English for Russian and Ukrainian Speakers - All Levels - The Hague

💬 Is your English pronunciation holding you back?
• Do people misunderstand you and ask you to repeat yourself?
• Do you notice that people get tired listening to you?
• Do you feel judged before you even finish speaking?

I’m Tom, a native English speaker from the south of England. I've developed my methods from a double master's degree in English and Applied Linguistics plus many years of teaching (I became a teacher at 22 and now I'm 35 – I'll let you do the maths). My methods are always backed by research, experience and student feedback.

❗ 45-minute lessons are via Zoom only

I offer one-to-one English accent coaching personalised for your needs and goals. I will help you correctly produce the sounds of English so that you can immediately start speaking with more clarity, confidence, and control – and without feeling awkward or anxious.

Although I take coaching seriously, and I want you to as well, my classes are also light-hearted and warm. People learn best when they’re enjoying themselves and feeling deeply interested, and that is my promise to you. I will correct your mistakes, but I will never shame or embarrass you for making them. My class is a place where people come to feel good and grow confidence.

⭐ English Pronunciation and Accent Coaching / Training / Reduction with a Qualified Expert Native Teacher

WHAT WILL I LEARN?
• Change key vowel and consonant sounds that cause misunderstandings
• Control your rhythm, intonation and pausing
• Build links between your hearing and speech muscles
• Breathe comfortably and strengthen your voice
• Adapt your voice appropriately for different purposes – meetings, interviews, presentations, pitches, conversations, and more

➡️ Fast pronunciation improvements – our main goal at all times

WILL I SOUND 100% NATIVE?
❗Research shows that for most adult speakers, it's just not possible after our teenage years to develop a fully native accent. So, honest accent coaching is not about training you to sound native. Instead, a good coach will train you to be understood by as many people as possible and communicate exactly what you intend. That means fixing problematic sounds and expanding your range of vocal styles by borrowing from voice acting techniques, from sounding authoritative and executive to warm and supportive.

If you do want to sound native, I can still help you – whichever accent you prefer – from the UK, USA, Australia or anywhere else. You might not sound fully native at the end, but you can still make adjustments so that you like the way you sound.

WHAT ARE YOUR METHODS?
I've learned my methods from a double master's degree in Applied Linguistics and English Linguistics plus many years of teaching. My methods are always backed by research, experience and student feedback.

• I use modern evidence-based methods including speech visualisation software, shadowing and HVPT
• I create my own original training materials tailored to YOUR individual language background, goals, requirements and preferences – I offer a customised course specifically for you, not a one-size-fits-all package
• You’ll start with controlled practice to master new sounds, then move into spontaneous speech so that these skills become part of your everyday speaking habits.

Curious to learn more or not sure if you need coaching? Send me a message and I'll be happy to give you my honest opinion.