Q. How much and how soon can I expect my accent to improve?
If you attend recommended sessions and practice diligently, you can expect at least a 50% reduction in your accent upon completion of your training program. Your length of training is determined by the number of accented sounds that are involved and your personal goals.
Q: What is Accent Modification and will I lose my accent completely?
Accent Modification is the process of changing certain sounds and melodies in your speech to improve your Standard American English. It is not an attempt to change your cultural heritage or eliminate your accent, but a way to enhance your communication.
Q: Who can benefit from training?
Anyone who speaks English as a second language or whose regional dialect impacts their professional or personal life. Participants come from around the globe and from every profession: accountants, administrative professionals, airline pilots, attorneys, college professors, computer programmers, clergy, engineers, executives, military, nurses, physicians, realtors, receptionists, sales representatives, supervisors, technical professionals, teachers, telemarketers, and many more.
Q: What are the benefits of training?
For the individual, accent modification training increases self-confidence in the ability to be understood by listeners. It enhances effective communication with peers, superiors and clients resulting in increased productivity, sales and earnings. It creates greater advancement opportunities with potential for a higher salary. Decreased stress and frustration over communication breakdowns are also a welcome byproduct of accent modification.
For the employer, benefits include improved productivity, profits, customer relations, and employee relations. Decreased recruiting and training costs are realized due to slower employee turnover with fewer expenses needed for support and supervision. Improved organizational communication and efficiency are achieved with a greater opportunity to groom employees for future advancement. The professional image of your company is enhanced.
Q. How will I fit training into my busy schedule?
Accent Management Solutions will accommodate your type and time of training and your specific location needs. Arrangements can be made to provide individual or group training at your workplace or at a facility offsite. Even better --- live, on-line video-conferencing is offered to make training personal and convenient! All you need is a computer and a webcam to access our proven training via SightSpeed. See Online Training.
Q. How much will training cost?
Training tuition is based on your personal needs. Upon completion of a sound analysis of your speech, we can then determine the length of training required and the costs involved in reaching your personal goals. Keep in mind, many employers finance all or part of their employees’ tuition. They find this investment significantly aides the success of their employees and their company.
Q: How much English should I know in order to take training?
You should be able to read and understand articles in English newspapers and magazines which are equivalent to a sixth grade reading level.
Q. How do you reduce my accent?
Your speech will be carefully, assessed and analyzed to determine how it varies from standard American English. An individualized plan will be developed to address your specific needs and goals. Recommendations for the method, frequency and duration of training will be discussed. As you begin training, you will learn to hear the sounds of English which are difficult for you to produce. You will learn to pronounce troublesome sounds and practice reproducing the rhythms, phrasing and intonations of American English. You will then begin to generalize your newly acquired sounds and skills into everyday situations, especially in work-related activities. Finally, with diligent practice, you can expect at least a 50% reduction in your accented speech.
Q. Why select a Speech-Language Pathologist for accent modification training? Can’t I make improvements by just listening to tapes or studying by myself?
Speech-Language Pathologists are experts at modifying communication skills and behaviors. They have earned a Master’s degree and completed rigorous clinical training involving phonetic analysis of speech sounds, oral anatomy and physiology, and the physical science of speech production. These skills make speech-language pathologists the most highly qualified individual to analyze, modify, and provide ongoing feedback that will ensure your success. In addition, they must be licensed in their respective state and receive national certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Q. What should I expect after I complete my accent modification training?
Accent Management Solutions is passionate about our clients expressing their ideas and being understood. We provide two months of maintenance follow-up to ensure your continued success with American English as you transition into your daily routine with your new pronunciation skills and speech sounds. And, of course, we know you will want to use the techniques and materials you gained in your training to make ongoing progress with your American English. Continue to practice and gain confidence daily because we believe you havea message worth understanding!
