Regional Accent Reduction Classes
Eliminate the Distraction of Where You are From. Focus on What You Want to Say with Our Regional Accent Reduction Classes
Looking for Regional Accent Reduction Class? Online or Onsite in Denver
Never deal with speech and voice distractions again because of a regional-sounding accent.
Many regional accented speakers comment on the frustration of being told that their accent “sounds so cute” when they want the focus to be on professional matters. Regardless of if you are from Texas or New York, a regional accent has distinct features that are often perceived as distracting. You can learn how to speak with a more neutral and standard style of American English and with less nasal resonance in a matter of a few weeks. A regional accent reduction class is more about voice placement and oral resonance and less about specific speech sounds.
Imagine speaking with clear and influential English, free from distraction, as you lead meetings, deliver presentations, and negotiate.
Why Us
- Instruction by Liz Peterson, M.A., CCC-SLP speech-language pathologist for over two decades and operating a Denver practice for over 10 years.
- Author of Accent Reduction 101: Speaking English in the American and Cultural Business Style 4th Ed. (2003) included in your program.
- Work with hundreds of clients wanting to reduce their accents and national trainer to speech therapists who want to learn how to reduce accents to offer these services in their practices.
Private Regional Accent Reduction Classes
4-Sessions Speech and Voice Clarity Program
- Speak with Standard American Intonation. Improved clarity in 3 weeks.
- Speak from your stronger and more powerful voice placement.
- Speak with oral resonance, not nasal.
- Elimination of regional accented traits such as speaking with upward inflection on vowel sounds or large glides and slides.
8- Sessions Full Regional Accent Reduction Program
Everything from the 4 sessions classes plus:
- Learn misarticulated consonant sounds such as /th/, /ing/, or /er/ and some vowel sounds with too much influence from the region.
- Diaphragm breathing for clear communication.
- Eliminate a thin, nasal, and high-pitch-sounding voice.
- Rehearsal of presentations, meetings, and anything functional for you.
Corporate Clients
Look What Former Clients Say about Working with Us!
“I wanted to speak with a deeper voice. I had a squeaky voice. Liz has helped to get into my optimal pitch and sound more relaxed, refined and intelligent. I am aware of how my voice sounds and I got rid of the up-tones. She is fun and makes you feel comfortable. I was so nervous to work with her. She made it easy. This training will have a lasting difference.”
“Liz has helped me to sound so much better when I meet with important people. I had a big meeting with a school superintendent and my boss thought I would sound nervous. But she said I sounded confident and I did because I was using my new skills. Liz understood the struggles I was going through. She has a program but if you need other help with anything related to communication or leadership, she will give it to you. She will check up on you. She really cares about her clients. “
Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation
We are excited to learn about your goals and together we will select a class that will best meet your needs. We can start the process today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Standard American English?
Standard American English is defined that, when spoken, a listener cannot identify the origin or region of the speaker. This is because the speech pattern is from a “standard” or generic model. News and sports broadcasters are good examples of Standard American Speech.
Why are there so many dialects in the United States?
During the early settlement in America, different communication patterns for American English, known as dialects, were established. In fact, when settlers were first establishing their lives, different dialects could be detected about every 50 miles across the United States.
What is resonance and why does it matter when it comes to a regional accent?
Resonance has to deal with where the voice is “placed” and that is cultural. Neutral and clear-sounding speech is spoken with oral resonance where speech sounds are placed in the mouth cavity. Many regional speakers have too much nasal resonance placing speech in the nasal cavity which gives it the regional sound quality.
What does voice placement have to do with a regional accent reduction program?
Vocal pitch is often described as being placed into two categories: Habitual and optional pitch. Habitual pitch is your normal speaking voice and no one ever really thinks about that placement. For regional accents, it is often placed too high causing a thin, high-in-pitch sounding voice quality. Optimal pitch is the place in the lower throat where the voice functions at its best producing tones that are rich, strong and pure in tone quality. Regional accented speakers typically communicate from the habitual voice range.
What is intonation and why is it important for reducing a regional accent?
Intonation is the rhythm, cadence, and melody patterns for speech, and it is cultural within the United States. American intonation has moving pitch patterns and the vowel sounds should be said flat, without a rise in pitch as seen in southern speakers. Vowel sounds should also be said with ease and not involve over-punching from the back of the throat, which can be observed with speakers from the eastern region of the United States. Often with regional accents, some vowel sounds are pronounced outside of the Standard American Speech Model, which can be corrected.