Who am I

A quick introduction

I have always had a “thing” for language. On websites and menus, in blogs and brochures, even in newspaper articles and books… I see them everywhere: language errors, spelling mistakes and typos, confusing sentence structures, and often a shortage (or complete lack) of punctuation marks. And not only in English texts, but also in French and Dutch.

You don’t see your own mistakes

Of course, it’s easy to overlook your own mistakes. This even happens to professional copywriters. All the more reason to have someone else take a look at your texts. Someone who has an eye for detail and a sense of language.

Ask Helma!

When I was still working in the corporate world, I was often asked to check texts that had usually been written by native English or French colleagues. This eventually led to the name “AskHelma”, as that is precisely what was always said!

My experience

First of all, I truly like languages and happen to have a knack for them. This, in my opinion, is the most important.
Because although you can learn just about anything through books and studies, without passion and a certain degree of natural talent, you will most likely still fall short.

Abroad

I am a Dutch native who lived, studied, and worked in England and France for many years.

International work experience

25 years of work experience with colleagues and customers from all over the world.

Business communication

Written communication, team meetings, corporate events, and customer appointments.

Native

When I lived in England and France, I was often “mistaken” for a native.

Professional jargon

Affinity with IT, adult education, tourism, and the hospitality industry.

Sense of language

Applying rules alone is not enough. Having a sense of language, tone and context is extremely important.

Contact

Telephone +31 (0)6 5262 9434