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Effective Public Speaking Coach with Years of Experience!
Ruth S.

3,482 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $75

About Ruth


Bio

I firmly believe in the limitless potential of each and every individual. It does not matter how many times you have tried and fallen short before: determination, organization skills and resilience will allow you to achieve your goals. Speaking in front of a crowd or writing a persuasive argument can be intimidating. However, I can help you develop the individualized strategies you need to succeed.

I'm happy to coach my clients on both the strategies and the mindset they need to maximize...

I firmly believe in the limitless potential of each and every individual. It does not matter how many times you have tried and fallen short before: determination, organization skills and resilience will allow you to achieve your goals. Speaking in front of a crowd or writing a persuasive argument can be intimidating. However, I can help you develop the individualized strategies you need to succeed.

I'm happy to coach my clients on both the strategies and the mindset they need to maximize their potential, whether it be for a speech or presentation, an interview, or a publication. Since time management tends to be a challenge for most of us, I share a wide variety of methods that have helped my clients develop an effective approach to meet their individual needs. Each of us has different strengths and challenges, so it is important to identify these and test a range of approaches in order for each client to find what works best. Every client receives SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Limited) goals to work on between sessions, and meeting these benchmarks regularly gets them to the primary objective: Confidence!


Education

American University
Economics and International Studies
American University School of International Service
Masters
Oxford Seminars TESOL/TESL/TEFL certification (120 hours)
Graduate Coursework
  • Licensed teacher

Additional Languages

French
Iranian Persian
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
German
Turkish

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $75
  • Rate details: Please contact me to schedule a Free, No Obligation 30-minute Strategy Session!
  • Lesson cancellation: 4 hours notice required
  • Background check passed on 10/19/2017

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

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Approved Subjects

Accent Reduction

Accent Reduction

With a TESOL Certification from Oxford Programs and years of experience working with hundreds of clients from all over the world, I might be just the right person to help you overcome the accent issues that are holding you back. I help clients hear the variations in their own accent, find the root cause of embarrassing slips, and transform problem words and phrases into clear, understandable replacements. Let me help you express yourself clearly with confidence!
Accuplacer

Accuplacer

I have been working with college-bound students since 2014 to help them do their best on standardized tests such as the Accuplacer and the SAT, both overseen by the College Board. The Accuplacer can help students make wise decisions about next steps so long as issues such as anxiety, learning disabilities, or ADHD are addressed.
ACT English

ACT English

I have coached hundreds of students over the past decade to help them identify their strengths and apply them to spot patterns and overcome challenges. Let me help you to pinpoint your specific challenges and build on your personal learning style to ace the ACT English section.
ACT Math

ACT Math

The ACT Math has a much wider range of topics than the SAT Math, and it requires students to use their critical thinking skills in order to maximize their ACT Math score. Contact me for a Free Consultation!
ACT Reading

ACT Reading

The ACT Reading section presents one of the biggest challenges for students to overcome on this standardized test, primarily due to the timing and the anxiety it can provoke. There's not enough time here to make complicated notes in the margins and process the information. A student must be quick to spot the transitions in each passage, understand the overall meaning, and pay careful attention to the small details in order to get a high score on the ACT Reading section.
ACT Science

ACT Science

The ACT Science section is the portion of the test that truly differentiates it from the SAT, providing both a challenge and a tremendous opportunity for those students who are ready to put in the work required to get a high score on this section. Here is where critical thinking skills come into play. Some questions require only a few seconds to comb the text and graphics in order to find the correct answer. Others require the student to synthesize details from different parts of each passage. A student who learns to see the patterns in the Science section can truly stand out!
American History

American History

More than half of the APUSH Exam score is based on the responses to the writing prompts: the Document-Based Question (25%), Long-Essay Question (15%), and Short-Answer Questions (20%). Students must adapt to a very different style of writing than they may be accustomed to in order to meet the strict requirements of the APUSH writing rubrics. It's not difficult with a shift in perspective! In addition, students must be on the lookout for common trick questions in the Multiple Choice section, where they pick up 40% of their points. The majority of my students have finished their APUSH exams with scores of 4 or 5, and I'm happy to help you do the same!
Career Development

Career Development

I have been working with MBA students from around the world since 2014 and have more recently taken on a number of corporate clients who are interested in taking their career to the next level. I'm happy to offer a Free Consultation to anyone who is considering applying for a management position or switching to a more satisfying career.
College Counseling

College Counseling

Since 2014, I have worked with hundreds of college-bound high school students as they navigate the challenges of balancing their coursework, extracurricular activities, taking standardized tests and writing college application essays. Let me help you and your family stay abreast of changes with standardized tests and other admission requirements as colleges and universities adapt to significant changes brought about by the global pandemic.
English

English

I earned my TESOL qualification from Oxford Programs in 2014, and I have spent over 12 years working with students of all ages to help them improve their English speaking, listening, writing and reading comprehension skills. Need help preparing for a standardized test? I can help you excel on the IELTS, the Cambridge Proficiency Exam, the TOEFL, and more. Please contact me for a Free Consultation so that we can discuss your goals!
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

I have been working with both K-12 and adult English language learners from around the world, and have many hours of experience assisting students in improving their writing, speaking, and understanding of English. I earned my TESOL in October 2014, and I have worked with hundreds of students from all around the world over the past 12 years. While I am certified to teach large classes, I find that working with students one-on-one yields the most rapid progress.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

Writing in a clear and persuasive way takes painstaking work, and in the current environment, it is difficult to connect with readers who are wary of "AI slop." With a foundation steeped in the Ethos, Logos, and Pathos of Ancient Greece, I can help you to find your voice, highlight engaging stories from your own personal experience, and ultimately connect with your audience so that you can break through the noise and achieve your goal.
European History

European History

I have been helping students prepare for the AP European History exam for the past decade, so I am ready and able to coach students on how to spot the trick questions in the multiple choice section and how to master the rubrics when writing up the DBQ (document-based question) and the other free response writing prompts.
French

French

I'm a citizen of Switzerland and grew up speaking French and Swiss German as well as English. I've worked as a substitute teacher for French classes at K-!2 private schools in Virginia and taken several continuing education courses to keep my knowledge of the French language up to date.
GMAT

GMAT

I have thousands of hours of experience with both the GRE and the GMAT, and during your Free Consultation, I'm able and willing to help you weigh the options and decide which of the two tests is the best choice for you.
Government & Politics

Government & Politics

I studied International Relations and Economics, and I’ve helped numerous students prepare for the AP Government & Politics Exam over the past decade.
GRE

GRE

I have helped hundreds of people prepare for the GRE, and I achieved a perfect score of 170 on Verbal and 158 on Quant. I'm very familiar with the patterns that appear on every GRE, no matter what the content. I can help you overcome specific challenges and craft an individualized strategy that balances accuracy and speed.
High School Placement Test

High School Placement Test

I have been teaching and counseling students for over 12 years, and when it comes to high school placement tests, I know how much anxiety they can cause. No matter which tests you are facing, I help each individual assess their own strengths and build on those before identifying challenges and taking steps to overcome them one by one in order to get the best possible placement.
IELTS

IELTS

I was certified in 2014 as a Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages by Oxford Seminars. I have been working with international graduate students who are in the United State to study a wide range of subjects, including Architecture, Business Administration, Economics and Statistics. I work with students who are taking either the TOEFL or IELTS in order to meet academic or professional requirements.
ISEE

ISEE

I have been working with talented, ambitious students since 2014 as they prepare to take either the SSAT or the ISEE in order to qualify for admission to some of the top private schools in the United States. I work with each student and his or her family on an individual basis to help them understand the differences between the two tests, and to develop strategies to maximize speed and accuracy on all sections of each test.
Macroeconomics

Macroeconomics

I studied Economics and International Development at American University in Washington, DC, writing my Masters thesis on the need for improved Environmental Impact Assessments conducted by the World Bank and International Development Banks. I went on to work for the United States Agency for International Development in the Office of Environment and Urban Development and later in the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Bureau for Europe and Eurasia. Currently, I teach Microeconomics and Macroeconomics to high school students.
Microeconomics

Microeconomics

I have years of experience as a small business owner after starting my career working with non-profit organizations and with the US government. I have worked with dozens of MBA students at Georgetown University and the University of Virginia as they prepare for corporate roles, but my expertise lies with helping entrepreneurs and small business owners assess current economic conditions at the macro level, and apply this analysis to make important Microeconomic decisions regarding the local market in which they operate.
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

To gain admission into your dream college or get that job you have always wanted, you frequently have to write the dreaded personal statement. For many of us, it feels like the most difficult thing we have ever had to do. What´s involved? Hours of soul searching, weaving together bits and pieces of insight and memory, then getting feedback from people you trust. It is so exhausting, it is hard to know where to begin. And certainly there is nothing "personal" about using agentic AI. I bring experience, empathy and a healing sense of humor to help you through the process of expressing yourself in a way that opens doors and takes you to the next level.
PSAT

PSAT

I have years of experience helping students get familiar with the format of standardized tests, then coaching them so that they can identify their strengths first, then focus on areas that can be improved so that they achieve their maximum possible score.
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

As a high school student, I participated in Debate Club and Model United Nations. After completing my Masters degree, I joined Toastmasters International to improve my public speaking skills. My first speech was very memorable, as my chest and throat felt so tight that I could barely get the words out. But I improved with experience, and went on to speak on behalf of the U.S. Government as a member of the U.S. Delegation to Habitat II, the Second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements, held in Istanbul in 1996. Not only can I help you get more comfortable when preparing for a public speaking engagement, I can coach you on connecting with your audience, maintaining a good cadence and eye contact, and employing humor when appropriate to regain composure.
Social Studies

Social Studies

I have been a substitute teacher for Social Studies classes in grades 6-8, and have successfully passed the Praxis II in Social Studies.
SSAT

SSAT

I have worked with students in both grade school and middle school to familiarize them with the format of standardized tests and to help them prepare for the specific test they need to take for their admissions application.
Study Skills

Study Skills

I tutor students from grade school to graduate school, and I have found that each and every person benefits from coaching on planning and time management. Although each individual learns differently and faces a wide variety of challenges when tackling a new subject, basic time management and study skills help the student to overcome those challenges one step at a time. Many students are struggling because they are overwhelmed by increasing amounts of homework as they grow older. While some teachers DO assign too much homework, each student can learn to approach every task more efficiently and productively. I help students to look ahead in their schedules and strategically organize their time, so that they can complete their homework assignments, and approach each test feeling fully prepared, well-rested and confident.
USCIS

USCIS

As a dual citizen of the United States and Switzerland, I understand how intimidating it is to apply for U.S. citizenship. Many people get very anxious as they prepare for the civics test and the reading and writing tests, and it helps to have guidance from someone with experience. I earned a certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TOEFL) in 2014, and I have helped dozens of clients navigate the application process and prepare for the required tests. Please feel free to contact me for a Free Consultation.
Probability
SAT Math
SAT Reading
SAT Writing
Statistics
TOEFL
Trigonometry
Writing

Examples of Expertise


Ruth has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 4 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

Ruth S.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Ruth before you book.

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Ratings and Reviews


Rating

5.0 (1,310 ratings)
5 star
(1,285)
4 star
(21)
3 star
(2)
2 star
(1)
1 star
(1)

Reviews

Very Knowledgeable With Proven Results

Wow is my first word that comes to mind. When searching for a coach I read through at least a dozen of profiles. I wasn't sure what to expect or if coaching would be a good fit for me. Ruth's profile resonated with me. I have worked with Ruth in only two public speaking sessions and I can already see the difference. For starters, my confidence level has sky rocketed through the roof. Ruth's style is very eclectic and not a cookie cutter approach. I consider Ruth a part of my team that's helping me discover my voice while building my persona.

Renarda, 41 lessons with Ruth

Very knowledgeable tutor I highly recommend

Ruth has been helping me with Public Speaking for a couple of sessions, and I am already feeling more comfortable in places I have to speak an more relaxed Thanks Ruth

Jim, 8 lessons with Ruth

Knowledgeable and patient tutor

Ruth is amazing! She is highly skilled and knowledgeable in what she does. I appreciate her willingness to help me develop in areas that I have struggled with the most in life. Looking forward to more sessions with her!

Jay, 6 lessons with Ruth

Very knowledgeable tutor I highly recommend

Ruth has been helping me with Public Speaking for a couple of sessions, and I am already feeling more comfortable in places I have to speak an more relaxed Thanks Ruth

Jim, 8 lessons with Ruth

Knowledgeable, good teacher

Ruth is a good teacher who knows the ins and outs of the GRE. She is clearly experienced and is good at sharing the pieces of information that will be most useful to your GRE experience.

Soren, 2 lessons with Ruth

Tutor who listens

Ruth took the time to hear our concerns and addressed them thoughtfully and professionally. Lovely to have someone hear what we had to say and took it seriously.

Diane, 1 lesson with Ruth

Knowledgeable, good teacher

Ruth is a good teacher who knows the ins and outs of the GRE. She is clearly experienced and is good at sharing the pieces of information that will be most useful to your GRE experience.

Soren, 2 lessons with Ruth

1st Session - Public Speaking

Sitting down with Ruth for one hour has already helped me immensely. She is genuine, engaged, and very thoughtful about the way she describes her thoughts. However above all, she listens thoroughly to what it is you want her advice/help on. I can't wait to continue working with her because the value she provides is more than what you think you'll get.

Nadja, 3 lessons with Ruth

The Best Human Being Ever !

She's absolutely the best! Ruth is super attentive, a great listener, provides detailed feedback, and encourages you to be the best version of yourself ! She works with you to better understand who you are as an individual, boosts up your self confidence, and challenges you to work on your source of problem. Also, you can definitely tell she enjoys what she does and is very passionate in helping others. 10/10 would recommend her !!

Madison, 2 lessons with Ruth

Super helpful and encouraging tutor!

Ruth has helped my improve my GRE verbal score by 9 points within the past 2 months! She is so encouraging and patient when I am learning. She taught me many strategies that I would have never known about that has greatly improved my score and provided many resources. I definitely recommend her for verbal GRE tutoring!

Bradley , 12 lessons with Ruth
Hourly Rate: $75
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