by Jay Alexander Poulton | Jun 6, 2023 | Blog
I really don’t like the term ‘accent reduction’. We all have accents. There’s no such thing as reducing an accent to a neutral sound. An American or Canadian accent is still an accent and considered foreign to a Brit or an Aussie. What really goes on is, you learn...
by Jay Alexander Poulton | Nov 29, 2021 | Blog
The term Accent Reduction is a misnomer. It really should be called Pronunciation and Melody Training. Each language and accent has different rules for pronouncing sound. If you’re Chinese, N at the end of a word may sound like NG to an American. thin / thing If...
by Jay Alexander Poulton | Nov 22, 2021 | Blog
Ah, I love this question. And it is only ever asked by native speakers. A native born Canadian once said to me, “I love other people’s accents. If it’s an Italian accent, that’s even better. It sounds so romantic and sexy.” My response, “Let’s agree that it is a...
by Jay Alexander Poulton | Nov 15, 2021 | Blog
Accent reduction programs and coaches have fees that vary greatly. Group lessons are generally less expensive but they can’t allow for individual attention if the rest of the group has achieved the modifications. Ask if the coach does private lessons and how much...
by Jay Alexander Poulton | Aug 18, 2020 | Blog
Wow. Lately, it seems a lot of you have decided to use this challenging time to get ready for what is to come, whatever that is! I guess, we all have to be open to change and be flexible to what is needed now. It’s a new world. I think a good accent reduction course...
by Jay Alexander Poulton | May 30, 2018 | Blog
Even with the popularity of modern technology and the ability to email, text and chat online, many businesses still prefer the old-fashioned forms of communication like phone calls and in-person meetings. While most companies utilize technology through video...
by Jay Alexander Poulton | Sep 6, 2016 | Blog
All individuals learn, process and implement new concepts differently, therefore, no one nationality has the hardest time. Many people share the same pronunciations for certain English language sounds. Brazilians, Chinese, French, Indians, Nigerians, and Russians, for...
by Jay Alexander Poulton | Jul 9, 2015 | Blog
I teach accent reduction all over the world. These 5 words are often mispronounced by non-native English speakers causing confusion and embarrassment. FOCUS. If you mispronounce the first vowel you will be saying something very bad.Making that Long O sound correctly...
by Jay Alexander Poulton | Jul 7, 2015 | Blog, Uncategorized
Are Americans the only ones requiring you (assuming you have an accent) to work with a speech coach for accent reduction? The correct answer is a resounding, NO. Accent reduction is a ridiculous term but it’s the common verbiage for learning the standard regional...
by Jay Alexander Poulton | Jan 22, 2015 | Blog
I had a problem. I had to call DIRECTV, my satellite TV provider. I was ready for a stressful call, not because I have an issue with DIRECTV, but oftentimes when dealing with huge companies like this, you can get on the phone with someone less than qualified to help....
