Accent Modification

Sessions for Individuals or Companies

Accent Modification

Are you not being heard the first time?  Do you find your listeners cannot understand you?  Are your ideas or instructions being misunderstood?  Are you asked to repeat yourself again and again?  Does interaction take twice as long as it should?

In one of our Voice Culture Accent Modification Programmes you will learn the steps to mastering accent modification (sometimes referred to as accent reduction) for your situation.

Your Voice Culture Coach will assist you to be better understood when speaking English by focusing on pronunciation, intonation and oral fluency.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What techniques are used for the training? 

Our qualified Speech Language Therapists are trained in the Compton P-ESL Accent Modification Programme.

The programme has been designed to help you improve your spoken English.  It is designed to teach you which areas of your speech important to change and the ways in which you can make these changes.  The ultimate goal is to replace your existing speech habits with new habit patterns which are used unconsciously and automatically in your everyday speech.  

Q. What is the process of an accent modification programme?

The programme follows three stages.

  • Stage 1 - Hear and discriminate the particular sounds of English which are difficult for you.

  • Stage 2 - Learn to produce your troublesome sounds in single words and sentences and practise hearing and reproducing the rhythms, phrasing, and intonations of New Zealand English.

  • Stage 3 - The transfer phase. This involves habituating your newly acquired pronunciations into everyday conversation. It is the most critical stage and requires breaking down your native language speaking habits of English by extending your practice into natural and real speaking situations.

Q. Why are accents difficult to overcome?

During childhood the ability to learn a new language is at a peak and it occurs quickly, effortlessly and unconsciously.  Unfortunately as we enter young adulthood, it becomes slow, laborious and often frustrating requiring much study and practice.  

Learning new sounds, rhythms, and intonations of a language is a separate process from acquiring the vocabulary and grammar.  

Q. How does compton p-esl differ from conventional english language programmes?

Few English as a Second Language programmes provide the necessary training and support to learn adequate pronunciation skills.  The emphasis is most often on learning the vocabulary and grammar.  The result is that most people learn the grammar and vocabulary but still remain poorly prepared to speak and be understood in their newly acquired language.

The Compton programme is based on over 30 years of linguistic research and teaching and it has been designed specifically to aid people with foreign accents to improve their spoken English. 

Q. What training options are available to me?

All of our Accent Modification programmes are conducted online via video conferencing platforms. After your initial assessment your therapist will let you know how many sessions will be required. You will also be given practice activities to work on in-between sessions.


P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are 3 ways we can help you…

  1. Download the information pack to learn more. Click here

  2. Schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation with one of our therapists. Click here

  3. Book your initial appointment. Click here