by Heather Chetwynd | Apr 16, 2012 | Accent Modification
The following excerpts are edited from an interview with Voice to Word Director and Trainer, Heather Chetwynd, and Trainer Mark Prince. In this interview (with the Chinese Professional Association for Canada – CPAC – which can be heard in full on our...
by Heather Chetwynd | Aug 16, 2011 | Accent Modification
In Music & Accent-Part 1-Transitioning between Sounds, I discussed how learning to adjust your accent is very similar to learning to play an instrument. I focused on how to create smooth transitions using a technique commonly applied to music studies. This posting...
by Heather Chetwynd | Jul 26, 2011 | Accent Modification
Learning to adjust your accent is a lot like learning to play an instrument. We need to fine tune listening skills, exercise muscles that aren’t used much, smooth out transitions between sounds, add dynamics, etc. And, very importantly, it takes focus, repetition and...
by Heather Chetwynd | Aug 11, 2010 | Accent Modification
Many of us know the English idiom, “It takes two to tango.” This saying applies very much to communication between native and non-native language speakers – especially in a multicultural, immigration-rich society like Canada. It is common for non-native...
by Heather Chetwynd | May 22, 2010 | Accent Modification
A guy walks into a bar. He’s relatively new to Canada and he likes beer. So, he orders his favourite imported beer. As he finishes his beer, he asks the bartender a question. “Next time I visit your bar,” says the new Canadian, “I’d like to order a Canadian...
by Heather Chetwynd | Jan 14, 2010 | Accent Modification
Here are some things you can do on your own to improve your pronunciation: • Speak more slowly — This is the best way to clarify your speech. Often, this simple change will greatly help people to follow what you are saying. It gives them time to process what...
