Accent Modification for the Heathcare Professional

We at CLEAR SPEECH NOW provide specialized training to help healthcare professionals meet the challenge of communicating while using English as a second language. Our intensive programs are designed to enhance a person’s ability to be better understood by his or her clients, colleagues, friends and even strangers.

The following quote from Mryle Croasdale, staff member of the online newspaper, AMEDNews.com, emphasizes how our services fill a vital need within the healthcare field:

"Physicians say effective communication boosts their self confidence, eases interactions with colleagues, and improves patient care." September 18, 2006

As you may be aware, heavily accented speech can result in:

• poor quality of care
• reduced patient outcomes
• lack of trust between the professional and the patient
• loss of business
• endangerment of lives

Our Accent modification training addresses the unique vocabulary, circumstances and issues facing the healthcare professional who speaks English as a second language.

Accent Modification Training Programs

Our personalized, small-group, or privately-coached training program is the most effective and convenient way for busy healthcare professionals to improve their accent and, thus, facilitate career advancement! These programs are designed to produce the greatest positive impact on one’s speech. Persons will learn how to produce sounds that exist in the English language, that are nonexistent in their native language, through proper tongue placement and use of the oral musculature. All training programs address the following components of American English:

• Pronunciation
• Intonation
• Pitch
• Grammar
• Phrasing

Other aspects of accent modification training may include:

• American Medical Idioms
• Telephone Skills
• Grammar
• Oral Presentation of Case Studies
• Conversational English

Small Group Training

Small Group Training is an economical alternative to private coaching. Classes, which are held in groups of no more than five participants, include the following:

• A personalized program based on a complete assessment, which is designed to identify the problematic American English sounds, along with stress and intonation patterns of each individual. It also helps to identify the sounds that will make the greatest impact on one’s ability to be understood.
• Training that addresses pronunciation and intonation in structured, conversational and professional speaking contexts.
• Weekly e-mail and telephone support during training, and for two months after completion of training.
• A post-training assessment to measure the participant's progress.
• A self-study program for continued speech improvement upon completion of training.
• Each participant receives practice materials and assignments throughout the program.

Program Options

• Three-day intensive training (2-5 Persons)
• Six-week training program*
• Twelve-week training program*

*These classes meet once a week for 1 1/2 hours.

Private Coaching

Private coaching is offered to persons who feel more comfortable in a one-on-one setting, and prefer individualized attention and flexibility. This highly concentrated form of training allows the participant to make more rapid progress. Customized programs include:

• A complete assessment designed to identify problematic American English sounds, along with stress and intonation patterns. It also helps to identify the sounds that will make the greatest impact on one’s ability to be understood.
• Training that addresses pronunciation and intonation in structured, conversational and professional speaking contexts.
• Unlimited e-mail and telephone support during training, and for two months after completion of training.
• A post-training assessment to measure the participant's progress.
• A self-study program for continued speech improvement upon completion of training.
• Flexible daytime, evening, and weekend scheduling is available. Training location will be based on the client’s preference (client’s workplace, or at a CLEAR SPEECH NOW training facility).
• Training via telephone or internet (webcam) is available for clients outside the Tidewater area, or for those with work and/or travel constraints.
• Clients will receive practice materials and assignments throughout the program.
• Duration of training is determined by the client’s individual needs and goals.