Previously, we explained how SpeechMod approaches accent management differently. In short, we:
- Evaluate at communication as a whole with listeners, co-workers, and the climate of the company
- Use only certified, licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
- Use Evidence-Based Practice
How is SpeechMod’s Approach Evidence-Based?
Evidence-Based Practice is a three pronged approach using Client’s Values, Current, Best Research, and Clinical Expertise. Get the best return on investment by using a company that has taken the time to assemble the most qualified team to offer research-based materials. It’s your money and your decision. Make the best, most informed one. Ask companies about the qualifications and training of their providers and the research behind their methods.
Client Interview – Your Values and Goals Are Important!
SpeechMod’s Intake Form questions along with our Client Interview during the assessment take your background information, concerns, and values into account when recommending goals for the amount of time and money you want to invest. We take your personal real-life experiences for incorporating communication strategies. Accent Management is elective. You don’t have a speech disorder – you are choosing to invest in your future by improving your professional communication skills.
Research-Based Assessment and Materials
We use the Comprehensive Assessment of Accentedness and Intelligibility (CAAI), the only approach that was developed based on the latest research. The CAAI is Comprehensive -assesses all aspects of speech, language, and nonverbal communication differences related to accent & intelligibility. Additionally, the assessment is Broad: from the smallest consonant and vowel differences, to larger sentence-level prosody patterns, to ultimately, longer passages. The CAAI assesses 22 communication areas in all.
The CAAI is OBJECTIVE & QUANTITATIVE. The assessment assigns a numeric degree of difficulty in individual test areas. Because we’re trained, approved administrators we calculate your scores to identify areas of strength versus areas that need intervention. Additionally, we are able to calculate Quantitative scores for accent severity, intelligibility, and speaking rate
Numeric scores:
- Help us prioritize goals with you for intervention/accent modification
- Objectively predict prognosis post-intervention
- Compare pre- and post-intervention performance
- Give reliable and objective measure of success from accent modification coaching
Clinical Expertise – Our Coaches are Certified and Licensed
Every coach on the SpeechMod team is a certified SLP, licensed in their state of residence. We’ve done the legwork and built the experience necessary to offer informed, one-on-one guidance to our clients. Our training and coaching materials were developed and researched by SLPs who are certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Our team has been trained and are approved administrators of the CAAI.
Why use a speech-language pathologist to coach American English?
You are a professional and provide quality products or services at work. We know you expect quality instruction from professionals who can individualize instruction and coaching to your needs.
We know our services aren’t cheap. Our materials were developed by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who are certified by The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and licensed in their states to practice speech-language pathology. Our coaches are all SLPs. We have a professional team, and are experts at teaching you to speak American English with correct sounds and rhythm.
We have master’s degrees and are experts in communication. Our SLPs draw from years of experience with sound production (place, manner, and voicing) and speech fluency (rate and rhythm). We are also experts in language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics). We don’t rely on a particular workbook. Our SLPs provide a custom program to meet your needs.
Being score-based and evidence-based allows us to be:
- Reliable
- Honorable
- Direct
“What’s in it for me?” you might ask. The answer is easy. SpeechMod’s approach provides:
- Better outcomes for you
- Prevention of bias and discrimination at work
- Fair evaluations of communication skills for employers