What we’re about
Portland Oregon Accent Modification Accent Reduction American English Pronunciation Speaking Speech Speech-Language Pathology Speech Sounds Communication Skills Classes
Welcome to Accent Modification and Accent Reduction in Portland Oregon!
Our Group
Welcome to our group! Accent Modification Portland is a social and educational group started in 2011 by Darren J. Packard M.S., CCC/SLP nationally certified speech-language pathologist specializing in accent modification and communication training.
Group Topics
American English pronunciation, American English melody (also know as intonation), speech rate, speech volume, and non-verbal language to improve your ability to speak American English in conversations, when interviewing, giving presentations, or participating in meetings. Anything that will improve how you communicate!
Our Group Members
Group members are persons from throughout the world who speak English as a non-native language. Members are usually professionals or students who have adequate use of the English language (reading, writing, and understanding) but would like to improve how they speak and communicate using American English. We are a fun and welcoming group that likes to have a good time while learning how to speak more effectively and with confidence!
Our Events
We have events every month. Most of our events are free (although I do ask for donations to support the group) or at a minimal cost. One of our most popular events is a monthly seminar. In this event, we socialize before participating in a 1.5-hour-long training in areas such as American English pronunciation (vowel and consonant sounds), rules for conversational pronunciation, speech rate, speech volume, non-verbal language - anything that improves how you speak! The content of the free seminars is exactly the same that is provided in the accent modification training courses I provide for companies, classes, individual students, and universities – only it is free for group members!
Group Leader
I'm Darren J. Packard, MS, CCC/SLP a speech-language pathologist who specializes in accent modification and communication training. I'm an active member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and an Oregon licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. I have over 20,000 hours and 18 years of experience training people in accent modification and communication skills. I've been on faculty as an adjunct lecturer at Portland State University, am currently an adjunct faculty for Portland Community College, and have taught classes for Pacific University. Feel free to view my work and educational history and experience on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenpackard/
Packard Communications Private Training Courses
Through my company Packard Communications I provide comprehensive communication evaluations (including your pronunciation and melody), "Small, Intensive Accent Modification Classes," 1:1 accent modification training, and online training throughout the world. To find out more please visit my website: https://packardcommunications.com/
Facebook and Twitter
I frequently post information about new classes and resources that are extremely helpful to non-native English speakers who would like to improve their communication skills. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter for more information: https://www.facebook.com/PackardCommunications/ https://twitter.com/PackardCommun
Free American English Professional Communication Skills Meetup Group
I also have a Meetup.com group dedicated to improving the professional communication skills of non-native English speakers. We have free monthly training sessions focused on improving your ability to give presentations, participate in meetings, interview, use business idioms. and have 1:1 work conversations. For more information or to join this group go to https://www.meetup.com/Communication-Skills-for-Non-Native-English-Professionals/
YouTube American English Pronunciation Video Channel "Sounds American"
In addition to all the above (whew!) I also have a Youtube channel, where you can find excellent videos with detailed instructions and visuals to learn to better "hear" and pronounce most of the sounds in American English. The channel is called "Sounds American" and I write and record the videos. Check them out! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-MSYk9R94F3TMuKAnQ7dDg
Contact Me
Have questions? Please feel free, I'm always happy to help!
Darren J. Packard, M.S., CCC/SLP. Packard Communications. 503-201-3008. darren@packardcommunications.com www.packardcommunications.com 1815 SW Marlow Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97225
Accent Modification Accent Reduction Speaking English Speech Skills Learning American English Online Training Classes Coaching Intonation Vowels Consonants Talking Communication Spelling Presentation Skills Interviewing Conversation Speech-Language Pathologist SLP Speech Therapist Portland Oregon Hillsboro Beaverton Bethany Cedar Mill Cedar Hils Oak Hills Lake Oswego West Linn West Slope Camas Happy Valley Rock Creek Sherwood Raliegh Hills Tigard Tualatin Gresham Wilsonville Aloha Salem Eugene Springfield Corvallis Oregon City Woodburn Forest Grove Newberg Milwaukee Sherwood Canby Troutdale Cornelius
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https://packardcommunications.com/about/
https://packardcommunications.com/services/
https://packardcommunications.com/communication-assessment/
https://packardcommunications.com/accent-modification-classes/
https://packardcommunications.com/individual-communication-training/
https://packardcommunications.com/online-american-english-training/
https://packardcommunications.com/accent-modification-reduction-resources/
https://packardcommunications.com/accent-modification-reduction-resources/#yoututbe
https://packardcommunications.com/blog/
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Upcoming events (3)
See all- American Accent Pronunciation Online Class Stop Consonants Portland OregonLink visible for attendees
To attend this class, you'll need to register through Zoom 24 hours before the start of this class. Use the below link.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlcOCgpjMqGdWivjILpCj9T09fm6bv3IhI
After doing so, I'll receive your Zoom request. After I approve it, you will receive a confirmation Zoom notification that you're registered. Please note, that you'll need to have your video and audio on to attend this class.
Welcome to our monthly online accent modification class! This event is a great way to learn how to communicate more effectively and efficiently speaking American English. This is one of many classes in which you'll learn the correct pronunciation of all the sounds (and sound variations) and intonation patterns (melody) of American English.
This is our first class in which we'll begin to work on the consonant sounds of American English - the stop consonants. These are VERY commonly used sounds (/p, b, t, d, k, and g/), some of which can be very difficult for non-native English speakers to pronounce correctly (substitution of the /v/ for the /b/ sound, devoicing at the end of words, etc.).
We'll talk about how these sounds can be represented in spelling, what you need to do to make the sounds (how open your mouth should be, what you need to do with your lips, and what you need to do with your tongue) and we'll practice these sounds in words and some sentences.
I'll provide as much 1:1 training as I can during the class. I'll also provide you with practice materials you can use at home and I'll teach you the best way to practice on your own to improve.
Thanks and hope to see you soon!
*Suggested donation to attend this event is $10 or more. Donations are appreciated, to cover the cost of Zoom, supplies, meetup fees, and my time to prepare and lead the event. ALL FEES GO DIRECTLY TO THE SUPPORT OF THIS GROUP. Please send donations via:
Venmo: @Darren-Packard
Paypal: darren@packardcommunications.com
Zelle: darrenpackard@hotmail.com*Since these events are very popular, please do not RSVP unless you can attend
*This event is for non-native English speakers
*You can always join the event up to 15 minutes early - I'll be there!Darren J. Packard M.S., CCC/SLP
Owner and Director
Packard Communications
Phone: 503.201.3008
E-mail: darren@packardcommunications.com
Website: http://www.packardcommunications.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenpackard/Accent Modification Accent Reduction Speaking English Speech Skills Learning American English Online Training Classes Coaching Intonation Vowels Consonants Communication Spelling Presentation Skills Interviewing Conversation Speech-Language Pathologist SLP Portland Oregon Hillsboro Beaverton
https://packardcommunications.com/about/
https://packardcommunications.com/services/
https://packardcommunications.com/communication-assessment/
https://packardcommunications.com/accent-modification-classes/
https://packardcommunications.com/individual-communication-training/
https://packardcommunications.com/online-american-english-training/
https://packardcommunications.com/accent-modification-reduction-resources/
https://packardcommunications.com/accent-modification-reduction-resources/#yoututbe
https://packardcommunications.com/accent-modification-reduction-resources/#meetup
https://packardcommunications.com/accent-modification-reduction-resources/#pcc
https://packardcommunications.com/corporate/
https://packardcommunications.com/corporate/#intel - American Accent Pronunciation Online Class Stop Consonants Portland OregonLink visible for attendees
To attend this class, you'll need to register through Zoom 24 hours before the start of this class. Use the below link.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlcOCgpjMqGdWivjILpCj9T09fm6bv3IhI
After doing so, I'll receive your Zoom request. After I approve it, you will receive a confirmation Zoom notification that you're registered. Please note, that you'll need to have your video and audio on to attend this class.
Welcome to our monthly online accent modification class! This event is a great way to learn how to communicate more effectively and efficiently speaking American English. This is one of many classes in which you'll learn the correct pronunciation of all the sounds (and sound variations) and intonation patterns (melody) of American English.
This is our first class in which we'll begin to work on the consonant sounds of American English - the stop consonants. These are VERY commonly used sounds (/p, b, t, d, k, and g/), some of which can be very difficult for non-native English speakers to pronounce correctly (substitution of the /v/ for the /b/ sound, devoicing at the end of words, etc.).
We'll talk about how these sounds can be represented in spelling, what you need to do to make the sounds (how open your mouth should be, what you need to do with your lips, and what you need to do with your tongue) and we'll practice these sounds in words and some sentences.
I'll provide as much 1:1 training as I can during the class. I'll also provide you with practice materials you can use at home and I'll teach you the best way to practice on your own to improve.
Thanks and hope to see you soon!
*Suggested donation to attend this event is $10 or more. Donations are appreciated, to cover the cost of Zoom, supplies, meetup fees, and my time to prepare and lead the event. ALL FEES GO DIRECTLY TO THE SUPPORT OF THIS GROUP. Please send donations via:
Venmo: @Darren-Packard
Paypal: darren@packardcommunications.com
Zelle: darrenpackard@hotmail.com*Since these events are very popular, please do not RSVP unless you can attend
*This event is for non-native English speakers
*You can always join the event up to 15 minutes early - I'll be there!Darren J. Packard M.S., CCC/SLP
Owner and Director
Packard Communications
Phone: 503.201.3008
E-mail: darren@packardcommunications.com
Website: http://www.packardcommunications.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenpackard/Accent Modification Accent Reduction Speaking English Speech Skills Learning American English Online Training Classes Coaching Intonation Vowels Consonants Communication Spelling Presentation Skills Interviewing Conversation Speech-Language Pathologist SLP Portland Oregon Hillsboro Beaverton
https://packardcommunications.com/about/
https://packardcommunications.com/services/
https://packardcommunications.com/communication-assessment/
https://packardcommunications.com/accent-modification-classes/
https://packardcommunications.com/individual-communication-training/
https://packardcommunications.com/online-american-english-training/
https://packardcommunications.com/accent-modification-reduction-resources/
https://packardcommunications.com/accent-modification-reduction-resources/#yoututbe
https://packardcommunications.com/accent-modification-reduction-resources/#meetup
https://packardcommunications.com/accent-modification-reduction-resources/#pcc
https://packardcommunications.com/corporate/
https://packardcommunications.com/corporate/#intel - Free Online American English Pronunciation Class Consonant Fricative SoundsLink visible for attendees
Note that to complete your registration for this event, you'll need to register for the class through Zoom. Please use the below Zoom link to do so.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtcOygqToiEt3BGFtTtBcTuLIacKiwAql7
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining this meeting. This will need to be done, and your registration approved by me, 24 hours before the start of the event. I will close the event five minutes after it starts, so you will need to join the class by then.
Welcome to our monthly online accent modification class! This event is a great way to learn how to communicate more effectively and efficiently speaking American English.
In this class, we'll begin to learn how to pronounce the largest group of consonant sounds in American English, the "fricatives." This group includes some sounds that MANY non-native English speakers mispronounce, including the dreaded "th" sounds!
I will show you how to better hear and pronounce these sounds. We'll talk about how they can be represented in spelling, the mechanics of how to precisely pronounce them (where they are made, what you do with air, and if they are voiced) and we'll practice these sounds in words and sentences.
I'll provide as much 1:1 training as I can during the class. I'll also provide you with practice materials you can use at home and teach you the best way to practice so you'll improve on your own.
Thanks and hope to see you soon!
*Suggested donation to attend this event is $10 or more. Donations are appreciated, to cover the cost of Zoom, supplies, meetup fees, and my time to prepare and lead the event. ALL FEES GO DIRECTLY TO THE SUPPORT OF THIS GROUP. Please send donations via:
Venmo: @Darren-Packard
PayPal: darren@packardcommunications.com
Zelle: darrenpackard@hotmail.com*Since these events are very popular, please do not RSVP unless you can attend
*This event is for non-native English speakers
*You can always join the event up to 15 minutes early - I'll be there!Can't Attend?
Click here to my YouTube Channel "Sounds American" for videos to help you improve your pronunciation https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-MSYk9R94F3TMuKAnQ7dDgDarren J. Packard M.S., CCC/SLP
Owner and Director
Packard Communications
Phone: 503.201.3008
E-mail: darren@packardcommunications.com
Website: http://www.packardcommunications.com/
LinkedIn: Darren J. Packard M.S., CCC/SLP https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenpackard/Accent Modification Accent Reduction Speaking English Speech Skills Learning American English Online Training Classes Coaching Intonation Vowels Consonants Communication Spelling Presentation Skills Interviewing Conversation Speech-Language Pathologist SLP Portland Oregon Hillsboro Beaverton
https://packardcommunications.com/about/
https://packardcommunications.com/services/
https://packardcommunications.com/communication-assessment/
https://packardcommunications.com/accent-modification-classes/
https://packardcommunications.com/individual-communication-training/
https://packardcommunications.com/online-american-english-training/
https://packardcommunications.com/accent-modification-reduction-resources/
https://packardcommunications.com/accent-modification-reduction-resources/#yoututbe
https://packardcommunications.com/accent-modification-reduction-resources/#meetup
https://packardcommunications.com/accent-modification-reduction-resources/#pcc
https://packardcommunications.com/corporate/
https://packardcommunications.com/corporate/#intel