In order to reflect CUNY's decision to hold distance-learning courses, Learning Across America will be continuing in an online format. Online courses will be held for the same number of credits as our in-person option. Please email us with questions at learningacrossamerica@bmcc.cuny.edu.
For English as second language learners.
This course covers three major areas that help you achieve confidence and success: Presentation Skills, Speaking Techniques, and Pronunciation. Classes focus on a combination of skills needed to enhance your business and your personal lives.
Interview Strategies
- Do you freeze when you are asked: “Tell me about yourself” during an interview?
- What is Really Listening? Are you too nervous to Really Listen?
- How do you answer awkward questions?
- What questions can, and should, you ask?
- Telephone interviews; ZOOM interviews. How are they different from face-to-face interviews?
Speaking Techniques
- Pronunciation: Are certain sounds, words, or combinations of words difficult to say? Does the last word of your sentence get lost?
- Projection: Are you asked to repeat yourself when you order something? Can people hear you easily?
Presentation Skills
- Most people fear giving Public Presentations. Do you?
- Learn various techniques to overcome your specific fear of speaking.
- Learn types of breathing to relax; breathing to energize.
Past Pronunciation Students with Elizabeth have said:
"Improving my pronunciation in English will always be exciting for me, because in this way I will be able to make myself understood better in this country. I corrected many words that I always said wrong and that fills me with satisfaction."
"The teacher was really nice and helpful."
"I really liked that everyone was so kind and open minded. Elizabeth is so patient and if we didn’t understand something she repeated it multiple times."
Your course will consist of a pre-assignment, independent coursework and final assignment as well as live online class sessions with your teacher/other au pairs. Credit for J-1 visa students is 36 hours. Students earning J-1 visa credit must attend all sessions and complete all homework.
Elizabeth Marner-Brooks is an Associate Professor at The New School for Public Engagement, where she teaches Listening/Speaking, Pronunciation, and Reading. Elizabeth has created and taught courses in Presentations, Public Speaking, “Acting for Non-Actors”, and “Be Assertive: Speak Up & Speak Out” for The New School.
During her career as a professional actor and public speaker, Elizabeth represented major corporations, Fortune 500 companies, and CBS Television Network throughout the United States.
