| With the economy as it is job-hunters and foreign | | | | Often there is a specific section on the intonation |
| immigrants alike are doing everything they can to | | | | of the American language, including linking, and |
| land that dream job. One potential disadvantage | | | | letter stress points. This is important for natural, |
| that foreign immigrants to America have to face | | | | fluid sounding American speech, as it can vary |
| is an inhibiting thick accent. Thick accents can | | | | greatly from other languages.i-Speak -- |
| hinder vital communication between clients, | | | | Incorporating the Internet |
| employers, and even other employees. More | | | | There are some professionals, and at-home |
| alarmingly, it can totally rule out entire professions | | | | speech software programs, which incorporate the |
| such as call center customer support work. | | | | Internet into their accent reduction techniques. |
| Methods of accent reduction are now widespread | | | | This may sound scary or too complicated, but it |
| across America. There are many methods to | | | | has proven to be a very effective method of |
| choose from and they can either be done in the | | | | accent reduction. |
| privacy of the home, with a professional speech | | | | Typically, accent reduction speech software that |
| therapist, or sometimes even in group classes. | | | | incorporates the Internet will use it to record, |
| Modern Day Language | | | | playback and share practice sessions. Users of |
| In this technological age, there are many courses | | | | such software log in to a private section of the |
| that incorporate speech software into their | | | | software vendor's website. This firstly creates a |
| lessons. This speech software commonly has | | | | safe, anonymous environment for the accent |
| either just audio content or, more effectively, | | | | reduction participant to practice, and secondly |
| audio and visual content. | | | | allows the participant to view themselves |
| The more effective audiovisual programs are | | | | practicing the speech techniques. |
| often presented by a qualified speech professional. | | | | Being able to view a recording of a practice |
| This may be a speech pathologist or a vocal | | | | session can be viewed as a high-tech version of |
| coach. The accent reduction lessons are usually | | | | practicing in front of the mirror. The only |
| first demonstrated by the professional. The | | | | difference is that the participant can concentrate |
| professional would demonstrate speech elements | | | | on watching for slip ups or things done well |
| such as tongue position, mouth position, voice, | | | | without worrying about producing the sound. This |
| volume and other important features. They would | | | | has been proven to aid a participant's accent |
| then proceed to explain the various differences, | | | | reduction progress significantly. |
| reasons behind the element, and any common | | | | Positive Feedback |
| mistakes or difficulties people make. This | | | | An added element of the internet based speech |
| demonstration would be for a single letter or | | | | software is best utilized by professional speech |
| sound. | | | | therapists. Using the software, speech therapists |
| Seeing a professional demonstrate and then | | | | can allow their clients to record and then share |
| explain each letter or sound aids learning | | | | the recording with the therapist for valuable |
| significantly. Like children, a lot of how we learn is | | | | feedback. This means that clients have more |
| watching other people perform the task correctly. | | | | productive practice sessions as the therapist can |
| Having the task broken down into its parts also | | | | quickly adjust any errors before the next |
| simplifies the learning process. | | | | face-to-face session. |