Accent Modification Toronto
What does this mean?
And what does changing your pronunciation and intonation mean?
losing a part of your identity?
Accents - we hear them every day. Every one of us has an accent - and we should be proud of it —an accent tells people we are bilingual or trilingual - or where in the world we come from.
However when it comes to defining the word “ accent” we sometimes struggle pinpointing exactly what it means.
What actually is an accent? An accent is made up of many components, including:
Let's look at “tone”. Did you know that the interpretation of your message can change depending on which words you stress in a sentence, and also your tone of voice?
Try it out for yourself! Try the following sentence, for example:
“I never said she was late”
Read this sentence several times, but each time you read it try putting emphasis on a different word. The meaning of the sentence changes each time, depending on the word you choose to emphasize.
Our stressed words communicate the message!
Effective Accent Reduction Training in Toronto
What is accent modification and why would someone want to modify their accent?
Accents are a part of our first language, culture, and identity.
However, mispronunciation or intonation errors can prevent others from understanding your true meaning. Many aspects of your productivity come from external influences, including how receptive people are to your ideas and input. If you are not properly understood, communication barriers can lead to misunderstanding and ultimately difficulty in reaching your goals.
How often do you say something critical in a meeting or interview, and are met with a blank expression indicating that your comment was not really received? When you are understood the first time you speak, listeners will value your ideas more quickly.
Toronto Accent modification focuses on ensuring that your comments are understood and appreciated the first time you speak.
Does accent reduction mean giving up part of your identity?
Contrary to what many believe, accent modification is not aimed at making people lose their native accent.
Our accent modification services will allow you to sound strong, clear, and confident when you speak, and be clearly understood by others. It can help reduce miscommunication and assist in many areas, including job interviews, presentations, and promotion negotiation. Our speech language pathologists specialize in addressing communication difficulties, accent adjustment, voice quality, clear speech, and speaking English with clarity.
I am a native speaker of English - does accent improvement apply to me?
Surprisingly it can!
How did British actor Benedict Cumberbatch star in Dr. Strange speaking in a North American accent? How about when American actress Meryl Streep spoke in a British accent to play Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady? Actors undergo an accent modification program constantly for their roles.
Now maybe you’re not an actor, but regional accents can impact how well perceived your message is. If you speak with a heavy regional accent, it can be hard to understand for some people from a different region. Our speech language pathologist who focuses less on pathology and more on upgrading your communication skills, can help you refine your accent and improve your overall speech clarity.
How do I know if this is something for me?
Sometimes, you might not even recognize that your accent is impacting your communication! By speaking to a speech language therapist, you can receive a communication assessment and a personalized framework to help you speak clearly, confidently, and powerfully.
Working on your North American accent training can help you feel “heard”. Contact us today to learn how we can curate a customized plan for you.
Searching for “speech therapy near me”? All of our sessions are online now, ready to help you from the comfort of your home.
