SPEECH IMPROVEMENT AND ACCENT REDUCTION
Clear, efficient speech is a perquisite for communication in the 21st
century. The Voice and Swallowing Center offers specific training in
effective speaking, presentational skills and accent reduction.
It is well known that first impressions are lasting impressions. The clarity of a telephone greeting, the response to a question, the smile that accompanies the greeting all contribute to that lasting impression. Anyone who wants to speak with distinction, articulate with precision and present their message with confidence will benefit from the speech improvement and accent reduction programs of the Voice and Swallowing Center.
Who is a candidate for speech improvement or accent reduction?
All individuals who speak professionally can benefit from a program
of speech improvement or accent reduction. This includes salesman,
executives, actors, secretaries, teachers and clergy. Any one who feels
that the or she needs additional help to clearly articulate their speech
and project their voice can be helped with speech improvement
techniques. People with a strong accent who are asked to repeat or who
want to minimize their accent can also benefit from the program. Any
individual who wants to present himself or herself with a confident
voice, a clear message and a dynamic delivery can improve in a short
time with established techniques.
A motivated individual, time to practice daily and a willingness to
change from the stiffness, rigidity and monotony of his or her existing
speaking style is the primary requisite. The time commitment is minimal
because the practice becomes part of one's daily speaking habits. The
ability to listen and adjust speaking habits is merged into a daily
pattern once the specific aspects of the speech improvement program are
practiced.
What skills are addressed in this program?
� Articulation
� Postures
� Gestures
� Pauses with emphasis
� Speaking rate variations
� Tongue and jaw accuracy
� Eye contact
� Dress and presentation
� Specific exercises depending on the accent to be changed
� Reduction and elimination of stage fright
How long does the program take to see results?
For accent reduction, some people notice changes after 2 or 3 sessions. When the accent is strong, it may take 8-10 sessions. For speech improvement, the number of sessions depends on the goals of the speaker.
Daily practice is blended into the work and social settings as soon
as the client recognized the new versus the "old way" or speaking.
How are the sessions conducted?
Individual sessions are the most common. Each session may last 45
minutes or longer. Group sessions are available for individuals with
similar goals or accents. Corporations or organizations may arrange
sessions for groups at their office site if the goals are similar for
the group.
A thorough evaluation of the speech and voice organs is done at the first visit. A speech profile is identified form this evaluation and a program is outlined based on each individual's needs. Goals are established within a time frame and "brush up" sessions are scheduled once the goals are met.
