Accent & Communication Training (ACT)

Notice

Telepractice ACT evaluations and sessions are available with Microsoft Teams. Complete the registration form to get started.

ACT REGISTRATION FORM

Effective communication is essential to succeed

in academics, business, healthcare, research, and customer service.

We offer accent modification, public speaking, and communication training
for native and non-native speakers of American English,
with sessions on campus or online.

Ace Your Interview

Get personalized interview coaching with speech experts at our interview skills workshop.

Tuesday March 17
10:00 – 11:30 am

Learn More

Effective communication is essential to succeed

in academics, business, healthcare, research, and customer service.

We offer accent modification, public speaking, and communication training
for native and non-native speakers of American English,
with sessions on campus or online.

“

I joined the ACT program in order to improve my pronunciation. My instructor, Jordan Piel, helped me identify specific areas of improvement, suggested a variety of vocal exercises, and helped me set weekly goals. Jordan was friendly, easy-going, and supportive throughout the program, which reduced the anxiety of working with a speech coach. By the end of the program, I had made significant progress with my pronunciation and had become a much more confident communicator.

— BG, 2020 ACT participant

ACT involves direct instruction and models for articulation (the way sounds are produced) and prosody (the melody of speech) in Mainstream American English (MAE). It provides opportunities to practice learned skills in a variety of communication settings and situations (e.g., presentations, interviews, ordering food), as well as direct feedback on performance from the instructors.

ACT at Northeastern is open to anyone; affiliation with Northeastern University is not required for participation. There are four options:

Student coaching:
Designed for undergraduate and graduate students in the Northeastern community and beyond who want to enhance their communication skills for academic and early-career settings such as class presentations and co-op interviews. This service focuses primarily on speaking clearly, confidently, and authentically.

Evaluation and feedback session (two visits total): $195

4 individual sessions: $260
6 individual sessions: $375
8 individual sessions: $480

Northeastern Faculty Coaching

Our flagship training/coaching service focuses on professional communication skills for individuals with experience in the workforce. NEU Faculty can enjoy a 10% discount. This coaching service takes on a practical approach to real-world challenges, whether your aim is more dynamic presentation delivery, better performance evaluations in your current role, or an advantage at your next interview.

Evaluation and feedback session (two visits total: $225

4 individual sessions: $270
6 individual sessions: $390
8 individual sessions: $500

Professional Coaching
Our flagship training/coaching service focuses on professional communication skills for individuals with experience in the workforce. This coaching service takes on a practical approach to real-world challenges, whether your aim is more dynamic presentation delivery, better performance evaluations in your current role, or an advantage at your next interview.

Evaluation and feedback session (two visits total: $275

4 individual sessions: $360
6 individual sessions: $525
8 individual sessions: $680

Customized Corporate programs
Partner with us to design a program specifically for your team’s needs. We offer communication centered tools and strategies to help leaders and teams clarify values, desired outcomes, and priorities, and help implement effective and sustainable learning and development approaches for your professional environments.

How can an individual register for ACT?

Complete the registration form and email, fax, or mail it to the Speech-Language and Hearing Center.
Upon receiving the completed registration form, an instructor from the SLHC will call to schedule a screening and/or an evaluation.
Based on the results of the evaluation, schedule individual and/or group training sessions.

Contact

Phone: 617.373.2492
Fax: 617.373.8756
Email: ACT@neu.edu
Address:
Speech-Language and Hearing Center
30 Leon Street
503 Behrakis Health Sciences Center
Boston, MA 02115

Accent & Communication Specialists

Sarah Young-Hong, MA, CCC-SLP

Jordan Piel, MS, CCC-SLP