FAQs

    What is corporate speech pathology?

    What are the qualifications of a speech-language pathologist in Alberta?

    What seminars do you offer?

    What are my training options?

    I'm not from Alberta. Where can I find training?

    Is there coverage for accent reduction training or voice therapy?

    How do I know if I need corporate speech and language training?

    Is Accent on Communication the right training company for me?
    How many sessions will I need?

    I don't want to lose my foreign accent completely.

    What is corporate speech pathology?
    This is a new and specialized area in the field of speech pathology. Corporate speech-language pathologists work as consultants to businesses and focus on the communication needs of corporate employees and entrepreneurs. Most are self-employed and understand the challenges of running their own businesses. Speech-language pathologists are also referred to as speech therapists.
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    What are the qualifications of a speech-language pathologist in Alberta?
    All speech-language pathologists must hold a masters degree and be registered members of the Alberta College of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists (ACSLPA). As well, speech-language pathologists must maintain continuing education hours, client contact hours and adhere to a code of ethics. Speech-language pathologists working outside of Alberta must be recognized by their provincial associations and/or the Canadian Association of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA). Speech-language pathologists in the US must hold the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) certification and be licensed in each state in which they practice.
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    What seminars do you offer?
    Since 1990, we have customized seminars and workshops in the following areas: accent reduction, dialect modification, business writing, presentation preparation and delivery, speech therapy and voice enhancement, professional telephone skills training, effective job search strategies, business etiquette, and customer service.
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    What are my training options?
    Our training is customized to meet the communication needs and time constraints of our clients. Individual and group training is available. We also offer intensive weekly and weekend workshops. Programs tend to fall into two categories – a "package" plan (10, 15 or 20 sessions) or hourly coaching for clients who have an immediate need or want to work on a specific project such as speech preparation and delivery. We have recently introduced telephone consultation for clients who live outside Calgary, are away for training, or want to train in the privacy of their homes. Internet video conferencing will be available in June 2005.
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    I'm not from Alberta. Where can I find training?
    There are many speech pathologists throughout Canada and the US who specialize in this area. Start by looking for a private speech-language pathologist in your area (through the yellow pages or a private practice registry). A great resource is CORSPAN - the Corporate Speech Pathology Network. Look under "speech training in your area" and you will find a listing of qualified corporate speech language pathologists throughout North America.
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    Is there coverage for accent reduction training or voice therapy?
    There are several options for training coverage:
    1. Corporate education coverage
      Many companies believe that employees who speak, write and interact confidently are an asset to their businesses and promote a strong, professional corporate image. Seventy-five percent of our clients access training that is covered through their companies.
    2. Workplace insurance or employee benefits plan
      Alberta Medicare does not cover the speech and language services of private speech-language pathologists. However, many clients are able to obtain partial or full coverage through their workplace insurance or benefits plan under professional speech therapy consultation.
    3. Educational tax deduction
      Accent on Communication is a certified educational institution. Clients who fund their own training can claim the tuition as an educational tax deduction.

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    How do I know if I need corporate speech and language training?
    Do people have difficulty understanding you? Does your speech pattern, voice, or writing style affect your self-confidence? Are you reaching your career goals? Do you want to communicate in a more powerful manner? If you answer Yes to any of these questions, you would benefit from training.
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    Is Accent on Communication the right training company for me?
    We encourage anyone considering speech and language training to come in for a complimentary appointment or schedule a telephone consultation. This provides an opportunity to discuss your communication goals and expectations and develop a relationship with us - a key component in a successful training program.
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    How many sessions will I need?
    The total number of sessions depends partly on your goals and partly on your commitment to practicing what you learn in each session. Often, clients will see improvement within 4 or 5 sessions. Most accent reduction clients enroll in a 15 or 20 session program depending on the degree of their accents.
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    I don't want to lose my foreign accent completely.
    The goal of accent reduction training is not to eliminate your accent. The goal is to give you tools to acquire a new speaking pattern that is clear, confident and compelling. Most clients find they are able to easily switch back and forth between their accented speech and their new speech patterns. You will be able to choose how you want to speak in different situations.
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