Not only in social situations, but also in the business world as well, first impressions are important. It's often difficult for foreign immigrants to blend in the business world due to their foreign accent. When a foreign person speaks with a thick non-American accent it may be difficult for others to understand what they are saying. This accent may be the difference between getting hired for a job, promoted or closing the deal on a large contract.
In an effort to help their employees, many companies are offering software specifically developed to help reduce accents. Anyone that wants to improve their English skills may want to investigate one of these programs. Accent reduction speech software is user friendly so it can be utilized in a home environment situation, but under the supervision of a professional speech therapist the results may prove to be faster and more dramatic.
Software Programs
The typical speech software using the latest online technology will take the student through a series of programmed lessons. Intonation and pronunciation of American specific words are stressed. While video programs are a better choice, some programs come only in audio form. It's better to have a professional speech therapist demonstrate words that are commonly mispronounced. They should teach tongue placement, volume control, sound positioning and more. It's much easier to learn when you see someone audibly demonstrate the correct mouth position rather then simply hear the sound of a word being pronounced.
Practice Makes Perfect
The web cam has become a useful tool in practicing speech and accent control. By capturing a recording of the student pronouncing key words or sounds they then may play back the recording and match it against the correct pronunciation, pointing out areas where improvement is required. This is a good method for at home programs where students see first hand how they measure up. Most speech software programs include pauses or dedicated lessons specifically for practicing accent reduction techniques.
Professional Speech Therapist May Give You An Advantage
Many people that attempt to reduce their accent enlist the help of a professional speech therapist or vocal coach. A growing number of these professionals are using speech software to improve the quality their speech therapy programs and a client's progress. These software programs encourage the students to practice between the face-to-face sessions. The additional sessions dramatically increase the success rate at which clients progress with their accent reduction.
Some software programs will record the student's session and then it can be sent to the speech therapist or vocal coach. After reviewing the recording the coach can offer objective feedback almost instantaneously. The quick turn around helps to correct errors before they become a habit.
About the Author: Christine O'Kelly is an author for SureSpeak, a leading provider of interactive online speech software solutions used by people wishing to improve their communication skills or master accent reduction techniques. |
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