If you have ever watched the popular TV programme Diction Avenue, then you have met Mr. Chris Nkwocha—the man behind the show, passionately committed to promoting the Common African English Accent across the continent. Known by admirers as Mr. Diction, his life’s work revolves around spoken English, diction, and accent training, making him a leading figure in his field.
A Story of Determination and Success
Born 60 years ago, Mr. Chris Nkwocha is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of several successful companies, including:
– Early Rise Investment
– Education Resorts International
– Speak Right Africa Academy
– The Speech House International
– The Common African Accent Academy
– El-Jara Connections
These organizations operate in about 10 states across Nigeria. However, his journey to success was anything but easy. From selling goods on the streets of Lagos to navigating failed ventures, Chris Nkwocha’s resilience and personal drive, alongside his faith in his God, Jehovah, led him to his niche in life.
Contributions to Education and Speech Training
Mr. Nkwocha has an extensive background in speech training, public speaking, and educational consultancy. His influence in spoken English education spreads beyond Nigeria to Ghana and Kenya. He initiated the widely adopted Diction-in-English course, now the social accent course, which now runs in hundreds of private schools nationwide. To ensure quality instruction, he has published:
– Standard Speech Workbooks (Nursery 1 to Year 12)
– VCDs and DVDs accompanying the workbooks
– Spoken English for Dummies (released in 2016)
Additionally, he floated an NGO, Literacy Campaign for the Deprived, dedicated to teaching indigent children and adults how to read and write. He has also co-authored Students Reference Point on Learning & Remembering Techniques alongside distinguished academics such as Prof. Funsho Akere, Dr. E.O. Esan, Dr. Oluwayemisi Obashoro, and Mr. Ted Osondu.
Leadership and Institutional Recognition
Chris Nkwocha serves as CEO and Registrar of:
– **Institute of Certified Communicators (ICCOM)** ([www.iccomipe.org](http://www.iccomipe.org)
– Institute of Professional Educators (IPE)
– Chairman, First Whiskids Educational Foundation
Both institutions are approved by the Federal Ministry of Education of Nigeria to offer certified communication and education training programmes. Under his leadership, ICCOM has trained educators and students, particularly in private schools and media houses, in effective communication.
Media Presence and Public Speaking
Mr. Nkwocha is not just an educator but also a media personality. He created, designed, and produced Diction Avenue, a long-running TV show focused on spoken English and diction. He also anchors Naija Quiz-Debates on Galaxy Television, Lagos. His career spans over 25 years, during which he has anchored over 1,000 seminars in Nigeria and abroad.
Inventor and Creator
Chris Nkwocha has developed educational board games to help learners improve their spoken English, including:
– Scholastic Quest
– Scholastic Pond
– My Mental Gym Phonetic Board Game
– Fast and Accurate
Notable Works by Chris Nkwocha
1. The ‘H’ Factor or the ‘Aych’ Challenge When Speaking and How to Overcome It
2. Standard Speech Workbooks and Videos (Grades 1 to 12)
3. Spoken English for Africans Workbooks and Videos (Grades 1 to 12)
4. My Spoken English Workbooks and Videos (Grades 1 to 12)
5. Presentation and Speech Work Workbooks and Videos (Grades 1 to 12)
6. Kids Talk (Preschoolers)
7. Get Talking (Preschoolers)
8. My Accent Mentor (Grades 1 to 12)
9. SSSS Phonics Workbook and Videos (Nursery 1 & 2)
10. Read-Write Phonics Workbook and Videos (Nursery 1 & 2)
