Frequently asked questions

Sometimes. Elocution sessions focus on speech clarity and articulation, whatever your accent. Voice training can include these areas too, as well as vocal confidence, projection and variety. Elocution is a slightly old-fashioned term these days but it can still be useful! One-to-one training is personalised: we establish very clear objectives right at the beginning, which may be a mix of voice training and elocution, depending on your goals.

You will learn how to position your lips, tongue and jaw differently to produce new sounds! Depending on your learning style, we may also use audio and video recordings, mirrors, reading aloud from specially designed materials, and real conversation practice with on-the-spot coaching. 

We look at the voice in the context of the whole body: any habitual tensions or breathing habits you may have that could be restricting your voice. It’s most often about relaxing, and we do practical exercises for you to discover you vocal potential and take that out into the real world. We might move between sitting, standing, or lying down on a yoga mat.

Sonya Ross – professional qualifications:

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in Phonetics – First Class (2008)

MA Voice Studies, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (2006)

MA English Language, University of Edinburgh (2001)

Cambridge Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults (2001)

See my bio here

One hour – it tends to work best for voice and accent work. However, if you’d like to discuss longer sessions or a more intensive programme, get in touch!

Weekly works best for busy professionals. A week is long enough for you to practise but short enough for you to keep up momentum.

If you have a more flexible schedule, or are just visiting London, we can arrange intensive or semi-intensive programmes. Get in touch to arrange the best schedule for you!

Yes, I’ve created a comprehensive set of materials to support your training. These include worksheets, audio and video, for both accent reduction and voice work.

Oh yes! The more you practise, the better your results. 

For both accent reduction and voice work, you’ll have specific exercises, tasks and clear guidance around implementing your learning into your real speech.

It doesn’t have to take ages: 10 minutes of focused practice per day is much better than an hour once per week!

The current materials are designed to be used to support face-to- face or Skype training.

I’m working on an Accent Reduction e-course, designed for independent learning, so please get in touch if you’d like to be kept up to date on that. 

24 hours. Sessions from packages cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be counted as taken.

Of course, I encourage this! We generally start with a introductory session, which is a ‘taster’ for you, and a chance for me to assess your needs fully. 

If you decide to continue the training afterwards, I create a bespoke learning plan based on the information gathered in the introductory session.

Not a full session, I’m afraid, but we can arrange a free 15-minute phone or Skype call to discuss your needs. Get in touch to schedule this!

A group Accent Reduction course is coming early 2020! Spaces are limited to 6 per group so get in touch to register your interest.

Closed groups can also be arranged i.e. for 2-4 colleagues or friends with similar objectives. Please get in touch to discuss this. 

If you are based in the UK, payment is by bank transfer. Once your session or package is confirmed, you will receive an invoice with the relevant bank details.

If you are based outside the UK and/or do not have a UK bank account, payment is taken by PayPal – details will be on the invoice.