Mimi Seton coaches individuals and groups in ACCENT REDUCTION for foreign executives, foreign actors and others working in the U.S.   Working in groups makes this process considerably more fun. Obviously it's difficult to communicate well and  'get ahead' in business in Anglophone countires when one is working 'against' a heavy foreign accent.  Learning to speak Standard America English better (this is the educated voice in the USA) helps you to integrate into our culture with more ease and to move between different groups with grace.   There is no  imperative to lose ALL your native accent ~ very often a light accent gives charm and color to your personality ~ listeners find you 'exotic' and that can work in your favor.  But a heavy accent is often a detriment.  

THE PROCESS

1.  We isolate your problem spots ~ which sounds you pronouce as if they were in your native language rather than in standard American English (Educated American English, free of all regionalims.  You sound edcated ~ but no one can tell which state or city you come from so you are free of those associations.

2.  We give you the correct sound ~ showing you how to make it physically with lips, teeth, tongue, palate etc., called 'the articulators'

3. You practice by reading the paper aloud,, or a novel or poem ~ this reveals patterns of error

4.  You present us with a mock PUBLIC SPEAKING engagement ~ a practical exercise

     Or if you are an actor:  You recite a monologue from a play or screenplay.

5.  You improvise conversations where you are 'role playing' ~ expressing yourself as you would to a friend, a girl you would like to date, a conversaton with your husband, with your boss, etc.  Different relationships require linguistic adjustments that can be quite subtle.

6.  We test your comprehension of others~ The more astute your listening becomes, the easier it will be to master speaking in Standard American English.