ABOUT ME
Since becoming a Certified Compton PESL accent trainer in 2011, I have specialized providing American accent training for international priests and religious ministers in United States. As a lecturer for the Institute of Priests and Presbyterates, I have given over 20 workshops on American Language and Culture to several dioceses in the United States. I am currently expanding my services to all professionals and students who want to pronounce American English with more clarity and confidence.
American Accent, Language, and Culture Training
American Accent Training
International Priest and Religious
Many international priests and religious often hear "Father is a great person, but I can't understand him." I train priests to speak clearly in both liturgical and pastoral settings, so that speech is not a barrier to their ministry.
Students and Professionals
I provide American accent training for university students and professionals. I can help you prepare for academic presentations and client consultations. My training works well for graduate teaching and medical personnel.
Why Do Accent Training with LightWord Services?
Convenient
Lessons can be completed online via video conferencing. The online booking system allows for easy scheduling and communication. I offer in-person training for those located in the Sacramento/Bay Area.
Personalized
Each training begins with a full phonological assessment that tailors the instruction to focus only on the speech patterns that need the most practice.
Effective
Using the Compton PESL Method, students who practice 1-hour each day during the 13-week program can expect to have at least 50% better accuracy and clarity upon completing the program.
Relevant
For priests and religious, the SPEAC workbook includes words and sentences taken from the NAB Bible and Roman Missal. For students and professionals, we focus on speech tasks that you use for your job or area of study.
Fr. Jacob Dankasa
A lady made an interesting comment to me after Mass. This lady wasn't aware that I'm taking this course to improve my accent in American English. But after Mass, she came to me and said, "Father your pronunciation is getting better. You're enunciating words so well. I can understand you better. I don't know what you're doing, but whatever you're doing, keep doing it." When she said that, what came to my mind was: "Jeff is working."
​
Br. Steven Kropp, OFM Cap
Jeff Jenkins has provided Accent training for at least a dozen of our Capuchin Franciscans Brothers coming to the USA from India and Ethiopia for ministry and advanced studies. Along with the materials provided, his attentive one on one interaction with each of them has helped them to gain an understating of the complexities of various accents and given them practical knowledge and skills to gradually master American Accented English. His dedication to these brothers has proved invaluable for their acculturation and integration into our life and ministry in the Midwest USA.
​
Programs and Costs
Before and after audio of actual client