De-accentuate Your Spoken English With
Accent Modification
Working to change your accent is done through a process known as
accent modification or accent reduction. With the assistance and guidance of a
speech coach, adults can learn to reduce their accents by making changes in
speech pronunciation and production.
Here are 7 more things you should know about accents and the
modification of accented speech.
What can I expect from an accent modification program?
Programs begin with a screening and are followed by a thorough
assessment of your individual speech patterns while reading and repeating words,
phrases and sentences. Speech is also examined during conversational or spontaneous production. Once the information is collected, the trainer is
able to analyze:
·
Pronunciation of consonants
·
Pronunciation of vowels
·
Stress
·
Rhythm
·
Intonation
The speech coach creates a goal-directed training program based
on individual needs for accent modification and communication improvement.
How is training delivered?
Accent coaches offer individual and group training that is
available in a variety of ways:
·
Classroom instruction
·
Short courses
·
Seminars
·
Apps
·
Books
·
Recordings
·
Software
·
In person
·
By Telephone
·
Via webcam
Talk with your speech coach about which option will best suit
your learning style, your use of technology and your schedule.
Will an accent modification program actually work?
Successful modification of speech patterns and habits will
require a commitment of time and regular practice. Your coach will teach you
how to practice and then provide materials to be used during independent
practice.
You can’t just show up to a tennis lesson and expect to be a
better tennis player. The real change occurs when you use what you learned at the
lesson during practice on your own. The same is true with accent modification
programs. Sure, you’ll learn important things, but just hearing about them won’t
result in lasting changes. Daily practice will help you to learn new patterns
of production and that’s what will enable lasting change.
While there are no guarantees, a serious student can expect to
reduce their accent by 50% or more.
What kind of time
commitment will be required?
Depending on the intensity of the accent and the individual
goals:
·
Training programs can range in length from 3 days to 13 weeks
·
Individual training sessions typically last 45-60 minutes
·
Group training sessions typically last 1 ½ -2 hours
·
Each day, 60 minutes of independent practice is recommended
Who can benefit from an accent reduction training program?
·
Accountants
·
Actors
·
Airline pilots
·
Attorneys
·
Business professionals
·
Computer programmers
·
Engineers
· Entrepreneurs
·
Medical professionals
·
Ministers and priests
·
Physicians
·
Public speakers
·
Receptionists
·
Sales professionals
·
Secretaries
·
Stay at home moms
·
Students
·
Teachers and trainers
·
Telemarketers
·
University professors
How much will all of this cost?
Because an accent is not considered a speech or language
disorder, insurance companies in the United States will not cover the cost of
accent modification programs.
Employers such as corporations, universities and government
agencies may provide reimbursement to employees who seek to improve their
speech communication skills.
Individuals considering services should discuss specific costs of materials and training with their speech coach.
Where can I find a speech coach?
Spontaneous Speech will soon be providing Coaching Services that are available on-line. We'll keep you posted! In the meantime, think about the consequences of consider how accent reduction may benefit you.
Speak clearly if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall.
Oliver Wendell Holmes
Oliver Wendell Holmes
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