Ask yourself these questions:
- Is my accent interfering with my professional goals?
- Do I often need to repeat myself?
- Am I comfortable speaking American English?
- Does my accent shape other people’s opinion of me?
Accent reduction may contribute to professional success. According to previous studies, people who speak American English with an accent are considered less qualified for a job, regardless of how qualified they actually are, because the person listening to them has difficulty understanding the person speaking. Jobs are stressful enough without having to repeat yourself on a regular basis.
These studies are supported by my own clients. Some clients say that they are pursuing accent reduction because they feel that their accent contributes to negative perceptions of them from the listener. One client reported that the employees he supervises don’t take him seriously. Another client said that she was perceived as unintelligent and lacked formal education.
Well Said LLC assists individuals in reducing accents by heightening that awareness and teaching new strategies for speaking in the American cultural style. Services are available in person or online.
When people learn American English, most people will speak English with the intonation and pronunciation rules of their first language. Every culture uses varying facial and muscular tension while speaking. This carries over to the manner in which American English will be spoken.
When you improve your awareness of how you are speaking now and how you prefer to sound, you can be successful at accent reduction.
The initial consultation is free. After the consultation, we will meet once a week for 12 weeks, with flexibility as needed. New techniques, selected according to your needs, are introduced each week so that you can practice between sessions. Once you have learned these techniques, you will have clear, more professional sounding speech as you utilize the tools you have learned.
If you are motivated and committed to consistent practice, you can be successful at accent reduction. It will be your choice as to when you choose to speak in the American style versus in your original cultural style.
A variety of payment plans are available.
You have nothing to lose by calling for a free consultation, so let’s talk!
(520) 203-6515