More Silent Letters-#3
English is a continually evolving language comes from many linguistic sources including Old French, Latin, Norse, Anglo-Saxon (Old English) and many others. English is a phonetic language but with many exceptions. The spelling of words in English can tell you its’ origin and evolution. Silent letters help identify the word’s origins. Students in spelling bees…
Read MoreHow Does Your Voice Sound?
Listen for it . . . many people talk with a “gravelly” voice. Technically, it’s called vocal fry. It may also be described as sounding “creaky”, “croaky”, “gravelly” or “rough.” This is called vocal fry and it is caused when people talk at too low a pitch without pushing enough air through their vocal cords. Some…
Read MoreMore Silent Letters-article #2 in series
Why does English have so many silent letters and rule exceptions? Most reasons for silent letters in English relate to the origins of the word. For example, the word “knight” has two silent sounds-K and GH. This word originated from the German word for servant, “knecht” in which each letter is pronounced. English has many…
Read MoreReady to Improve Your Speech? 25% off Small Business Saturday Sale
Triad Speech Consultants is offering 25% off all of our training programs until December 25, 2018. Savings will range from $18 to over $300 depending on your program. Pay for your sessions at discount using the remainder of your professional development funds. Then schedule your sessions to start in December or January. We offer…
Read MoreSilent Letters in English-#1 in a series of 4
Silent letters are those that are important to the correct spelling of words but are not pronounced when speaking. There are some general rules about these silent letters but as always in English there are always exceptions to the rule! This is the first article in a series of 4 on the topic of silent…
Read MoreDo you understand and use idioms?
We often refer the the United States as “the melting pot” what! we are a big hot pot melting steal or wax? No! The United States is a wonderful mixture of people from all over the world. English is an idiomatic language and it is estimated that there are more than 25, 000 idioms in…
Read MoreRules! Each Language and Dialect Follows a Unique Set of Rules
We absorb without effort the language rules of our first language and use them unconsciously. But, it takes conscious practice and effort to incorporate the language rules of a second or third language that is learned after age 13. Language rules affect both spoken and written communication. English has many rules that relate to correct pronunciation. Below are just…
Read MoreFive Ways to Improve the Delivery of Your Message
How you deliver your message is essential for your audience to hear, react and process your message. Here are 5 tips to improve the delivery of your message. Speak with a powerful, mature voice. Speaking on a full breath of air will give you a voice that can be heard and a full breath of…
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