Hey guys! It is Aiko with Schwagirl. I am an American English pronunciation coach.

Welcome to my podcast "The Voice of English" Season 2.

Season 2 focuses more on communication. In each episode, I bring a guest and he/she will give us tips to become a better communicator as a person who speaks English as a second language. And I said "us" because it includes me. I speak English as a second language. I came to the US when I was 23. I had a hard time in the US because of my English accent. If you are going through a hard time, don't give up your dreams and goals. And I hope this podcast will encourage and empower you! -Who is Aiko?

In Episode 26, I invited Yumi Nagashima who is a stand-up comedian based in Vancouver, Canada.

Yumi Nagashima is a Vancouver based comedian. In less than three years, this Japanese-Canadian comic and actress has made a large splash on the North American comedy scene, with her sassy stage presence and unique world view. Yumi is a mainstay on the Vancouver comedy scene, but you may have also heard her on the CBC radio program, ‘The Debaters’, or seen her on CBC TV at the 2018 Winnipeg Comedy Festival. She has also featured as a part of Just For Laughs North West, and she was a finalist in the 2016 & 2017 Yuk Off Competition.Yumi is also an accomplished actress and has many acting credits to her name, including HBO’s, "The Man in the High Castle.”

Youtube: Yumi Tube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs-elHIUZwtkeR5WPEdZKqA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yumicomedy/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/yumicomedy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yumicomedy/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6sTpkYQV70ctnHjemR8JU0
Website: https://www.yumicomedy.com

Yumi's tour info: Winnipeg Comedy Festival April 28th - May 7th
*Will keep you updated on her gigs in Japan (Late May)

Here are my notes:

• You are 100% perfect!
• Don't hate it just because you don't understand
• For performers, deliver the best version of yourself, but you are not responsible for how people receive your performance
• Have some breakthrough when you experience culture shock
• Learn to voice your opinion. Talking more loudly will help!

Enjoy the episode!

A friend of Aiko’s, Helen Iwata (author of 英語の仕事術, TEDx speaker, and business communication skills coach based in Tokyo) is offering a Golden Week special on her online course to build your presentation skills and confidence - Speak Like An Expert. You can use this promo code - GW2019 - to get 5,000 yen off! But only until the end of May 6 Japan time!
Speak Like An Expert

• May 2nd at 10am: American English rhythm (you may be sounding demanding without knowing! Let's find out)
• May 3rd at 10am: Lean about intonation (You may be sounding angry without knowing! Let's find out)
• May 4th at 10am: L and R pronunciation (you may be saying "lice" without realizing. Let's find out)
• May 5th at noon: Important American vowels (you may be saying "fucked" without realizing! Let's find out)

*All listed in Japan Time. Click here for more information

If you have any questions regarding English learning or pronunciation, living in the US, working in the US, or if you would like to be a guest on this show, please contact me through http://schwagirl.com/contact

You can download each episode from this link: http://thevoiceofenglish.libsyn.com/

Support me financially to be able to provide my podcast, youtube videos and FB live for free. Join my patrons on Patreon. You can donate from 1 dollar a month. https://www.patreon.com/schwagirl

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If you are interested in learning pronunciation from me, visit http://hatsuonkyosei.com/ for more information. Group courses and private coaching are available as well as online self-study materials.