Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I'm interested! How do I get the ball rolling with private lessons, weekly classes, or corporate seminars?
A: Call us and let us know what your goals are. If we are a good match, we will set up a free, in-person consultation with you, so we can further access your needs.

Q: Will I lose my accent-of-origin if I take accent reduction lessons with you?
A: Absolutely not! In regard to accent reduction, it is more accurate to say you are not reducing your accent but, rather, learning a new one: an unaccented, central-American sound. If you learn French you don’t forget how to speak English! The same principle applies to accent reduction. If you learn an unaccented American dialect, you will not lose the use of your native accent; you will just be able to turn it on and off. You will have gained the ability to speak fluent English.

Q: Can you coach me in my home or office?
A: Yes.

Q:How do I get to your office?
A:Subway- 1,2,3 & A,C, or E to 34th Stop at Penn Station. Walk to 520 Eighth Avenue, between 36th & 37th Streets. We are on the 16th floor, Room 16 W. Please call and make an appointment before coming to the office. Please call for directions to the Astoria, Queens office.

Q: What should I bring to our first coaching session? What do you provide?
A:If you are taking accent reduction lessons, we would recommend you bring the following: a pen, a notebook (we encourage all of our clients to take notes at the end of each session), a copy of the book and CD "Pronounce it Perfectly in English", and a small hand held digital voice recorder. For public speaking lessons, we work with Leon Fletcher's book "How to Speak Like a Pro", and "Presentation Zen" by Garr Reynolds. If you purchase a five or ten lesson package plan in accent reduction or public speaking lessons, the book and/or CD will be supplied for you. If you are taking voice lessons, we would recommend you wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing for vocal work. Please bring a notebook and a pen.

Q: How many lessons should I take? How long before I see progress?
A:That depends on your goals and skill set. Call us and tell us what you are looking to accomplish, and we will give you an idea of how many lessons you should take, and how much progress you should expect. If we seem like a good match, we will design a lesson plan for you to review, and set up a consultation.

Q: Are Skype coaching sessions available?
A:Yes. You will be mailed coaching material before out first coaching session. You may record the sessions. Please call or email for rates and package plans.

Q: Where do your seminars take place?
A:We give on-site seminars! We travel to your place of work and bring our knowledge to you.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A:For coaching sessions, payment is required in full at least 24 hours in advance of your lesson. There is a 24 hour cancellation policy in effect for all coaching sessions. You will be charged for your full lesson if you cancel within 24 hours of your lesson. If you have purchased a lesson, and you cancel a lesson at least 24 hours before your lesson, you will receive a credit for class for a "timely cancellation".
For corporate seminars and corporate group lessons, there is a one week cancellation policy.

Q: What types of payment do you accept? What will my statement reflect?
A:We accept cash and Master Card, Visa, and American Express credit cards. We accept debit cards with Master Card or Visa logos. You will be billed under "Speak Clear Communications". No personal checks. Corporate checks are allowed as long as full payment is received by your coach 24 hours in advance of each coaching session, seminar, or group lesson.

Q: How is payment tendered? Will you bill me?
A:Payment for individual lessons is tendered at least 24 hours in advance of each lesson. We will bill for corporate clients, as long as payment is tendered before the lesson. Credit cards are charged via Chase Paymentech (touch tone processing).

Q: Are there make-up classes available for weekly group classes?
A:Unfortunately, there are no make-up classes for weekly group classes.

Q: What are your rates?
A:We prefer to discuss our rates over the phone, so give us a buzz!

Q: Do you have a refund policy?
A:A partial refund is available for private and group lessons which have not been taught, up to six months after your initial purchase. There is no refund for lessons which have already been taught. After six months from your initial purchase, there is no refund available. If you are elegible for a refund, you will be refunded the full amount of your purchase, minus any fees incured by Speak Clear Communications on your behalf, and a mandatory $50 administrative fee. If you purchased lessons via credit or debit card, your refund can only be returned to the card you used to purchase your lessons. Cash refunds are not available.