New York City Accent Modification and Writing Resources
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Accent Modification Overview
1
Accent Modification Resources: Self Study
2
Accent Modification Resources: Group Study
3
Writing Resources
5
Accent Modification Consultant List
6
1
ACCENT MODIFICATION OVERVIEW
Accent Modification consists of sound pronunciation work (consonants and vowels),
including stress, rhythm, and intonation of speech. Through work on these areas, a client can
modify their accent to the region of interest. Although accents are often a source of pride for
people, as they reflect the background of a person, accents may also present communication
difficulties. Consequently, ones job performance, education and daily life can be negatively
affected.1
Accent Modification work can be done individually through cd’s and books, one-on-one
with a language partner, in groups with a speech-language pathologist, or one-on-one with a
speech-language pathologist. In the latter two cases, the speech-language pathologist will listen
to ones speech and pinpoint the aspects which would improve overall communication. The
benefit of working with a professional is that you will have the opportunity to have focused
support on your personal goals.
This guide is designed to help you find the best resource for you. You may want to think about
the environment in which you feel most comfortable learning. You can choose between self,
group, or one-one-one study. For example, if you choose self study, you will be working with a
guidebook and/or cd. It may take a while to find a program that works for you. You may need
to change your method to help achieve your goals.
If you have any questions about this guide, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Career
Development at 212-998-0623, Faye Shanley at fshanley@stern.nyu.edu, or Yolanda Alvarez at
yalvarez@stern.nyu.edu.
“Accent Modification.” American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). American Speech-LanguageHearing Association (ASHA). 1 April 2007 <http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/accent_mod.htm>.
1
2
ACCENT MODIFICATION RESOURCES
Self Study
Cd’s/Books
All of the following resources can be purchased at www.amazon.com and
www.barnesandnoble.com for approximately $10.00-$45.00

American Accent Training by Ann Cook
o Self study course
o Advanced level
o Course focuses on connected speech
o Includes a course book and five audio CDs
 Course book includes all the exercises, quiz material and reference
material that are found on the audio CDs

Pronounce It Perfectly in English by Jean Yates
o Upper-Intermediate to advanced level – a certain amount of familiarity with the
basic sounds of the language is required
o Program focuses on fluency in spoken English
o Includes a book and a cassette

American English Pronunciation Program by Barbara Raifsnider
o Designed for English speakers who have very strong accents
o Program focuses on the principle sounds in spoken American English
o Beginning to intermediate level – for students who need to make basic
improvements in their pronunciation skills

Berlitz English Pronunciation Program by Paulette Dale
o Program introduces the sounds, rhythms, and intonation patterns of American
English, using familiar words and sentences.
o Provides pronunciation tips, spelling, and useful vowel and consonant tables
o Includes an audio CD and a guidebook – Both include practice activities
3
ACCENT MODIFICATION RESOURCES
Group Study
American Language Institute (NYU School of Continuing and Professional
Studies)




NYU's School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) draws its academic
character from a deep-rooted connection to the industries and creative forces that drive
the economic and cultural life of New York City. Whether you are starting a new career,
advancing an existing one, or exploring the arts and culture, SCPS captures the energy,
optimism, and diversity of the city with a faculty of industry experts and curricula that
evolve with your needs.2
At the American Language Institute (ALI), you'll find a program that focuses on how
people speak in the real world and communicate informally. The Institute seeks to
immerse students in language and culture to help them gain the necessary skills to
communicate independently and easily.3
Semester and summer courses
o Summer (Examples from Summer 2007)
 Business Communication I
 Accent Correction I
 Accent Correction II
o Semester (Examples from Spring 2007)
 Accent Correction I
 Accent Correction II
 Accent Correction III
 Speaking Clearly and Correctly
 Speaking With Confidence and Fluency
 Speaking and Listening Seminar: American Culture
For more information, please visit
http://www.scps.nyu.edu/departments/department.jsp?deptId=1
International Center in New York

Founded in 1961, The International Center in New York (ICNY) is a unique community
where immigrants, refugees, students and other newcomers to the United States come to
practice English and learn about American culture. Each year, they provide 2,500
newcomers, from 85 different countries, with a wide range of language and cultural
programs through their corps of 1,000 volunteers.4
“About SCPS”. NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies. New York University. 11 June 2007.
< http://www.scps.nyu.edu/about/index.jsp>.
3
“English as a Second Language”. NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies. New York University. 6
June 2007. <http://www.scps.nyu.edu/departments/department.jsp?deptId=1>.
4
“Who We Are”. The International Center in New York. The International Center in New York. 1 June 2007.
<http://www.intlcenter.org/whoweare.html/>.
2
4




Programs
o Discussion and Lecture Classes
o Practical and Training Workshops
o Career skills workshops, practical workshops (computer and Internet training,
math, art, and education), new interest workshops (drawing, photography, or
dance instruction), How to Survive in New York series (getting a driver's license,
banking and budgeting, applying for college, and health care)
Cultural and Social Programs
One-To-One Partnerships
o Meet for a total of twelve hours with a trained volunteer tutor
o Cost for each partnership is $90, in addition to the membership fee
o In most cases, members can choose the day and time for these lessons
o There are seven different partnerships available
For more information, please visit www.intlcenter.org
Meetup.com




Meetup.com helps people find others who share their interest or cause, and form lasting,
influential, local community groups that regularly meet face-to-face.5
Pros: free, relaxed, social, and requires less commitment
Con: less structured
For more information, please visit www.meetup.com
NYU Speech-Language-Hearing Disorders Clinic


5
The NYU Speech-Language-Hearing Disorders Clinic, located at 655 Broadway, offers
individualized services in topics including, but not limited to English vocabulary
enhancement, vowel pronunciation, consonant production, pronunciation, voice quality,
social and professional communicative situations, presentation skills, interviewing skills,
and American English idioms.
For more information, please contact Anne Marie Skvarla (Director, Speech-LanguageHearing Disorders Clinic) at 212-998-5849.
“About Meetup”. Meetup.com. Meetup.com. 1 June 2007. <http://www.meetup.com/about/>.
5
WRITING RESOURCES
NYU offers general writing support to help with long term improvement. You will not be able to
receive resume critique, but you can choose a program to assist with improving writing skills.

American Language Institute (NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies)
o Semester and summer courses
 Summer (Examples from Summer 2007)
 Reading and Writing Workshop I
 Reading and Writing Workshop II
 Writing and Editing Seminar I
 Writing and Editing Seminar II
 Spring (Examples from Spring 2007)
 Business Writing I
 Business Writing II
 Reading and Writing Workshop I
 Reading and Writing Workshop II
 Writing and Editing Seminar I
 Writing and Editing Seminar II
 Advanced Writing Workshop
o For more information, please visit
www.scps.nyu.edu/departments/department.jsp?deptId=1

NYU Writing Center
o The Writing Center is a part of NYU’s Expository Writing Program, College of
Arts and Science. It is a place where one-on-one teaching and learning occur,
where work always focuses on writing. Writing Center consultants are studying
for or already hold advanced degrees. Many are published writers. They receive
significant training in the teaching of writing, and they teach writing courses for
undergraduates across the University. At the Writing Center, students work with
consultants in private one-on-one sessions to become better writers and thinkers.
Students work with consultants at every stage of the writing process and on any
piece of writing except for exams.6
o Students can either walk in or make an appointment, which are 40-45 minutes
long.
o For more information, please visit
www.nyu.edu/cas/ewp/html/writing_center.html
6 “Welcome to EWP’s Writing Center”. Writing Center. New York University. 1 June 2007.
<http://www.nyu.edu/cas/ewp/html/writing_center.html>.
6
ACCENT MODIFICATION CONSULTANT LIST
Consultants from the American Speech–Language–Hearing Association
If you wish to hire a consultant at your own cost, you will find below a list of consultants
certified through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The consultants listed
have received a certification in speech-language pathology (CCC-SLP) and offer a variety of
services related to accent modification. We recommend you contact the consultant and set up a
brief, free conversation to find out more. You should select a consultant with whom you would
feel comfortable and who you feel treats your relationship with respect. Also, consider that you
are entering into a financial arrangement with this professional, as you are committing to a set
number of hours and sessions. Should you have further questions, please contact the Office of
Career Development at 212-998-0623, Faye Shanley at fshanley@stern.nyu.edu, or Yolanda
Alvarez at yalvarez@stern.nyu.edu.

The following consultants are available on an individual basis. Students are responsible
for the payment to the individual consultant.
o Stephanie Grayson, MA, CCC-SLP
 Email: Speech1234@aol.com
 Phone: 917-881-8384
 Website: www.CorporateSpeechTrainer.com
 Address: 333 East 56th Street (Midtown Manhattan)
 Rate: $118/hour
 Stephanie Grayson is a speech-language pathologist specializing in the
needs of bilingual executives, professionals, and students. She is
a member of the Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA) and
a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association
(ASHA). Stephanie’s rate of $118/hour applies only to currently enrolled
NYU students (student ID required) who purchase at lease three sessions.
o Melissa Heche, Au.D CCC SLP/A
 Email: speaknhear@aol.com
 Phone: 212.260.7676
 Website: In Production
 Address: 145 East 15th Street #1F
 Rate: $150/hour
 Melissa Heche is a New York State licensed speech and voice pathologist
with specialty certification in the Arthur Compton P-ESL program, which
enables her to effectively provide treatment programs for people with
varying needs of accent modification. According to Melissa, completion
of this program usually provides at least a 70% improvement overall, if
not more, and offers the client the tools necessary to continue work
independently. Melissa also has an office in Maspeth, New York.
7
o Jayne Latz, MA, CCC-SLP
 Email: info@corporatespeechsolutions.com
 Phone: 917-841-2965
 Website: www.corporatespeechsolutions.com
 Address: 845 Third Avenue (between 51st-52nd). Alternate locations are
available upon request.
 Rate: $149/45 minutes
 Jayne Latz is a New York State licensed and nationally certified SpeechLanguage Pathologist with twenty years of experience. She has taught at
New York University and remains active as a consultant in the corporate
world. Her professional skills as a Speech-Language Pathologist
combined with her experience as a public speaking coach, provides her
with a unique skill set to aid individuals to communicate more effectively.
o Lillian Rokhsar Nerayoff, MA, CCC-SLP (Director, The Speech Therapist)
 Email: Lillian@thespeechtherapist.com
 Phone: 212-535-4749
 Website: www.thespeechtherapist.com
 Address: 524 East 72nd Street, Suite 30C
 Rate: $100/hour
 Lillian Rokhsar Nerayoff is a New York State licensed, ASHA certified
speech-language pathologist certified in the Compton P-ESL Accent
Reduction Method. She offers clients a speech assessment and a
personalized plan to help achieve clearer - and more professional communication.
o Teresa Seniorelli, MS, M Phil, CCC-SLP
 Email: teresa@ccrslp.com
 Phone: 917-450-7467
 Website: www.ccrslp.com
 Address: 365 Fifth Avenue
 Rate: $150/hour
 Teresa M. Signorelli is a New York State Licensed-ASHA Certified
Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist with over 13 years experience in
communication skills improvement and over 10 years experience in
laboratory research in communication sciences. She is uniquely qualified
in her knowledge of the special mental and muscular processes of
multilingual communication to best assist speakers of all backgrounds
reach their communication potential. Ms. Signorelli is a leading scientist
and clinician for issues regarding the multilingual brain and
communication in multilingual speakers whose work has been published
and presented at conferences internationally.
8
o Cheryl Spiegel, MA, MBA, CCC-SLP
 Email: info@speechimprovement.org
 Phone: 212-706-0158
 Website: www.speechimprovement.org
 Address: 401 East 80th Street
 Rate: $80/half hour; $70/half hour (signing up for 5 appointments at a
time)
 Cheryl Spiegel is an experienced Speech-language Pathologist, certified
by the American Speech- Language Hearing Association, and licensed by
the states of New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. In addition, as
an MBA, she has first hand awareness of the advantages of reducing
foreign and regional dialects, as well as speaking with precise diction.
Former clients include corporate professionals, business students,
engineers, doctors, lawyers, and actors. She is the coauthor of a treatment
book for accent reduction. Hours for accent modification lessons are
flexible and include evenings and weekends.