Learning British Accent

To all those readers who are shaking their heads and saying " but, there is no such thing as a British Accent" - you're absolutely correct! So lets start by clearing up this common British Accent mis-understanding.
If you were to visit the UK, and take a trip around the different regions and countries that make up the British Isles, you will hear a wholevariety of different accents and dialects. The term 'British Accent' is generally used as shorthand to distinguish an English accent spoken by people in the United Kingdom. However it is often used by non-British people to describe the accent that they believe a stereotypical British person speaks - in other words an RP or Received Pronunciation accent. Sometimes RP is also referred to as 'Queens English' and even 'BBC English'.

As most students look to develop an RP accent, this is the accent I focus on with my training materials. As you will hear, my own accent ( I narrate all my training presentations) is a native RP British accent.

Naturally, the best way to learn an accent is to visit the Country in question and surround yourself with the people speaking the native accent. Visiting Britain is not always a possibility so why not use the power of the internet to help with your accent training?

1. Youtube - there are numerous videos that can help develop your british accent. Not only are there specific accent training videos available, but you can also view interviews and shows with British actors and actresses. Watch and listen to how they speak and them imitate them as best you can. Watch the way they hold their mouth and lips as they form the words and sentences and if you can, copy and mimic their accent.

2. Podcasts - Download and listen to native British speakers podcast recordings. Here you will find presenters speaking in a more relaxed and natural way. Search for podcasts on topics that particularly interest you so not only will you be practicing your british accent as you listen, you will also be picking up valuable information on your chosen subject as you do so. If you can improve and develop your accent as you listen to some inspiring and uplifiting commentary then it will make accent training more fun and pleasurable. Remember to listen to the speech and repeat the words and phrases as you do so. You may need to listen to each podcast a number of times so you don't miss anything!!

3. Online training websites: If you're looking for websites with video and audio presentations to help you Learn the British Accent there are several out there. Look for ones that are narrated by a native British accent, so you hear the accent that you want to learn.

As you will hear I have a native Received Pronunciation Accent.
I work as a professional voiceover artist and have recorded voiceover recordings for companies world-wide.
Many companies have used my voice to record their training and Elearning modules, corporate video narrations, product tours and web videos, phone system recordings and podcasts - they find that my accent is particularly suitable as it is easily understandable, clear and neutral. To hear further samples of my voice visit my Voiceover website