Private Instruction - Speech Coaching

Adastra Speech coaching is tailored to meet you where you are...
...and take you where you want to be

Your speech is unique, and so is our instruction. The content in the program is tailored, not "one size fits all." Lessons are based on the top 5 goals identified during your speech evaluation and prioritized to make the most impactful improvements with minimal mental stress.

Consistency is key to lasting change. I will guide you through daily small gains, helping you reach your goals effectively and efficiently. Together, we'll achieve long-term improvements in your speech clarity and communication skills.

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4 Cycles

This program is structured in three-month cycles, each designed to build upon the last for continuous improvement. 
Each cycle includes:

• Evaluation of Speech
• Goals Identified
• Monthly Private Lesson 
• Weekly Check-Ins 
• Practice Recordings
• Daily Mini-Practice prompts

This structured approach promotes a steady progression from awareness to control, analysis, and application in professional and social speaking situations. 
Throughout the program, you'll practice regularly and apply your new skills to your daily speaking situations, making practice a habit and gaining the skills necessary for ongoing improvement.

Cycle 1: Essentials
             Focus: Gain awareness and initial control of speech features that make the most impact for your specific accent. Apply to your daily speaking situations.
            
Cycle 2: Advanced Control​
             Focus: Develop control and impact. Higher-level speech features like pitch range, intonation, and special emphasis make your meaning more clear.

Cycle 3: Mastery and Analysis
             Focus: Practice the details of pronunciation and casual speech. Apply your ability to hear, analyze, and correct your own speech. 

Cycle 4: Continued Support 
             Focus: Maintenance, follow-up, and practice as needed for specific speaking situations (presentations, interviews).

Outcomes: Achieve your goals, make practice a habit, and gain lifelong learning skills.

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How long does it take to make progress?
While progress varies for each individual, the journey to improved speech typically follows these levels of awareness and ability to make changes. Daily practice and small adjustments to your speech are essential for achieving long-term results. 

Level 1: Gain awareness of how you sound and the ability to produce different speech sounds.

Level 2: Combine awareness with control, developing the ability to analyze and modify your speech.

Level 3: Make changes to your speech with concentration, requiring fewer corrections.

Level 4: Integrate new features into your natural speech, independently making corrections as needed.

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Method: The Agile Accent

My method is based on 20 years of research and teaching experience that combines speech-language pathology, cognitive psychology, and teaching English as a second language. 

The top 5 speech goals are identified in the evaluation, and prioritized by consideration of what will make the most improvement in your speaking clarity starting with the least amount of cognitive load.
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We cycle through each goal, allowing for incremental changes before progressing, then gradually increase cognitive load as speech features become more complex. This structured approach ensures sustainable progress and effective communication skill development.

Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Barb

Timing

All meetings are on Zoom
Monday through Thursday - from 10am to 9pm 
Fridays and Saturdays  - 11am-6pm
​(US Eastern time)

Meetings
Flexible scheduling accommodates your lifestyle, but consistency is key. Between lessons, you'll have practice sessions and recordings, receiving detailed feedback to apply new speaking strategies in daily situations.

Time Commitment
The complete individual instruction package spans one year. I'm here to guide you every step of the way, helping you reach your full potential in spoken English communication skills.