CONVERSATION COACHING
Professionals often wish to improve English conversation skills to make social situations feel more comfortable. Clear speech is important, but it’s most effective when you can use language to connect with others and achieve broader communication goals. Have you ever arrived at a meeting and didn’t quite know what to say or ask? AAT specializes in applying clear speech to a variety of conversational settings, including small talk, knowing when and how to ask the right questions, and group participation. We also help native speakers and foreign speakers to develop strong executive communication skills.
Foreign English Speakers
Most pronunciation or online accent reduction classes tend to focus on "how" speech is made in order to sound as clear as possible. Advanced Accent Training (AAT) improves our clients' whole communication image, by including social conversation skills in many of our programs. Foreign-born speakers are sometimes not comfortable with small talk, or may be unsure about topics considered appropriate for the work environment. Many foreign-born and native speakers want to learn specific skills to facilitate group discussion, such as how to smoothly ask for clarification, respond to criticism from an aggressive colleague or boss, or other communication challenges. AAT will design a program to meet your goals.
Social Language for Native English Speakers
AAT works with native speakers who wish to enhance their conversational ability to feel more comfortable in social settings. Some speakers are naturally more shy or introverted, whereas others may simply wish to build a greater skill set to be able to speak more comfortably and assertively. We also assist with business writing, job interview prep and presentations. Some of our students are young adults who are challenged by social anxiety. Our services are provided either via videoconference, or in person at our offices in Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, San Diego, or San Jose.
Formal and Informal English
AAT includes formal and informal English conversation in many of our programs. Your personal conversation coach will explain areas of concern, including grammar or advanced conversation skills that are tied to pronunciation. Understanding and using idioms, for example, can also enhance your conversation abilities. Native English speakers may wish to learn more about regional dialect modification, which can help distinguish informal from formal speech patterns.
Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal rules may differ from one culture to another. Looking directly at one's boss, for example, may not be encouraged in some groups or cultures. Nodding "yes" or a smile in some parts of the world may not necessarily mean a deal is done when negotiating. English pronunciation is very important, but without an understanding of how to apply a language in a multicultural context, one can become easily frustrated in business and social environments.
Social Thinking Approach
Using the ILaugh model of Michelle Winner's Social Thinking approach, one can learn how to become a social detective to translate the rules of social language, including use of metaphors, and ways to effectively manage conflict. Jon Berton, M.A-SLP is only one of a few professionals certified in Social Thinking in Georgia, California, and Texas. If you have ever felt awkward or uncertain about how to participate in some social situations, or simply wish to expand your social skillset, AAT can help build communication confidence.
Public Speaking through ACT
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapy and Training is a proven behavioral approach that can help public speaking and other stressful communication situations at work or school. Mindfulness, defusion, and other key strategies will identify goals and values, along with steps to create meaningful change. At AAT, your personal conversation coach has completed ACT 1 Mindfulness training which can help you gain the skills and mindset to excel in a variety of communication challenges.