Accent & Speaking Style Programs
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Ask yourself
Assessments and training
- Complete makeover assessment
- How training programs work
- Standard programs
- Flexi-Program
- Speech therapy
Other information
Are you constantly repeating yourself? Are you ignored in meetings or lack confidence in getting your message across? Perhaps you have new life goals and want to project a totally new image? Whatever your need, ClearSpeak will tailor a speech and voice training program just for you.
If English is your second language, is your accented English a problem? We are specialists in bringing about meaningful accent change and have a 20 year record of success.
How do you sound when you open your mouth?
Do you need:
- Accent change (for either Non-English or English background speakers)
- Pronunciation improvement for mumbled speech
- Adjustment of very fast speech
- Greater variety of intonation to create impact
- Assertive voice
- Voice projection and the technique for ‘safe’ loud speech
- Enhancement of voice quality (changing strident, breathy, nasal or high pitched speech)
- Style change to better reflect your chosen sexual orientation
If so, a ClearSpeak program will help you reach your goal.
How do you present yourself?
You may say all the right words when you make a presentation but if your speech is rushed or your style irritating, your audience will still switch off. Of course, the spoken word may not be your real concern. If others are not responding to you positively face-to-face, maybe you need to change your interaction style? This means exploring:
- The impact of your body language during discussions
- Your listening skills and how you share “air time”
You can enhance both your group presentation and personal interaction style by learning to apply these skills more effectively.
Complete makeover assessment
You may have reached a crossroads in your life and desire to create a totally new image. The way you speak, move and use your voice is very much a part of the image you project. ClearSpeak offers an assessment of your entire speaking style. This includes voice, speech, body language and the impact of your speaking style on others.
The assessment session takes one and a half hours and is supplemented by six questionnaires completed beforehand by your colleagues or friends. They are encouraged to provide candid comments on your speaking style as they are returned directly to ClearSpeak. This feedback is shared anonymously with you during discussion of your results.
A substantial part of your session is spent giving you direct feedback on areas for improvement and providing insight into the impact your various style features have on others. This means you take away useful information you can action even if you do not go on to pursue training in specific areas. There is absolutely no obligation to proceed with training following your assessment.
How training programs work
ClearSpeak training is targeted at those who wish to achieve a superior level of skill. All training is therefore by private tuition as no two speakers have the same needs nor do they learn new skills at the same pace. Having said this, small group training of up to three clients may be considered in certain cases. All pronunciation training is accompanied by recorded ClearSpeak training exercises. These are essential for home practice in order to bring about meaningful change.
Standard programs
These are private tuition programs for those being sponsored by an employer. Programs may be of any length but will typically be one of two fixed programs at a set fee.
- Six Week Program
Usually suitable for those wishing to improve voice, speed of speech, intonation and body language. If accented speech is an issue, then a longer program is required.
- Twelve Week Program
Usually suitable for those seeking to improve clarity of pronunciation or modify the impact of foreign or regional accent. Those who speak English as a second language will require a program of this length.
Programs begin with a comprehensive assessment of all aspects of your speaking style. This is followed by six or twelve training sessions of one hour each depending on your program length. Sessions are generally held once a week to enable you to apply and consolidate what you have learnt. A short review session may be held three or four months after your program to review progress and provide you with feedback for further learning.
The program fee includes all ClearSpeak recorded audio exercises and printed materials. Progress reports are provided for corporate sponsors if required.
Flexi-Program
A special no frills option is available for those responsible for their own training i.e. not administered by their employer. Training approach and materials are similar to those for Standard Programs but there are no reports or liaison. Importantly, there are no accounts with this program; you pay-as-you-go at each session and receive the materials required for that particular session. These programs are only offered at the ClearSpeak Hunters Hill office.
Six or twelve sessions will generally be recommended following the same guidelines as for Standard Programs. The length of program is confirmed following your initial assessment.
Speech therapy
If you have a speech disability such as cluttering (rapid, tumbled speech), slurred speech or hoarse voice due to strain or pathology, you may be eligible for speech therapy. A doctor’s referral or medical consultation will be required in certain cases. No GST is payable and your Private Health Fund may cover part of your costs.
Confidentiality
All training is conducted in strictest confidence. Your identity, personal details and progress are covered by the trainer’s professional ethics and Code of Practice.
Your Trainer
Training is by Alison Kimble, a professionally qualified speech pathologist, who specialises in speech and voice enhancement. ...(read more)
Training venue
Training for Standard Programs is held at your place of employment (or the ClearSpeak office if your prefer). There is no travel charge to attend offices within 15kms of the Sydney CBD.
The venue for all Flexi-Programs is the ClearSpeak office at Hunters Hill, Sydney. Public transport is either by bus or ferry but do check your route and time requirement as both services are limited (see map of our location at Contact Us).
Fees and further information
Email or call ClearSpeak (see Contact Us) if you would like to discuss what a program can offer you or a member of your team.
To assist us with your enquiry, please state the type of program you are seeking:
Standard Program (administered by an employer)
Flexi-Program (privately arranged)
We will be glad to send you the relevant information and give you an indication of possible training times for the program you require.