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(Start your tailored accent reduction sessions with our Speech Pathologists) Book NowLearn Clear English Pronunciation, Increase Your Fluency & Express Yourself Better
Learn more about our Accent reduction Courses in Melbourne and OnlineYou’ve done the hard work over the years learning English, doing your studies, finding work, making friends and feeling more at home in Australia.
But there’s this thing, right?
The feeling that you’re speaking sometimes, and the pronunciation seems to just get in the way.
After all this hard work on English how could this be?
But if you really think about it… who ever sat down with you, to show you the shape of the mouth for all those English sounds?
Your friends can’t and we don’t think your English teachers have either. No offence to them, they did their best.
Is English Pronunciation Confusing?
Sadly the beauty of English pronunciation is that it can feel like one big phonetic mystery…
And it is, it really is. This is the true nature of the English language- phonetic mystery.
There simply is not one hard and fast set of spelling rules to count on to decipher how to say all the things.
Say Hi to Voice Science
Advocating for Communication Impact since 2013Many non-native speakers opt to consult with our speech pathologists to reduce the impact of a foreign accent.
Accent reduction has been the heart and soul of our business since 2013. Accent modification is our passion as we fight by your side to show you how to practise and improve your English pronunciation. We are here to show you the posture of the mouth and voice for English speaking. We deliver powerful communication strategies for you to take your English speaking to the next level.
Our team are internationally minded. Our role is also to advocate for your communication participation so you can have impact across all the areas of your life that need your opinion and message to be expressed.
Trained to assess sound.
We will teach you to use phonetics & other technical applications to power up your English speaking.
We All Have An Accent.
Your accent is something valuable. It is something to be proud of as part of our identity- it represents your historical, social and cultural background.
The American Speech, Language, Hearing Association (the American National credentialing association for speech-language pathologists) issued the following statement,
Accent is a variation of a symbol system used by a group of individuals that reflects and is determined by shared regional, social, or cultural/ethnic factors. A regional, social or cultural/ ethnic variation of a symbol system should not be considered a disorder of speech or language*
Standard English is the linguistic variety used by government, the mass media, business, education, science and the arts. This will vary according to the geographical location. For example, the favoured accent in Britain is inclined to be Received Pronunciation where in America, there is an emphasis on General American. Therefore, there many International speakers find it advantageous to optimise their use of a consistent English sound pattern representative of their location according to their occupational and social needs. We train these accents mentioned as well as Standard Australian English.
According to Speech Pathology Australia, the official registration organisation for Speech Pathologists in Australia, Speech Pathologists are often engaged by non-native speakers to assist in the areas of speech intelligibility. Intelligibility enhancement is a great goal if your English speaking is hard to understand.
We will work with you to give you some strategies those annoying difficulties in “day-to-day communication.”
It is important to emphasise that accented speech is not classified as a disorder.
What do we know about English Pronunciation & Accent Reduction Training?
Our team are qualified speech pathologists.
We are educated in how children & adults learn pronunciation (yes, it’s different).
Over the past six years we have worked closely with clients from all over the world. Our caseload has covered over 30 different languages. We have provided speaking training to people from all sorts of professions at different stages in their career path. Our sessions can be structured to first year university students through to company directors.
Do you want to be more fluent?
Why should I select a speech pathologist over other coaches for accent reduction?
Speech Pathologists operate from a clinical evidence-based practice model that considers the physiological, medical and behavioural aspects of speaking. Speech pathologists apply extensive scientific knowledge of head and neck anatomy to any treatment of accent. They are conversant with the latest research in the neurological controls for speech and behavioural therapy approaches that monitor the acquisition of goals clinically. They are also trained in analysing communication : speech sounds, language structuring, body language, social relations. Since speech accent is a function controlled by neurological and behavioural components, it is preferable to follow a clinical therapy based model rather than an educational model (as provided by an ESL instructor or linguistics major).
Are you avoiding speaking on the telephone?
Is this for me?
Watch The Video To Find Out!Want to work with us? Not sure yet?
Learn more about what we look into in your Diagnostic Accent Assessment Session at Voice Science. You can book this session face to face with us, in our Melbourne clinic. If you aren’t in Melbourne, don’t feel left out! We can do this online with you instead!
DIAGNOSTIC ACCENT & COMMUNICATION ASSESSMENT
Start your English pronunciation training here!
About the Program
Individually tailored accent & communication assessment that diagnoses your current English speaking patterns. This assessment is undertaken by one of our speech pathologists.
Our team team will investigate:
✪ Your pronunciation of every single vowel needed for English.Your pronunciation of every single consonant needed for English.
✪ English Speaking Fluency features. Is your speaking flowing, linking or segmenting?
✪ Assessment of speech intonation factors: pitch, tone, word stress, emphasis.
✪ We will also undertake a basic screener of global communication factors: voice, social communication, delivery, vocabulary, grammar & workplace needs.
✪ We look into sound – word – phrase – sentence & spontaneous speaking levels in this assessment to measure where you are at, ready for your training program with us.
Book Your Appointment
Get started now on your Accent reduction sessions in Melbourne or online with Voice Science.
You can find us at Level 2, in the T&G Building, right in the heart of Collins St. We are available by appointment only.
If you don’t live in Melbourne, you can also book online appointments.
We work with lots of clients in other cities and countries for their English pronunciation training.
Click the button below to select a time for your first appointment. This will take you to our online booking site.
What happens after the assessment?
Choose your Pronunciation ProgramOnce your assessment session is completed you can proceed direct into your chosen pronunciation training program with our team.
Accent reduction is a detailed process, especially since English has a lot of features to cover. It takes time to learn how to practise your English speaking. We train you with a research approach based on motor learning and therapy principles that does not fit a single session approach.
We strongly recommend weekly sessions and discourage you from attending on a fortnightly basis. This is because of research into muscle memory and motor learning.
In the early stages of training at Voice Science it is critical that a scientific method is applied to advance your learning. Home practice between your sessions will be designed with the core goal of you actively and carefully producing your target sounds. You will be instructed in the process of how to create your sound and monitor it’s accuracy as you produce it.
If you have questions about our programs, get in touch.
Silver Accent Reduction Program
Learn the Foundations
About the Program
+ 5 X 45 minute sessions
+ Solo sessions
+ 5 weeks Introductory to Cadenza™ – our seperate practise product
Our SILVER PROGRAM will give you with a basic introduction to English pronunciation.
YOU WILL RECEIVE TRAINING IN:
✪ How to form a small handful of important vowels for English
✪ How to form a small handful of consonants for English
As well as,
✪ Basic insight into phonetics and the anatomy of English speech
✪ Extensive time to drill your pronunciation goals mostly at word level in the clinic
Outcomes vary among clients. If you are practising hard daily you should be able to integrate your pronunciation goals more solidly at a word level for the sounds you have learnt.
Pay in full or in 2 Seperate Payments.
Gold Accent Reduction Program
Expand your Speaking
About the Program
+ 10 X 45 minute sessions
+ Solo sessions
+ 10 weeks Introductory to Cadenza™ – our seperate practise product
Our GOLD PROGRAM will take you on a firm & fun adventure into English pronunciation.
YOU WILL RECEIVE TRAINING IN:
✪ How to form the most important vowels of English
✪ How to form most consonants of English
✪ Strategies to practise English word & phrase stress
✪ Introduction to Linking & Pronunciation Fluency strategies
As well as,
✪ Foundational insight into phonetics and the anatomy of English speech
✪ Extensive time to drill your pronunciation goals mostly at phrase level in the clinic
Outcomes vary among clients. If you are practising hard daily you should be able to integrate your pronunciation goals more solidly at a phrase level.
Pay in full or Pay in 3 instalments.
Platinum Accent Reduction Program
Refine your Speaking
About the Program
+ 15 x 45 minute sessions
+ Solo sessions – no group work
+ 15 weeks Introductory Access to Cadenza™ – our seperate practice product
The PLATINUM PROGRAM is our premium pronunciation tuning offering.
YOU WILL RECEIVE TRAINING IN:
✪ How to form all vowels of English
✪ How to form all consonants of English
✪ Strategies to practise English word, sentence & phrase stress
✪ Detailed Linking and Pronunciation Fluency strategies
✪ Resources to boost your tone for English
As well as,
✪ Massive exposure to phonetics and the anatomy of English speech.
✪ Voice care strategies if needed.
✪ Increased time for our team to guide you in strategies to take your new speaking techniques into every day life.
Outcomes vary among clients. If you are practising hard daily you should be able to integrate your pronunciation goals more solidly at a sentence level.
Pay in full or pay in 5 instalments.
1. Who will assist me in Accent Modification & English Pronunciation training?
2. If I reduce my accent will it affect my first language?
3. Do I need a referral from my General Practitioner to receive English Pronunciation training?
4. Can I receive private health care rebates for English Pronunciation training with a speech pathologist?
5. Can I receive Medicare cover for English Pronunciation training with a speech pathologist?
Medicare rebates are not available for accent reduction training services. Voice Science is registered as a Medicare provider but you will only be eligible for Medicare rebates if you are referred to us via your General Practitioner under a Chronic Disease Management Plan. Medicare rebates are only eligible if you have been diagnosed with a speech, communication or swallowing disorder that has persisted, or is likely to persist, for at least 6 months. Read more about this program here.
6. Is it possible for my company or employer to cover payment of my English Pronunciation training?
7. I really want to use Voice Science for my English pronunciation training but I don’t live in Melbourne. What can I do?
8. If I sign up for an English Pronunciation Training Program at Voice Science, how long will it take for me to notice changes and progress in my communication?
1) The degree of distance your current accent is from your final accent target (Standard Australian Accent, Neutral International Accent, General American Accent, Standard British accent).
2) Whether you create clear sounds in your first language. Some clients may present with a speech disorder or distortions in their first language. For these clients it can take more time for sounds to stabilise for their alternate languages.
3) Practice. One of the key predictors of speech change is how effectively and frequently you practice your accent and communication goals. At Voice Science, we will support you in developing a clear understanding of how to practice. This is one of our key interests for any client who commences training at Voice Science, especially since research evidence supports the impact of regular, drill based practice on speech change outcomes. We will create individual practice goals with you that are strategic.
9. I am worried about how to incorporate daily speech practice so that I can achieve my communication goals. How will I know how to practice?
10. Do you provide group English Pronunciation training sessions at Voice Science?
For accent to adjust it is important that each client receives training that is targeted to their current accent features and also communication needs. This is the reason why we do not offer group based accent training as every person will have different communication needs and accent traces. Your speech pathologist will require you to provide key information to be used throughout your treatment to develop goals that support your communication needs. This might involve the submission of work specific vocabulary, description of typical communication activities that you engage in, the provision of conference papers that you need to present etc. Providing this information will allow us to integrate and simulate real life communication tasks into your training so that we can address your sounds of English in words that you actually use. By focusing on individual 1-1 sessions we ensure our training is client centred, evidence-based and success driven.
11. Do I need to practice with audio samples? Does listening to the target accent help me create it?
12. When are English Pronunciation Training sessions available at Voice Science?
14. How many sessions do I need?
We usually recommend 15 sessions if you want a thorough insight into speaking skills for English, 10 sessions if you want a solid insight and 5 sessions if you want to add in some basics.
Stuck?
Try a quick query formThis form will take you from some FAQ’s about our Accent reduction courses in a fun way.
You will also get the chance to enter specific questions, that our team will respond too.
If you can’t find an answer to your question, try this form, or better still give our friendly receptionists a call.
Communication Strategies. Voice Science TV.
Put a Face to Voice ScienceCheck out our YouTube channel. You will find some simple introductory ideas to improve your: Speaking, Vocabulary, Voice Tone, Pronunciation, Accent, Fluency, Social Communication, Language for Leadership & Workplace Communication. You will learn something over there, but there’s nothing like a session with us for keeping insights tailored and relevant to your needs.
READ MORE ON OUR BLOG
What are the key features of an Australian Accent?
At Voice Science™ we assist internationals to learn core features of the Australian accent by training the rules of Australian pronunciation.
Create Insanely Powerful Communication Goals
“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” – Tony Robbins
This quote by Tony Robbins is so true!! We can’t expect to achieve something if we haven’t clearly defined what it is we want to achieve. However there is a true art form to setting goals and following through with them to allow you to actually accomplish your dream. And it’s not as hard as you may think.
FAQs – English Pronunciation Training
This post answers all sorts of questions like:
- Who will assist me in Accent modification & English Pronunciation Training?
- If I reduce my accent will it affect my first language?
- Do I need a referral from the Dr?
- Can I claim private health rebates for English Pronunciation training?
Progressing your Pronunciation and Communication skill
Is a long term goalBy now you must realise that mastering a language takes work. The same goes for improving your English speaking. It’s hard work. It’s also a new type of learning, motor learning. Motor learning relies on coordinating new speech movements. Regular, ongoing drill is necessary to make your muscle memory tight for recall when speaking daily and make the new speaking habits stick.
We are the last ones who will tell you there is a quick fix, magic trick to sharpening your communication.
You’ve got to make daily drill and practice as ritual as brushing your teeth.
We are here to show you how.
Our team will lead you by the hand and outline the core basics and beyond of English pronunciation.
We are trained in anatomy & physiology for speaking and voice, neurology, behavioural therapy theories & read loads of research into how adults learn sounds in their second language. We’ve got this… But you will have to work hard and use a strong growth mindset.
I know… it would be a beautiful thing if 1 consult with speech pathologist made it all better but, we are trained as communication scientists and the last thing we want to do is make up fairy tales for adults!
When you attend sessions at Voice Science, you are learning new skills to put into practice to progress your speaking.
Our team uses evidence based Speech Pathology methods to give you the low down on how your speaking can change for the better.
FREE ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION TIPS
Find free tips for a mix of different language backgroundsSee loads of our accent tips for non-native speakers.
We have heaps of tips for many language backgrounds including:
- Thai Accent Reduction Tipss
- Japanese Accent Reduction Tips
- Arabic Accent Reduction Tips
- Bulgarian Accent Reduction Tips
- Russian Accent Reduction Tips
- Mandarin Accent Reduction Tips
- Cantonese Accent Reduction Tips
- Vietnamese Accent Reduction Tips
- Spanish Accent Reduction Tips
And so many more!
