Exceptional Voice, Inc.©

Accent Modification Training

Research has estimated that 20% of non-native English speakers and those with regional dialects have difficulty learning Standard American speech patterns. Accent modification training offers a solution. Proficiency at a conversational speaking level is achieved through our Level 1 program.

Level 1 consists of 16 individual sessions over a 4 - 8 month period of time. In most cases, this training program provides enough skills to acheive at least 50% improvement. Speech sound and idiosyncratic error improvement is usually noticed within two weeks. Confidence in how one speaks is experienced by all graduates. The home practice program is intensive and follow-through is necessary to achieve the program’s goals.

It is assumed that those who enroll in this accent modification course have completed a basic English as a second language (ESL) course and have obtained basic proficiency in English grammar, reading and writing.

Our Level 2 program is designed for graduates of the basic program where communication goals are individually designed to have direct application to your daily interactions. Distance learning methods (coaching over the telephone and/or via webcam) can be used for Level 2 participants.

Course Goals

1. To improve self-perception of speaking through auditory/perceptual training.
2. To understand principles of learning in order to make lasting changes in your speech patterns.
3. To understand the differences in specific English speech sounds compared to your native language.
4. To learn the motor-speech patterns of English for the targeted sounds.
5. To develop effective strategies to make use of the techniques in daily communication.

Course

Level 1 - 16 sessions--Includes three evaluations; each session is approximately one hour.

Level 2 -   8 sessions--Includes two brief evaluations; each session is approximately one hour.

Distance Coaching--the Level 1 or Level 2 course can be conducted using distance coaching methods (telephone and/or webcam). Additional tools such as a digital recorder are highly recommended.

• Course fees include an extensive initial evaluation (for Level 1 only) and two additional exams.
• Worksheets provided at each session.
• Notebook for self-monitoring is needed. Please provide your own.
• Customized audio CDs are made at each session.