| We live in a global village and the internet has made it | | | | yourself, while driving in your car or whenever you |
| possible for American companies to outsource many | | | | have the time. Get used to the rhythm of American |
| essential services to workers in other parts of the | | | | English. |
| world. Numerous call centers have been established in | | | | - Watch how speakers of American English form their |
| India to service the US market and virtual assistants, | | | | words when you interact and communicate daily with |
| web designers and merchants from diverse parts of | | | | others. Look at their mouths and lips and practise the |
| the world like Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and | | | | idiomatic expressions that they use. |
| Kenya can interact with the huge online market. Cruise | | | | - Take your time when talking and breathe slowly and |
| ships, constructions sites and hospitals employ eager | | | | calmly. Even if you are used to speaking at a faster |
| young people who are willing to work hard and learn | | | | tempo in your first language try to slow down when |
| quickly. | | | | you speak in English to make sure that you are |
| The only obstacle is communication. In most of the | | | | understood. You can always speed up when you are |
| jobs described a level of English proficiency is required | | | | more confident. |
| but even then that may not be enough. US employers | | | | - Try to read English every day, at least a half an hour |
| need to employ workers who they can easily | | | | a day if you can manage it. This will help you get used |
| communicate with, without losing time or money | | | | to pronouncing common expressions and metaphors. If |
| because of problems that arise through | | | | you can, try to tape yourself speaking for 10 minutes |
| misunderstandings when communicating. There is no | | | | and then play it back and listen for improvements that |
| doubt that American accent training will help English | | | | you can make. |
| second language speakers to get better jobs and to | | | | - Finally, and most importantly, ask any friends and |
| negotiate better salaries. | | | | colleagues to give feedback on how your American |
| If you are an English speaker who needs to learn an | | | | accent training is coming along. They may be able to |
| American accent quickly then here are five practical | | | | help identify areas for you to focus on. If you do not |
| strategies you could use for American accent training. | | | | know any American English speakers then be sure to |
| - Every language has its own rhythm and English is no | | | | learn from American television, movies and music. |
| different. Get a language tape and play it over to | | | | You'll be surprised by how much you can learn. |