"Hi. I’m Paula. I’m an American accent coach. I teach English so you’re understood the first time you speak. My expertise is with speakers of Mandarin, Japanese and Korean. However, I have also taught speakers of Vietnamese, Farsi, Spanish and Hebrew. My students often have excellent reading and writing skills in English, but may struggle with spoken English, and listening to English at school or work.

Is speaking English difficult for you? If so, you’re not alone. Many students feel they didn’t receive enough training in pronunciation. Furthermore modern English has enormous variety due to its development from a mix of languages. English spelling doesn’t help either, with its many exceptions.

Because of my master’s level training in communication, I can explain exactly what to do with your mouth, tongue and the air to produce unfamiliar sounds. I teach linked and reduced words in conversation for greater speech clarity. I also teach the fluency skills of stress, rhythm, and intonation, which are the greatest determiners of understandable spoken English.

I received certification with Compton P-ESL (Pronouncing English as a Second Language). I was already an experienced teacher when I volunteered at an ESL program in San Jose, California in 2011. During my years at ESL, I taught my own English pronunciation classes from 2012-2018, with 15-18 students each semester. In 2018, I moved my classes online. I have taught over 1,200 lessons to groups and individuals. Many of my students have been professionals in Silicon Valley, from companies such as Google, Apple, Samsung, Nvidia, Intel, etc.. Students report that my lessons help them speak English more clearly, and also understand English better.

I look forward to helping you increase your skill and confidence in spoken English." less...