Self-Leadership: Mastering Speech and Non-Verbal Communication

On October 4, 2026, the Kazakhstan-American Free University hosted an expert meeting entitled “Self-Leadership” as part of the International Scientific Congress “The Future of Science and Education: International Experience, Innovation, and Leadership.” The speaker was Carissa Freiberg, an author, Associate Professor in the Department of English at Clemson University, and a certified instructor from Colorado, USA.

The meeting focused on developing self-presentation skills, improving articulation, and exploring the specific features of spoken English. Carissa Freiberg discussed pronunciation and different accents, shared practical recommendations, and led exercises designed to help participants articulate sounds clearly. Students examined common pronunciation mistakes and received advice on improving their diction.

Particular attention was given to the use of words with multiple meanings and the differences in how they are understood by native speakers and learners of English as a foreign language. Participants explored how online translation tools handle such words and discussed differences in the spelling and meaning of certain lexical items across countries.

Carissa Freiberg also introduced students to Albert Mehrabian’s communication model and explained the role of nonverbal cues in conveying information. Participants discussed how intonation, facial expressions, gestures, and body language influence the way speech is perceived, help people express their thoughts with greater confidence, and contribute to effective communication.

Students actively participated in the meeting, completed practical exercises, and received valuable advice from a native English speaker. The Expert Talk helped participants not only improve their speaking skills but also gain a deeper understanding of how confident speech and conscious nonverbal communication contribute to effective self-presentation and the development of leadership qualities.