Why should we care about "accent"?
A foreign accent is not in itself a problem; it is a normal aspect of learning to speak another language, particularly if you have learned it as an adult. But if you speak with an accent that is especially "strong," or just very different from those around you, it can be a barrier to communication. If you feel frustrated as a result of others not understanding your individual "brand" of English, it might be worthwhile learning to switch styles -- especially on the job, where smooth communication really pays off.
Can you really change your accent?
The short answer is, yes. Have you noticed that professional actors often have to acquire a different accent in order to play a character from another country? Actors have to perform using many different accents. A new accent can certainly be learned by ordinary people as well.
For the past several years, my colleagues and I have developed an array of group workshops and one-on-one coaching programs that focus on accent, intonation, and other aspects of spoken English that are critical for clear communication. The goal of these programs is not to "eliminate" the participant's native accent, but to help them learn an additional one. As a result, they are empowered to "style switch" on the job or in any situation that calls for it. They also become much more aware of the importance of sound articulation, voice projection, and other elements of clear communication.
Accent (Continued)
