Q. Mr. Norris what is voice coaching?

A. Voice coaching is helping a person to communicate more effectively when speaking. This can be done with either foreign or native speakers of English. Common problems are: speaking too fast, not enunciating, poor speech rhythm, poor pitch, speaking in monotone, using a sing-song delivery, little emotion, poor emphasis.

Q. Mr. Norris, my English is good, but I have a foreign accent. Can you help me?

A. Yes I can! Each language has its own rhythm, sounds, intonations, and pitch style. When someone learns a foreign language, they continue to use the idiosyncrasies that are contained in their native language. These have been ingrained in a person's memory for many years.

Q. How long will it take for me to get rid of my accent?

A. That is impossible to answer. If anyone gives you a definite time period, be wary. The amount of time it will take depends on the person's age, native language, how long they have been speaking English, the other languages that are spoken in the home or office, the person's motivation, and other variables. That said, everyone can reduce his or her foreign accent. The earlier one starts, the easier it will be.

Q. Mr. Norris, why don't you use standard language books with your students?

A. I do use books occasionally. Most books use material that is years old. The books used in schools are written for the masses, not the individual. Once they are printed, they cannot be changed. The publishers of books do not make less money if you do not learn the material. Even though languages change slowly, the world does not. Book publishers have no idea of your backround, experience or problems. I fabricate custom programs which are tailored to the individual. They are flexible and challenging for each student.

Q. What about ESL classes?

A. Any method will help you learn a language. Some are better than others. In ESL classes, there are many students. They all are at different levels of learning and have different problems. They are from different countries. The classes are separated into beginning, high beginning, intermediate, advanced, etc. In reality, there are an infinite number of learning levels. The only thing that matters to you is the level where you are. Sometimes the levels are combined in one class. If the instructor is not teaching at your specific level, you will be either frustrated or bored. Neither is conducive to rapid learning. Some students combine ESL classes with private tutoring.

Q. What is the best age to start learning a foreign language?

A. Children usually start learning language at the age of six months. Language is most easily learned at two years of age. Bottom line - the earlier one starts, the easier it will be.

Q. At what age is it too late to start to learn a language?

A. It is never too late! People learn languages in their eighties.

Q. My child is blind. Some of her classmates have physical disabilities. Can those barriers be overcome?

A. Absolutely! Let us address those problems one at a time.

1. Blindness is not much of a barrier to learning a language since most language learning is listening and repeating. Your daughter learned English without sight; she can learn Spanish without sight.
2. Being blind eliminates people from certain jobs. By speaking a foreign language, your daughter will more be marketable.
3. Physically handicapped people, eliminated from certain jobs will also be more marketable.