Frequently Asked Questions
- Who benefits from an accent training course?
- How much will it cost?
- Where are the classes offered?
- Do you provide individual or group training?
- Do you work with people from all countries?
- Is the training program the same for all non-native speakers?
- Is my training covered through my medical insurance?
- Does this program work for people within the U.S. who have regional dialects?
- Can I make improvement by just listening to tapes or studying by myself?
- Do you offer phone training?
- How much improvement will I make after my training?
- How much English should I know in order to take the training?
- What happens after I’m done with my training?
Links to Accent Reduction Resources
- Go to Links
1. Who benefits from an accent training course?
This course benefits people who are non-native English speakers who wish to improve their Standard American English speaking. Whether it be for personal or professional reasons, speaking with more clarity assists an individual with the ability to clearly communicate with anyone on a daily basis.
2. How much will it cost?
The cost of the program depends upon the specific program that an individual receives. Please contact us and we will be happy to provide you with the cost of training, tuition and materials.
3. Where are the classes offered?
Group training programs are offered in-house at your company or at your educational institution. Individual training is conducted via webcam (SKYPE).
4. Do you provide individual or group training?
We provide American Accent Bootcamp classes for groups of 12-15 people. See our Accent Reduction Training page for details.We also provide in-house and on-site group trainings for companies and educational organizations.
5. Do you work with people from all countries?
Yes. We work with any individual who would like to improve their Standard American English speaking. The program used by AAI is customized and geared toward any individual who is a non-native or U.S. regional dialect speaker.
6. Is the training program the same for all non-native speakers?
Yes and no. Although all individuals using the accent reduction program will go through the same scope and sequence of the curriculum, all individuals receiving training will have a customized program after completing an in-depth evaluation at the onset of the program.
7. Is my training covered through my medical insurance?
No. Insurance companies only cover the cost of training if there is an existing speech disability.
8. Does this program work for people within the U.S. who have regional dialects?
Yes. This program works well for individuals residing in various regions of the United States. In fact, the seven week program is often perfect for those individuals residing in various regions of the U.S.
9. Can I make improvement by just listening to tapes or studying by myself?
Listening to tapes and studying independently limits the amount of customized instruction that you would receive from a certified trainer. A professional is trained to not only properly evaluate your speaking patterns and differences, but provide you with a customized program based on analysis results. In addition, the trainer provides you with ongoing feedback and speech modification techniques that will ensure your success.
10. Do you offer phone training?
Not at this time. Our philosophy is that the individual receiving training needs to be able to not only hear the training, but also see the trainer's face as this assists with the exact way in which a sound is made. There are many different mouth positions that include specific tongue, lips and jaw movements that make telephone training so difficult. In addition, there are auditory limitations to phone instruction that make it challenging for the client in making the necessary changes in their speech.
11. How much improvement will I make after my training?
Most individuals who fully complete the training and assignments demonstrate at least a 50% improvement in the post evaluation. Many individuals who receive the training and complete the daily assignments have also shown up to 75% improvement.
12. How much English should I know in order to take the training?
You should be able to understand and read an English passage equivalent to a sixth grade reading level. This typically includes articles in newspapers and magazines.
13. What happens after I’m done with my training?
Each training program and course will provide you with all the necessary tools in order to continue with your speaking success. The amount of ongoing progress directly correlates with the time that you put into your individual practice. Many individuals may continue to practice their speaking using the techniques and materials taught to them through their training course. It is always beneficial for clients to continue using the strategies taught to them in their training program.
Links to additional Accent Reduction Resources
- www.800language.com - Dedicated towards providing continuing education seminars to speech professionals. Also has an extensive database of certified Compton P-ESL trainers across the U.S.
- www.asha.org - The national headquarters for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
- www.csha.org - The state headquarters for the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
- www.corspan.org - Home of the Corporate Speech Pathology Network which provides information about accent modification and a data base of speech pathologists around the country who provide training.
- www.ajcomptonpesl.com - Institute The Institute of Language & Phonology: Research Division.