Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Growing Beyond Accent

The most interesting development in my business in the last year has been growing beyond accent. With so much renewed attention to the topic in the last few years, the industry has been revived, and resources abound. Globally, there is a tremendous need, but in Silicon Valley, I find the need is more linked to communicating with credibility, and accent is only one component.

The interesting part, however, is that there is very little insight into how accent affects overall communication. While presentations and corporate communication courses are readily available, few if any target the differences between native speakers and non-native speakers or provide tools and techniques for non-natives to apply systematically to improve their speech.

At first I was concerned about price point since the economy didn't have a positive effect there, and more services seemed like more competition. This is true in terms of initial impressions (googling on the net for a service), but when I meet with clients, I find they are still enlightened by the novel approach of applying the world of accent modification to corporate communciation. Apparently, very few providers are doing that.

I'm also exploring an oppty to head back to India for a couple of weeks of training. That will probably be next year. We're also working with the seminary in preparing Catholic priests for the delivery of homilies (sermons for non-Catholics), which requiring skill in public speaking, communication and clear enuncication.

I'm also excited about creating a new video website resource for clients with a colleague in India.

The accent world is changing ... our scope is growing, but our mission remains sincere and directed. I'm still amazed at how much this field appeals to me and never ceases to provide new challenges.