FAQs: Pronunciation / Accent Reduction
Which pronunciation/accent reduction package do you recommend?
Karen will tell you during your consultation whether she recommends a pronunciation assessment. The results of your assessment will tell us which package is most appropriate for you. Sometimes an assessment is not required. Again, Karen can determine this once she hears you speak.
What is the pronunciation assessment?
Depending on the extent of your accent, Karen may recommend you purchase and record a brief pronunciation assessment. After recording, you will send the audio file to Well Said Coaching for analysis.
If you submit an assessment recording, you will receive a detailed written report about your speech. The report will:
1) Identify the speech patterns and sounds that we will target for improvement.
2) Recommend the program that best meets your goal.
An assessment is not necessary for everyone. Karen will give you her recommendation during your consultation.
Are my lessons customized, even if you don't recommend an assessment?
Yes. Regardless of whether you take an assessment, your lessons will be tailored to your goals, your fluency, your native language, and anything else that is relevant to your situation, such as your job or schooling.
How much does it cost?
Please see the rates.
How long is each lesson?
60 minutes.
Where will we meet?
All lessons currently take place online using Zoom.
Do you work with English speakers at all levels?
No. Our Pronunciation packages are designed for English speakers who are intermediate to advanced speakers.
How do I know if I my English is at the right level for the pronunciation program?
If you use and understand English comfortably, if not perfectly, at work or school, then you are most likely an intermediate to advanced speaker. Advanced learners are typically proficient at three of the four skills needed to master a language: reading, writing and listening. The fourth skill is speaking, the most difficult of them all.
Do I have to practice?
If you want to make progress, the answer is yes.
Imagine you wanted to improve your tennis serve. A good tennis coach can show you how to get a better serve, but unless you practice you won’t see improvement. Pronunciation skills are no different. Our work together requires that you practice between lessons in order for you to achieve results.
Will I lose my accent?
No. The Well Said Program is designed to help you improve your pronunciation so you can be understood more easily. You will know how to adjust your accent, not eliminate it.
Losing a foreign accent if you learned English after the age of around ten is very challenging (learn why). It is generally not worth your time, money and effort.
After I finish a package, may I sign up for additional lessons?
Of course! Extra practice sessions can be purchased after you complete your initial package.
Do you work with actors?
No. If you want to find someone to help you master an American accent for acting roles, we suggest you search for a dialect coach. Most dialect coaches are located in Los Angeles or New York.
What payments do you accept?
All major credit cards are accepted, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB, and UnionPay. Alipay is also accepted. We use Stripe to offer you convenient, secure online payment processing.
Karen will tell you during your consultation whether she recommends a pronunciation assessment. The results of your assessment will tell us which package is most appropriate for you. Sometimes an assessment is not required. Again, Karen can determine this once she hears you speak.
What is the pronunciation assessment?
Depending on the extent of your accent, Karen may recommend you purchase and record a brief pronunciation assessment. After recording, you will send the audio file to Well Said Coaching for analysis.
If you submit an assessment recording, you will receive a detailed written report about your speech. The report will:
1) Identify the speech patterns and sounds that we will target for improvement.
2) Recommend the program that best meets your goal.
An assessment is not necessary for everyone. Karen will give you her recommendation during your consultation.
Are my lessons customized, even if you don't recommend an assessment?
Yes. Regardless of whether you take an assessment, your lessons will be tailored to your goals, your fluency, your native language, and anything else that is relevant to your situation, such as your job or schooling.
How much does it cost?
Please see the rates.
How long is each lesson?
60 minutes.
Where will we meet?
All lessons currently take place online using Zoom.
Do you work with English speakers at all levels?
No. Our Pronunciation packages are designed for English speakers who are intermediate to advanced speakers.
How do I know if I my English is at the right level for the pronunciation program?
If you use and understand English comfortably, if not perfectly, at work or school, then you are most likely an intermediate to advanced speaker. Advanced learners are typically proficient at three of the four skills needed to master a language: reading, writing and listening. The fourth skill is speaking, the most difficult of them all.
Do I have to practice?
If you want to make progress, the answer is yes.
Imagine you wanted to improve your tennis serve. A good tennis coach can show you how to get a better serve, but unless you practice you won’t see improvement. Pronunciation skills are no different. Our work together requires that you practice between lessons in order for you to achieve results.
Will I lose my accent?
No. The Well Said Program is designed to help you improve your pronunciation so you can be understood more easily. You will know how to adjust your accent, not eliminate it.
Losing a foreign accent if you learned English after the age of around ten is very challenging (learn why). It is generally not worth your time, money and effort.
After I finish a package, may I sign up for additional lessons?
Of course! Extra practice sessions can be purchased after you complete your initial package.
Do you work with actors?
No. If you want to find someone to help you master an American accent for acting roles, we suggest you search for a dialect coach. Most dialect coaches are located in Los Angeles or New York.
What payments do you accept?
All major credit cards are accepted, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB, and UnionPay. Alipay is also accepted. We use Stripe to offer you convenient, secure online payment processing.
Will my company pay for my lessons?
Possibly! Ask your human resources department if you are eligible for reimbursement for education and training expenses. Use this letter to request payment for your Well Said Lessons.
More questions? Please contact me or schedule your free consultation now!
