Accent Modification

Having to repeat yourself can be tiresome and frustrating. How can accent work help?

Our accent is intrinsically linked to our sense of identity, and the diversity of accents in spoken English is part of what makes our language so rich and interesting. The world would be a very dull place if we all sounded like BBC news readers. However, as individuals, we have many reasons for wanting to amend the way we speak. It often boils down to the simple desire to be better understood. Truly effective communication requires the speaker to produce sounds that are effortlessly recognisable to their listener.

Accent Modification tuition helps you to make subtle adjustments to your speech that result in improved clarity, whilst allowing you to embrace your natural accent. As your coach, my mission is to help you find your unique, clear and confident speaking voice, in the way that feels most authentic to you.

Who can benefit from accent modification?

My coaching is designed for fluent English speakers, and aims to guide your accent towards what we call Standard Southern British English (sometimes referred to as RP). Many of my clients speak English as an additional language, but I can also help more broadly with pronunciation difficulties and clarity where English is the person’s native tongue.

How does it work?

Your first session will focus on accent analysis, exploring your habitual sounds, patterns and intonation. We will then go on to cover the following areas:

·      Appraisal – identifying your existing strengths and areas that need development

·       Agenda setting – establishing your speech aspirations and putting in place a structured plan

·       Pronunciation – getting to grips with hallmark speech sounds in Standard Southern British English

·       Prosody – exploring the tonality and flow of your target accent

·       Oral placement – attending to the physiological aspects of producing sounds that are unfamiliar to you

·       Ear tuning – aural training and mimicry

·       Repetition – using your new skills in conversation until they sit effortlessly in your muscle memory

Session Costs

My fee is £75 +VAT per 50 minute session. The total number of sessions recommended will depend on various factors, but it is realistic to expect that you will require at least five sessions to achieve lasting change. These can be conducted online over Microsoft Teams, or at your home or office in Hertfordshire or Central London. Additional fees may apply to cover travel costs.

To book a free 15 minute chat to discuss your needs, click here.