Accent Reduction/Neutralization

Learners of English don't all have the same needs.  For some, general group ESL classes will suffice.  Accent Reduction
targets listening and speaking skills for those who rely on spoken communication and want to take it to the next level.
This involves understanding one's own accent, study of a standard North American English accent, correction of pronunciation,
practice and polish and creation of new habits.  Feedback can help learners gain insight into their own strengths and weaknesses.

Analysis of how native speakers really sound is often surprising to students who have learned English mainly from books. For example,
native English speakers reduce words, running them together.

"How are you doing?" sounds like "Hayadooin?"

"Get out of here" sounds like "Gedowdaeer."

No wonder pronunciation is hard to pick up without help.  Words with similar vowel sounds (bit/beat/bet or pop/pup or look/Luke)
can leave learners confused.  When they hear the differences, they can say them correctly.

 If that weren't enough, changing how words are stressed within a phrase can result in different meaning.

E.g. "I went to the white HOUSE" indicates that white is an adjective describing the noun "house".

"I went to the WHITE house" means that famous place in Washington DC.  Some words have been used together so often,
they become set phrases.  In set phrases, the words become fixed to mean one thing or idea.  Another example
of a set phrases is "BLUE jeans"; not "blue JEANS".  

Each language comes with its own sound patterns that native speakers use.  For second language learners, knowing these patters can result in clearer speech and improved comprehension.

Elements of Accent Training Include:

    *   Word Stress
    *   Sentence Stress
    *   Linking
    *   Rhythm
    *   Vowel sounds
    *   Consonant sounds
    *   Pitch Range
    *   Intonation
    *   Speed and volume