Explore Expert Tips and Real-Life Strategies for American English Communication

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

Read practical advice, speech tips, and more — all written by a licensed online accent coach and speech-language pathologist.

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

Welcome

At Packard Communications, I believe your voice is your power. Whether you’re a professional navigating meetings and interviews or someone who simply wants to sound more natural in daily conversations, this blog is here to help.

Each post offers practical strategies, clear explanations, and real-life examples to help you speak clearly and confidently in American English.

Want to sound more natural in everyday conversation?

What You’ll Learn

Explore topics that support your journey toward better communication:

🎯 Accent Reduction & Pronunciation Training

Learn to pronounce American English sounds with greater accuracy and ease.
➡️ New to this? Visit my Accent Reduction & Modification Training section on the Classes page to see how personalized coaching can help you reach your goals.

🎵 Intonation & Rhythm

Use melody and phrasing to make your speech engaging and easier to understand.
➡️ Not sure how rhythm works? Explore my Free Meetup Classes on the Resources page to learn about stress and pitch in words and sentences.

🗣️ Speech Rate & Volume Control

Slow down or project your voice without sounding unnatural.
➡️ Need personal feedback? Head to the Free Consultation section on the Homepage to book a session and get tips tailored to your voice.

💬 Everyday Fluency

Speak comfortably in everyday interactions — whether ordering a coffee or chatting with friends.
➡️ Want real practice? Join one of my Small Group Training classes on the Classes page to build fluency in a supportive, interactive environment.

💼 Business & Professional Communication

Present, interview, and network with confidence at work.
➡️ Curious about my background? Read more on the About page to see how my expertise helps professionals succeed in high-stakes situations.

🎤 Public Speaking Confidence

Build stage presence and handle nerves with ease.
➡️ Looking for proof it works? Visit my Reviews page to see client success stories about public speaking and presentation skills.

🧭 Not sure where to begin? Browse my most-read posts here »

“I’ve been learning English as a second language for a few years. Although people can understand most of my English, there are things that can be improved — things that are hard to self-correct since I can’t really tell what’s wrong or right. Darren’s class covers all the American sounds. I got to practice each sound the correct way. Darren listens carefully to each person in the class and corrects our mistakes. After a few classes, I could identify my weaknesses and learned how to self-correct. I now pay more attention to those sounds when I’m speaking. I’ve never had any classes like this one — it’s comprehensive and well-designed, and Darren is a really great teacher!”

— Chang Hua Pan

Application Developer, FEI Systems
San Diego, California | Native Language: Mandarin

Want results like Chang’s? Explore my classes

Why This Blog Matters

Clear communication opens doors.

Whether you’re working on:

Reducing your accent in American English
Improving everyday pronunciation and fluency
Preparing for a job interview
Leading a team meeting
Building confidence in public speaking

….This blog can help you grow

Curious how far you’ve come? Book a personalized communication assessment for expert feedback and clear next steps — or start private coaching sessions to put your training into action.

Who This Blog Is For

Whether you’re a tech professional, healthcare provider, business leader, international student, or a parent wanting to sound more natural, this blog is for anyone who wants to improve their American English pronunciation and communication skills.

If you’re located in Portland or anywhere beyond, my blog supports everyone — from local professionals seeking accent reduction to clients across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest looking for expert communication coaching from an online accent coach you can trust.

Want to know who’s behind this work? Meet Darren Packard, M.S., CCC-SLP, your licensed speech-language pathologist.

“If you ask yourself what can and will I do to improve my American English pronunciation, Darren helps you to start right there. My wife and I took the course together and have not regretted it — every lesson brought valuable insights into American English sounds. The structure, homework, recordings, and Darren’s YouTube videos were all helpful. If you’re looking for a well-structured, sustainable, and friendly way to make your English sound more American, I can only recommend a great teacher — Darren Packard.”

— Oliver Bonorden

Project Manager, Lufthansa Aviation Training USA,
Portland, Oregon | Native Language: German

See more client success stories on my Reviews page — or explore class options for yourself.

Free American English Pronunciation Practice Video

How to Pronounce the /ŋ/ (NG) Sound in American English

Confusing the sounds in sing and sin? You’re not alone — the /ŋ/ sound (as in thing or long) can be tricky, especially for non-native English speakers.

That’s why I created this free American English pronunciation and accent reduction training video — to help you hear and pronounce the /ŋ/ sound clearly and confidently. 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.