Frequently asked questions
American English accent coaching is a specialized training program designed to help native and non-native English speakers improve their pronunciation, intonation, word stress, syllable stress, overall rhythm and melody, as well as their overall fluency in American English. The goal is to help clients sound natural and feel comfortable in American English and to improve their clarity and confidence.
The coaching process at EnglishWorks involves several steps: initial assessment, personalized lesson planning, class sessions, feedback, and evaluation. During the initial assessment, we identify the specific areas that need improvement. Based on this assessment, we create a customized course syllabus tailored to the client's needs, whether that be accent or fluency skills, or both. Course sessions will focus on a combination of skills such as pronunciation, intonation, stress and reduction, rhythm and melody, fluency, grammar, vocabulary development, and intercultural communication. The course will include a continuous loop of feedback, review, practice, and evaluation.
We use a structured and comprehensive approach which begins with breaking the language down into its smallest components by covering all the American vowel and consonant sounds. We then focus on suprasegmentals such as stress, tone, and rhythm. The coaching process is personalized, involving practice, feedback, and evaluation to track progress. This systematic approach helps clients improve their accent in American English, reduce their native accent, and increase their overall clarity.
The time it takes to see improvement in American English accent varies depending on the individual's starting point, dedication, and practice. Usually within a few weeks of starting a course, clients will sound notably improved. This keeps building in the following weeks and months with consistent practice and coaching. If clients continue to use the tools they have learned, their skills will grow over the next couple of years until they become second nature.
If clients consistently follow my guidance, every one of them experiences measurable improvement in both their accent clarity and their confidence in speaking English. Success depends on the client's consistent attendance, following the suggested practice guidelines, and their willingness to change.
The cost of American English & accent coaching varies based on the duration of the course, as well as the specific needs and goals of the client. For detailed pricing information, please contact EnglishWorks.us/contact to discuss your requirements and receive a customized quote.
We have worked with clients from diversity of languages, cultures, and countries. They are mostly professionals in technology, healthcare, education, finance, and the sciences. They seek to improve their American English accent and communication skills to advance in their careers and communicate more effectively in both personal and professional settings.
Yes, EnglishWorks offers a complimentary consultation where you can get a sample of what it is like to work with an experienced coach. This allows you to experience our methods and see if they are a good fit for your needs before committing to a full course. Please contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Yes, EnglishWorks offers online coaching sessions to accommodate clients from different locations. These sessions are conducted via video conferencing platforms, allowing clients to receive personalized coaching from the comfort of their own homes or offices.
The coaching at EnglishWorks is led by Ms. Michelle Deya Knoop, who has over 25 years of experience in teaching and coaching individuals from more than 60 countries. She holds a Master of Arts in TESOL and has additional credentials in Adult Education. Her global experience, including fluency in Spanish and living in various countries, enhances her ability to connect with students and provide effective coaching.
We use a variety of materials for American English accent coaching, including 'The American Accent Workbook' a 50-page companion workbook authored by Ms. Michelle Knoop. Other material included are customized worksheets created to meet the specific needs of each client. Materials focus on fluency, accent, and other key aspects of American English.
American English accent coaching can benefit foreign-born, native or non-native English speakers who want to improve their clarity, confidence, competence, and overall fluency in American English. This includes professionals from various fields such as technology, healthcare, education, finance, and the sciences, who need to communicate more effectively in their professional and social lives.
Yes. Accent coaching is highly effective when taught by a competent professional and practiced consistently by the student. Research shows that targeted accent training improves speech clarity, confidence, and listening comprehension. At EnglishWorks, we use proven techniques and strategies so clients can be understood clearly in both professional and social settings.
The goal isn’t usually to “erase” your accent—it’s to gain control of it so you can communicate naturally and confidently. Every learner’s background and goals are unique, but most students begin noticing improvements in clarity within 4-6 weeks of consistent training. For those seeking a near-native sound, the process can take 6 months to a year of guided, intensive practice. To achieve a native-like accent, you will need to start from an advanced level.
Sounding American requires mastering specific pronunciation patterns, stress, and intonation. Key elements include:
Correct vowel and consonant sounds (for example, the American “r” and “th”).
Word stress (emphasizing the right words and syllables).
Sentence rhythm and intonation (the “music” of American English).
Exposure to and imitation of authentic speech.
Accent coaching provides structured training in these areas, along with feedback that online and one-size-fits all programs can’t match. With regular practice and an experienced, trained coach, you can develop a natural-sounding American accent.
There isn’t a single national ranking of accent coaches, but the best coaches share certain traits: years of experience, linguistic expertise, and a track record of student success. At EnglishWorks.us, we are consistently recognized for helping clients—from executives to programmers—achieve clear, confident American speech. Our success rate comes from combining phonetics-based instruction with personalized coaching tailored to each client’s needs.
Ms. Knoop's success is due to her systematically organized, customized syllabus targeting the individual's specific needs. The coaching is intense, focused, and rigorous. Clients who struggle to be understood in English can transition to speaking with ease and clarity in as few as 10 sessions. After a diagnostic interview, Knoop performs a thorough analysis of the client's speech, and from that she creates a course plan. Courses include American vowel and consonant sounds, the rhythm and melody of American English, word and sentence stress patterns, challenging clusters like /str/ and /rl/, as well as the use of breath, voice, and posture to enhance communication.