Should I really consider an Accent Training Coach?
In this blog post we’ll address a few of the myths about accent modification.
Myth 1. I already spent time and money on learning English, an accent class won't teach me anything new.
Truth: Accent coaches are experts on pronunciation. They work with people who already speak English fluently. The focus is on speaking English clearly to improve personal and professional relationships that open doors for career advancement.
You can attend a session from anywhere as long as you have access to the internet.
Myth 2. I am super busy and don't have time to waste.
Truth: We are all busy! No wasting time in traffic or waiting till it's your turn. No stress from trying to get to a class on time or missing family time or a work meeting! All you have to do is login to our web-conferencing platform. We offer flexible scheduling such as lunch time and evening appointments.
Myth 3. I can't imitate my native English peers, accent training won't work for me.
Truth: Pronunciation involves the muscles of the mouth. Your mouth muscles are used to producing your native language speech sounds which you've practiced your entire life. So your speech muscles move automatically when you speak.
It will take focus, practice, and awareness during your training sessions. Brief periods of purposeful practice and functional practice outside of class will also be key to learning how to control your speech muscles...
Our accent coaches, also speech language pathologists, are clinically trained in the anatomy and physiology of the mouth. They will instruct you to make very specific changes to the movements of your speech muscles to facilitate an American English accent just like a golf pro instructs a golfer to make small changes in his wrist movement to improve a golf swing.
Myth 4. Accent coaching won't make a difference in my communication with native English speakers.
Truth: Just like your speech muscles automatically move in a certain way when when you speak, a native English speaker's ear is expecting to hear certain English speech sounds and rhythm. Their ear becomes confused and the brain has trouble processing the sounds they are hearing in order to recognize the words you are saying.
The listener may not be motivated to repair the communication breakdown because it requires more work to figure out the message you are trying to express.
By pursuing accent training, you are proactively taking over the power of your communication as opposed to passively waiting for your listener to be willing to listen more closely to what you're saying or ask you to repeat yourself.
The many myths of accent modification keep talented individuals who speak English as a foreign language from fully expressing their unique inner voice with confidence.