Accent Modification
Speech Therapy CO believes strongly in improving communication skills while maintaining each client’s unique cultural identity. Individualized Accent Modification and Reduction sessions help clients learn to communicate using American English speech sounds, grammar, vocabulary, intonation, and body language to meet their unique communication needs.
Who we work with
Speech Therapy CO has experience working with medical professionals, executives, sales and marketing teams, educators, actors, and the technology sector. Accent modification sessions are offered individually as well as in large and small group settings.
Goals & Benefits
- Improve speech clarity
- Improve naturalness of speech
- Advance communication skills
- Increase confidence
- Enhance social connections
- Reduce intercultural communication barriers
How do you determine what sounds to target?
Your clinician will consult with you to understand your personal goals and learning style. Then, an in-depth assessment will be completed in which multiple speech samples are collected and then transcribed. After transcribing the samples an individualized plan is created outlining the goals and process based on the sounds and speech patterns that have the most influence on your accent or dialect.
How long does it take?
After your initial assessment, each session is 60 minutes in length. Depending on your learning style, commitment outside of direct sessions, and the number of speech sounds and communication behaviors that need to be addressed, programs range on average from 12 – 20 sessions.
Why is my accent so hard to change by my self?
Every language has a unique set of sounds that a native speaker develops from birth. Often a language will have sounds that do not exist in Standard American English or will not have a sound that is present in Standard American English.
In adulthood, the brain has established a rigid speech sound rule system. Even those who have lived in the United States for years may struggle to reduce their accent without specialized training. This is because as the individual attempts to produce a sound that is not part of their native language, despite their best efforts their brain might be “helping” them by adjusting the sound or speech pattern to match one that is commonly used in their native language.
With the correct training and practice, achieving a new accent is possible and often happens surprisingly easily. It is also very rewarding and opens up many doors of opportunity.