29. February 2008 by Melody Daniel.

Here’s a site that will be helpful to many of our readers.   They offer quick, personal answers from experts in a wide variety of fields.  Anything you need to know, or help with any type of project — just ask, they’ll answer.  It’s a simple idea, and it works well.  I’m hooked!

Posted in Skillbuilder News, Global Business, International Issues, Intercultural, Communication | 1 Comment »

27. February 2008 by Melody Daniel.

Effective communication enhances your leadership skills: accent modification training enables individuals to adjust their way of speaking in order to better communicate with those around them.

Benefits of accent modification coaching:

• Clearly defined goals:
  During the contracting phase, usually accomplished in the first session, we agree to and define a clear set of goals and a time frame for reaching those goals. This sets expectations from the beginning and allows for measurable progress.
• Customized program:
  All work is designed for your specific needs. This differs from classes which address the needs of individuals of different foreign language backgrounds, and is more dynamic and adaptable than programs which require adherence to a preexisting
  structure.
• Proven Methodology:
  Skillbuilder’s approach to accent modification is an adaptation of the techniques used in the training of actors. The tools that actors use to achieve standard pronunciation or to take on a non-native accent are the same tools needed by individuals with a need for accent modification.
• Expectations of the coaching client:
  Coaching is an intense interaction requiring the full commitment and respect of both parties. By agreeing to a coaching program, our clients agree to this commitment and respect. The Daniel Method recognizes that an individual’s way of speaking reflects that individual’s heritage, so we do not endorse any program that attempts to make everyone sound alike. Instead, we provide clients with the tools and training needed in order to choose to make adjustments to their way of speaking in order to be better understood by native speakers of American English.

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16. November 2007 by Melody Daniel.

We’re happy to announce that Skillbuilder is launching live, global, interactive webinars featuring the same content offered locally in our popular “Accent 101″ workshop.  This is an introductory class that covers the basics of the Daniel Method approach to accent modification and gives participants a few techniques that they may begin to apply immediately. 

 These webinars will take place at a wide variety of times in order to insure availability and convenience for participants around the world.  The concept combines a traditional conference call (conducted through Skype) with on-screen text communication, file sharing, and a powerpoint presentation.

 In order to help us plan convenient times for future webinars, please complete our Webinar Time Study.  For a limited time, participants in the survey will receive an invitation to attend a webinar event at no cost!  Your guidance in time selection is crucial, so please let us know what times work best for you (and where you are in the world — times don’t help much without a time zone!).  Skillbuilder’s clients and friends are our best resources!

Posted in Skillbuilder News, Global Business, Accent Modification | 1 Comment »

9. October 2007 by Melody Daniel.

I’m often asked to train clients in distant locations.  To enable ongoing face-to-face training for individuals in locations throughout the world, I use online videconferencing.  Since clients sometimes ask for instructions or recommendations of equipment, I will be writing a series of blog entries on this subject.  I’ll begin with general guidelines in this article, and continue the series with profiles of equipment and services, starting with the ones I use in my business and recommend to my clients.

 You really only need four things for a successful internet videoconference:

• internet access (high speed is best) 
• a webcam
• a headset
• a conferencing service

Most applications that allow you to conduct a videoconference are simple and easy to use; many of them are free and readily available.  Both parties involved in the conference will need to have the same software. 

While any webcam will work, you will find that a small investment in higher quality will produce much better results when image quality is important.   A glass lens and automatic lighting correction will produce crisper, brighter images that enhance your professional appearance (or enable children and grandparents to see one another clearly — this is just as important for home use as it is for professionals).  Look for a camera that offers 30 fps (frames per second) video for more natural movement.

 Although many webcams have a built-in microphone and can be used with computer speakers, you will get better sound quality from a good headset.  The webcam microphone is good for quick chats when sound quality isn’t all that important or when several family members want to gether around the computer at the same time.  Using your computer speakers will allow multiple users to hear the chat, but you have less control.  When audio quality is important, I recommend a digital headset with microphone.  Yes, you’ll be wearing a headset when the person on the other end sees you, but they’ll be able to hear you much more clearly this way.  In my industry, audio quality is extremely important, and I wouldn’t be caught without a good headset.

 To get started with online audio or video chats, try the free service from Skype.  The software is a quick download with no adware or spyware.  The service is free to use to call other Skype users, and you can also use it to call telephones around the world for extremely low rates if you choose.

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1. October 2007 by Melody Daniel.

This blog is maintained by Melody Daniel, owner of Skillbuilder Communication Resources and creator of Daniel Method Accent Visit often for information regarding communication issues, accent modification thoughts, and Skillbuilder news. 

For more information about Skillbuilder, please visit DanielMethod.com.  For information on Melody, visit MelodyDaniel.com.

Occasionally, posts or comments may be integrated into the Skillbuilder newsletter, Communication Matters.  Similarly, newsletter articles may be included here as posts for exposure to a different audience.  On the whole, though, the blog and newsletter will have different content and interested readers are encouraged to subscribe to the newsletter as well.

Posted in Skillbuilder News, International Issues, Communication | 1 Comment »