About Us
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We love accents! The world is full of different accents; they bring a rich cultural diversity to our workplaces and communities; they add spice to our lives, making everyday conversations more interesting… and sexy! When I listen to an accent, I try and figure out how the mother-tongue has influenced the speaker to speak that way. Identifying how native speaking habits create accents in the second language is like solving a puzzle. If someone is experiencing difficulty being understood, then we can target a few key features for modification. The emphasis is on understanding the differences, practising accurately, and being given helpful feedback’.
About Accent Solutions
In 2009, Accent Solutions was born. Beginning in offices in Grey Lynn (Auckland) and later moving to College Hill (Auckland), Accent Solutions grew steadily, working with individuals, corporates, government departments, contact centres and not-for-profit organisations. Approximately, 46 different languages have been represented within our clientele.
Along the way, the focus shifted from predominantly live coaching to predominantly online coaching. Clients are now able to have coaching in the comfort of their own homes, after work hours if preferred. Our coaching methods have been adapted to Audio Conferencing technology to create a warm, responsive and relaxed coaching atmosphere.
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Our Programme
This program addresses syllable stress, word stress, linking, ‘short-cuts’, syllable structure, intonation, speech accuracy, pacing, pausing, word flow, voicing, speech breathing and articulation. There are assessment tools, coaching lessons and practice materials.
We also have add-on modules on Kiwi grammar, understanding Kiwi speech, Kiwi idioms and slang.
'Global English' is on the rise. This programme helps to develop an 'International Standard English Accent' and the cultural aspects of communicating western-style, to boost ratings of friendliness and trustworthiness in the social and employment not only in New Zealand but all over the world.
When I listen to an accent, I try and figure out how the mother-tongue has influenced the speaker to speak that way.
The emphasis is on understanding the differences, practising accurately, and being given helpful feedback"
Your Coaches
Katherine Kennard
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As the Owner and Managing Director of Accent Solutions, Katherine brings with her a wealth of knowledge, talent and a fresh perspective on personal development and online coaching.​
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Katherine is a seasoned award-winning actress who has spent much of her working life in the film and television industry, featuring in numerous New Zealand and International productions, theatre, voice-overs and commercials. From her many years of experience and training in the film industry Katherine understands what it takes to help people communicate clearly and effectively.
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Excellent accent modification technique is one of the many skills Katherine gained and polished over the decade. Her professionalism combined with her knowledge of the English language makes her a great addition to Accent Solutions.
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"I would love to share with you my own personal tools and skills that will help you feel 'in control', present and confident in your communication skills."
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Katherine brings out the best in people with her kind, patient and supportive nature. Her skills will benefit all those who wish to modify their accents and become clearer and more competent communicators.
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Linda Cartwright
Linda is regarded as one of the best voice tutors in the country.
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Linda has a lifetime of experience, having worked as a theatre actor, and helped actors, politicians and business people with their vocal delivery, communication and presentation skills and accent work.
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She has twice been awarded a major government grant to study voice in both England and the U.S.A.
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Linda has taught in major drama schools and theatre companies, and worked as a coach on the Lord of the Rings trilogy of films, as well as The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and other films and television series.
She has vocally coached a number of politicians, business people, and students presenting dissertations for their graduate degrees.
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