About
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Method
We use a structured approach that is comprehensive and well-organized.
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It starts with the basics: Breaking English down into its smallest components (consonants, vowels, and clusters) provides a solid foundation for accurate pronunciation.
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Incudes systematic practice: Practicing sounds in progressive stages (words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, natural speech) reinforces learning.
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Makes use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): This is a great tool for precise pronunciation, independent of spelling variations.
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Highlights suprasegmentals: Focusing on intonation and rhythm helps with natural-sounding speech.
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Lots of feedback and modeling: These are essential for learning proper techniques.
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Personalized practice: Weekly focus areas, session videos, workbook, and custom worksheets cater to individual needs.
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Practice techniques: Teaching breath, voice, listening, and shadowing skills ensures clients’ independent practice is effective and efficient.
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Evaluation: The pre- and post-diagnostics help track progress and motivate improvement.
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Realistic expectations: Acknowledging the need for focus, routine, and patience sets realistic expectations for success.
Coaching for Impact
Ms. Michelle Knoop is your guide to confident and clear American English. With over 25 years coaching and teaching individuals from more than 60 countries, she empowers professionals across diverse fields like tech, biotech, healthcare, education, finance, and sales.
Grounded in Excellence
Knoop’s expertise is rooted in a strong foundation: a Master of Arts in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from San Francisco State University with an additional credential in Adult Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Mills College in Oakland, CA.
Dedicated to clear communication in all its forms, Knoop continued to hone her skills after completing her degrees. She trained in American Accent with a mentor in Silicon Valley, and later delved into copyediting at UC Extension.
Global Experience
Ms. Knoop's language and cultural skills extend beyond American English: Fluent and literate in Spanish, her global perspective stems from living in South Korea, Mexico, Spain, and Costa Rica. She has also traveled extensively in Europe and the U.S. This rich tapestry of experience allows her to connect with students on a deeper level, understanding the nuances of adapting to a new language and culture.
Materials Writer and Editor
Ms. Knoop's passion for language extends to writing course materials. She created "The American Accent Workbook" for use in her accent courses, authored the ESL workbook, "She Built Ships," for intermediate-level classes, and edited "She Built Ships in World War II," an historical novel for high-beginner language learners.
