The effectiveness of accent reduction training depends on three key factors:
1. The teacher’s expertise and experience
2. The student’s listening skills, consistency, and commitment
3. The quality of learning materials — books, apps, and video courses
Choosing the Right Teacher
Accent reduction should be taught by a qualified speech tutor (traditionally called an elocution teacher). A skilled tutor understands how sounds are formed — the exact tongue, lip, and jaw positions for each sound. This detailed knowledge makes all the difference. To get the best results, book a few elocution lessons with a qualified professional who can guide you through the process step by step.
What’s Expected from the Student
Accent reduction is a process - it’s about replacing old speech habits with new ones. And just like any habit change, it takes time, consistency, and effort. We usually recommend mastering one sound per week. Some sounds are easy; others need more focused work.
For example, the /w/ sound doesn’t exist in Russian. It’s produced with tightly rounded lips — almost like a whistle — and requires certain muscles. If those muscles aren’t trained, it may take time to build strength and control.
Think of it like the gym
You wouldn’t expect a six-pack after one workout - the same goes for clear speech. Aim for 15–45 minutes of daily practice, rather than two hours once a week.
How to Practice — Recommended Apps & Resources
For British English:
Elocution Lessons App (for essential English)
Business English Speech App (for business vocabulary)
For American English:
Accompanying video courses:
Pro tip: Listen to good RP (Received Pronunciation) speakers, repeat short sections, and record yourself to track progress.
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