“Is accent modification possible?”
“How much can I improve?”
“How long does it take to improve my accent?”
These are some of the most frequently asked questions in accent training. The answer to all of these questions is… “Depends on how consistently you practice.”
If you have read my previous blog post, then you know that consistent, distributed practice of as little as 15-minutes per day is the key to success in accent training.
However, knowledge is not practice. 15-minutes per day does not seem like a big commitment, but many people are unable to sustain this consistency.
To help you reach your goal, here are my top 3 strategies to achieve consistency in accent training:
1. Keep your eyes on the prize
Why are you making this effort? Is it to be a great presenter? To get your dream job? To not be asked to repeat yourself? Focus on your goal and remind yourself often. Write it on a post-it note and stick it in front of your desk.
2. Work it into your daily routine
Do the 15 minutes of practice at the same time every day. It is much easier to be consistent if it becomes part of your daily routine.
3. Tackle one or two targets at a time
Have difficulties with a host of English sounds? Pick a couple and master them before moving to the next one. Prioritize and work on a small, and therefore manageable, set of targets at a time.
Ready to take your oral communication skills to the next level with only 15min of daily practice? Reach out to me today for a 30-min complimentary consultation.