We understand what it’s like doing a course in communication. 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 07951 588 622

Your questions:
1. What makes the London Speech Workshop accent softening course unique from other courses out there?
2. I see you have a five lesson Essential program and a ten lesson Deluxe program. How do I know which approach is right for me?
3. What happens if I miss a lesson?
4. Why are accents so difficult to shift?
5. Why do people still have accents after studying English for several years and reaching a high level of fluency?
6. Is it possible to change your accent?
7. 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 accent softening unique from other courses that are out there. Firstly we pride ourselves  on really caring about each individual student, and making sure that everyone gets the individual focus and attention they need to really improve and become their own best communicator. This is why we now only run our courses privately, because private programs enable us to really tailor the course to each individual and their specific learning style and needs. Secondly, as well as the practical approach to softening an accent, we put a huge importance on empowering each person as a communicator, and so we have developed exercises that help each client to really get under the skin of how English words best. This can be through using eye contact in a certain way, or through out techniques for intonation. To read more about our approach please visitour accent softening page.

2. I see you have a five lesson Essential program and a ten lesson Deluxe program. How do I know which approach is right for me?
If you do not have a very strong accent and yet feel some sounds are getting in the way, then you can make significant changes in the five sessions. You will also get our full course manual and practice guidance so this will keep you going long after your course is over!
If you feel you have a slightly stronger accent and really want to work thoroughly on several sounds, then the deluxe program will suit you better. Over ten lessons you can cover each element of English pronunciation and intonation, so you can make the lasting changes you really want to make.


3. What happens if I miss a lesson?
If you miss a lesson, as long as you give at least 48 hours notice, there is no cancellation fee. If you cancel within 48 hours it is a 50% cancellation fee. If you cancel within 24 hours, it is a 100% cancellation fee.

4. 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.

5. 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’.

6. 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.

7. 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).