I just wanted to let you know that I study lots of different Languages also as you have, my first foriegn language was Tagalog when I was stationed in the Philippines with the US Air Force, my second foriegn language was Japanese, during the time I lived in Hawaii,

my third foreign language was Thai, because I fell in love with a few Thai girls in my life, my current foreign language is Spanish because I am currently living in Tijuana Mexico.

I usually pick up my language courses at the local swap meet because this allows me to review the courses at a cheaper price then I will buy brand new copies if I really like the course.

Okay so my point here being so far is I have studied many different language programs and in so doing I have also developed an interest in course formats, and teaching styles, and exactly how the mind absorbs information.

I just wanted to point that out because I picked up your "Conversational Spanish in Nothing Flat" Audio Course with CDs and a Book inside it. (Dated 2003)

I was surprised at how well you did that audio portion of the course. I was really impressed with your technique. The book I didn't like at all. I barely cracked the book, except I looked at it long enough to see it didn't even come CLOSE to matching the format on the audio, and I didn't see much use for it after that.

But the audio technique you use is brilliant! You were very smooth and articulate on the audio and the way you converse with the Spanish speaker makes it sound almost like a talk show. It was extremely entertaining as well as informing. I felt like I wanted to pay attention, I felt like I was part of the class just listening.

I also noticed that you were intelligent enough to know what difficulties the student often encounters, and you emphasize those areas, but you do it so smooth as if it is not scripted, it is as if you are discovering the confusing parts yourself as you are recording the audio. That is brilliant! It adds a human element to the whole thing that makes people feel like they are sitting in the room with you.

The most amazing thing I discovered in listening to your CDs is I was actually REMEMBERING the Material!! :)

You DID IT! You figured out the Secret! The way to relax the mind so the mind can absorb the material! Outstanding! That's all I can say.

I looked at all of those other courses such as Barons, Euro-Talk, and Rosetta Stone, and Instant Immersion, Language 30, and many others too. Lots of them have interesting techniques, but often times I found they were not very effective. I wasn't remembering the material.

But the way you speak is almost an art, because you figured out how to talk so you don't fatigue the mind, and the mind stays fresh. This is really awesome.

I just felt I had to write you and tell you how much I really admire you as a teacher, because I not only study the courses, but the teaching style as well. And I really like your style.

Thanks for producing this course, I live in Tijuana, I work in San Diego CA, I ride the trolley back and forth to work everyday, and while I am on the Trolley I listen to your Audio Course then go home to Tj and I USE everything I learn listening to your audio course everyday.

I will check out the other courses you offer especially if you are the Speaker on them.

Also on your podcast page, maybe you should have someone interview YOU, and you could talk about what got you started in doing language programs, and how you learned about these speaking techniques. Because I'm not sure if you realize it or not, but you are an inspiration not only to other Teachers and Students, but also to people in the Broadcast Arts. You could wind up with your own talk show with the skills you have if you wanted it.

Thanks again,

Mark Evans

US Air Force

(SUA)

San Diego, CA

Tijuana, Mexico