Melanie Fox, Speech Coach: Mastering Accent Reduction, Dialect Coaching & Confident Communication
- Childhood experiences helping a friend’s mother with English
- Early exposure to Cantonese
Podcast
Overview
In this enlightening episode of TBCY, host Ashutosh Garg interviews Melanie Fox, a New York-based speech coach and the host of “Hack That Accent.” Melanie shares her journey, professional insights on accent reduction, dialect coaching, and her secrets to delivering impactful presentations and interviews.
Here’s a quick breakdown with timestamps and topics:
00:00:59- How did Melanie’s passion for language and linguistics start?
- Childhood experiences helping a friend’s mother with English
- Early exposure to Cantonese
- Inspiration for majoring in linguistics and studying abroad
00:03:36- What challenges did Melanie encounter moving from academia to corporate coaching?
- Theoretical vs. practical focus
- Shifting writing and communication styles
- Adapting language training for real-world business needs
00:05:42- What accent challenges do non-native English speakers face?
- Fear of making mistakes often leads to overly prepared, less engaging presentations.
- Importance of prioritizing passion and engagement over perfection
- Bridging the gap between textbook English and real-world communication
00:08:07- What’s the typical process and timeline for accent modification?
- Starts with a detailed assessment covering around 30 focus areas.
- Common cadence: 1-hour per week, over 30 weeks
- Building clarity and confidence, leading to authenticity
00:11:16- How does dialect coaching for actors work?
- Shifting from neutral to regional or global accents
- Overcoming lack of immersion and exposure
- A scientific breakdown of accents — sounds, intonation, and cultural traits.
- Immersing actors with authentic media and marked scripts
RESOURCES:
Learn more about Melanie Fox: LinkedIn
Enjoyed this podcast?
Melanie’s journey started at age six, when she helped her best friend’s mother—an English learner from China—gain confidence in speaking. Their language exchange—Cantonese for English—sparked a lifelong passion for linguistics. Share your thoughts in the comments and spread these insights with friends!
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Profile
- Childhood experiences helping a friend’s mother with English
- Early exposure to Cantonese
- Inspiration for majoring in linguistics and studying abroad
