English is one of the most popular languages in the world today, with approximately 380 million speakers worldwide. It is used extensively in academics and business-and like it or not, a speaker's proficiency with the language often reflects how others view them. For people who are already familiar with the vocabulary and grammar rules, yet still find it difficult to communicate effectively in the United States, the solution is simple- The Complete Idiot'sGuide® to American Accent. In this book, communication is improved by working with readers through a program that combines pronunciation, word connections, and intonation-with intonation being the most important. Expert author and language expert, Diane Ryan, provides readers with confidence in their American English skills to speak in a way that can be more readily understood by Americans with this accessible accent-reduction program. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to AmericanAccentis an easy and enjoyable way to master the most challenging American English speech characteristics, such as- Proper pronunciation of even the most problematic American English sounds The ability to hear the difference between the correct and incorrect sound Placement practice-shaping the mouth in the correct way to produce the proper sound. Mirror exercises to reinforce correct placement. Using the correct sounds in words, sentences, and conversations. Using rhythm, pitch, and intonation affect to increase intelligibility. Stress in words and phrases and how it influences timing. The book is packaged with a 60-minute audio CD that readers can follow along with to cover the sounds that prove most problematic to those looking to improve their American accent. And for advanced pronunciation practice, readers can go to the book's companion site, accentmasters.com. Diane Ryan, a native New Yorker, received her undergraduate degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Nazareth College of Rochester, and worked with children with communication disorders for four years. After post-graduate study in language development, Diane changed career direction and received accreditation in marketing and public relations from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Following a diverse 20-year career in advertising and public relations, Diane renewed her interest in linguistics and language acquisition and worked as a consultant for ESL programs in Hilton Head, SC, and Orlando, FL. In 2006, Diane attended the Institute of Language and Phonology in Orlando and was certified as an accent-reduction trainer for English speakers with non-native accents. In addition to conducting accent-reduction workshops in the United States, she has worked in Madrid, Spain, where she participated in English immersion programs for corporate executives wanting to improve their verbal language skills when dealing with businesses in the United States. Diane is a former speech and language pathologist in New York and Florida school districts and currently offers accent-reduction workshops for individuals and corporations in the Tampa Bay Florida area. The author of both editions of the successful The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Baby Sign Language, she is also the founder and president of Accent Masters (accentmasters.com).