Part B: American English Intonation: This Zoom Level 2 Speech course is a five-week, deep-dive immersive exploration workshop into the rhythm and musicality of American English. Every language in the world utilizes melody and rhythm in order to communicate. Non-native speakers of English may have acquired the target sounds of spoken English, but continue to speak in the stress, rhythm and intonation patterns of their native language, which can impede clear communication. For native speakers of English, a new awareness of the uses of pitch, melody, and stress, will help foster greater connection with intention. You will explore common American pitch patterns, levels of emphasis, context, operative words, strong and weak forms, as well as imagery. This course is useful for native and non-native speakers of English.
Individual coaching, on speech topics of interest to you, is available in the Zoom space outside of class, as part of this course.
Online teaching statement from instructor Theresa McElwee: “We forge social connections, and make our experience known through language and most especially, through our voices. Much is being asked of us, in this moment. There is an opportunity here, to become more present, more engaged, to reach out with more energy, and with more care. On a more practical level, Voice, Speech and Dialect coaching and teaching is frequently offered online, and so this work is easily accommodated in a virtual space. My aim is to help you fill that space, so that when you emerge, you are an even more powerful actor, with an even greater capacity to make your presence known and your voice heard.”