What to Expect from Accent Modification Coaching?
- Scott Alan Moffitt
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
What is Accent Modification / Accent Reduction?
Accent Modification, commonly referred to as Accent Reduction (a term I dislike), is the process of adapting one’s voice to sound more neutral, typically closer to a General American or British Received Pronunciation dialect. The main purpose of this type of training is to enhance clarity of speech, increase speaker intelligibility, and build confidence when speaking English.
There are a number of reasons one might seek this type of training, including working professionals who are hoping to grow their careers, actors who want to be more castable in their current market, or individuals who want to remove anxiety when speaking in their day-to-day life.
It’s also important to note that this work is not limited to non-native English speakers—those who have a thick regional accent might also seek to neutralize their speech for similar reasons.
What can I expect from a typical coaching session?
When working with me, you’ll find that I do not have a one-sized-fits-all approach, nor do I follow a set curriculum. No two people I work with have the exact same needs. Your vocal tract—your instrument—is unique, as is your perspective, learning style, and natural ability. For that reason, I always adapt my training to the individual in front of me.
In our first few sessions, we’ll take a deep dive into your natural speaking voice. What “stock” set of phonetic sounds do you naturally have? How do those sounds differ from the target dialect? How does the “music” of your voice differ in areas such as intonation, rhythm and tone? As we uncover those mysteries, you’ll learn all about the physical requirements when applying your new accent.
Once you have a strong understanding of these basics, our sessions will transition into practicing different personalized exercises targeting your specific needs, exercises that you can take home with you and practice in your own time—and that’s a critical part of the process.
To use a metaphor, if you start going to the gym and see a personal trainer once a week, you’ll learn the proper way to exercise for your body type…but if you’re only working out once a week, you’re unlikely to see serious growth. Accent Modification is a physical activity, and retraining the muscles of the mouth requires the same level of dedication and outside practice.
What kind of exercises can I expect to learn?
While I’m constantly adapting my teaching style based on the needs of my clients, there are some tried and true tools that will benefit you to have in your toolbox, such as:
Phonetic imitation – Learning to produce specific sounds accurately.
Minimal pair drills – Practicing words that differ by only one sound.
Visual aids of mouth anatomy – Understanding tongue and lip placement.
Tongue twisters – Strengthening pronunciation agility.
Reading exercises – Develop a critical eye and ear when reading aloud.
Voice recording and analysis – Identifying patterns and areas for improvement.
Extemporaneous speech practice – Speaking naturally in real-time scenarios.
Scripted scene practice – Refining clarity in structured dialogue.
Self-guided Practice – adapting exercises to work independently between sessions.
Wouldn’t group classes be more cost-effective?
Most likely, but they wouldn’t be personalized to your individual needs. In a group class, the instructor is often beholden to a rigid curriculum, which will inevitably waste your time when covering topics you don’t necessarily need assistance with. Working with a private coach like myself guarantees that we’re only covering the areas that you need improvement on. Plus, I can guide your learning process to deal with the most critical issues you’ll face on your journey first, all while adapting to your learning style in real time.
How long before I see results?
My clients typically experience noticeable growth within a few months. However, it’s important to set expectations—modifying one’s natural speaking voice is a long-term effort. If you’re a non-native English speaker expecting to master an entirely new accent in just a few lessons, you may find yourself disappointed. Part of going on this journey is learning to incorporate it into your daily life. There are a number of factors that will influence how quickly you progress, including your current mastery of the English language, your commitment to both regular lessons and outside practice, any past training you may have received, and managing your temperament throughout the process.
To expand on that, our voice is a crucial part of our identities. The process of modifying it can be an emotional experience for many, and it’s easy to get frustrated and burnout if you’re not progressing as quickly as you expected. I view a big part of my job as providing tools for my clients to manage their emotions when those moments of frustration may sneak in.
How do I get started?
First, I recommend scheduling a free 15-minute consultation with me. During that time, we’ll chat about your dialect and accent goals, I’ll answer any questions about the process, and we’ll ensure we’re a good fit. I’ll also give you information about logistical information such as how to schedule a session, my cancellation policy, and my fees—all of which you can read about in my F.A.Q.