• Overview
  • Program Details
  • Foreign-born Clients
  • US-born Clients
  • FAQ

[return to overview]

Accent Reduction Study – Why you need to improve your English Pronunciation

In 2001, we undertook a study in Palo Alto, the heart of Silicon Valley, located in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. We taped five different Silicon Valley professionals – Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, Argentine, German – and asked them to talk about their work for about 1 minute. All of the speakers on the tape had a distinct accent, and, they were all fully employed in Silicon Valley industries.

We played this tape to Anglo American employers in Silicon Valley and asked them to tell us whether they would hire the speakers and on what level. The results were that 100% of the employers interviewed would not hire the professionals with the very strong accents, and, if they were hired at all, they would only be employed in a low to mid range job in the company.

Accent Reduction Instruction For Individuals

Classes cover:

  • an initial language assessment
  • teaching you how to read phonics
  • understanding consistent speech patterns (slow vs. rapid speech)
  • practicing precise enunciation – making sure all sounds are heard
  • learning the correct word stress – American English stresses words differently than Indian English does, for example
  • correct pronunciation – even a little deviation can result in not being understood
  • spoken consonants – most consonants are voiced and if you don’t say them, you will not be understood
  • professional terminology of your field – making lists of typical words you use with customers or Boards of Directors
  • understanding and learning sport’s metaphors, TV jargon and idiomatic expressions

Methodology

The first session begins with analyzing your pronunciation problems and identifying the actual sounds which cause listeners to have trouble understanding you. You will be video taped giving a presentation you have recently given or a conversation you have had with customers. While taping you, we carefully look at your speech patterns, write down your mistakes and give you a list to begin working from. You will receive a DVD to analyze and learn from at home.

Then, we look at the areas which you want to focus on. We work on improving your speaking better in meetings, talking on the phone, giving presentations, and in conference calls – the ultimate test.

You bring in the materials which have the vocabulary you use most when you speak and we lead you in mastering the sounds which are the most bothersome.

Over the next sessions, we work with you on your future projects or on projects or presentations you have given, but that you want to improve. In addition, we help you write your reports, presentations and phone scripts to make sure you haven’t included sounds (like the /l/, /r/ sounds for Asians) that are very hard for you to say — unless the words are part of your job or company description, and then we make sure you know how to pronounce them.

At the end of our training, we compare your initial performance with your last one.The results we have had with our clients are very positive and they do see a remarkable and notable difference (see testimonials).

Length

Usually, ten to twelve sessions are enough to take care of the most obvious problem areas. Many clients take a break of a few months and then come back for some tune-ups, which we recommend. This check up is really necessary, because bad habits often creep up and coming in for evaluations lets you know what you have retained and what you still want to work on. After our tune up sessions, we video tape you again and you will be amazed at the transformation and difference between the first time you came to us compared to what you see and hear now.

Accent Reduction Instruction for Groups

Classes cover:

  • individual language assessment
  • consistent speech patterns (slow vs. rapid speech)
  • precise enunciation – especially speaking consonants clearly
  • correct word stress – differentiating between nouns and verbs (/to record/ versus /the record/)
  • difficult American sounds
  • correct pronunciation of frequently used words
  • correct word order
  • spoken word ‘middles’ and endings
  • pitfalls in American English
  • phrasal verbs – understanding the difference among: put up, put through, put in, put out
  • correct professional terminology of clients’ fields
  • sports’ metaphors, idiomatic expressions, and TV jargon

Method

In the first sessions, we let people speak freely and then make a list of sounds which are hard for them to produce, and which are hard for others to understand. Students are videotaped as well as recorded on a tape recorder. The text they use can either be chosen by us; it can be something they like to recite/read, a description of their job responsibilities or a topic with which they have had prior problems.

We use these accent reduction sessions to put together successful presentations, phone call templates and improve your general well being. We individualize the instruction as much as possible to keep motivation and interest high and to make the lessons worthwhile and meaningful to the participants.

Student Activities

Students receive a list of sounds that are difficult for them according to where they are from (ex: China, Germany, India and so on)and a list of words to practice; they are also encouraged to tape themselves and keep track of their own progress. We look at tapes spoken by TV anchors or other public figures using excellent speech to analyze why they sound good and why other people don’t.

Depending on the make-up of the class, we group students by language groups and let them practice with each other – using jokes, nursery rhymes, tongue twisters, music and other stimulating materials we give them or which they bring to class.

It is easier to have lively, oral participation of all students if they come from the same language background but we can form groups of similar accents and have teams help each other pronounce words better.

The classes are geared to the group which is being taught and materials are used which fit that particular group i.e. we wouldn’t read American poetry with a group of Chinese engineers. The point is to be flexible.

We have also used these accent reduction classes to talk about problems individuals are having with US business culture.

Make up session – we come to the company and give make-up lessons individually or pay more attention to the student who missed a session during regular sessions.However, there will be an additonal charge for these make up sessions.

Length Of Class

It is our experience that our group work will take about 10 – 12 weeks depending on available time – to focus intensely on reducing visible and troublesome aspects of individual accents.

Setting up a class lasting several weeks makes sense and the time frame depends on the speed of students’ progress and their time available. Students get better results if they have classes in succession, and also if they are committed to improving by doing the necessary “homework”.

Minimum number of students: 5

Maximum number of students: 8 – 10

We look forward to discussing with you how we can work together to help you achieve your group’s goals.

Please contact us for immediate answers to your questions.

Interview Coaching for Success :

International and US job seekers frequently make the mistake of not preparing correctly for the interview questions. There are methods and techniques that can be learned quickly and which make all the difference when interviewing for a job. Interview coaching can be done in a few, intensive sessions as well as over a longer period of time.

Foreign Accent Reduction Coaching :

Executives are coached in the particular vocabulary of their businesses until they sound good and are easily understood. This kind of coaching takes place initially in one on one sessions and can be continued through phone coaching in which the vocabulary that has been recently mastered is then reinforced.

Presentation Training :

Foreign-born as well as American executives have an opportunity to view their presentations with the help of our coaches and through focused practice become relaxed, convincing and excellent speakers.

Branding Yourself Strategically :

Successful entrepreneurs have learned how to stand out from the crowd by having developed a strong personal brand – nowadays this includes social media channels. Today, in this difficult economic situation, you need to know who you are and how to “sell” yourself in person and also online. It is really in your power to brand yourself effectively showing your uniqueness and how you differentiate yourself from others

Cross Cultural Coaching :

Individuals and teams are coached in the finer aspects of doing business in the US while they make decisions based on understanding the cultural elements that are an integral part of these processes.

Networking in the USA :

Many executives come from countries in which networking takes place through business connections that are based on traditions or family ties; in the US, networking for business and social contacts is a way of life. We show our clients how to adapt to the networking techniques that work here in the Silicon Valley.

Workshop Variations – Cross Cultural Experiences or Confrontations? :

This is a workshop that has been given in this form, or, companies have taken the sections they needed for their individual departments. It combines several of the services we provide such as foreign accent reduction, networking in the Silicon Valley, understanding verbal and non-verbal communication forms in the US and preparing for effective business meetings the American way.

Media Training :

Our media training workshops prepare executives to present their products and services to the media in a coherent, crisp and clear manner.

Certificate Programs are avaible at request. These programs are specifically put together to meet the requirements of individual corporations.

Foreign-born Executive Training :

As foreign-born executives, you need to achieve the self confidence in the US that you have in your native country and language. With intensive, focused training, you will look and sound as good in English as you do in your native environment.

What kinds of Clients do we have? :

  • Executives who want to adjust their communication styles to foster better relations and understanding within their management groups
  • International professionals with limited previous exposure to U.S. idiomatic speech and business writing who are looking to communicate effortlessly within their companies
  • Professionals who can’t advance quickly in their careers due to difficulties communicating their ideas in a way that is acceptable to people around them
  • Management teams struggling with obvious or unrecognized multi-cultural communications’ challenges

Outcomes :

  • Communication skills are more positive, effective and accurate
  • Greater confidence to produce written documents that are effective communication tools
  • More relaxed interpersonal communication once individuals know that their accents present no barriers to others understanding them
  • Your ideas will be validated and you will be a more valuable member of the team and be able to participate fully in any and all discussions.


As you know, your effectiveness at work depends not on just excellent technical knowledge in your workplace, but that you are able to communicate understandably and in a way that other people consider culturally appropriate.

US Executive Training :

Angelika Blendstrup, Ph.D. and the management team specialize in individualized business communications services. They work with executives in large and small corporations assisting them in improving their written and oral communications skills, as well as preparing them for media interviews and how to write and give effective presentations.

Blendstrup & Associates provide personalized communication training, enhancing their clients ability to speak and act in a way that is both beneficial to themselves as well as their team. This involves looking at the kind of images that are being affected through oral as well as body language.

Angelika and her team develop a comfortable environment, in which clients can freely express themselves, and are challenged to acquire the finest possible communication skills to enhance their careers. The team also works with companies’ international management teams to resolve challenges, which can arise due to misconceptions or insensitivities. The focus is on identifying each member’s work styles and assuring that other members are aware of and appreciate the differences.

Having worked with executive clients in a large variety of companies, Blendstrup & Associates is in tune with the sensitive situations that can rise within a company or in individual management teams. Their materials are developed to suit the diverse needs of individuals or groups.

We help you invest in your success and control your business future. Some of our program highlights are:

Mastering Presentation and Delivery Skills :

  • Quickly writing an outline of the proposed talk
  • Adapting regional language to California speech
  • Rehearsing the written script by not reading from it
  • Filming and practicing the delivery

Understanding foreign Cultures – both abroad and at home :

  • Adapting language to avoid misunderstandings
  • Understanding multi-cultural teams and different work styles
  • Recognizing body language
  • Being knowledgeable in other countries’ history and geography
  • Establishing contacts/networking

Media Interview Training :

  • Preparing journal/newspaper specific materials
  • Setting interview goals
  • Sticking to pre-planned points
  • Rehearsing the delivery

Sales Pitch Training :

  • Learning to formulate ideas in a short time
  • Writing the ‘story board’
  • Rehearsing the delivery
  • Timing the presentation
  • Interpreting non-verbal feedback from your audience

Cross Cultural Training :

  • Identifying the important points of a particular culture
  • Isolating areas of contention – what’s really important in every culture
  • Conducting confidential interviews
  • Facilitating group sessions – what are the important insights necessary to be able to work together efficiently?

Encountering new Cultures – with Focus on Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Asia :

  • Understanding essential language
  • Building a local network
  • Understanding social interactions
  • Developing safe business travel habits


To find out more information, please contact us.

Why do I need accent reduction coaching?

In spite of the many foreign accents in the US, it is important to be understood well. Your colleagues will appreciate understanding you easily and being able to concentrate on the real issues and not guessing at what you might have said.

[Top]

Will I lose my accent totally?

It is unlikely and really unnecessary that you lose your accent totally. Unless you are very musical and spend hours each day working on changing and adapting sounds in your speech, you will be able to improve greatly, but not sound completely like a native. And you don’t need to in this envrionment.

[Top]

What does the accent reduction coaching involve?

In our one-on-one coaching, we take the most frequently used vocabulary that you use in your job (or in other important areas) and go through it to make sure that all words are correctly pronounced and that the emphasis is on the right syllable.
In addition, we video tape and burn DVDs of your sessions, so that you can watch your progress and see what sounds you still need to work on.
We keep track of what you say during the session and then record your “homework” vocabulary on a recording device for you to work with every day.
The same procedures are used for group sessions.
Phone coaching follows the same guidelines, but without the video taping unless we use webcams.

[Top]

How long will the training take?

This depends on your accent and your overall English competency. In general 8 – 10 sessions will take care of many accent issues that make it harder for you to be understood or to express yourself well.
However, you need to realize that in most cases we are working on changing speech habits and not on learning basic English. Most of our clients are on an executive level and their overall English skills are very good (vocabulary and grammar). If you have not spoken English as long or still often work in your native language, training might take up to 12 sessions, but that is rare.
Group sessions generally take 10 — 12 sessions so that everyone can receive the individual attention he/she needs.
It is important to take the lessons consecutively, once a week, so that you remain aware of how you speak and work on improving your sounds. However, if you need to travel, it won’t hurt if you go for a short while after an intial 4 week coaching.

[Top]

Do you work on grammar and written English as well?

Yes, if you make consistent grammatical errors, we will give you structured exercises to correct them. We also work on your writing styles. Clients bring their writings with them — emails, white papers, PPT presentations – and we go through them identifying the incorrect language patterns. Once it is clear what has to be improved, we develop independent exercises for you to practice and do as homework. We also alert you to any cultural faux pas you may be making in the tone and structure of your writings.
In addition, we offer coaching sessions on hitting just the right tone in your written messages, so that you don’t appear to be too abrupt or even impolite.

[Top]

Do you have a fixed curriculum?

Unless grammar or writing is involved, it is an adaptive curriculum. Each accent reduction session is geared to you personally so that general handouts may not fit your needs. We listen to you, and teach you skills and techniques that will lead you to your own personal success.
We do have handouts with language information, helpful tips and ideas and they are used to supplement our training. These give you reading and practice materials for work outside of our sessions and can be used to keep up your newly acquired level of expertise.

[Top]

What are the stages I will go through in the accent reduction process?

First, you will consciously hear that you are saying words differently or incorrectly. Then — and that is an important step — you will be able to correct yourself — even after you have said the sounds incorrectly, again.
Next, you will be able to anticipate that the word (which previously had been a problem) you are going to use is coming up and you will say it correctly.
Last, you will have adopted the correct way to speak and that will become part of your normal speech pattern.

[Top]

How much will I improve?

85% of the executives we coach move on to higher responsibilities or are promoted to the next level because of their having worked with us. You will become confident that how you speak is correct and people around you listen to what you say and not how you say it. In all of the years we have coached clients how to reduce their accents, no one has failed to reach the level of expertise they wanted to if they actively worked at it.

[Top]

What happens after the sessions are over, how do I keep the improvements I’ve made?

The good news is that once you have completed a course, you will know how to correct any mistakes you make by yourself. In order to keep up your improvements, it is important that you have developed a discipline of speaking consciously and also of listening to yourself — whether on the phone or speaking to someone in person.
If you do this regularly, you will not go backwards and get back into the — often lazy — speech habits you had before the training.
The best way to keep up your new speech is to have another brush up session, two months after the training, ie.taking a refresher class. Then, do the same thing 2-3 months after that and so on until you have developed the habit of speaking with the new sounds and they come naturally to you.

[Top]

How long are the individual sessions?

Usually they take one hour. The sessions are so full of information and your active participation that an hour is enough time for you to progress very well. However, if you want, or you come from far away, you can also have longer sessions. Two or three day individual, intensive training sessions are also available. In fact, these intensive sessions bring quick, new insights and lasting changes.
It is important to take the lessons consecutively, once a week, so that you remain aware of how you speak and work on improving your sounds. However, if you need to travel, it won’t hurt if you go for a short while without a lesson after an initial 4 week coaching.

[Top]

Can I study by myself if I just don’t have the time to come regularly or live far away?

We can make a phone assessment of your accent needs and develop an active program for you to follow with a one time phone check up of your progress. Costs depend on the length and intensity of the program.

[Top]

What are the costs?

The costs depend on if you take a package, if you just want a few sessions, or if travel is involved.
However, in order to have excellent and lasting effects, it is highly advisable to take a minimum of 8 — 10 sessions. The good news is that many companies now realize how important it is for their employees to speak good, crisp, understandable English and they are willing to pay for it. The testimonials on my web site that list corporations are from clients who have been sponsored by their companies.

[Top]

Where are you located?

We are located in Palo Alto, California, in the heart of the Silicon Valley. However, we will travel to your office for individual executive or group coaching.

[Top]