When products like Skype and MSN Messenger first became available, everyone was trying them out for conversation and experimenting with the video options for Accent, and then as the connectivity and functionality improved, providers began to opt for more full-featured, enterprise-ready applications, like WebEx or Critrix. This made internet coaching an viable often for business people for the first time.

Over the last few years, features and functionality have improved, and in most cases, less support is needed. Wireless solutions for connectivity are also better, but accent modification and speech coaching in general are areas that require greater clarity to hear the distinct differences and the best environment possible to enact change. Even demonstrations by a native Coach can come across as unreliable when non-native speakers are determining how to change how they speak in subtle ways and incorporate changes they may not be able to hear and reliably distinguish.

The Advantages of Internet Coaching

The advantages of online accent coaching remain video recording and chat ... 2 functions that are invaluable to the learner following up after a session and elminating the need for “homework.” The only requirement is time, not finding ways to practice. Hearing oneself speaking and seeing one’s own movement is integral in the change creation process. In addition, the environment keeps the session focused. In real life, it’s tempting to have personal discussions with your Coach, whereas in a focused accent session, it’s pretty easy to stay on task and achieve more. In addition, most systems allow sharing of documents, like presentations and resumes, and many providers, like English by the Hour, write and edit (customize) their own materials, making them very effective.

Choosing a Provider

Obviously, as with anything else, who you work with his key to the quality you will receive. If you coach isn’t savvy in business as well as speech, you may learn information that isn’t directly applicable or worse, sends an “unpolished” message to your audience. In coaching, it’s important to select someone who knows the material, your specific “carry over” issue from your first language (in depth) and how to create change. This isn’t always easy to find, but when you have the right fit, the internet won’t be a major deterrent to your progress.

English by the Hour

‘English by the Hour” offers in person coaching and also live internet coaching with video for feedback to their clients globally. They are unique in offering programs that can be completed without 10 sessions and address underlying needs as well as obvious ones. They also customize all of their materials, and provide through analyses of the issues.

Author Bio:

Rebecca Linquist is the American Accent Coach who founded English by the Hour in 1999. She works with her teams of coaches to provide systematic coaching to clients throughout the world in how to acquire the American Accent.