THE CLEAR SPEECH PROGRAMME

 

The Clear Speech Programme is focused on developing the physical communication skills of staff. This is applicable to people with unclear accents and forms of vocal weakness such as:

Vocal projection (speaking too softly, timidly or shouting)
Vocal pace and energy (speaking too quickly, slowly or sluggishly)
Vocal tone and variance (speaking with colour and expression)
Clear pronunciation (mumbling, mispronouncing etc)

Please note that we are not trying to make anyone sound like the Queen! We are simply taking the native accent of the individual and working towards clarity of speech within the person’s natural sound. The Clear Speech Programme is also very strongly recommended for second language English speakers, who often lack the confidence they have when speaking in their mother tongue. Aside from vocal clarity the course addresses:

Increasing self-confidence in communications
Good body language and energy dynamic
Stress management and improved conflict resolution skills
Expanding reading skills and knowledge of the English language

*Please note: Content can address areas of concern particular to each client.

 

Programme Structure

There are 8 sessions in this programme.

Each session lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes.

The 8 sessions span over a period of 4 weeks (if requested training can span 3 weeks).

The number of participants is no less than 7 and no more than 10 per class.

After a period of 3 to 4 weeks, at no extra expense to the company, there is an additional assessment session to record how well the information has been sustained.

It is 1 1⁄2 hours in length. After which there will be a report to H.R.

After the initial training is complete, the facilitator will give the necessary parties an assessment of the participants’ progress and a recommended programme to support the training received. A one hour session with management is on offer if they wish to further develop the programme with the facilitator.

 

Process and Content:

• Each person is issued with a folder of the various props and materials that will be required for the course. These consist of a manual, pocket dictionary, a hand mirror, balloons, lollipops, candles and a CD of the course exercises.
  
• The course content is rooted in all the basics that produce good, articulate sound. Vocal projection, tone, clarity of speech and breathing are at the centre. While addressing these core elements, other aspects of communication are improved. Our reading segment improves vocabulary in the workplace and creates a consciousness regarding use of language. Creating confidence and improved self-esteem in communication is a huge benefit, as well as improving body language and light problem solving skills. All of these areas benefit the individuals’ general communication skills.
  
• Sessions are brought to life by the use of the previously mentioned props, working in partners and informative discussion around the daily communication challenges of the participants. During the training we are able to offer specific focus on the individual’s problem areas.
  
• We issue a small amount of homework at the end of each session. This is vital, as the commitment to practice what one has learned is crucial to the individuals’ progress.
  
• READING: At the end of each session part of the homework is a reading assignment. We issue each participant with a pocket dictionary. We strongly believe that part of speaking well is expanding one’s vocabulary and exposure to grammatically correct English. A strong basis in English is vital for both advancement and a confident self-image. Please note: This is not an English language course, but a beginning to creating English readers and improved spoken English.
  
• Each candidate is given a CD from which to work in conjunction with the notes that are handed out at the beginning of the course. This is to ensure that each person has the opportunity to practice the vocal exercises and sounds regularly.

The Maintenance Programme

It is very important to acknowledge that learning is a process and as such needs to be supported. It is not possible for a person to acquire recent knowledge and apply it perfectly after only learning it once. Unlike programming computers, the reality of training people is that it almost always takes more than once. There is a degree of trial and error before the acquired information is correctly applied in a sustained manner. The maintenance programme is designed to do exactly that. It is there not only to support and enforce the training received in the first 8 sessions, but also to build on the already existing knowledge and to further progress the individual’s development.

We recommend a maintenance “check-up” every 6 to 8 weeks. This consists of 2 sessions for 11⁄2 hours each. This will ensure that the training grows in value. This process will help the client maintain and re-energise the programme recommended after the initial training.

*Please note that sessions not cancelled within 24 hours will be counted.