Each person has their own unique way of speaking - their own accent. Your accent will depend on where you come from, your life experiences and whether or not English is your first language. An accent can add interest and charm the listener with its unique qualities. But if your accent prevents you from communicating clearly - whether it's making a telephone call to a stranger, doing a deal-making presentation at work or interacting with colleagues at a social event - then it's stopping you from achieving all you want. Learning the skills to modify your accent will help you become a more confident and effective communicator in the workplace and beyond.

Accent Reduction - What is it?

Accent Reduction therapy begins with assessment: learning what features make your accent, your accent. We begin by finding out the sounds you make differently from native speakers, but it is important learn how your present sound system interacts with other aspects of your speech such as the pitch, word and sentence stress and speech rate in order to then help you work on improving your intonation at the same time as you work on your accent.

After you understand what factors contribute to your accent, together we design a program that meets your needs. All programs include training materials and CD, but your motivation and practice are crucial. Every session includes written and spoken homework, formal drill activities, natural conversation and reinforcement of home practice strategies.

Accent Reduction Tips

Slow down your speech. Reduction in the rate of your speech will assist you in becoming more aware of your speech differences and correct them helping with the goal accent reduction.
Reading out loud every day will help you practice the sounds you are working on to reduce you accent and make you more aware of the changes you still need to make.
Carry a notebook. Make a list of frequently used words and phrases where you feel your accent needs improvement and record a native speaker saying these words, listen to them and practice saying them.

Read about Accent Adjustment or Accent Modification