Be Understood: The E4S Newsletter (April 2023)

Be Understood: The E4S Newsletter (April 2023)

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Welcome

I hope this ninth installment will bring you up to date on the accomplishments and opportunities that E4S affords its network and clients. Read on for tips you can use to communicate effectively, upcoming events, and opportunities for support. Let's work together to to help the planet thrive in the face of climate change.


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The Missing Pieces to Confident Speaking

We all say that we wish we spoke more confidently--especially in high-stakes speaking situations like negotiations, sales, or presentations.

But what will actually get us there?

Having worked with hundreds of people on speaking more effectively and confidently, I can assure you that what makes the most difference is having a strong base:

  • Effective grammar
  • Broad vocabulary
  • Clear pronunciation
  • Self-confidence and a supportive mindset

English for Sustainability works with people who already have most of those building blocks of a strong base in place. Specifically, I help you assess where to make improvements, then we pinpoint and strengthen where necessary. And this month, it's been all about MINDSET.


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Breathwork for Public Speaking: Results Are IN!

Public speaking is necessary, and it is difficult. Thankfully, there is plenty of help out there for you. From people who can teach you how to organize and deliver your presentation effectively to free AI (artificial intelligence) that will create your presentation slides, you've got the basics covered.

But no matter how good your presentation and slides are, they won't mean a thing if your delivery is bad.

That's where I come in.

I can help you identify what you're doing well and what, specifically, you should improve for a powerful presentation.

Whether it's your pacing, your transitions, your pronunciation, or your breathing, we can work together to find a better way.

With English for Sustainability, I am always looking for how I can help in ways that you cannot easily find elsewhere.

That's why I gave a live series on Breathwork for Public Speaking this month and am considering turning it into a short course or a bootcamp to bring some accountability and continued support and community as you strengthen your skills.

What do you think?

Here is some feedback from the Breathwork for Public Speaking series:

"Knowing about breathing technique to counter fear was really amazing. Thanks Dr Lara."

"I enjoy the breathing technique you showed us to speak English with more ease and flow. It was super helpful, and I feel like I can already notice a difference in my speaking. I was thinking, wouldn't it be amazing if you organized a course on the technique? I'm sure a lot of us would be down for that and could really benefit from it." [I agree!]

"Thank you for an informative event. I appreciated the exercises! The biggest takeaway for me was learning that I speak from my throat, however, once I began speaking from my core, I can sense the confidence shift."

"I appreciated the fact I felt in a safe space where I could allow myself to speak, receive feedback and still feel comfortable with my voice. That feeling is amazing!"

"I specifically learnt about fillers, which I had no idea I was using. ?? Also the use of words like 'great,' 'so' and 'okay' to pause and breathe."


Interested?

If you are interested in learning breathwork for public speaking so that you can speak more confidently and effectively?

Please vote your preference by clicking here: https://forms.gle/q1i2S3LhGVTz2Jgd9


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E4S Sustainability Crossword Puzzle

Hint: find the words then read them aloud to discover the pattern.

(answers at the end)





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Lily of the Valley

April must be here because the air is fragrant with Lily of the Valley.

Every year, I marvel at the perfect shapes of these flowers. They are such a welcome sight and smell in the springtime, that I have let them take over part of the yard. They have been growing along the perimeter of my home, gaining about two feet each year. It's fine by me if they completely encircle the house someday!

Nature is truly beautiful and amazing. What are some of your favorite flowers?


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How One Short Course Changed Her Life

Back in December, Elvira Rakova joined Confident English Speaking. This course lasted less than a month. She attended the 90-minute kickoff class, then was active in the group chat for the next few weeks while working with her workbook. And she was not the same afterward!

She didn't work on her grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation. She worked on her mindset, and reduced self-doubt while building her self-confidence.

And this self-confidence she was able to harness allowed her to:

??? Speak English more confidently

???? Speak French more confidently (!!!)

?? Say yes to projects she would not have otherwise

You can hear more about her experience in this short video (click here ).


If NOW is the time for you to boost your speaking skills so that you can communicate more effectively, try:

Effective English : a 2-month online course with twice weekly coaching on technique and mindset to help you speak more confidently and effectively

Presentation Ready : one-on-one support on your next presentation through three 60-minute consultations

Consultations : let's meet for 60 minutes to work through whatever you'd like help with: identifying speaking errors that undermine your authority, getting feedback on a video you want to share, preparing for a high-stakes meeting, or some tips for leading discussions effectively.

E4S Job Interview Preparation : a 6-session live online course with flexible scheduling to help you know what to say and how to express yourself to the best of your potential at your next interview. Click here to schedule your private sessions.


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Winner of Scholarship Drawing

Congratulations to Simona Mihail of Romania for winning the drawing for the full scholarship to the Confident English Speaking course!

Her name was chosen during the live Q&A about the course from among over 30 entries.

Already, she has been gracious, welcoming, and supportive to her classmates in the cohort. I certainly appreciate her participation, which helped to set a positive tone.




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The Missing Pieces to Confident Speaking

Between the 3-part live series called Breathwork for Public Speaking and the kickoff to the Confident English Speaking course, over 70 people have gained a fresh awareness and some pointers on how to cultivate a supportive mindset for speaking.

Luckily for you, the public speaking series has been recorded, and the Confident English Speaking class will be offered in the future (possibly in June).

Message Lara Wallace if you're interested in either: [email protected].


More Support:

Let's talk: If you want to speak more confidently but don't know where to start, let's chat. My expertise is in helping you to identify what you need and how to achieve it. Just send a message.


Attend The Next Conversation Club Event:

15 May: E4S Conversation Club event

Each month, come talk with people from around the world about sustainability topics.

Join our free Meetup group! All are invited.


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Answers!

DOWN:

1. CUS-to-mers

2. pro-DUC-tion

4. com-BUS-tion

5. SUB-sta-tion

6. dis-RUP-tion

9. re-CO-ve-ry

10. SUN-light


ACROSS:

3. con-DUC-tor

7. PUB-lic

8. in-DUS-tri-al

11. con-SUMP-tion


Did you find the pronunciation pattern?

All of the words have the same vowel sound. Specifically, the stressed (longest) syllable is the same in each word. In the Color Vowel system (ELTS), this is schwa, or the "Cup of Mustard" sound. This sound is pronounced slightly differently across English dialects. For many, you will find your lips are relaxed and your mouth opens only slightly. This is the most common sound English speakers make, and you will often hear it in filled pauses: "uh" or "um." Try it!

Now try the list, pronouncing the syllables in ALL CAPS with the Cup of Mustard /?/ sound, and making these vowels longer than the others.

Simona-Maria Mihail

Open to new, meaningful challenges

1 年

Thank you very much, Lara, for the scholarship, the great course and ... for YOU and the amazing colleagues! ?? ?

Janos Hettyey

Director, Renewable Energy Solutions at World Kinect

1 年

Great content, Lara!

Nancy Zare Ph.D.

Coaches hire me to enroll more clients because they dislike exaggerated marketing claims and sleazy sales tactics. I show them how to generate warm leads and convert 50% of prospects into clients.

1 年

This newsletter is packed with great information, Lara Wallace, PhD. Well done.

Sirena del Mar Andras

????♀? Crafting Sustainability brands that peak and make waves. ?? CERTIFIED B CORP | Chief Brand Officer | Speaker | Tai Chi Resilience Coach

1 年

The concept of breathwork for public speaking is spot on! Such a great anchor for success in that arena.

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