SpeechSchool wins Technium Challenge

SpeechSchool.TV, based at the Massey University ecentre, has recently been named the country winner for New Zealand in the Technium Challenge International.

Since its launch in February the online-based voice coaching service has received great responses from subscribers who credit the service with helping them to improve confidence, enhance employment prospects and convince others of their ideas much more easily.

SpeechSchool.TV is the world’s number provider of dynamic speech training. They offer a subscription based Internet TV Channel that is the result of over 30 years learning and practice in the area of English speech training and accent/voice coaching.

The company offers two programmes with considerable export potential in the UK:

• The Master Speaker programme which develops clear speech in a neutral accent, improves confidence in spoken English and reduces speech problems such as mumbling or stuttering.

• The Master Communicator programme which develops presentation and speaking skills to a broadcast standard and teaches students how to grab the attention of their listeners and then hold it.

Wendy Wang, a Chinese speaker from Massey University had the following to say about the SpeechSchool.TV program:

"The results I've seen from doing SpeechSchool.TV have been great. My pronunciation is clearer and I have gained a deeper understanding of my own pronunciation. I am now able to communicate with others using English more fluently and am finding it more enjoyable."

SpeechSchool.TV, entered the annual business planning competition with the goal of tapping into the hugely important UK market, and is now looking to use the award to connect with academic and business organisations who would prove to be very valuable customers.

Technium Challenge is an annual competition run by the Welsh Assembly Government. It was set up in 2006 to encourage international science and technology companies to develop business strategies for the UK market.

“Entrepreneurial New Zealand companies have performed so well in the Technium Challenge in years gone by,” says Simon Angelo, SpeechSchool.TV founder. “One almost feels a ‘World Cup’ like pressure in representing the country”

“I have been involved in speech training for over 30 years, so the vote of confidence in SpeechSchool.TV feels like owning a restaurant that has just been given its first Michelin star”

SpeechSchool.TV is the second consecutive ecentre company to come away as the New Zealand winner of the challenge, following in the footsteps of last year’s New Zealand winner WhoStoleMyMoney. New Zealand companies have traditionally done very well in the Technium Challenge, with local company Xero being named the overall winner in 2006/2007 and another local company TracPlus Global being named overall winner in 2007/2008.

“I think entrepreneurship comes naturally to New Zealanders,” says Simon Angelo. “They live in an environment with a great deal of freedom to think, create and dream – although once this is done, larger markets beyond the farm gate generally need to be sought.”

ENDS

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