This informal conversation group is intended for native French speakers from France and the Francophone world. It provides the opportunity to practice spoken English (at whatever level), and share knowledge, experiences and attitudes on a variety of subjects.

Each get-together will be held at the law firm of Trow & Rahal in downtown Bethesda (see "Location" and directions, below). Each get-together will include discussion of a topic chosen by the group in advance (except for the introductory meeting).

Goals :

• to discuss a topic (light-hearted or serious) selected by the group
• to share useful cultural information
• to allow each person to speak
• to learn idiomatic expressions in American English
• to practice speaking English in an informal, group setting

Schedule :

• Second Wednesday of each month. The first meeting for the 2024/2025 year will take place on Wednesday, December 11.
• 11am - 1pm
• Please bring a lunch ! There will be water/coffee/tea available. There is also a microwave to re-heat a dish.

There is space for 10-12 people to attend. Ideally, members will attend regularly to develop momentum in refining spoken English.

Location : 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 610, Bethesda, MD 20814

See also : https://www.trowrahal.com/offices/bethesda-immigration-attorneys.cfm

The office of Trow & Rahal is located in the building above the Bethesda Metro Station.

• For those arriving by car, there is paid parking under the building, with garage entrance at Woodmont Avenue & North Lane.
• When arriving from the parking garage or any other entrance to the building, please take the elevator to the main lobby at Level PL to see the welcome desk (security guard). The security guard will let you up in the elevator to the Trow & Rahal office in Suite 610.
• On arrival at Suite 610, please ring the bell.

Questions ? Please call Elizabeth at 202-537-4830 (office) or 202-412-1014 (cell), or send an email to : elizabeth@trowrahal.com.

Note : a different version of this group was previously led by others moderators ; all former members and new members welcome !

About Elizabeth : Elizabeth is a native speaker of American English. Originally from New York, Elizabeth has practiced immigration law in the DC area for 30 years. Among her clients are many French individuals and companies. Elizabeth also spends time regularly in France for business and to visit close friends who hosted her first exchange stay in France in the early 1980s. In addition to her law degree, she has a Bachelor’s degree in Government, with a minor in French from a US university and spent her junior year of university living and studying in Montpellier. Elizabeth has lived in the Washington, DC area since 1990, and is the mother of two grown sons.

• Resources :
  https://elizabethbachman.com/i-cant-understand-you-with-rebecca-linquist/
  Rebecca Linquist videos :
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYw5y3-ttC8 (All About the Breath)
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8WOsGgNG3o (Work the Tongue like a Spear)
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_oolLcZV9E (Speak Clearly & Confidently)

https://preply.com/en/blog/speak-american-english/
To speak a foreign language with a specific accent, such as American English, you need to immerse yourself in it as much as possible. Listen to as much American media as possible and practice what you hear. Many of the world’s biggest TV shows and films feature American accents, so finding opportunities will be easy.