@2014 Authentic JourneysSlide #1

Accent Neutralization &Mother Tongue Influence (MTI)

Reduction Seminar

Jennifer Kumar

Authentic Journeysauthenticjourneys.info | authenticjourneys@gmail.com

@2014 Authentic JourneysSlide #2

Agenda

Points of discussion:• Overview of Voice & Accent/Culture Classes• Examples of Customizations• Review & Recommendations• Gauge of Costs

@2014 Authentic JourneysSlide #3

OVERVIEW OF VOICE & ACCENT/CULTURE CLASSES

@2014 Authentic JourneysSlide #4

Communication SkillsSimilarities betweenBusiness English and Voice & Accent

• Highly customizable• Recordings required for spoken English • Strategies for communicating more effectively with Americans• Non-verbal elements for American audiences: body language,

tone and word choices• Homework is required between classes

@2014 Authentic JourneysSlide #5

Communication SkillsSimilarities betweenBusiness English and Voice & Accent

Class Size & Venue• Individuals & Groups (up to 5) – In person or Voice Chat

(Skype, Phone, etc.)• Groups of 6-20- In person only

@2014 Authentic JourneysSlide #6

Communication SkillsBusiness English

• Delivered to individuals, small and larger groups

• Training can cover spoken, written and non-verbal communication

• Review of company communications for analysis often part of individual and small group trainings

Voice & Accent

• Emphasis on individual or small group (no more than 5) training, to ensure effectiveness

• Training is focused on clarity in face to face presentations and over the phone

• Participants must be willing to do pronunciation exercises in front of their peers

Differences between

@2014 Authentic JourneysSlide #7

Individual vs. Group Training

Individual Coaching• Most modules can be delivered

through 1:1 coaching sessions

• Individualized, goals based on participant’s 360 feedback and other performance indicators

• Sessions are confidential, participants are to fill out confidentiality and client contracts

• Focus on professional and personal growth

Small to Larger Group Work• Small group (2-5) for specialized

topics and more individualized attention

• Larger group trainings are for 10-25

• Topics delivered to benefit the group as a whole

• Focus on professional growth and classroom outcomes

@2014 Authentic JourneysSlide #8

Individual vs. Group Training

Individual Coaching• Participants are encouraged

to mentor their peers/direct reports on the same skills learned in coaching

• Not available as Train the Trainers

• Charged hourly, based on number of sessions required

Small to Larger Group Work• Focus is on applying skills learnt in

training to immediate job tasks/responsibilities

• Some opt for large group trainings and individual coaching for select participants

• Many modules can be delivered as Train the Trainers

• Rates vary on requirements

@2014 Authentic JourneysSlide #9

American Culture Courses

Classroom Training• Emphasis on classroom training,

group sharing, role plays

• Can include elements of Voice and Accent

• Flexibility for customizations – pp 8-11 or tailor-made

• Train directly to employees or Train the Trainer

Online Training

• Emphasis on individual learning, introspection, self-discovery

• Includes language elements, but no Voice and Accent

• Customizations are limited

• Employees train online, Train the Trainer fully online or hybrid online/in-person

@2014 Authentic JourneysSlide #10

CUSTOMIZATIONS

@2014 Authentic JourneysSlide #11

Customizations• Diversity training based on demographics of

company/clients/area of the country• NRI cross cultural concerns• Creating orientation information for employees, spouses and

families on specific US cities • Creating role plays that mirror the company’s culture,

experiences, and guidelines. (Often previously used role plays are enhanced or new ones are created.)

• Tailoring particular sections with a good understanding of the company’s culture, expectations, and current guidelines

• Games and interactive sections added depending on other soft-skills that are identified as training goals

@2014 Authentic JourneysSlide #12

REVIEW & RECOMMENDATIONS

@2014 Authentic JourneysSlide #13

Review & RecommendationsWant the following training programs reviewed:

• American Culture• Business Etiquette with American Clients & Colleagues• Small Talk & Conversations With Americans• Business English for Americans• American Accent Classes

Jennifer is available for consultation, review and updates to your company, as your personal American Culture Expert.

@2014 Authentic JourneysSlide #14

Review & Recommendations• What are the portfolio of programs that are to be reviewed?• Why is a review important? What may be missing?• Is there a gap between the training outcomes and the

application to the work environment?• Has the audience profile changed?• What is going well with your current training portfolio?• What would be the benefits of enhancements?• Would you prefer enhancements of current training modules

or new modules altogether? What are the benefits and disadvantages?

@2014 Authentic JourneysSlide #15

GAUGE OF COSTS

@2014 Authentic JourneysSlide #16

Gauge of CostsBefore gauging the costs and giving estimates, the following need to be explored and addressed:

• What are the priority projects?• What is the audience profile to attend the various training

modules (this will help to understand any customizations needed)?

• What are the deadlines to deliver the final products?

@2014 Authentic JourneysSlide #17

FEEDBACK/QUESTIONS

@2014 Authentic JourneysSlide #18

Thank youFeel free to contact Jennifer Kumar anytime with your comments, questions, or feedback at:

E-mail: authenticjourneys@gmail.com Website contact page – click here.Browse the website:http://authenticjourneys.infoBrowse the blog:http://blog.authenticjourneys.info