What is accent modification?

The goal of accent modification is to help individuals with mild or strong accents, native speakers with regional dialects, or those in need of general speech improvement to develop clear pronunciation of English.

As opposed to English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, which target building English vocabulary and grammar, this program targets accent modification, focusing on articulation and intonation (the sounds and rhythm of speech).

What can I expect?

• An initial evaluation and tape recording of your speech
• A personalized program based on a phonetic analysis of your speech
• A comprehensive set of practice exercises in a CD-ROM or cassette tape format
• A training manual
• A personal audio reference tape and booklet of words that you feel are particularly important for you to pronounce correctly
• A tape recorded re-evaluation at the end of the program to assess your improvement
• Approximate 50 percent improvement (based on pre- and post-program testing)
• A self-study program for continuing your improvement after finishing the course
• Communication modules

What programs are available?

Both individual and small group programs are available. Each program includes an initial evaluation, instruction by a licensed speech-language pathologist, all training materials, and weekly home assignments.

• Individual programs offer private tutoring sessions on a weekly basis.
• Small group programs offer instruction in small classes (two to five students) on a weekly basis.

Either individual or group sessions are available to meet your specific needs as described below:

• Our eight-week program is designed for individuals with mild accents, native speakers with regional dialects, or those in need of specific speech improvement.
• Our 14-week program is our standard program designed for individuals whose accents impact communication in work and social settings.

Expectations for success: At least one hour of practice daily to maximize results.

What is the focus of the program?

Program focus:

• Intelligibility of sounds at word, sentence, and conversational levels

Communication modules focus:

• Impact of non-verbal communication
• Use of idioms, contractions, and articles of speech
• Rate, intonation, and volume of speech
• Basic presentation skills
• Core professional vocabulary

Whom does the program benefit?

You can benefit from completing an accent modification program if your accent impacts your ability to:

• Communicate effectively with patients, clients, colleagues, or friends
• Be understood without having to repeat yourself
• Feel confident in your communications
• Complete business presentations or meetings
• Communicate effectively on the telephone
• Be promoted in your workplace

Former clients include teachers, medical residents, clergy, and business professionals who needed to maximize communication with students, patients, colleagues, and friends.

What are the benefits?

The benefits of completing an accent modification program include improved:

• Social speaking skills
• Business presentation skills
• Interactions with patients, clients, colleagues, and friends
• Confidence in speaking situations
• Communication in social and business situations

How can I enroll in the program?

To enroll in individual or small group programs, contact Duke Speech Pathology and Audiology at 919-684-6271, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.