Uncertainty with American communication styles and ways of thinking can limit or restrict professional advancement. While it is rare for an accent to be completely eliminated, significant changes can be accomplished with proper coaching and guidance.

Pronunciation of sounds is only a small part of speech, and speech is only a small part of one's ability as a communicator. Every effort must be made to maximize overall communicative effectiveness while reducing the impact of an accent.

Connie Dugan's training program considers such skills as:

• posture
• body language
• dress
• inflection
• tone of voice
• word usage
• assertiveness
• levels of formaility
• conversational skills

• Before a client participates in individual or group training, an individual accent analysis is done.
• Individual goals are set focusing those which will result in the most evident immmediate changes.
• An individualized independent practice program is established and commercial and/or customized audiotapes and workbooks are recommended to enhance the client's progress.