People who speak English as a second language are perfecting their accents in English. The New York Times recently wrote an article that America is ready for an accent, as long as it is not too strong. I have coached and trained thousands of people from New York to South America, Asia, Africa and Europe to reduce their accents. This includes television personalities, Fortune 500 executives, actors, entrepreneurs and unemployed people. I love to help people speak better, powerful, more articulate International English.
My hero is Grace Kelly.
Years ago, Grace Kelly worked very hard to tone down her harsh Philadelphia accent so she could become a glamorous movie star (and a princess). She knew her voice had to be beautiful. A strange new device called the tape recorder just came out. The young Grace Kelly, aspiring actress, begged her father to buy it, and she worked for hours, alone and with a coach. Through many hours of hard work, it happened. (Well, it didn't 'happen' she MADE it happen!) Watch her in her movies... wow, does she speak with elegance! Anyone can change their accent, articulation or voice if they know the right techniques, know their problem sounds and know how to correct them. That's why working with an accent coach helps. The rest is up to you. You have to keep practicing. You have to work not to lose the progress you made. You need support of people around you as you change the way you speak. It's a metamorphosis and an exciting process.
How do I describe my coaching clients? One of my colleagues said it before I could:
"People who take accent reduction courses are usually highly motivated individuals who are looking for better job opportunities or promotions, increased social opportunities and better cultural understanding. If this sounds like you, it may be time for you to investigate these kinds of classes." (Susan Ryan, Accent Reduction Coach, Bethesda, Maryland)
This summer, I'm holding intense Accent Reduction Workshops in Miami. If you are not ready for private coaching, take an intensive workshop! Spend an afternoon making your mouth sore from really, really working hard at it. You can assess which sounds and problems you need to work on and learn techniques of how to correct them yourself. Contact me for a free evaluation!
Lisa Jeffery, The "Paramedic Speech Coach" (That's what one of my clients called me!)
