“I found Ric back in 2002 (while at CIBC) when I had a desire to seriously work on reducing my accent. The one-on-one coaching tremendously helped, and my confidence went way up.”Abdurrehman Muhammadi, CA, VP at Scotiabank
The Big Question: Why is Accent Reduction Important?
A leader needs to clearly explain the corporate vision to investors, shareholders and staff. A manager needs to ensure everyone is doing what they are supposed to do to keep things running smoothly and efficiently, and must use email, phone and face-to-face communication on a constant daily basis. Having laboured speaking slows things down considerably and may even affect the productivity and profitability of a company.
These days there are many valuable leaders, managers and other staff who use English as a second language every day to communicate in this global business world. Some have immigrated to a new country to work, while others are foreign workers who are living temporarily in a host country. Still others are using ESL daily from their native home to do business with the West. Whichever the situation, accents are becoming normal in global business.
“I improved significantly my language and communication skills. I succeeded in training some English phonetics and specific oil & gas vocabulary. This coaching helped me so much to get know Canadian culture, history and modern style of life not to mention a better understanding of the “neutral” Canadian English accent.”
Ilya M. Petrichenko, Director
Economic and Planning Department
WorldMark Corp./Oil Technology Overseas, Moscow, Russia
There is nothing wrong with having an accent. Cultural diversity is a strength. The problem is when poor pronunciation, wrong word choice and/or cultural misunderstandings negatively affect the delivery of important information, and thus cause confusion. This ineffective communication troubles the company or organization and also affects the individual’s personal confidence. It is an obstacle to success.
At 3VC we specialize in coaching non-native English speaking leaders and managers. We cover accent reduction, business English, North American culture and professional communication strategies, like writing and public speaking and presentation skills. An assessment will help determine what is needed and how long it will take to achieve goals, and each program is tailored to the individual and the industry.
“He identified exactly what my problem was with detailed explanations, even explaining the bio-mechanics of the mouth, voice, lips, teeth, etc. I’d recommend him to anyone who needs to improve their accent…” Devi S. Accounting Dept. Manager at Ontario College of Teachers
“The materials used in session were tailored to my needs. It really helped to improve my pronunciation and communication skill.” Elaine S. Forex Trader
Accent Reduction Program Curriculum
• Consultation via phone or face to face – personal/professional goals defined
• Session 1: Full pronunciation assessment – consonants, vowels, grammar & delivery challenges identified and plan is mapped out.
• Sessions 2-?: Focused work on identified pronunciation and speaking weaknesses using pronunciation textbook and audio support, including my own voice, plus loose-leaf materials.
• Includes practice with advanced readings, alliteration, idioms & expressions etc. and industry-specific vocabulary based on your industry and daily work assignments.
• Improve speed, volume, rhythm, pacing, organization, persuasion and delivery of speech
• Total program runs for a minimum of twelve 1-hour sessions or eight 1.5 hour sessions, to ensure measurable results. The more you can do (with me or at home) the faster the results.
• Your goals and the results of the consultation/assessment will determine length of program and whether we need to add other aspects to it, such as writing, presentation skills, first impression management etc.
“I wanted to improve my business communication skills and to reduce accent, as understanding the problems, discussing the findings and presenting the solutions via client communication are the keys in management consulting business.”
Jack Chen, Consultant with RBC, formerly with Deloitte
In the 3V Communications program the aim is to reduce accent, improve clarity and confidence, and conquer your accent by learning how to speak through it. It reduces accent and improves communication in North American English. We modify accent through something I call “A.U.D.I.O.” ™
Awareness – The first step is to compare your speaking and pronunciation, stress, rhythm, etc. with native (Canadian) English to notice differences and set clear goals to improve your clarity.
Understanding – Understand how sounds are formed by looking at the bio-mechanics of the mouth, the parts of speech and the strategies required to quickly improve.
Drilling – This is where one on one coaching or small group workshops
re-program your brain and body to make the correct sounds and improve overall fluency of public speaking. We use comparative sounds, alliteration, tongue-twisters, etc. and practice, practice, practice!
“The material was good and useful. I think that the tongue twisters and minimum pair samples are very helpful with pronunciation improvement. I will say that Ric is the right coach. He builds the training program around the candidates’ needs to help achieve their goals.”
Lior Yefet, Sr. Manager, Rogers IT
Integration – We incorporate your modified words, pace, stress, etc. into your daily social and working life. We use industry-specific or activity-specific vocabulary to get you speaking clearly and confidently about the things you do everyday.
Ongoing – Like anything in life we must continue to practice what we have learned and have ongoing assessments to ensure you are not slipping back into your old accent habits. Review materials provided.
To download a copy of this accent reduction program description, please visit here: http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/3vc-accent-reduction-program-description/16579275 
“If a person has a strong accent, the earlier they get to the training, the better!” Preston Chan, Accountant, Toronto
“…your listening skill to pick up my wrong pronunciation…enabled me to improve in such a short period. The materials are good…it is worth making an investment. ” Douglas Kwon, Finance Director, Tetra Pak Canada Inc.
To look into accent reduction for you or your employees, here or overseas, please click HERE:
(By the way, have you seen the YouTube clip of Steve Martin as the Pink Panther, getting accent reduction? It’s really funny! 
Watch it HERE)
