Testimonials

Medical Program Testimonials

"I'd like to express my excitement about your training materials! I have used RULES, Medically Speaking, and Medically Speaking RULES with several clients and have been very impressed with the results. One of my clients recently completed Medically Speaking successfully and insisted on purchasing Medically Speaking RULES to further enhance her speaking skills. Your programs are the best I've seen for improvement in word stress and intonation patterns with relevant, challenging vocabulary and helpful grammar activities. Thank you for providing these effective materials."
S.W., Accent Aware, Wheaton, IL

"I’ve studied English since the sixth grade and came to the U.S. a few years ago. I have no problems in reading, writing, and understanding English. Recently, when I left graduate school and started my full-time job in an operational environment, I realized how important verbal communication is for my career growth. Then, I found Marjorie. She is a super great tutor! She identified my problems immediately and provided personalized sessions. Previously, I had no idea about what was wrong with my speaking. For example, I actually pronounced “th,” “s,” and “l,” in the wrong way! Marjorie was very patient when pointing out the key issues (remember it is tailored to me) and correcting me. The class materials were great also. Marjorie marked the things I should pay attention to in my books so I always knew what to focus on. She also made up interesting stories with lots of words that had “my sounds” so I could practice them intensively when reading aloud. Most important, I understand the ‘rules’ of speaking English such as pitch, rhythm, stress, word reductions and other patterns. By knowing my problems and the rules, I can practice on my own now that the class is over. Now, I have more confidence when talking with my colleagues and friends. I strongly recommend Marjorie’s program for people who want to improve their spoken English efficiently and effectively."
L.Z., M.D., PhD. From China

"I was searching for private tutoring that would focus on accent modification. I tried ESL tutoring in the past and definitely felt it wasn’t the right setting for me. I found The Whittaker Group while searching online and thought to myself, “Why not – let’s give it a try!” At the initial meeting, it was clear that my specific/personal needs would be addressed. I was relieved that it was far from what I have experienced so far. The lessons were structured and managed professionally by Marjorie. The tools I learned helped me to improve my speech ability and my confidence at work."
B.S., Mental Health Clinician from Israel

"Marjorie is an expert in her field. Her classes were very informative and valuable. I am a non-native speaker who has been living in the States since my adolescent years. Marjorie was able to formulate the lessons that targeted my special needs, and accommodate my busy schedule. My daily communication in a health professional environment has become more effective since the course. In addition, I have also improved my presentation skills under her guidance. I highly recommend Marjorie’s program to anyone who is interested in improving their communication style or eliminating their accents."
J.C., DDS from Taiwan

"I highly recommend wg's accent modification course. Before taking this class, I did not know why people did not recognize my English. Afterwards, I realized the reasons and have paid more attention to precise pronunciation for each sound and stress patterns for each word. Unlike other ESL courses, Marjorie’s lecture is systematic and flexible depending on the pace of my understanding and my schedule, so it is really customized for me."
N.K., M.D., Ph.D. from Japan

“As an international student going through medical training in the U.S., I could sense occasional frustration from my colleagues and patients with regard to my accent/ability to be understood. I felt that was at risk was not only my career but also, potentially – patient safety – if my comments and instructions were not understood correctly. Marjorie Whittaker, of The Whittaker Group, provides individual training to help me to communicate more effectively in clinical scenarios, as well as in regular, daily settings. She patiently points out my weaknesses, often including words and phrases that I have trouble articulating or distinguishing. Her assignments are from the RULES book, a comprehensive, wonderful book full of gems and communication tips for non-native speakers, which she co-authored. The assignments are tailored to help me to further improve my communication skills. Although I know that my ability to communicate effectively will take a long time to improve and develop, I am sure that Marjorie has given me a great start in this journey. I highly recommend Marjorie to other non-native professionals (in medicine, research or other fields) who would like to seek improvement in their English communication.
R. H., MD/Ph.D. student from Hong Kong

“I enthusiastically recommend wg's accent modification program. The program is amazingly effective. Before taking this course, my staff had to re-confirm what I said to them, but they don't anymore. My professional communication skills have improved dramatically. I have never experienced such an efficient and effective teaching program. Marjorie and her teaching skills are absolutely terrific!”
F.U. , M.D., Ph. D., from Japan

“Speaking right is the most important thing in the world. I feel like I should have taken this course a long time ago! Marjorie is an excellent and patient teacher. If you want to communicate effectively, Marjorie can certainly help you!”
V.K.R., M.D., from India

“Marjorie’s accent reduction course has been great. The course helped me to work much better with my patients and my co-workers. My peers noticed the improvement in my medical lectures after my fifth class. Now I feel more confident and I am not afraid to give a public speech anymore. I do strongly recommend it. Marjorie makes the course very educational, but also very fun!”
C.M., M.D., from Colombia, South America

This letter is to inform you of why I feel that “accent modification programs” like yours are necessary and of my early impressions of your training program in particular.

In a rapidly changing world, there is globalization of economy and work force, and health care “industry” is no exception. In some specialties, up to 40% of physicians are non-native English speakers. The American English, in itself a great language, has its own rhythm and melody, and intonation and stress patterns. Unfortunately, the written letter does not convey that. Many, who read and write perfect English, do not speak English that would be comprehensible to the native speakers of English language. It is a skill that can be acquired.

I believe, it is a patients’ and their families’ right to fully understand their health related issues and treatment plans. In many cases they might not be able to and do not bring this up out of respect for the physician. This can also create “costly” misunderstandings.

Major International corporations have formal speech and “culture” training programs and many US hospitals have successfully implemented the same.

With this in mind, I was looking for a speech training course with a good track record, designed for busy professionals, good paced but flexible to individual needs and preferably one on one coaching. I feel your program meets and exceeds these requirements. Of course, success is dependent on personal effort too. But an organized, structured program with good coaching makes a huge difference.

I am strongly considering recommending your program to my friends who are not native speakers of English.
N.H.S., M.D. from Pakistan

Testimonials, Page 2

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