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June 19, 2008
Accent Reduction Training Gains Ground Among Employers
BOSTON, June 19, 2008 — As
North America’s workforce has diversified with
growing numbers of non-native English speakers, a demand
for accent reduction training has emerged among employers,
according to Novations Group, a global consulting
organization based in Boston.
Clear communication is essential for global organizations
to function optimally, noted Novations Director of Client
Services Katharine Stowe. “With frequent
conference calls and team members with multinational
backgrounds, being understood easily and accurately may
often be difficult.”
In partnership with the Ann Arbor, MI, based Accent
Reduction Institute, Novations now offers companies in the
U.S. and Canada a new interpersonal communications module
known as “Speaking
101: Speaking Effectively.”
Speaking Effectively was designed to maintain each
person's unique cultural identity while eliminating
language barriers, said Judy Ravin, President of the Accent
Reduction Institute, who created the methodology.
“Participants generally see immediate improvement,
and outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive since we
began to offer the training three years ago.”
In a recent training provided to one global organization,
83% of participants reported greater confidence in their
overall effectiveness after just a single round of
instruction, observed Ravin. “Moreover, 69%
indicated they had fewer requests from colleagues for
clarification or repetition, and ‘critical
errors’ were reduced by more than two-thirds.”
Benefit for the individual is also a core objective of the
training, added Stowe. “Individuals who in the
past may not typically have been considered may now have
access to advancement opportunities. After all, much
of advancement hinges on communication and networking
skills, and effective accent reduction training can level
the corporate playing field, allowing all employees a fair
chance at promotion.”
Started in 2005, the Accent Reduction Institute has quickly
become the leader in corporate and individual accent
reduction. With such clients as Boeing, Comerica and
General Motors the company has earned a reputation for
service and positive outcomes. ARI customizes
corporate programs and provides individualized road maps
for personalized improvement. For more information,
visit http://www.lessaccent.com.
Novations Group, Inc. is a leading provider of consulting
and training services. Novations is recognized for
its expertise in diversity and inclusion, employee
engagement, talent management, employee selection,
leadership development, organization communications, sales
training and customer service.
Contact: Ryan Conroy, Accent Reduction, Institute,
734-665-2915, ryan@lessaccent.com,
or Phil Ryan, Ryan Public Relations, 845-339-7858.
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