XAVIER Leadership CENTER

Accent Essentials

When you are speaking with Americans, are you often asked to repeat yourself, even though you have been speaking English fluently for most of your life? Through this workshop you can gain awareness of patterns in your speech that may be the source of these communication gaps and misunderstandings when dealing with Americans and other speakers of English. Find out how you can "style switch" when necessary, without compromising your cultural or personal identity. The end result will be greatly improved communication and ability to “connect” with your co-workers, managers, and customers.

Who Should Attend

Speakers who want to communicate in a way that is clearer and easier for others in the US to understand; those whose careers depend on the ability to communicate smoothly and effectively with Americans.

You Will Learn:

• Key differences between the groups native language and American English in terms of intonation and stress
• How to produce the specific sounds and blends most characteristic of American English
• To organize your sentences in “thought groups” for improved clarity
• The importance of precise sound articulation and complete word production
  

What the Program Includes

• 12 hours of group instruction
• A flexible schedule (based on a mutual agreement between the members of the group and their instructor)
• Training manual and materials for practice outside of class
• Sessions held at Xavier University or at your office location