. Studies show that people with significant vocabularies tend to be viewed as being capable and smart. Additionally, since language and thought are linked one to the other, having a strong vocabulary simply helps us think, plan and solve problems more efficiently. If this information gives you pause, perhaps you should put vocabulary improvement on your New Year’s Resolution list! Accent On Business has the perfect tool to assist you in reaching this goal.
The 2010 “Commanding Word-A-Day Calendar” contains a year’s worth of powerful words. “Commanding Words” makes an ideal gift for the business professional, student or anybody who wants to improve his or her vocabulary.
The entry for each day’s word includes pronunciation, grammar classification, definition and a sample sentence using the word. The calendar is spiral […]
Grammar Mistakes
Below are 20 common grammar mistakes I see routinely, not only in editorial queries and submissions, but in print: in HR manuals, blogs, magazines, newspapers, trade journals, and even best selling novels. If it makes you feel any better, I’ve made each of these mistakes a hundred times, and I know some of the best authors in history have lived to see these very toadstools appear in print. Let’s hope you can learn from some of their more famous mistakes.
Who and Whom
This one opens a big can of worms. “Who” is a subjective — or nominative — pronoun, along with “he,” “she,” “it,” “we,” and “they.” It’s used when the pronoun acts as the subject of a clause. “Whom” is an objective pronoun, along with “him,” “her,” “it”, “us,” and “them.” It’s used when the pronoun acts as the object of a […]
What is Accent Reduction?
Accent reduction, or accent modification, is the systematic approach for neutralizing a foreign accent to adapt to the majority accent. The process includes identifying the variations in the individual’s current speech, and comparing them to the constants in the target dialect. These variations include not only sound distinctions, but also the differences in grammar styles, idioms, stress patterns, and rhythm of the new language.
A foreign accent is an important personal characteristic to one’s identity. Accents make individuals unique, and they are often viewed as attractive for this reason. Heavy accents can impede communication in the workplace. Accent reduction, not elimination, might be a valuable communication and professional development endeavor. Accent modification aids in better understanding in the workplace and social settings.
What our clients are saying about us
Occasionally, I have a client ask for the chance to write about how we’ve helped him or her with their business communication skills. This week, Curt Gosman from Now Courier shares his thoughts…
“I had been working with a client for about a month, providing nearly daily cost analysis of their in-house delivery vs contracting with us, when suddenly communication from them stopped and I became concerned. After a couple of long weeks, I inquired and found there had been a personnel change, which of course would mean starting over from scratch. Not sure what to do, I consulted with Ellen Dunnigan, my business communication advisor, who gave me the confidence and advice to contact the CFO. Reluctantly, I called and was directed to a decision maker who was only slightly aware of their total company logistics need — yet at that very moment, was having a specific and pressing need […]
Gaining Credibility and Understanding
Speaking English well opens doors, gives you credibility, and fosters your success.
Your success as a speaker of English is our success, too.
We’ll give you the coaching you need.
We offer:
Accent Modification
Advanced English for foreign nationals
Regional US dialect modification
– examples: southern drawl, Boston dialect, eastern region dialect