Accent Reduction

Here are some of the common focus areas for accent neutralization or accent reduction classes:

• Changing speech patterns
• Voice production
• Intonation and rhythm
• Taking on a new North American "Personality" - I think is a great way to distance oneself from the more distasteful implications of accent reduction

• First I'll explain the vowel chart so you can learn how to form sounds in new accents that you can't necessarily hear at first (you'll be able to hear and use them after a bit of repetition).

• Next, we'll talk about the melody, focus and rhythm of the new accent, as well as examining the specific vowel, diphthong (two vowel sounds that are sounded as one syllable, as in "like") and consonant changes. We'll then practice by reading short sentences focussing on each sound change. These first two steps usually take 20-30 minutes.

• We'll use the remainder of the first hour putting the dialect onto your text: I can demonstrate each line which you then repeat after me, or you can read your lines with the dialect while I guide you. If you bring me a copy I'll mark the sound changes onto your text. And some clients ask me to record myself reading their lines in the dialect, which I'm happy to do.

• I'll record the entire session (whether at my office, at your location or by phone) so you'll receive a CD for review. I'll also provide you with several dialect samples by native speakers on CD, along with the original written material we'll cover.

Beginner Accent Reduction Program - This program is for new English speakers.

Advanced Accent Reduction Program - This program is for advanced English speakers of more than 3 years.