Elocution Lessons and Coaching

[Ice_Man]

I don’t mean to appear rude, but I feel that a lot of business professionals in Finland would benefit from elocution lessons, accent coaching and public speaking training when speaking in English.

Although the standard of spoken English is high in the Finnish workplace, it can sometimes be difficult to understand. Personally, this problem doesn’t significantly impact me. I have grown to understand and love the local accent and sometimes find myself even speaking English with a semi-Finnish accent!

But surly the accent it could be a barrier should a Finn wish to work or transact in an international environment? In particular, senior managers or customer facing personnel e.g. sales. I have heard more than once that Swedes are more international minded and in general more successful on a global business stage because of their accents and confidence in English.

I would be interested in hearing your opinions and thoughts on this matter. And secondly, do such elocution lessons and coaching exist in Finland?

[Rosamunda]

... do such elocution lessons and coaching exist in Finland?

Yes they do. And yes, professionals from both the public and the private sector take these courses both in groups and as individual private lessons.



But I'm not going to name any names!

[Pursuivant]