Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) - For Individuals

Why can't I change my pronunciation with CDs and videos?

You cannot effectively change your second language pronunciation without assistance from a native speaker.  Between the ages of six and nine, you lose the ability to distinguish sounds that are different from your native language.  A qualified instructor must help you distinguish new sounds through auditory discrimination exercises and provide techniques to develop new muscles for production.  You also need candid feedback from an instructor until you are able to practice independently.




Will I sound like a native English speaker when the class is completed?

According to research, you should have arrived in the United States by age six in order to speak English like an American native speaker. After training, you will continue to have an accent but American listeners will understand you much better.  Having an accent is not a problem unless listeners have to strain to understand what you are saying.



How long will it take to change my accent?

Each person will experience a period of being able to reduce his or her accent when consciously thinking about it. However, to get the changes into the subconscious mind may take six months to a year of practice. Remember, you are working on muscle memory and years of habit.  Like playing golf, tennis or a musical instrument, accent training requires practice, practice, practice.



How do Americans perceive my accent?

Vive la difference!  Americans like accents but only if they do not have to mentally translate what you are saying.  If you have an accent that causes a listener to strain, eventually the listener will stop listening.  If you have a very strong accent, native English speakers may think you do not speak or understand English very well even if you are very fluent in the language and have been speaking it for years.


What is the best way to practice?

We recommend using the Compton CD-ROM. It provides a means for you to record and compare your voice to a native English speaker.  After working with a certified instructor to make sure you are making correct sounds, rhythm and intonation, we recommend that you practice thirty minutes to one hour a day. It is better to practice a little every day than much on one day.

After you have mastered the sounds, we recommend that you start using complete word production ten times a day for :30 seconds at a time.  This technique is explained in class.


Should I take Level 2?

Level 2 is designed for students who have completed Level 1 and want to continue practicing in the structured environments of the course.  In Level 2, we spend much more time working on body language and teaching you to imitate Americans using Linguistic Mimicry techniques.  If your job requires that you give many presentations, we can also work on presentation skills more in depth in Level 2.


Can you explain WebEx™ technology:

WebEx™ is the #1 web conference provider in the world.  The technology provides internet users with real-time, interactive multimedia services. Our clients enjoy all the advantages and benefits of our traditional classroom offerings including a one-on-one session with an instructor-without travel expenses or time away from the office. It's simple; all you need is a computer and a phone line.


I travel with my job, what if I have to miss a class?

No problem. If cancellations are made with a 24 hour notice, the session will be rescheduled at a mutually agreed upon time with your G.E.T. English Training instructor.   You may reschedule class three times throughout the course.



Should you have any questions regarding this policy, please do not hesitate to call 972 687-9005 or info@getenglishtraining.com.

G.E.T. English Training was created in 2006 to provide quality accent and English training to business and medical professionals. We currently train individuals from around the world on-site, in our offices and live internet training via WebEx™.