At Story Accent & Communication, we strive to be flexible and accommodating to each client’s schedule. Our calendar is created on a week-by-week basis. If you have specific scheduling needs, we are happy to work with you to find a time that fits best.

Coaching sessions are reserved specifically for you. To respect both your progress and the coach’s time, a 24-hour notice is required for all cancellations or rescheduling.

Sessions canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed sessions, will be counted as used and cannot be rescheduled.

The initial evaluation session (included in select packages) is considered a scheduled session and follows the same cancellation policy.

A one-time courtesy reschedule may be offered at the coach’s discretion for unforeseen circumstances.

American English Accent Coaching is considered an elective, non-clinical service designed to enhance clarity, confidence, and effectiveness in spoken English. Because it is not a medical or therapeutic service and does not involve the diagnosis or treatment of a communication disorder, it cannot be billed to insurance. All coaching sessions are private-pay and provided directly to clients.

An accent is the unique way someone pronounces words, shaped by their linguistic background, native language, and life experiences. Everyone speaks with an accent! It’s a natural part of language and identity. Accents are not speech disorders; they simply reflect differences in pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation. Accent coaching focuses on helping individuals adjust or refine certain aspects of their speech to improve clarity and confidence in communication, while still maintaining their individuality and cultural identity.

No. Accent coaching is not speech therapy and does not treat speech or language disorders. It is an elective, educational service designed for individuals who already speak English and want to communicate more clearly and confidently.

No. Accent coaching is not about eliminating your accent or changing who you are. The goal is to support clarity and ease of communication while honoring your identity, background, and voice.

The evaluation is a one-on-one session designed to understand how you currently communicate and what will most effectively support your goals.

During the evaluation, we will:

• Discuss your language background, communication experiences, and goals

• Review the situations where you want to feel clearer or more confident (e.g., work meetings, presentations, interviews, class discussions)

• Analyze speech patterns that may impact clarity, such as pronunciation, rhythm, stress, and intonation

• Identify strengths as well as specific areas to target during coaching

The evaluation is collaborative and supportive, not a test. There are no “right” or “wrong” ways to speak. The goal is to gain insight into your unique speech patterns so coaching sessions are focused, efficient, and personalized from the start.

At the end of the evaluation, you’ll receive a clear overview of recommended focus areas and a suggested coaching plan, including session frequency and package options aligned with your goals.

Most clients meet weekly or biweekly. Session frequency is recommended based on your goals and availability.

Accent coaching at Story Accent & Communication is individualized and evidence-informed. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all program, coaching is tailored to each client’s unique speech patterns, language background, and real-world communication goals.

As a nationally certified speech-language pathologist (CCC-SLP), Olivia brings a deep understanding of speech production, intelligibility, and communication effectiveness. This allows coaching to focus on what actually impacts clarity for listeners, rather than unnecessary or generic accent drills.

Our approach emphasized that accents are not communication disorders. Coaching is not about erasing identity or “fixing” speech, but about helping individuals communicate with confidence, intention, and ease while honoring their background and voice.

Results vary depending on individual goals, language background, and consistency of practice. Many clients experience improved clarity, increased confidence, and greater ease communicating in American English over time.

Some clients notice early changes within the first few sessions, such as increased awareness of speech patterns or greater comfort speaking, while others benefit from longer-term coaching to support lasting, automatic changes in everyday communication.

Coaching focuses on skills that carry over beyond sessions, including clearer pronunciation, improved rhythm and intonation, and more confident participation in conversations, presentations, and professional settings.

Because accent coaching is a skill-based, elective service, outcomes depend on active participation and practice between sessions. Progress is supported through personalized strategies, real-world application, and ongoing feedback throughout the coaching process.

Accent coaching is a gradual, individualized process, and the timeline varies based on your goals, background, and how consistently you practice between sessions.

Some clients notice improvements in clarity and confidence within the first few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support to create lasting, automatic changes in everyday communication. Factors such as your first language, speaking environments (school, work, social settings), and specific goals all influence progress.

During your initial evaluation, we’ll discuss realistic expectations and recommend a personalized plan that supports steady, meaningful improvement—without rushing or forcing change.

Accent coaching is not about quick fixes; it’s about building skills that feel natural, sustainable, and aligned with your voice.