Accent training is known by many names: accent neutralization, accent modification, accent softening, accent reduction, accent elimination, and the list goes on! In summary, accent training involves identifying your speech patterns that differ from the standard American English accent and changing those patterns to express yourself more effectively and be more easily understood.

Accent training is perfect for non-native speakers of English who feel that their communication is holding them back. If you are often asked to repeat yourself, you get the wrong order in a restaurant, or you feel nervous about getting on the phone or speaking with a group of native English speakers, accent training can help you gain back your confidence.

Your customized coaching program will begin with an assessment where I will identify the specific sound substitutions you are making – or ways that you are using a sound from your native language while speaking in English. During the assessment, I will also identify any other speech characteristics we can improve such as pace, intonation, clarity, etc. Then, I will use these findings to create a personalized, step-by-step coaching plan made just for you.

During a typical session, we will work on one of your personalized goal areas to improve your communication. First, I will help you grow your awareness of a specific aspect of your pronunciation or communication that we will be working on. I’ll take you through a series of targeted exercises to grow your awareness of that aspect of your speech. In other words, I’ll make sure you can really hear the difference between a goal sound, for example, and your own pronunciation. After we train your ear to hear the sound, I will teach you exactly how to make the sound using your mouth until you can feel the difference. Then, we will train the new habit – in words, phrases, and in conversation – until it becomes automatic.

Not at all! Pronunciation is just one part of clear speech. I work with every student on identifying and improving any aspect of their communication that’s necessary to speak with more fluency. Some of these aspects are: Intonation – making sure statements don’t sound like questions Rhythm – adopting a more natural-sounding way of speaking Syllable stress – being more easily understood & saying what you mean Speaking too quickly – remembering to pause for emphasis Speaking too softly – adding power to your voice Skipping sounds – clarifying your message Monotone voice – adding variety and interest to your speech …and the list goes on! Every student is unique!

My goal is to help you see the most impact in the shortest amount of time. You will probably need to take fewer hours of lessons than you think! The length of the course may vary from client to client. However, one 50-minute session of live coaching per week plus 10-15 minutes of independent practice a day between sessions will lead to a big improvement. Of course, I provide the practice materials to you in a personalized independent practice schedule to help make the training stick. Your speech will usually be easier to understand after the first 3-4 weeks as you gain awareness of areas of your speech that are affecting your communication. A full coaching program that will lead to significant improvement is my 12-Week program. For most students, a 12-Week program is enough to get through all of their personalized goals.

Accent training is not intended to make a non-native speaker of English sound just like a native speaking American. The goal of accent training is to greatly improve pronunciation, rhythm, intonation, and clarity so that you can be easily understood and others will focus on what you say rather than how you say it.

Great question! It can be so hard to identify and hear patterns in your own speech! This is why you need a listener and a coach who can help you become aware of your communication patterns and help you hear and learn a new way of expressing yourself through step-by-step lessons. That’s what EK Accent Coaching can offer you. Working with a coach 1-on-1 is so much more effective and efficient than learning from YouTube or an app – you need that personalized, in-the-moment feedback and training. If you’re ready to get started with your own customized coaching package, click here!