We understand what it’s like doing a course in communication. It’s a sensitive area, it is after all, our voices and the way we speak, that define us to a large extent. So on this website, we have done our best to cover all your possible questions, and give you a real sense of our ethos and how we work. If you have any more questions that haven’t been answered here, or would simply like a quick chat, just give us a ring on 0207 485 0504.

Your questions:
1. What makes London Speech Workshop unique from other courses out there?
2. Some courses have groups that are country specific, why do you have mixed groups?
3. How do I know which approach is right for me?
4. What happens if I miss a lesson?
5. Why are accents so difficult to shift?
6. Why do people still have accents after studying English for several years and reaching a high level of fluency?
7. Is it possible to change your accent?
8. How do I know if I should take private or group classes?
9. Do people from different countries have specific accent difficulties?

1. What makes London Speech Workshop different from other courses out there?
There are two elements in particular that makes LSW unique from other courses. Firstly we pride ourselves  on really caring about each individual student, and making sure that everyone gets the individualised and focused attention they need to really improve and become their own best communicator.  Secondly, as well as the practical approach to softening an accent, we put a huge importance on empowering each person as a communicator, and providing the individual with techniques to imbue the words they are saying with the feeling and intention behind it. To read more about our approach please visit our accent softening page.

2. Some courses have groups that are country specific, why do you have mixed groups?
Many people ask us why we have mixed groups, and there are several strong reasons for this. In fact, the diversity of our groups are an important part of our philosophy! Firstly our ethos is all about increasing your confidence as a communicator, the diversity of our groups is central to this as it brings communication, rather than sound production, to the fore, as it is in real life. Also, each individual has their unique learning style and way of processing information, and this can be different even if they are from the same country. Our approach is all about giving each individual the attention they specifically need as an individual, not a nationality. Furthermore, we have found that for our students, working alongside people from different countries, provides a lovely perspective on the process of accent softening and is an excellent aide to improving one’s listening skills.

3. How do I know which approach is right for me?
Click here for our self assessment page


4. What happens if I miss a lesson?
If you miss one lesson, it is usually not too much of a problem, it is only if you miss two that it starts to feel a bit tricky. Your teacher will be available to your for fifteen minutes before or after the lesson, to talk you through exactly what you missed. You also have much of the lesson on your CD and worksheets so you can follow it at home aswell. There is also the option of recording the class with your voice recorder (if you leave this with us the week before we can do this for you). Finally there is the option of taking a private class.

5. Why are accents so difficult to shift?
Each language engages different vocal muscles and rhythms that are learnt over time until they have literally shaped your mouth and shaped the way you speak. When you are learning a new language, you learn the words, but unless you have specific training, you don’t learn how to shape the new sounds. By the time we are adults, the habits of our own language are so strong that they are very difficult to break. Furthermore, it is incredibly difficult to work out the sounds that you are doing differently in the general fog of sounds you hear daily, so working it out solo can feel a Herculean task. That’s why it is good to go to a professional. The other factor, is of course, intonation, much of the subtleties of the language and how to use it effectively are tied up in intonation, but again, without proper guidance, it is incredibly difficult to work it out alone.

6. Why do people still have accents after studying English for several years and reaching a high level of fluency?
This happens because each language has a different set of sounds and a different set of rules. Often these unique sounds aren’t taught in an English teaching course, so students may well emerge with fluent English and yet have little idea of the various pronunciation rules that exist. For example, our sound ‘I’ from ‘hit’ , is a very rare vowel sound, and several languages don’t have it. Instead they will substitute this ‘I’ sound for its closest neighbour the sound ‘ee’ (as in heat). This can lead to all kinds of confusion. Think about how many times you have heard someone say ‘thees’ instead of ‘this’.

7. Is it possible to change your accent?
It is possible, but it takes a lot of hard work. We can give the tools, exercises, methods of learning, and enhance listening skills, but our work won’t be of much use without your work too. It helps if you have a good ear, but regular practice is the most helpful tool, and we teach in several different ways so while one person may pick it up by listening, another can go a more technical route. Our courses also provide you with worksheets, exercises, and a methodology for you to continue your practice long after the course is over. A London Speech Workshop CD completes this package, giving you a constant reference point to return to.

8. How do I know if I should take private or group classes?
Both private and group classes have their different benefits, and while some people work better in a group environment, others find that one to one suits their learning style more. Financial considerations are also a factor, and how much time you have available. We are more than happy to advise over the phone to help you decide the best option for you…

9. Do people from different countries have specific accent difficulties?
Each language brings with it specific challenges to learning the English accent. Native French speakers for example often confuse the vowel sound ‘i’ and ‘ee’ so ‘hit’ and ‘heat’ are difficult to distinguish. While a native Arabic speaker often confuses the sounds of ‘f’ and ‘v’. Cantonese speakers meanwhile confuse ‘l’ and ‘r’ with ‘l’ often being used for both sounds.
 Look at the chart below to see some common troublesome sounds for different nationalities. (please note, this is only a small sample of sounds for each nationality).