Classes & Training Programs

American Accent Reduction and Modification Services

Accent Reduction | Accent Modification | American English Pronunciation | Online & In-Person | Portland, Oregon & Worldwide

Explore private coaching, small group classes, and communication assessments — all led by a licensed online accent coach and speech-language pathologist.

Take the First Step Toward Clear, Confident
American English Communication.

American Accent Training Options to Fit Your Goals

Choose from three flexible programs to help you speak English clearly and confidently. This online accent training and communication skills coaching — which includes voice training and American English pronunciation — is tailored to your goals, learning style, and specific challenges.

These options are ideal for professionals and individuals who want to:

✅ Build strong speech habits and clear diction

✅ Prepare for interviews, presentations, or leadership roles

✅ Communicate more effectively at work, at home, or in the community

Communication Assessment

Private 1:1 Coaching

Small Group Class

Each program offers personalized American accent modification and communication skills training designed around your current skill level, schedule, and goals. Whether you’re focused on accent reduction, professional communication skills, voice training, or fluency, you’ll receive practical, results-driven coaching that fits your needs.

“Darren’s program was systematic, supportive, and clear from the very beginning. He pinpointed the areas I needed to work on and gave specific tools I could use immediately. The progress report helped me stay focused and track improvements that I could actually hear and feel in real life.”

— Danil Ponomarev

Media Services Technician, Portland Community College.
Portland, Oregon | Native Language: Russian

Want to see how other students benefited? Read more client success stories

Tuition & Program Customization

I’ve always prided myself on keeping tuition reasonable for the quality of training I provide. My tuition rates are significantly lower than what speech-language pathologists typically charge in healthcare systems, private practices, or corporate training settings.

Tuition depends on several factors, because every program is tailored to you — including:

✅ Whether you choose 1:1 training or a group class

✅ If you complete a Communication Assessment

✅ How many classes you’ll have

✅ The type of training provided

Because every student is different, we’ll meet first so I can recommend a personalized program that fits your goals — and your budget.

Not sure which program is right for you?

Let’s talk through your goals, schedule, and budget — and I’ll recommend a personalized path forward.

Start with a free 1:1 consultation — and walk away with expert guidance tailored to your goals.

Communication Assessment

This optional in-depth communication assessment bookends your training — giving me a clear picture of your communication skills before and after coaching. It also forms the foundation for your personalized training plan.

Before Your Program

You’ll receive:

After Your Program

I’ll reassess your skills with:

This comprehensive process pinpoints your key areas for improvement, develops a customized coaching plan, and tracks measurable progress in your communication skills.

What’s Evaluated

Your communication assessment covers every aspect of how you communicate — from the mechanics of speech to the clarity and confidence behind it.

Pronunciation — accuracy of vowel and consonant sounds
Intonation & Rhythm — melody, stress, pitch, and tone
Speech Rate & Volume — pacing and vocal projection
Fluency — filler words, hesitations, and smoothness
Grammar — verb tenses, articles, prepositions, adverbs, and vocabulary
Vocal Quality — clarity, tone, and vocal consistency
Breath Support — breathing patterns and airflow control
Oral-Motor Skills — precision, movement, and speed of the tongue, lips, and jaw
Non-Verbal Communication — facial expressions and gestures
Confidence — clarity, poise, and overall communicative presence

This assessment helps shape your entire training journey — and gives you clear, measurable goals from the very beginning.

Take the First Step Toward Clear, Confident Communication.

“I took a ten-week accent modification class with Darren Packard in the spring of 2022. I’ve found this course to be extremely helpful in terms of improving my language skills and gaining more confidence as a speaker. In my line of work, communicating clearly is an absolute necessity. Darren has helped me fix some pronunciation errors and to sound more American.”

— Davyd Kazakov

Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LMHC, MA, MHP, NCC), Inspire Counseling Group

Portland, Oregon | Native Language: Russian

Curious who you’ll be working with? Learn more about me

What You’ll Learn in American Accent Training & Communication Coaching

No matter which format you choose — private coaching or small group classes — you’ll learn to speak clearly, confidently, and naturally in American English.

Here’s what I typically focus on:

🔊 Pronunciation & Listening

Master American English vowel and consonant sounds
Hear and correct subtle pronunciation errors
Learn key spelling-to-sound patterns
Apply essential pronunciation rules
Practice high-frequency vocabulary from everyday and professional life
Complete weekly pronunciation projects tailored to your goals

🎵 Intonation, Rhythm & Natural Speech

Learn to use your vocal cords to adjust your pitch for more natural expression
Master which syllables to stress in words for clearer pronunciation
Use stress in sentences and conversation to change meaning and improve listener understanding
Control your pitch when speaking to project confidence
Learn the two ways to use pitch when asking questions
Link words together naturally in conversation for smoother, more fluent speech

💬 Real-World Communication Practice

Role-play meetings, phone calls, and interviews
Practice small talk and casual conversation
Strengthen business communication and etiquette
Improve writing (emails, reports, etc.)
Boost listening comprehension and vocabulary

📝 Ongoing Practice & Feedback

Receive personalized weekly homework
Download HD session recordings after each class
Access a vast library of materials for practice
Track your progress over time
Earn a Certificate of Completion

1:1 Online Accent Modification & Communication Skills Coaching & Classes

Personalized Coaching for Clear, Confident Communication
I offer fully personalized coaching in accent modification and communication skills, based in Portland, Oregon and available worldwide. This training is designed for non-native English speakers and includes targeted goals to improve pronunciation, speech clarity, and fluency.

Flexible, Goal-Focused Training
Whether you’re preparing for presentations, interviews, or everyday conversations, I’ll help you communicate with confidence and clarity. Private coaching is tailored entirely to your goals — whether you’re focused on accent reduction, fluency, voice, or public speaking and presentations. Sessions are available online or in person (in Portland, Oregon).

Why Private Coaching Works

Working one‑on‑one with a licensed speech‑language pathologist and accent coach means every session is built around your voice, your goals, and your real‑world communication needs.

Here’s why private coaching delivers fast, lasting results:

Personalized goals and feedback
A flexible, custom learning plan
Faster progress than group settings
Real‑time support and motivation
A safe, judgment‑free learning space

📅 Class Format & Scheduling

Choose 10, 15, or 20 one‑hour session package
Flexible weekly scheduling to fit your lifestyle
One‑on‑one coaching only for fully personalized support
Start anytime — no rigid course dates
Available online or in person in Portland, Oregon

🎯 Benefits of 1:1 Coaching

Personalized goals and feedback tailored to you
A flexible, custom learning plan designed for real-world results
Faster progress than group classes
Real-time support and motivation to stay on track
A safe, judgment-free learning space where you can grow with confidence

With private coaching, every session is focused on your unique goals so you can make faster, lasting improvements.

“Darren helped me understand what I was completely oblivious to before starting his course. His one-to-one classes helped me target the exact misconceptions I had, and I could see the results week after week. You are sure to have a transformation in your accent — provided you put in the effort. I’d definitely recommend his classes.”

— Spoorthi Chandra Kanchi

EDA Software Engineer, Intel
San Jose, California | Native Language: Tamil

See how other clients found success: read more reviews

I work with clients both locally and globally — from right here in Portland, Oregon to professionals across the world. If you’d like to learn more about my background, feel free to visit the About page.

Take the First Step Toward Clear, Confident Communication.

Online Small Group Accent Modification Class

Join a highly interactive, small-group course focused on improving your American English pronunciation, fluency, and confidence.

With just 4–5 students per group, you’ll receive personalized instruction, peer feedback, and supportive community learning — ideal for professionals enrolled in online English pronunciation classes.

Why a Small Group Class Works

Small group classes offer a fun, supportive way to improve your American English pronunciation and communication skills with guidance and peer interaction.

Here’s why group classes deliver powerful, lasting results:

Peer support and social connection
Collaborative learning and shared feedback
A motivating group atmosphere
A structured weekly schedule
More value compared to private coaching
Practice speaking in front of others with confidence

📅 Format & schedule

10 weekly sessions (2 hours each)
Evening classes: 6:00–8:00 PM PT
New sessions start regularly — Contact me for upcoming dates personalized support

🤝 Why join a group class

Peer support and social connection with like-minded learners
Collaborative learning and shared feedback to accelerate progress
A motivating group atmosphere to keep you engaged
A structured weekly schedule to stay consistent
More value compared to private coaching
Practice speaking in front of others with confidence

With small group coaching, you’ll build skills alongside peers while still receiving personalized guidance.

Take the First Step Toward Clear, Confident Communication.

Free American English Pronunciation Practice Video

How to Pronounce the “Bus or Boss? Luck or Lock?” Vowel Sounds in American English

Confusing similar vowel sounds like in luck vs. lock or bus vs. boss? You’re not alone — it’s one of the most common challenges for non-native speakers learning clear American English pronunciation.

That’s why I created this free American English pronunciation training video, designed to help you hear and feel the difference — fast. In just a few minutes, you’ll learn:

This video reflects how I approach accent and pronunciation training — combining speech‑language pathology methods, professional experience, and years of expertise helping non‑native speakers improve clarity.

Written and narrated by Darren Packard, M.S., CCC-SLP

✅ Free to watch or download — no signup required

Want more practice? Explore more free accent reduction resources.

Who will teach your class

Who Will Teach Your Class

Every session is taught by me — Darren Packard, M.S., CCC-SLP.

You won’t be handed off to other staff or left watching pre-recorded videos. Every session is live and interactive, led by me personally. I’ll guide you through:

Your free consultation
Your personalized Communication Assessment
Your coaching sessions and retesting
All scheduling, homework, and ongoing support

Why this matters

When you work with a single coach, you get:

A consistent strategy from start to finish
Direct access to my 25+ years of experience and professional training
No conflicting methods or “mixed messaging”
One person who knows your goals, history, and voice
A safe, supportive learning environment tailored to you

With one coach and one clear plan, you’ll speak with greater clarity and confidence.

💻 How Online Coaching Works

We’ll meet over Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or the platform you prefer.
Each live session is recorded in HD so you can clearly see my mouth movements and articulation, helping you practice with precision between sessions.

You’ll also have access to these HD recordings after each class so you can:

See and hear your own progress over time
Compare correct vs. incorrect pronunciation
Review lessons at your own pace

Whether you’re working on rhythm, vowels, or fluency, these recordings help you retain more, improve faster, and build lasting communication skills between sessions.

“This class was very useful. It opened my eyes to the way I used to pronounce words. I learned so many things from Darren. He is very patient and sincere with his overviews and opinions. My language became much more clear, and I’m a lot more confident when I talk with others. I really enjoyed every moment of the class.”

— Benjamin Williams

Senior Account Manager, Kokusai Electric
Portland, Oregon | Native Language: Mandarin

Looking for more strategies and tips? Read my latest blog posts

What to Expect: Before, During, and After Your American Accent Training

Before You Start

Here’s how your personalized training begins

Step 1 – Free Consultation

Start with a free consultation for online accent modification and communication skills coaching.

We’ll meet on Zoom or Microsoft Teams to discuss your strengths, areas for improvement, and goals. I’ll recommend the best American English pronunciation training option for you — whether that’s 1:1 accent reduction sessions or a small group class.

Step 2 – Optional Communication Assessment

For a deeper analysis, you can choose an optional communication assessment. This helps identify specific speech patterns, pronunciation challenges, and fluency goals.

Or you can move straight into:

Private online accent reduction and modification training
Or join a small group class for non-native English speakers

Step 3 – Class Package & Materials

Once you choose a class package and complete tuition, you’ll receive:

Zoom links for your first class
Custom materials and online resources for your training
Guidance on how to prepare for your first lesson

During Your Classes

A proven step-by-step method for clear, confident communication

Step 4 – Your First Class

We’ll begin with an introductory session, covering:

The differences between letters and sounds in American English
The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and how it helps with pronunciation
How to physically produce vowel and consonant sounds
Basic syllable structure and word stress

We’ll also review your syllabus, so you know exactly what we’ll cover in your training.

Step 5 – Step-by-Step Progression

Using speech-language pathology methods backed by research, you’ll:

Master individual sounds you find challenging
Practice target words with correct pronunciation
Use those words naturally in sentences and conversations

Then we’ll move into:

Reading aloud with correct stress and intonation
Understanding intonation patterns and conversational flow
Role-playing real-world situations like meetings, interviews, and presentations

After Your Classes

Step 6 – You’ve Made Amazing Progress!

By this point, you’ve made noticeable, tangible improvements in your communication:

You’re pronouncing vowel and consonant sounds more clearly
You’re easier to understand in conversations
You’re using the correct melody and intonation patterns of American English
You’re speaking more slowly, with better speech volume
You’re projecting more confidence and clarity in your meetings, conversations, interviews, and daily life

Great job! 🎉

Step 7 – Final Communication Assessment & Ongoing Support

To wrap up, we’ll complete a final communication assessment that compares your before-and-after scores and shows exactly how much progress you’ve made. If there’s anything left to work on, I’ll give you a personalized plan to continue improving.

And even after your program ends, you’re always welcome to reach out with questions — at no charge. If you want a refresher session in the future, you can schedule one anytime.

“Darren’s group class was both extremely educational and very entertaining. I was surprised by how much progress I made just by learning to hear sounds the right way and practicing with others. It’s a true investment in yourself and well worth the time and money!”

— Jacqueline Bonorden

IT Program Manager Data Migration, Siemens Digital Industries Software
Portland, Oregon | Native Language: German

Want the full overview of what I offer? Return to the Homepage

Take the First Step Toward Clear, Confident Communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer a certificate or proof of completion?

Yes. After completing your program, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion that outlines the training provided. This is especially useful for workplace reimbursement, continuing education, or professional development portfolios.

How long does it take to notice improvement?

What if I don’t know what I need to work on?

You don’t need to know exactly what to focus on before getting started — that’s part of my job. I’ll help you identify the areas that will make the biggest difference for your communication. If you’d like a clear picture of your exact level and a detailed plan, you can add an optional Communication Assessment. This includes live testing, a detailed written report, and a 1:1 review to map out your goals and next steps.

Are these programs live or self-paced?

All sessions are live and personalized. You’ll work directly with me — no pre-recorded lessons or generic modules.

What if I have a strong accent?

That’s perfectly okay. Many students start there. My coaching helps improve clarity and confidence through expert feedback and consistent practice.

Do you work with clients outside the U.S.?

Yes! I coach students worldwide. As long as you have a strong internet connection, we can meet online from anywhere.

Do I need perfect grammar to get started?

Not at all. I’ll work with your current communication level. Grammar naturally improves through context-based learning, real-life practice, and personalized coaching.

What if I miss a class?

If you’re in a one-on-one class, no problem — we’ll simply reschedule. If you’re in a group class, you’ll receive HD recordings of every session so you can review and stay on track at your own pace.

How quickly will I see results?

Most clients notice positive changes within the first few weeks. Your progress depends on your goals, consistency, and how often you practice — but results often come faster than expected.

Are classes customized for my profession?

Yes. Whether you work in tech, healthcare, education, business, or another field, I’ll tailor the training to your real-world communication needs — including role-played meetings, presentations, interviews, and more.

How many sessions will I need?

That depends on your goals, current skill level, and how consistently you practice. Most students see noticeable improvement in their speech clarity and confidence — and meet many of their goals — within 10 to 20 sessions. I’ll recommend a personalized plan during your consultation or after your Communication Assessment.

What are your rates and payment options?

Pricing varies depending on the type of training and the number of sessions you choose. I offer package rates for both private coaching and small group classes. We’ll talk through your goals and budget in a free consultation — no pressure or commitment.

Can I eliminate my accent completely?

The goal of accent training isn’t to erase your identity — it’s to help you speak clearly, confidently, and be easily understood. Many clients significantly reduce their accent and feel more natural when speaking, but complete “accent elimination” is not necessary or realistic for most people.

Am I too old to change how I speak?

Not at all. Adults of all ages — including those in their 50s, 60s, and beyond — have improved their speech through consistent coaching and practice. It’s never too late to develop clearer, more confident communication.

Is online coaching as effective as in-person?

Yes. In fact, many clients prefer online coaching for the convenience, flexibility, and access to HD session recordings. You’ll still receive live, face-to-face guidance and personalized feedback — just over Zoom or your preferred platform.

What’s your cancellation or makeup policy?

I understand that schedules change. If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, just let me know at least 24 hours in advance. You’ll also receive a recording of every session so you can review and stay caught up.

Is this the same as speech therapy?

No. While I’m a licensed speech-language pathologist, this program is not medical speech therapy. It’s a specialized form of coaching focused on accent reduction, American English pronunciation, and professional communication skills. It’s ideal for adults who want to speak more clearly and confidently — not for those with medical speech or language disorders.

Want to know more about my professional background? Learn more about me

How is this different from free YouTube videos or apps?

Great question. While free resources can help you get started, personalized coaching goes much deeper. I provide expert feedback, customized strategies, and structured practice — all tailored to your accent, profession, and goals. It’s a faster, more effective path to real results.

Want more free ways to practice? Explore my Resources page

Can this help with interviews, presentations, or public speaking?

Absolutely. Many clients come to me specifically to improve their speech for professional situations. Whether you’re preparing for a job interview, a team presentation, or a leadership role, we’ll focus on your real-life communication needs — including pronunciation, voice, rhythm, and delivery.

Curious what clients are saying?

Check out my Reviews page

📅 Book Your Free Accent Reduction Consultation

Ready to speak English clearly, sound more natural, and communicate with confidence?

Start with a free consultation — designed for professionals and English learners who want to improve their pronunciation and speaking skills in American English.

What’s Included:

Personalized accent and communication feedback
A customized roadmap based on your goals, background, and industry
A live Q&A to answer your specific questions

Whether you’re in Portland, Oregon or joining from across the globe, our online coaching and pronunciation training, accent reduction, and accent modification coaching is flexible, accessible, and designed to deliver results.

Most clients notice meaningful improvement after just one session.

If you’re preparing for a big presentation, stepping into a leadership role, or just tired of repeating yourself at work — or at Starbucks… Wherever you’re starting, I’ll help you move forward with expert strategies, personalized support, and real, measurable results.