Testimonial

Testimonial

I had a heavy German accent and Elizabeth Peterson helped me reduce it and speak with great confidence.  She had easy to use tricks on getting me to practice out in the real world that made everything I was learning make sense. I was hesitant that accent reduction would not work. The class was amazing and I regret not doing it years ago! She is a highly skilled speech pathologist.

Heidi Scholenberger
New Jersey

Testimonial

It was the best career and personal investment that I have made since moving to the US.The accent reduction course helped me tremendously in reducing my Indian accent. I speak confidently without being hesitant. After the course, I haven't had one person ask me to repeat what I said Thank you Liz for all of your support.

Darshan Puttannaiah
Denver,CO
Web Designer

Testimonial

I had a heavy Russian accent and Liz Peterson's accent reduction program helped me so much with my speech. I didn't realize that I avoided talking before but now my confidence has improved so much that talking is a pleasure. I also love making the American /TH/ sound and my /R/ is much better. I highly recommend the class.

Marina Shiling
Denver, CO
Accountant

Testimonial

I am gratified with my progress and can see a favorable difference with my accent. Liz has also found ways for me to improve my English.

Arina Habich
Denver, CO
Architecture

Accent Reduction Classes to Improve Your English

Does your accent cause you frustration when speaking english?
Do you  feel less confident when speaking to people?
Would modifying your accent make a difference with job performance or opportunity?

• Every culture has their own style with how they speak. The first step in reducing your accent and improving your English and pronunciation is learning how to speak your American English in the “American cultural melody style”.
• Every culture has its own style on how much muscular force is placed on sounds. American English does not require as much force. The second step in reducing your accent is learning how to speak American English using the right amount of force and tension for accurate pronunciation.
• The Details:
  The last step in successful accent reduction to improve your American English is learning the missing sounds such as /th/, /r/ or the short vowel /i/ as in “pig”. Pronouncing these sounds correctly is not difficult.

*Learning new habits and applying new behaviors when speaking English.
*Understanding how you are currently pronouncing English that is different from the Standard American English Model.
*Having the motivation and desire to reduce your accent and improve your English.

At your complementary consultation, a speech therapist will take a sample of your English and profile your speech pronunciation and then make a program recommendation. A typical accent reduction course is organized into 12 hour programs. At the end of your class, significant progress is measured and you will have noticeable improvement with your pronunciation and communication skills. Advance courses and short term accent reduction classes are also available.

Your accent reduction class will begin by learning to have awareness with how you pronounce English and how it compares to the American Speech and Communication Model. The goal is to progress you from structured drill to communicating out in the real world quickly through 2 unique approaches. How you use melody and speech rhythm as well as speed is addressed in your training. Specific real-world techniques are blended into your accent reduction program to assist you with transferring your new speech skills out in the community.  Former clients frequently comment that they wished they perused accent reduction sooner.

Speech and Voice Enterprises understands the complexities of accented habits and how they influence your American English and professional communication skills.

• Many accented speakers will substitute sounds. For example, substituting the /t/ or /d/ sound for /th/ as in “tunder” or “dis”.  Learning how to pronounce new speech sounds is covered early in your accent reduction program so you can experience success with improved communication and English skills right away.
• /R/ and /L/ can be challenging sounds for accented speakers. You will learn a step by step plan for correct pronunciation that will make these challenging sounds easier to produce.
• Many accented speakers accidentally turn their voice “off” for ending speech sounds. For example, instead of saying “shoes” with a voiced /z/ ending sound the speaker will pronounce, “shoes” with the voiceless (turned off voice) /s/ sound. Turning “off” voiced ending sounds is a common accented habit.
• American English uses little tension in the neck and facial muscles.  You will learn how to minimize facial tension to avoid pronunciation that sounds too choppy or punched.
• All cultures use melody for speech differently, which is the biggest factor for having accented American English. Many speakers will use the melody from their first language causing their American English to sound foreign. Even when correct American grammar and sounds are used, if the “American” melody is not, then the American speech will sound accented.  Speech and Voice Enterprises will teach you how to speak using American melody that will significantly improve your English.

What Separates Speech and Voice Enterprises
from Other Accent Reduction Classes?

• Since your accent reduction program is custom designed your speech therapist will incorporate your practice into your daily routine so finding time to reinforce your skills is natural! Brief practice that occurs automatically throughout your day is how to turn skills into habits.
• Complementary follow up calls between your accent reduction classes are provided to ensure successful practice and address any new questions before your next appointment.
• Your speech therapist will use specific elements of your professional day or daily routine (i.e., conference calls, meetings, auditions or presentations) into your accent reduction program giving you practical conversational experience.  Feedback from former clients has stated this is the best part of their accent reduction program.
• We position you to use your new communication skills out in the real world by incorporating activities that exist in your professional and personal life, so you will immediately improve your English.

Call today for your complementary accent reduction screening to learn how to lose your accent and improve your English with a program that works!

On Site Accent Reduction Training for Corporations.

Interested in an accent reduction self study program?
Visit the bookstore to purchase Accent Reduction 101 and DVD set.
Visit the Article Library for helpful and interesting information.