Testimonials

  • Listen to this recorded testimonial.

    Testimonial from Mike Patton

  • Director of Communications for the Mayor of Ottawa, Larry O'Brien.

    Please ensure that your speakers and volume are turned on.

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  • Robert Fontaine and his French K.I.S.S. program are both outstanding, and ultimately played a significant role in my obtaining a Level C in the Public Service Commission of Canada Oral Interaction Test. Robert has a unique and positive teaching style and has developed visual and audio learning tools such as CDs, PowerPoint presentations, exercises and drills all of which I found to be aimed at learning French in a fun and stress-free environment. In addition to his dedication, creativity and energy he devotes to his students, Robert has a tremendous capacity for transferring the passion of learning French and for finding innovative methods to respond to individual learning styles. I highly recommend Robert Fontaine and his French K.I.S.S. program to anyone who wants to learn French quickly and effectively in a positive and dynamic environment. Thank you, Robert!!!

    Ramona Helm
    Fisheries and Oceans Canada

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  • Robert's teaching methods are unique and innovative. His enthusiasm and passion for teaching makes each session a productive and enjoyable one. His teaching style is also flexible as he understands the pressures of balancing work, family and learning a new language. I was able to pass the government's language tests as a result of Robert's guidance.

    Denise T-K, Ottawa

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  • I received my first French K.I.S.S. lesson. The exercises and the advice on pronunciation has already improved my diction. I am looking forward to working more with la gymnastique des voyelles and the RIP Practice(again something that makes so much sense that I have never heard of or thought of before).

    Garth F.
    Winnipeg

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  • This French language learning program is undoubtedly the best available anywhere today. Robert Fontaine makes learning French not only easy, yes easy, but fun! I had a very low level of French understanding before taking the one week beginner course. When I had completed the one week advanced course, I could listen to French radio and understand. No one teaches French language better than Robert. His French K.I.S.S. program puts everyone on a fun fast-track immediately.

    Allen Macartney
    Senior Analyst, Transport Canada

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  • I am enjoying listening to the MP3's on my drive to work. Seems to be working well for my ability to respond quicker as well as helping me with my retention. Not sure what the other drivers think as I am speak to myself?

    Scott S.
    Ottawa

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  • Robert Fontaine's French K.I.S.S. program was instrumental in enabling me to obtain a Level C in the Oral Interaction for the Public Service Second Language Testing. For me, his teaching aids reinforced my vocabulary and punctuated my application of grammar rules when speaking. Having experienced many other French teachers and teaching techniques, I found his ability to diagnose problems in my speech patterns and recommend drills to overcome them absolutely invaluable. I heartily recommend Robert Fontaine and his French K.I.S.S. program for anyone who must endure the Public Service Second Language Testing. Thanks, Robert!

    Pat Stogran
    Colonel Commander of the 3PPCLI Battalion Group Kandahar,

    Afghanistan January - July 2002

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  • What I learned from Robert and really improved, was my use of verbs. He emphasized the verb time-line and the 8 most important verbs which pushed my ability "up a notch". The other improvement was the RIP--he's the only one who suggested ... which went far in improving my accent.

    Kathy N., Louisville
    Kentucky

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  • The most helpful part of the French K.I.S.S. program was the emphasis on RIP as a foundation on which all the vocabulary would be learned. One immedeatly sounds better and less offensive to Freanch speakers!

    Janet B.
    Ottawa

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  • I just wanted to say that I thought the "Timeline" course was excellent. More importantly Robert was phenomenal!!!!! I have taken French all of my life growing up in Quebec, and never had "French" explained to me in a more simple way. He had great exercises, explanations, diagrams, PowerPoint presentations etc.... whereas other courses are taught in French and no English explanations are given. Most of my French teachers I have had over the years cannot speak English at all. That was one of the biggest things that stood out for me. Also one thing that cannot be left unsaid is the passion and desire Robert has for teaching. His priority for each and every student is for them to succeed. I am very happy with my exam results and it is all because of that course! I would encourage anyone to take that course. Thank you."

    Krystal M.
    Ottawa

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  • Without a doubt, Robert's timeline class is the best I've ever attended. He makes the learning fun and enjoyable no matter what time of the working day. He also provides support after the class is over. We have cd's to keep us working and studying and most of all - practising. And the best part of all is that Robert speaks an understandable French. With my hearing problems, it's difficult for me to understand the accents of some teachers from other countries. It's always a bonus to be able to study with him and I appreciate the time he has devoted to make his class a very satisfying learning experience."

    Kathryn E.
    Ottawa
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  • I am more then satisfied with the week of training that I received from Robert. He has given me the confidence that I required in order to be tested to receive my BBB/BBB rating. His style of teaching is easy to follow and he is truly passionate about what he does. It is refreshing to come across someone that actually loves what they do for a living. I would not hesitate to recommend him to future students."

    Carolyn C.
    Ottawa

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  • "I have been taking french lessons on and off for the last 10 years, the last 3 years I have been with Robert. I have learned more in the last three years from Robert than with any other teacher. He is dynamic, enthusiastic and very energetic and it's very obvious how much he loves his work. He is forever looking for new ideas and fun ways in order to help you. Having someone like him teach you french makes you want to learn!. I would highly recommend anyone to take french lessons with "Napoleon".

    Betty T.
    Ottawa

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  • "Your KISS CD arrived today. It is excellent, as is the KISS Book. My brain, cheeks, and eyes are tired but happy. The VTL Grid is perfect for a major visual learner like myself. I have a grid for the floor, charts for studing that I carry with me. My wee dog, Sam, looks at me strangely when I speak to him in French. Everything I have read and tried from your teaching material, just makes so much sense. Although I am tenacious in learning, I think the time, money, and effort I have spent in years past to learn French has been nearly futile and frustrating because nothing tied it all together as you have done in presenting the basics. Nothing on my shelf of French learning materials even comes close to what I have learned in the last week from your book alone---I am at the close of Chapter 3."

    Gypsy P.
    Rio Vista, Texas

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  • Most people are apprehensive when it comes to learning a second language and they approach language learning with little enthusiasm. The problem is sometimes reinforced in the classroom by teachers or by a stressful situation whereby the student must learn the language in order to keep their job. I was very fortunate to have Robert Fontaine as my teacher. He created a very pleasant experience and more importantly, he helped me to appreciate the language. Robert? method is incredible and his commitment to his students hard to measure. He gives his students confidence in their ability to speak French. Difficult subjects to understand, such as verbs (ex. subjunctive) are simple to understand with his method. As for me, Robert gave me the inspiration to continue with training starting in September, in order to prepare for level C (I passed the level B exam after 130 hours of training with Robert). Robert? training method is preferable to other more traditional methods.

    Darlene D.
    Transport Canada, Ottawa
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  • I wish I had been able to take that kind of training many many years ago - if I had, I am sure that my French speaking and writing skills would have improved tenfold by now. I am so pleased that I had an opportunity to go to the course. I came away with a whole new appreciation for improving my skills with the unique tools that Robert has given me. I have been using the exercises he provided diligently. I came away from his course and his approach to teaching the language knowing that my second language skill had improved immediately -and everyday I improve. Last but not least, it was a pleasure meeting Robert - his colourful personality made the whole thing very enjoyable - even though at times I felt very imcompetent - Robert always made it OK!

    Debrah K.
    Ottawa

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  • I was extremely impressed with Robert Fontaine's French course for Beginners - this program is intuitive, logical and practical, and is presented in a format that is fun and easy to apply. It is especially effective for students who, like me, learn best through audio-visual training techniques as opposed to traditional "book studies". I believe that all of the participants walked away from this course with a sense of accomplishment and progress. I strongly recommend this course for all new French language students.

    Diana A.
    Ottawa

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  • Robert is a fabulous teacher who truly cares about his students and their successes. I think if the government were serious about French/English language training they would have a serious look at his program. I took a 10-month French course 17 Years ago in Quebec. What took 1-2 months possibly more before on my previous French course, I learned in one week with Robert. I have to admit I have to use it more in order to improve, however, Robert gave me the confidence to do so. Robert also provides his students with a copy of his course on CD to use each day. This CD also contains many more lessons than we could possibly cover in one week. I cannot begin to sing Robert's praises. I watched people who have never spoken a word in French before, speaking basic French at the end of one week.

    Patrick H.
    Ottawa

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  • It was excellent, I really enjoyed myself. It wasn't really like the typical teaching. Robert made it fun and interesting, he also made it personal, he reached out to us and showed us that with a little knowledge and practice you can do it. The most important thing that I want to stress is that Robert and his teaching are the best.

    Vicky T.
    Ottawa

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  • "Until I took some private french lessons with Robert, I had never used the little bit of french I had once learned in a typical classroom setting. I would feel intimidated and alienated when people at work would start speaking french to each other. Robert changed all that with his revolutionary approach to learning french - it just somehow "broke the ice". The first day, he had me answering questions in french and within a few weeks, I was using my french verbs in the past, present and future properly. I now understand how rhythm can make the difference between sounding fluent or not - and the trick for getting it right the first time, everytime. I cannot convey the energy and personal interest that Robert invested in my success. I have since used some expressions, questions and answers with others and most of all, I actually listen to catch more of what the people around me are saying, which has boosted my confidence enormously. All this with only a beginner's attempt at the french technique. I am no longer intimidated and am looking forward to the program launch so I can work through it at my own pace with Robert's support!"

    Leo K.
    Ottawa

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  • "...With my background, I knew that I could be considered bilingual, I knew I needed to be fine-tuned. My employer set up an exam where Robert would have an oral exam with me over the phone. Robert was able to see that I had the basic skills and that I needed to practice and to be taught the things that I had forgotten over the years.
  • "Twice a week phone conversations, online worksheets and helpful hints from Robert made me realize how much I lost, and how easy it was for him to help me capture it again. I cannot begin to tell you how much I have improved and often can't believe it is me when I am carrying on a conversation with people who have spoken french all their lives. Robert takes the time to make personalized programs for all those he helps. Which means after he completes the exam with you, he determines what level you are at, what needs to be worked on, and what needs to be taught. Within a month, I had passed the french exam that I had done so poorly on before. I am more confident in speaking with my co-workers and more importantly, with my customers. This is a fantastic way for any company to test the knowledge of their candidates, or to even teach those who have no experience with the french language. Sincerely,

    Erin E
    Loss Prevention Officer, Winnipeg
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  • "Thank you for developing a very informative site. I picked up a book to teach myself french and was having a bit of confusion on proper pronunciation. Your newsletters helped with understanding the basics."

    O.
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  • "I really love your french vocabulary lessons, they are really helping me."

    S.T.

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  • "Your french vocabulary lesson is astonishingly effective...I really enjoy the format of the vocab lesson."

    N.H.
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  • "I have started the program “Speak French in 112 Days” - It's amazing!!!

    The pronunciation is incredible and Robert makes you repeat the sounds many times so that I can actually hear the difference between them!

    Olga A., Ottawa
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  • My comment thus far: it is an amazing course. What I like about it, it starts by building a foundation and build on top of that, unlike others that start with the roof and work down to the foundation.

    Marius G., South Africa