Frequently asked questions

You will learn how to position your lips, tongue and jaw differently to produce new sounds! Depending on your learning style, we may also use audio and video recordings, mirrors, reading aloud from specially designed materials, and real conversation practice with on-the-spot coaching. 

We also work on the aspects of rhythm (stress and intonation) that YOU need.

It’s all about your personal goals.

We work on the voice in the context of the whole body, addressing unhelpful tensions and breathing habits. It’s often about relaxing!

We do practical exercises for you to discover your vocal potential and take that out into the real world.

We might move between sitting, standing, or lying down on a yoga mat.

Sometimes. Elocution is an old-fashioned term these days, but it means focusing on speech clarity and articulation, whatever your accent. See my blog post about elocution for more information!

Sonya Ross – professional qualifications:

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in Phonetics – First Class (2008)

MA Voice Studies, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (2006)

MA English Language, University of Edinburgh (2001)

Cambridge Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults (2001)

I work in a British English accent framework. For a North American English model, I recommend Vivienne Zhao.

The Kick-start session is 90-minutes.

One-to-one sessions in the Successful Speaking programme are generally one hour.

In the Successful Speaking programme,  coaching sessions are weekly.

 

Yes, I’ve created a comprehensive set of materials to support your training. These include worksheets, audio and video, for both pronunciation and and voice work.

Oh yes! The more you practise, the better your results. 

For both English pronunciation and voice work, you’ll have specific exercises, tasks and clear guidance around implementing your learning into your real speech.

You don’t have to spend ages: 10 minutes of focused practice per day is much better than an hour once per week!

One-to-one training is supported by a full set of materials (PDFs, audio  and video files).

No, currently all my training is one to one. Experience shows you get better results that way.

Not a full session, I’m afraid, but we can arrange a free 20-minute Clarity Call on Zoom to discuss your needs. Click here to schedule your call.

To get an idea of my teaching style, you’re welcome to connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram, where I post videos.

Yes! Download your free pronunciation PDF here.

Yes! It’s called the Kick-start session and it’s a 90-minute deep-dive to start your training journey off strongly!

 

 

The 90-minute Kick-start session is £199.

The 3-month Successful Speaking programme is £1250.

 

 

Credit card, PayPal and bank transfer are all possible.

The Kick-start session can be booked directly here.

If you have decided to take the Successful Speaking programme, you will receive an invoice.

Generally 24 hours, with limited exceptions on the Sucessful Speaking programme.

The Successful Speaking programme lasts 3 months and has 10 one-to-one coaching sessions.

In my experience, this is the optimal training length to see real progress.