How Accent Reduction Classes Work: What You Need to Know
If you want to be more easily understood by reducing your accent, you may consider taking accent reduction lessons.
You may want to change your accent because it is holding you back in your career. Or you may have difficulty being understood by friends, customers, or clients. Accent reduction lessons can help you improve your speech to be better understood and more successful in your chosen field.
But how do these classes actually work? This article will give you an overview of accent reduction courses and what you can expect to learn.
Key Takeaways:
Concepts Taught in Accent Reduction Training: Focus on pronunciation, rate of speech, stress and rhythm, grammar and sentence structure, intonation, and vocabulary.
Who Can Benefit: Individuals from various professions, such as doctors, actors, pilots, lawyers, teachers, students, programmers, engineers, salespeople, etc., who want to improve pronunciation and reduce foreign accents.
Finding the Right Accent Reduction Class: Consider factors like customization, instructor certification and experience, practice exercises, delivery format (in-person or online), scheduling, group size, and affordability.
Best Way to Learn: Working one-on-one with a private tutor, either in-person or online, allows for customized lessons and individualized attention.
What to Expect: Evaluation of current skills, focused lessons on various aspects of English pronunciation, feedback, practice exercises (including at home), and consistent progress tracking.
What Concepts are Taught in Accent Reduction Training?
Who Can Benefit From Attending Accent Reduction Training Classes?
How to Find the Right Accent Reduction Class For You
The Cost of Attending an Accent Reduction Class
What is the Best Way to Learn a New Accent?
What to Expect from an Accent Reduction Course
What Concepts are Taught in Accent Reduction Training?
In accent reduction lessons, you will learn the intricacies of American English to help you speak more clearly.
An accent coach can teach you about the following concepts:
Pronunciation
You will learn how to say words more clearly to be better understood. The focus will be on learning to pronounce consonants and vowels unique to English.
Rate of speech
The rate of speech is the speed at which you speak. Slowing down and enunciating your words to be better understood is key to being easily understood.
Stress and Rhythm
The placement of stress on certain words can change the meaning of what you're saying.
Grammar and Sentence Structure
In American English, certain types of sentence structures are used. Learning about American English grammatical rules will help you sound like a native English speaker.
Intonation
Intonation is the rise and fall of your voice when you speak. Intonation can change the meaning of what you're saying, so it's essential to use it correctly.
Vocabulary
Every lesson will expose you to new words to build your vocabulary. You will learn the meaning of the words, as well as how to use them in sentences.
You will also learn about common phrases and idioms used in everyday conversation.
Learning this new vocabulary will help you to sound more like a native English speaker and will also help you to understand native speakers better.
Practicing these concepts allows you to communicate more effectively in board meetings, presentations, sales calls, networking, and socializing.
Who Can Benefit From Attending Accent Reduction Training Classes?
Anyone who wants to improve their pronunciation and reduce their foreign accent can benefit from an accent reduction class. This can include doctors, actors, airline pilots, attorneys, college teachers and students, computer programmers, engineers, clergy members, psychologists, salespeople, and more.
In addition, people who need to improve their communication skills for work or school may find that an accent reduction course can help them become better understood by colleagues or classmates.
Whether you want to learn how to reduce your accent for personal or professional reasons, an accent reduction class can help you achieve your goals.
How to Find the Right Accent Reduction Class For You
If you're interested in taking an accent reduction class, the first step is to find a reputable program.
There are many different accent reduction programs available, so you will want to research to find one that is a good fit for you.
When looking for an accent reduction class, here are the following questions or factors you should consider:
Does the program offer a customized approach tailored to your specific needs?
Is the instructor certified in accent reduction?
Does the accent coach have a master's in speech pathology?
Does the accent trainer have experience working with people from your native language?
Will the program provide at-home practice exercises to help you practice between classes?
Are classes delivered in person or online?
Are the length of the program and the frequency of classes amenable to your schedule?
Are the classes delivered one-on-one or in a group?
Is the program's cost affordable and in line with similar programs offered by other providers?
Once you've found a few programs that meet your needs, schedule a consultation to learn more about the coach's approach.
The Cost of Attending an Accent Reduction Class
The cost of an accent reduction program can vary depending on the length of the course, the number of sessions, and the location. However, most classes range from $100 to $200 per session.
Some accent reduction coaches offer discounts for purchasing a package of classes, so be sure to ask about pricing options when you schedule a consultation.
While the cost of taking an accent reduction class may seem like a lot, the benefits you'll receive from improved communication and reduced stress are priceless.
What is the Best Way to Learn a New Accent?
The best way to learn is by working one-on-one with a private tutor. Accent training can be delivered in person or in an online class. You will have the opportunity to practice using the material in various ways and be able to get feedback from your instructor on your progress.
Working one-on-one is an excellent way to learn. Your accent trainer can customize the lessons to your needs and provide individualized attention. Private lessons are also a great option if you have a busy schedule, as you can arrange lessons at a time that works for you
No matter your choice, taking accent training is an excellent way to improve your American English skills.
What to Expect from an Accent Reduction Course
Evaluation of Your Skills
The first step in an accent course is to evaluate your current speaking ability and how well you speak English. You must have a strong foundation in your knowledge of the English language before beginning accent reduction lessons.
The evaluation typically involves reading words, sentences, and paragraphs aloud. The accent coach transcribes, analyzes, and compares your speech to standard American English.
Another evaluation component is the interview between you and your accent trainer. During this accent assessment portion, your coach will ask questions to get a good idea of your background and future goals. Your instructor will ask about your first language, your language background, and how your pronunciation affects your personal and professional life.
Once the instructor has determined your starting point, they can begin helping to develop your new speech accent.
Begin Accent Classes
In accent reduction programs, your instructor will teach you a new concept related to spoken English and then provide you with opportunities to practice using it. You will be exposed to new material in every lesson and have plenty of opportunities to practice using your new skills.
You will also be given feedback on your progress so that you can focus on the areas that need improvement. The instructor will often use a mirror so that you can see exactly how your mouth should be positioned when you speak.
Your instructor will teach you the mechanics of speech, including speech anatomy, breath support, and phonation. You'll also learn about the different types of sounds that make up speech and how to produce them correctly. This knowledge will be vital in helping you to reduce your accent.
As you practice your new sounds, your instructor will be able to identify any errors you may be making and help you correct them on the spot.
In addition to practicing English pronunciation, you will learn about intonation, stress, and rhythm patterns. For example, "present" can be a noun or verb. If you stress the first syllable ("pre-"), it is a noun meaning a gift. However, if you stress the second syllable ("-sent"), it is a verb meaning to show or give something.
You will also spend some time in an accent reduction program working on specific problem sounds common among speakers of your native language. Practicing the sounds specific to your pronunciation patterns will help you quickly and efficiently modify your accent.
Learning about the different aspects of American English in your accent class will help you sound more natural and reduce your current accent.
Home Program
In addition to working on mouth and tongue placement, the instructor may provide exercises for you to practice at home. The at-home practice exercises can help you remember the correct mouth and tongue position to produce the desired sounds automatically during a conversation.
What is the Typical Length of an Accent Reduction Course?
The length of an accent reduction course can vary depending on your needs. It is important to remember that everyone learns at a different pace. You may need more or less time than someone else to master the skills.
Typically, it takes at least 3-6 months of regular practice to see noticeable results. If you are enrolled in an accent reduction class, you can expect to see some results after just a few weeks. However, if you only sporadically attend accent reduction training classes, it will take much longer to see results.
Consistency is a critical factor in reducing your accent. The more you practice, the faster you will see results.
The frequency of accent reduction training is also variable, but generally, meeting once a week is sufficient and allows time to practice the newly learned concepts between sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is accent reduction worth it?
Yes, accent reduction can be highly beneficial for individuals who want to improve their pronunciation and communication skills in English, especially if they work or study in environments where clear communication is essential. It can boost confidence, enhance career opportunities, and facilitate a better understanding of social interactions.
2. Is it OK to change your accent?
It is perfectly OK to change your accent if you desire to do so. People change accents for various reasons, such as adapting to a new environment, improving communication clarity, or simply personal preference. Accents are a part of one's linguistic identity, and altering them is a natural part of language evolution and adaptation.
3. Can you change your accent after 30?
It is possible to change your accent after age 30, although it may require more effort and dedication compared to changing it at a younger age. While younger individuals tend to be more adaptable to new speech patterns, adults can still modify their accents through consistent practice, guidance from accent reduction professionals, and exposure to the target accent's phonetic features. Significant improvements can be achieved at any age with determination and the right approach.
The Connected Speech Pathology Approach to Accent Reduction
Highly Skilled Team of Accent Trainers
Our team of certified speech-language pathologists has years of experience working with people worldwide to help them improve their communication skills. Our accent coaches are speech-language pathologists with master's degrees in communication sciences, meaning that you can learn from highly-trained professionals who understand all aspects of communication.
We can provide a holistic approach to accent reduction, which includes working on the mechanics of speech and the intonation, stress, and rhythm patterns of the English language.
Convenient Offerings
Connected Speech Pathology's accent reduction program is effective, affordable, and convenient. Our lessons are one-on-one so that we can tailor our goals to fit your needs. We deliver our accent reduction lessons online so you can receive accent modification training from your home or office, eliminating transportation concerns and travel time.
Practice Software
In addition, our training class includes at-home practice exercises delivered via a unique computer software program. The software program allows us to create custom-tailored accent reduction exercises for each client, allowing you to practice the specific sounds selected for you, even when you're not in class.
With practice and guidance from our qualified accent coaches, you will confidently speak English.
To learn more about our accent reduction training program and take the first step towards improving your communication skills, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Summary
Accent reduction programs aim to improve English pronunciation and communication skills. They cover pronunciation, speech rate, stress, grammar, intonation, and vocabulary. Suitable for professionals from various fields, finding the right program involves considering factors like customization, instructor expertise, and affordability.
Courses typically last several months and emphasize consistent practice for success. Personalized, one-on-one training and online lessons offer flexibility and tailored support. Ultimately, these classes empower individuals to enhance their English language proficiency and confidence in communication.
About the Author
Allison Geller is a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and the owner of Connected Speech Pathology. She obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Florida in Speech-Language Pathology. Allison has practiced speech therapy in a number of settings including telepractice, acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, and private practice. She has worked extensively with individuals across the lifespan including toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children, and adults. She specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of communication disorders including receptive/expressive language disorders, articulation disorders, voice disorders, fluency disorders, brain injury, and swallowing disorders.
Allison served as the clinical coordinator of research in aphasia in the Neurological Institute at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. She is on the Board of Directors for the Corporate Speech Pathology Network (CORSPAN), a Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) certified clinician, and a proud Family Empowerment Scholarship/Step-Up For Students provider. Allison is passionate about delivering high quality-effective treatment remotely because it’s convenient and easy to access. What sets us apart from other online speech therapy options is—Allison takes great care to hire the very best SLPs from all over the country.
