WORDS OF THE WEEK HELLO,   Its been a while since I checked in here. please forgive my sabbatical, as I had to take out some time to attend to my study. Obviously a taxing task, however, every venture to better improve one's mental capabilities should be embraced with ''no pain, no gain'' as the theme . Enough said already LOL, shall we?  Recently, I had a experience that left me energized to continue doing what I do - continue to put out information and tips on how we can all improve the quality of our spoken English. Remember, for those who English is their L2, the task has never been more taxing. But the good thing is, you're  not alone on this journey. With one-step-at-a-time, we all can get there.  So, I found two words that caught my fancy this past weeks, they are RECTIFY and RATIFY .  Both Words may seem the same, sound the same , and even can be used interchangeably by the inexperienced English Speakers. But the fact is, THEY ARE NOT THE SAME, and there...

  Improving Your Speaking Voice. A lot of people in their pursuit in achieving perfection in their speaking ability are grappling with the idea that they have to have a particular Voice type other than the one they already posses. As such the question keeps ensuing "Is there an ideal voice type"?. Today, I will treat this question and also proffer some of the ingredients you need in your journey to attainable fluency and pizzazz. There is no single "ideal" voice type for everyone, as everyone's voice is unique and can be improved in different ways. However, there are some features of a healthy and effective speaking voice that are generally considered desirable. Some characteristics of an ideal speaking voice include: Clarity: A clear voice is easy to understand and conveys your message effectively. Modulation: Good modulation means varying your pitch, tone, and volume to add interest and emphasis to your speech. Pace: A good speaking pace is neit...

From our Mailbox 📫📫📫 " Good evening sir. quick question,Ideally, what hamper one's speaking voice and some practical examples how it can be improved"?  SH: There are a variety of factors that can negatively impact one's speaking voice. Some of the most common ones include: Poor posture: Slouching or hunching over can affect your breathing and vocal resonance, resulting in a strained or weak voice. To improve your posture, try standing up straight with your shoulders back and your chin level. Tension: Tightness in your jaw, neck, or throat can make it difficult to speak clearly and confidently. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or yoga, can help release tension in these areas. Dehydration: Lack of hydration can lead to dryness in the throat and vocal cords, making it harder to speak clearly. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol can help keep your vocal cords hydrated. Vocal fatigue: Overusing your voice, part...

Singing Voice in Harmattan  #voicecanic #healthyvoice #singers "How can singing voice be maintained during the harmattan"? The above question was sent in from someone who lives in Europe, but she's coming to Nigeria for a couple of weeks. Well, before I go on to reply, let me first give a little bit information on the Harmattan season in Nigeria, and by extension, West Africa. The harmattan is a dry, dusty wind that blows across West Africa during the dry season, typically between December and February. It can have an effect on the singing voice by drying out the mucous membranes in the throat and nasal passages, which can make it more difficult to produce clear, well-pitched tones. It can also cause irritation and inflammation in the throat, which can lead to a scratchy or hoarse singing voice. To maintain a healthy singing voice during the harmattan, it's important to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding dehydrating substances like alcohol...

  Olumati Isaiah Rolls Out His Six Cardinal Points For Phalga Constituency 1 Ahead Of 2023 General Elections The Labour Party candidate for Port Harcourt Local Government Constituency 1, Olumati Isaiah has rolled out what is known as his six (6) cardinal points agenda for his constituency ahead of the 2023 general elections, profjaysblog gathered. This was made known while he was addressing a group of newsmen in Port Harcourt on the 10th of October, 2022. However, just before that, the labour party candidate took his time to introduced himself and what formed his decisions to venture into politics and how he intends to achieve and contributes his quota when elected. read the interview below; Who is Olumati Isaiah? My name is Olumati Isaiah, Principal, Mirus Empire and The Olumati Company. I had my first degree in Geology from The University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. I have practiced as a management consultant and music business enthusiastfor the last 10 years. I have spent th...

 Speaking, is what everyone does, whether professionally, or within our department in our offices. Everyone should as a matter of importance, learn the art of public Speaking, as no other skills can increase your self confidence the way public speaking and improved communication skills can.  Face the challenge and learn how to conduct the business of public Speaking. This Blog and articles are meant to be a source of that learning for you. On today's Article, we are to tackle speaking fears and how to physically composing yourself. Here, this few Tips can help you deal with it. ✓. ACT SELF-ASSURED. Shifting the attention on you to your audience by focusing on the needs of your audience is an effective way. Ask your audience a question as that can easily drive attention off you, thereby giving you a breather. ✓. RELIEVE MUSCLE TENSION. Most times, nervousness will likely increase muscle tension. Probably you're unsure of your speaking ability, this too can increase muscle tensi...

 Hello Voice User Body language is termed: the hidden communicator. Body language is 55% of any message. Body language says much more than words. You .at have heard this expression: the way you say what you say and the way you look when you say it speaks so loudly that I can't hear what it is that you're saying! Your gestures and body language are five times more powerful than your verbal message. If your body language and your words are inconsistent, people will believe your body. Here are few Body language techniques that can help you build consistency with your words👇 ✓. Increase your physical space. Think about superman and even wonder woman, they physically took up space by standing with their feet apart, heads up, and their hands on their hips. ✓. Keep your posture erect and your chin up. Keeping your posture erect and your chin up conveys a sense of energy and confidence ✓. Plant your feet evenly on both feet. When standing and speaking before a group, place your feet a...

 Most times than not, you will be ready yet feel afraid. There is always that apprehension before you step up to the stage, and that does not come from a place of inadequate preparedness. By experience, I have had the privilege and opportunities to step on different kinds of stage. Some with humongous crowd, the others not so. But each time, I feel apprehensive. This feeling has persisted, which precipitated me also seeking out knowledge from other voice users with more experience and exposure, and their testament is the same.  So, this weekend, as you have practiced, rehearsed and prepped for your engagements, remember one thing, DO IT AFRAID. I LOVE YOU 🥰🥰🥰. © Möfasa ®Voicechanique

 " I practice, sometimes for long hours. In the end, the day of my presentation I forget all that I had practiced, worse of all, I loose my voice. I really don't think I'm cut out for this. It's frustrating, and has begun to affect my emotion" The above was from a frustrated student of mine. From my experience, he isn't the only one in that space. Most people are wondering if they will ever achieve vocal skills. Oh well! It's a skill, that means almost anyone can acquire it, including you reading this. That's not to say that some people are not born with naturally pleasing voice. But as with my mantra, any voice can have a positive impact with their voice, your voice type is enough.  Finding a way to highlight your strength, rather than wishing you're someone else is, and should be your focus. Then you can build regimented routine into maximizing your voice. Again, anyone can improve their vocal skills. And here are few ways you can improve your Vo...

 Most person admire the voice of others, leave with just wishing that they had a perfect voice. Truth is, every Voice is actually ideal, pending on how you use it. Have you heard of the saying " it's not the size of the Dog but the size of the fight in the dog"? Oh well! Everyone is supernaturally empowered based on their purpose, calling, or destiny. But, those empowerment, in wanner of speaking, come with blunted edges, unsharpened.. It is the responsibility of you and I to sharpen them. By building a good regimented routine in other to attain excellent. For you to be able to do that, you must first, realize or know your voice Type. This awareness would become important to you as it will enable you know and understand what works for you. Here are the list of the voice types. ✓ Bass. ✓ Baritone.  ✓ Tenor. ( The highest male voice) ✓ Mazzor Suprano. ( the lowest female voice or a boy's voice. ✓ Suprano. ( the highest female voice or a boy's voice. Now, the fact th...

 Maintaining a healthier Voice is wholesome, and if you may, a lifestyle -ish kind of thing, if you know what I mean 🤣🤣. I mean, you just don't wake up to a healthier Voice, but rather, a routine is over time followed, painstakingly, that gravitate you towards that healthier Voice that you've always desired. Truth is, most people you admire, had put in the works required, and depending on other factors, like your upbringing, lifestyle, and even geographic location, which may impede on you achieving a healthier Voice. Depending on the above factors, you just have your work cut out for you. But, the good news is, anyone can actually achieve a healthier Voice, or at least attempt to 🤣🤣🤣. That said, on this First EPISODE on HOW NOT TO DESTROY YOUR VOICE by building a healthier Voice routine, the first I will be treating would be EFFECTIVE BREATHING. For every Voice User, by now you should know the importance of this to your voice. But if you didn't know, well, that's w...

 A quick question was thrown at the Ladies on one of the Social media platform by an acquaintance Chioma Eze. And it reads.👇 Dear Women. The smell of cigarettes or whatever on a man is it a TurnOn or TurnOff when he comes close to you and wants sex? Well, a swift reaction, plethora of responses were give, and here are few that caught our fancy. 1. " I love the smell of cigarettes, as long as the person has great hygiene routine.... So, it doesn't bother me one bit". 2. " I can't stand the smell, that's one of the things I looked into when choosing a spouse". 3. " I love the smell of weed. It turns me On. Me and my partner smoke weed before making love on Sundays". 4. " A huge TurnOff. That's why you can't find me and my hubby (husband) in a bar or an environment where people smoke". 5. " Everyone " I can't stand the smell" then who dates or are married to the smokers we around us? Are they all single?"...

 The former Commissioner Employment, Leloonu Nwibubasa is alleging that there are plans by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike to arrest him and seal off his Hospital over claims that he treats suspected cultist. The former Commissioner who made the allegations while granting an interview has stated that his life is in danger because of his seeming association with those the Governor has termed " enemies of the State. Meanwhile, the Chief of staff to the Governor has also backed up the Governor's threat of " destroying and dealing with everyone" against his purported plans for Rivers State. You would recall just last weekend, the Governor directed the sealing off three other Business Premises belonging to members of his Party who are alleged to be working against him. In another development, some civil rights group has given the Governor an ultimatum to unseal the Businesses.

 WHO ARE THESE OBIDIENTS?  Let me make this clear from the outset. I am a member of the APC and a supporter of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.  This contribution does not in any way derogate from that and my analysis is more of an academic and intellectual exercise than anything else.  I am NOT a supporter of Peter Obi and I have NO intention of becoming one. I am however interested on what his supporters represent and stand for and that is the subject of this essay.  They are worthy of my attention only because their rise and relevance in the political configuration of our nation, just in a matter of weeks, is meteoric and phenomenal.  In order to counter and defeat them or to keep them in their place we must at least attempt to understand them and figure out how their minds work.  The following are my findings.    Those that are the supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, are known as 'Obidients' and they are EVERYWHERE....

 ASUU: now the real strike begins For the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the real strike may be about to start -- for the democratic right to be paid for work not done.  That's the "real deal" for the veteran and glorious "strikers", moving from victory to victory! Mallam Adamu Adamu, the taciturn minister of Education, just threw down the gauntlet: the Federal Government won't pay ASUU for the six months or so they had been on strike.  To up the ante, Minister Adamu said every other striking university union had agreed to settlement terms and were ready to call back their members. It was only ASUU that demurred -- and no prize for guessing right: it wanted the government to agree to the full payment of its striking members, even if they had not taught anyone, in the past six months!  But why isn't anyone surprised? "All contentious issues between the government and ASUU had been settled," the minister claimed, "except the qu...

 The Nigeria Bar Association are currently her Annual Conference in Lagos. And Conference which is for legal luminaries is taking place at the Eko Hotel and Suites.  The Presidential candidates of the three major political parties in Nigeria for the 2023 General Elections have been invited as keynote speakers. The Labour party Presidential candidate and Former Governor of Anambra State Peter Obi, The Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Presidential candidate of the People's Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. The President of the NBA had earlier directed that members of the bar should maintain decorum, as such avoid ululation of any kind as the Campaign period as directed by the Country's Electral Body, the INEC.  "....The atmosphere of the Eko Hotel Jasmine Hall was set on a roar when the Presidential aspirant for the Labour Party Mr Peter Obi entered the Hall amid tight security  Despite the earlier...

 Anthony Joshua has vowed "to be better and become a Three time world Champion" after admitting to losing control of his emotions in defeat to Oleksandr Us yk. Anthony Joshua  "I wish @Usyk continued success in your quest for greatness. You are a class act champ.  Yesterday I had to mentally take myself into a dark place to compete for the championship belts! I had two fights, one with Usyk and one with my emotions and both got the better of me.  I’ll be the first to admit, I let my self down. I acted out of pure passion and emotion and when not controlled it ain’t great. I love this sport so so much and I’ll be better from this point on. Respect. - AJ

 Water tank falls, kills Two Males  A water tank from a scaffold fell and killed two persons at Ladi Lak, Bariga, Lagos State on Sunday night, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says. Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, Zonal Coordinator, South West NEMA, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos. The two Males, an adult and a child were taking to a morgue. While the  injured were taken to the hospital by community leaders in Bariga before the arrival of emergency responders. Our hearts are with the Families of the Dead and injured.

 A man in a Sabonya district somewhere in East Africa has taken his destiny, and that of his pregnant wife and their unborn child (or children 🤷🏻‍♂️🤣🤣) into his hands. This is as the man has carried a power generating plant to a polyclinic in the district to aid the clinic as the region battle the lack of electricity and at most epileptic power supply. The desperate man had to take this lifesaving drastic act to savage the dire situation when he was informed that his ready to deliver wife won't be attended to as a result of lack of electricity. Fortunately, the method of the man was able to bring a relief to the rather bizarre situation as his wife was able to put to birth.  This situation is not peculiar to that region as most parts of the Continent are notorious for lack of constant electricity supply. Which has continued to hamper the speed of development, as most businesses, factories, and start-ups are having to grapple with the high cost of generating their own power...

  Federal law maker apologies to Rivers State people for helping bring Wike to power. In a conversation monitored via Atlantic Network. The law maker, Chiyere Igwe who is representing Port Harcourt Constituency 2 and who's arrest has been declared by the Governor stated that it is regrettable that a Governor whom he was part of those who brought him to power, has not created any job opportunities or human empowerment program, but rather has continued to destroy private businesses and making the State hostile to investors. He also stated that the interest of the Governor is now flaunted as the interest of the State. In another conversation by another PDP Stalwart, Ikechi Chinda, whose Hotel PreRay, was also sealed off has wondered why the Governor who is seeking to broker peace with the Presidential candidate of the PDP would then go on a witch-hunt rampage. Ikechi Chinda also added that if the antics of the Governor is to force himself and others to leave the PDP it will not work...