Removing Barriers With Accent Reduction

If you have never before heard of accent reduction classes, you may squirm at the thought of intentionally trying to eliminate an accent. However, there is much more to accent reduction than just reducing an accent. Learn more about why many people seek to remove barriers with accent reduction.

Accents Are Unique

Many people are proud of their accents and the way that it can make them stand out. Accents are often tied to an individual’s identity. They are a part of what makes someone unique. They can also sometimes serve as a reminder of the person’s cultural heritage. If accents are so valued, then why would anyone in their right mind try to get rid of it? While the answer can be a complex mixture of factors, for many people the reason is simple. An accent can also serve as a barrier. It can prevent people from achieving successful communication with others. An accent can even reduce an individual's career prospects when it interferes with professional presentation.

Learning A Skill

Everyone in the entire world has an accent. The goal of accent reduction is not to destroy a person’s unique cultural identity and heritage. Instead, English accent training is the process of gaining an entirely new skill. In fact, many are surprised to learn that mastering new speech patterns, they grow to further appreciate the qualities that are unique to their original accent and language. Accent training provides people with the keys to successfully communicate with others. It is up to the individual how these skills are put to use.

Practice Makes Perfect

Learning a second language is a long process that involves plenty of practice and hard work. Perfecting language skills is something most people can spend an entire lifetime on, and still have room for improvement. However, you can make rapid improvements by attending classes. Accent reduction doesn’t have to come gradually. Success can be achieved by choosing an accent coach with experience and a proven track record. Regardless of the skill of your teacher, it will take a significant amount of effort to achieve the best results. The benefits to your hard work will be apparent once you start seeing the response. Accent training can open new doors for anyone who is willing to work for it.

Gaining Confidence

Accent training is for anyone that has ever been in the frustrating scenario of not being able to understand or be understood by other people. It is for anyone that is constantly asked to repeat themselves. It is also for those that are afraid to fully participate in a wide range of events due to the fear of being misunderstood. Having an accent that is difficult to understand can prevent you from engaging in the world around you. Reducing your accent helps you to break down barriers by speaking in a way that is easy for the listener to decipher. It will give you the confidence to put yourself out there, both personally and professionally.

Claudette Roche is a dialect coach who teaches accent reduction in the Los Angeles area. She teaches foreign and American accents to actors and business persons/executives. In 2010 she was named as one of The Top 5 Voice Coaches by Hollywood Weekly Magazine.

Claudette Roche is a dialect coach who teaches accent coach.