New Online English Pronunciation Course Makes Speaking English Fun and Affordable

Cottonwood, AZ,( Pressreleasecollection ) January 15, 2008 – English Without Accent, a unique, new service, is now offering online English pronunciation courses with a certified Speech-Language Pathologist. “Living in rural Arizona limited my ability to reach foreign-born professionals who desired to have a more standard American English accent,” said Lori Edwards, Speech-Language Pathologist and owner of EnglishWithoutAccent.com. “This web-site was born out of the desire to meet that need.”

When visiting the site speakers of English as a second language (ESL), who wish to improve their English Pronunciation, may choose between a free speech screening or a $25 speech evaluation. Using a unique online recorder the Speech-Language Pathologist analyzes and compares the speaker’s accent with that of a standard American English accent. The English pronunciation differences, that are identified, are sent to the participant in the form of a Personal Phonetic Analysis which they can access online with a secure login. Course length recommendation depends on the severity of the accent. The most common course length is 12 weeks. At press release the 12 week American English accent course was $325 and the 7 week course was $225 including all materials and weekly contact with the speech professional. “These course lengths aren’t written in stone,” Ms. Edwards explained. “We also customize courses to fit specific English pronunciation skill levels and schedules”.

EnglishWithoutAccent.com helps their clients achieve improved English pronunciation using the Compton Pronouncing English as a Second Language (PESL) Foreign Accent Evaluation and Training program. “We’re really pleased with this program,” said Ms. Edwards. “Past comparisons have shown that people who practice the recommended American English exercises, for one hour every day, can expect to experience at least a 50% change in their accent”. The unique aspect of this program is that the entire course is delivered online. The speech professional teaches the appropriate speech modification techniques as well as the basic sounds and principles of American English. The participant learns to discriminate between different speech sounds, with special emphasis placed on English pronunciation, complete word production and voice projection.

“There are so many ‘do-it-yourself’ American English accent improvement books and DVD’s on the market today,” explained Ms. Edwards. “What they lack, however, is interaction with a speech professional who can provide consistent and personalized feedback regarding the ESL speaker’s progress in their English pronunciation.” She emphasized that many foreign-born professionals don’t have the time, money, or access to participate in an American English accent course in person with a speech professional. “That’s why they will find the English Without Accent! online approach more economical and convenient.”

Foreign accents aren’t the only thing this new online service tackles. “Just because you live in the United States doesn’t mean you have a standard American English accent!” Ms.Edwards suggested. “Our program will also assist native English speakers who want to modify their regional accents,”. Individuals in the public speaking professions such as actors, teachers, and television and radio personalities might participate in the program for the same reasons a foreign-born professional would. “Improving one’s communication skills, by improving their English pronunciation and American English accent, very often relates to employability and job security,” Ms. Edwards went on to explain that many employers finance some or all of their employees’ tuition for accent reduction classes. “They find that this small investment contributes significantly to the success of their employees and the operation of their company.”

Success in our society depends upon ones ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Such a level of communication, however, can be difficult to obtain. Foreign nationals may have a strong grasp of English but have not yet mastered the American English accent. EnglishWithoutAccent.com is dedicated to providing a convenient and thorough program for improving English pronunciation. From the comfort and convenience of their own home or office, clients interact with master level Speech-Language Pathologists who have received special training and are certified by the Compton Institute of Language and Phonology. Seven to 12 weeks of daily practice have been shown to result in a minimum of 50% improvement in English pronunciation.

For More Information:

Lori Edwards M.S.,CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
948 South Third Street
Cottonwood, AZ 86326-6349
928-649-3390
http://www.englishwithoutaccent.com
info@englishwithoutaccent.com

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