Understanding Accented Speakers- 3.0 hours/ half-day workshop

In this workshop, participants learn to listen through a different cultural voice to decode articulation, intonation, and grammar patterns of speakers from Latin America, Russia, Somalia, and Southeast Asia. Through lecture, discussions, small group activities, and videos, audience members learn to explore and use new listening patterns.

Participants' comments:

" The class was good. I would certainly recommend it."

"This was the best seminar I ever went to."

" I enjoyed the way this seminar focused on how certain cultures pronounce difference sounds. "

" I've learned not to be afraid to ask for repetition or more information."

" This was a great opportunity to focus on really understanding people. "

" The interaction and practice was most helpful."

" I like the way the variety of activities broke up the time."

" I like the instructor's enthusiasm and interest in the topic."

" Marlene Schoenberg is knowledgeable and approachable."

Cultural Sea Cruise- 1.5 hour workshop

This brief, high impact diversity program provides a cultural simulation that is relevant and meaningful for the workplace. The one-and-a-half hour interactive program gives participants personal insights into language and communication sensitivities and interactions with multicultural groups. It demonstrates the deep relationship between language and culture and how we perceive others, helping us to understand why inclusiveness is so important in our work.

Preventing Accent Discrimination in the Workplace- 2 hour workshop

By understanding 10 basic rules for preventing accent discrimination in the workplace, supervisors and managers can avoid escalating misunderstandings. Accent issues in hiring, training, retaining, and lay offs are discussed. The consultant will review case studies demonstrating factors which help employees and employers get to the heart of accent issues.

Respecting Non-Christian Employees and Customers- 2 hours

How do you create a comfortable work atmosphere for employees who are not Christian? How do issues around the holidays in December or September create personal conflicts for employees? What differences do supervisors and managers need to be aware of for : clothing, beliefs, eating habits, prayer times, Sabbath and holiday observance? What small things can all employees do to prevent anti-Semitism? How can we reduce fears fostered by Sept. 11th events? This program will help you understand how to make people of all religions feel welcome in their own workplace.

Dialect Coaching for African American Supervisors-
One day seminar with opportunities for follow up sessions

All dialects and accents are beautiful in their own way, but some dialect features may prevent employees from getting the promotions or the respect they deserve. This is especially important for supervisors who did not have a 4 year college education, but worked up through the ranks based on experience and expertise. A supervisor becomes a role model for employees who may have to coach them in writing and speaking.With this new role, it's helpful to review the rules of grammar and pronunciation, Even if an employee is ready to make a linguistic change, old speech and language patterns are challenging to modify on your own. With the help of an experienced instructor and a supportive group, participants can add more professionalism to their verbal skills.

Idioms in the Workplace: Ramping up the Newbies- 1.5 hours

This workshop highlights many unusual American expressions that may be confusing to international employees. We will also discuss company jargon and alphabet soup. To prevent embarrassing situations, the consultant will point out the differences between British and American idoms. Which colorful regional idioms or slang expressions belong in the work place and which don't? Audience participation provides a variety of views.

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