Clear Accent Speech Therapy
Learn to Speak Confidently, Be Heard and Be Understood with Our Accent Reduction Training
Virtual and In-Person speech therapy sessions are available
What is an Accent?
Accents make up part of our personal identity. They show our unique background. Some people have regional accents, like a Southern drawl or a Boston accent. Nonnative English speakers use the stress, rhythm patterns, word choice and grammar patterns of their first language.
For example: Some speakers may feel like the pitch and rhythm of their English is flatter than a native speaker. Each multi-syllable word in English has 1 syllable that is stressed. Using word stress makes words easy for your listeners to recognize and makes the “rhythm” English.
They also use tongue and lip movements of that language.
For example: Many speakers sometimes use /s/ or /z/ instead of “th”? For example, they might say “sink” instead of “think.”
A Pronunciation Problem that has a high impact on clarity: if you leave sounds off the ends of words, this makes many of your words unclear. It also makes you sound like you have poor grammar because you leave off plural /s/ and past tense endings too, for example, “two shoe” and “trade” vs. “traded”. This also makes things confusing for your listener because you are leaving out important information.
Our Services
Speech-Language Pathologist with over 20 years of experience in adult rehabilitation, including speech clarity
training,language and cognitive therapy and dysphagia(swallowing disorders) therapy.
Does Your Accent Cause You Trouble?
While an accent can be a source of pride, it can also be a source of frustration if others have trouble understanding you during communication. Sometimes it can affect job performance, self-esteem or even your social life.
Is your speech getting in the way of your job advancement? Then Clear Accent Speech Therapy can help you.
Do your clients, co-workers or friends at college frequently ask you to repeat what you are saying? If they focus more on the speech than what is said, then it becomes important to learn how to communicate more clearly.
Do your employees in your company who speak English as a second language often have to repeat themselves? Do you want your customers to better understand you or your employees’ communication about your products or services? Then Clear Accent Speech Therapy can help those staff members.
Would You Like to Modify Your Accent?
No one accent is better than another. It is important to know that accents are NOT a speech or language disorder. However, some may find it helpful to gain an edge on the business competition through our speech therapy program via ZOOM.
Physicians and nurses would find it a good idea to improve the clarity of their speech to improve their communication in the medical setting. Salespeople, professors and Attorneys may also get their point across better with improved grammar and clearer speech.
With hard work and practice, one can learn how to change the way they say words and learn the different grammar of American English. Changing your accent is also known as ACCENT REDUCTION. The fastest way to improve is with the help of a trained Speech-Language Pathologist.
How Can CLEAR ACCENT SPEECH THERAPY Help?
During the first session, a skilled Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) in California will ask you questions about your background and the different places you have lived that have formed your accent. We will be getting to know one another and creating a schedule that works for both of us.
Then the next session, we will get started evaluating your sounds, pronunciation of American English in words, sentences, conversation and reading. We will also evaluate your rate of speech, grammar, stress and intonation before creating an individual plan for you. We will discuss your specific goals for accent modification or accent reduction therapy in California.
During treatment, your therapist will watch your tongue placement in your mouth when you talk as you say words and sentences. She will then tell you adjustments that you need to make, and the incorrect patterns in your speech. You will have individual ACCENT MODIFICATION TUTORING designed to meet your needs.
One of the benefits of speech therapy in California is that you’ll get conversational practice with a native English speaker. If your friends have accents, it may be hard to experience how the language should sound. You can practice the intonation, or the natural flow of English conversation. Conversation and speech therapy training in California will really boost your confidence. The more chances you have to converse with a native speaker, the better you will feel when speaking in any situation.
Changing an accent, especially when you are an adult, is hard work. It will take dedication and lots of practice. It is suggested that you put in 30-45 minutes of daily practice for at least 6 months to hear a difference in natural conversation. We can also meet on a weekly basis.
To modify accented speech, we emphasize perception, visual and tactile awareness of sound production and knowledge of grammatical patterns in the English language. We will work on helping the listener be able to pay attention to your carefully prepared content rather than to your accent. Since your company relies on clear communication, we can incorporate work-related words and materials into the program. Exercises are also provided for home practice after each session. When you talk to someone on the phone, when you greet someone on the street/in the store, greet someone in a meeting you can practice. After the last session, you will take a final assessment. You will receive a final report to see how you have improved, with a practice plan for long-term carry-over.
Accent Modification/ Accent Reduction Training in California
If you have ever stopped to listen to the people around you, chances are you have noticed the incredible diversity in the way they speak. Even if two people are conversing in English, they might sound different. This is because of their accent. So, why does this happen? Variations in accents are a result of people coming from different parts of the country and different corners of the world.
Everyone speaks with an accent. If you are from the US, you will have an American accent. And depending on where you are from in the US, your accent might vary. For instance, there is the Southern accent, Californian accent, Bostonian accent, New Yorker accent, and so much more. Non-native speakers also have their own accents.
Our accent makes us unique. There may be, however, certain situations when it can prove to be a hindrance in effective communication. It can lead to miscommunication. It can also be a source of embarrassment or frustration.
Accent modification or accent reduction in California is a service sought by individuals who wish to change or modify their accents. This is largely due to their need or desire to be understood more clearly. It also helps them increase confidence and clarity of communication.
At Clear Accent Speech Therapy, we offer accent modification training, which includes training in pronunciation, grammar, intonation, expressions, word stress, and more.
Speech Therapy Program
If someone is suffering from impaired speech or language due to stoke or any health issues or has swallowing disorders, speech therapy training can be immensely beneficial for them. At Clear Accent Speech Therapy, you will work with skilled, trained, and experienced professionals who can help you overcome a wide range of speech and communication difficulties.
Speech therapy is designed to help you articulate better, modify your accent, improve word-finding and comprehension, reduce stuttering, improve swallowing, among others.
Work With a Speech Therapist in California
I am a skilled Speech-Language Therapist in California with over 20 years of experience in accent modification, adult rehabilitation, including speech training, language and cognitive therapy, and dysphagia (swallowing disorders) therapy. When those who learn English as a second language communicate at work, around town, or on the phone, they may find it difficult to be understood. I can help them with correcting sound substitutions, intonation, grammar, and conversation through speech pathology in California. People who have had strokes may also have difficulty communicating and a skilled speech therapist can help you express yourself and understand others. Children with delayed speech often benefit from therapy.
Let me help you improve your communication. May work after hours.
clearaccent.net
Jennifer Jourdain, M.S., CCC-SLP #9005
