At The Accent Centre, we strive to provide a personalised service for every client, priding ourselves on finding effective strategies for different learning preferences.
We understand that accents are often inextricably linked to identity. When working with clients to modify their accents, we ensure that sensitivity is combined with a commitment to progress, at a pace that suits you.
We firmly believe that, despite what people may have been told or may feel about their own speech, there is no such thing as a ‘bad’ accent. However, as a tool for communication, there may be circumstances for which a ‘modified’ accent could be useful.
Before we begin our journey together, we work closely with you to set achievable goals, whether that be identifying a few key sounds to change, or a complete and detailed anatomical overview of your current accent, with a bespoke programme designed to help you achieve your goals.
To find out more about the services we provide, take a look at our Plans & Pricing page.
Who Are We?
James Bailey
Company Director
James Bailey is a qualified Knight-Thompson Speechwork (KTS) accent coach and professionally trained actor. He uses KTS principles to help clients reach their goals, ensuring, when useful, a suitable understanding of the anatomical features of our vocal tracts that are involved in the procurement of new or different speech sounds. His process will always consider the client, their wants and needs, and what will serve the individual best, rather than simply offering a pre-planned scheme of work.
We often hire trusted, and highly experienced KTS trained coaches to join our team. Before beginning your course, you will be assigned the most suitable coach to meet your needs.
Testimonials
“I always look forward to lessons with James. His lessons are engaging, informative, give a full account of British sounds and actually help me to sound even more natural in my daily speech. James demonstrates the position of the tongue as well as provides as well as provides a detailed illustration of how the mouth works and what actually happens in all aspects of sound production. I highly recommend!”
Elza
English Tutor
“James led myself and a number of others in vocal work in group sessions over a two year period. I was highly impressed with his knowledge and the variety of exercises he called upon to help develop our skills. James designed the nature of his workshops with the general needs of the group in mind, but ensured that each individual received notes specific to their needs. I particularly enjoyed the application of the work to text, which revealed how effective the exercises had been when put into practice. I have no hesitation in recommending James.”
Louise
University Course Leader
“I recently used James’ service to produce some promotional videos for my company and found his training and tips on presentation to be invaluable in terms of engaging an audience. I am now in a position to put these new skills into practice on a regular basis and have no doubt that my business will expand as a result. His fees are fantastic value for money and I do not hesitate to recommend his services.”
Mark
Founding Director
“James is a highly dedicated teacher. We built a rapport quickly, which made sessions enjoyable and engaging. In our sessions, he was attentive to detail, and took into account my past experience (or lack of) in his field in order to generate a bespoke approach towards my needs. James helped me to feel confident in communicating my thoughts intelligibly with my clients. He intuitively knew how to resolve challenges I faced when dealing with technical aspects of phonetics. I would highly recommend him and have indeed recommended him to others.”
Rachel
Advice Worker
The Accent Centre 