THE LOWDOWN: IMPROVE YOUR SPEECH — AMERICAN ENGLISH

Mark Caven explains how the quality of our speech relates to our professional lives. While we know about "dressing for success," not everyone realizes how often we are judged by how we speak. The way we speak says a great deal about our backgrounds and educational levels, and may even influence the way we're treated. Caven offers, and participates in, a series of helpful warm-ups and exercises in a friendly, sincere manner. Topics include "Valley of the Lost Consonants," "Incomprehensible Vowel Syndrome," "Reconnectin' with your Word Endings," "Learning, Like, Not to, Like, Say Like," and "Losing Those Upward Inflections?" Caven's humorous delivery is quick and easy, perfect for audio, and sure to inspire listeners to rise to a more professional level and "speak for success." S.J.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2009]