Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about the Speech Clarity Diagnostic, coaching programs, scheduling, payment, and results. If you don't find what you're looking for, reach out directly at Contact Claire →
About The Free Speech Clarity Diagnostic
What is the Speech Clarity Diagnostic? A free 15-minute session via Zoom. I will share observations about your communication patterns and answer your questions. If you submitted a recording beforehand, I will have already identified your top three clarity patterns and what to work on first. There is no obligation to enroll.
Is the diagnostic required before I can enroll? It is not required, but it is strongly recommended. The diagnostic is where I identify your specific clarity patterns and recommend the program that best fits your goals. Most clients find it the most useful place to start.
Do I have to commit to a program during the diagnostic? No. Take whatever time you need after the call. There's no pressure to decide on the spot.
What if we're not a good fit? I'll tell you directly. Depending on what I hear, I may suggest you're already communicating clearly enough for your context, recommend a different type of specialist, or refer you to resources better suited to what you need. Not everyone needs what I offer, and that's fine.
What do I need to submit before the diagnostic? Nothing, unless you choose to send a one-minute audio recording of yourself speaking naturally in a work context, submitted at least 24 hours before the session. It doesn't need to be formal or polished. A naturally spoken work scenario is more useful than a prepared script.
What if I don't submit the recording? We can still meet. The recording is optional. You will leave with useful feedback either way.
Want to know what to expect before you book? Learn more about the diagnostic →
About The Coaching Programs
Which program should I choose? The 4-week intensive is the right fit if you have a specific deadline or event within the next month and can commit to 30 to 45 minutes of daily practice. The 12-week program is the right fit if you want comprehensive improvement across multiple sounds and patterns at a more sustainable pace. Some clients complete the intensive first and continue into the 12-week program from there. If you're not sure, the diagnostic will answer that question before you decide anything.
Can I switch programs after I start? Yes. If you begin the intensive and want to continue into the 12-week program, we can discuss options and adjust accordingly.
How long until I see results? Most clients notice a difference within three to four weeks of consistent practice. Making those changes automatic, so clarity holds under pressure, typically takes eight to twelve weeks. That's the core purpose of the comprehensive program.
What if I'm too busy to practice between sessions? You won't see much improvement. This work requires consistent daily practice, around 20 to 30 minutes. If you're in an unusually demanding period right now, it's worth waiting until you have the bandwidth to commit fully.
Do you work with non-native English speakers? Yes, but only if you're already fluent. This coaching is for professionals who have strong English vocabulary and grammar but struggle with clarity, particularly under pressure. If you're still building foundational English skills, I can refer you to ESL programs that would be more appropriate.
Will I lose my accent? No, and that's not the goal. The goal is clarity, so you're understood the first time while still sounding like yourself.
Will the improvements last after the program ends? Yes, if you maintain them. Speech clarity is a skill, and like any skill it can drift without attention. That's why many graduates schedule occasional tune-up sessions to stay on track or prepare for specific events.
What if I don't improve after the program? If you're practicing consistently and not seeing results by week four, we reassess. Sometimes the issue isn't accent-related. It may be volume, pacing under stress, listener bias, or something else entirely. I'll be honest about whether continued coaching makes sense.
Can you guarantee I'll be understood perfectly? No. What I can do is make your speech as clear, consistent, and professional as possible. Most clients report a significant reduction in being asked to repeat themselves.
What if my problem isn't actually my accent? That's one of the things the diagnostic is designed to surface. If the issue is volume, pacing, listener bias, or something outside the scope of accent clarity coaching, I'll tell you during that call and point you toward more appropriate resources.
How is this different from using an app?Apps are useful for noticing individual sounds, practicing in isolation, and building awareness of pronunciation patterns at your own pace. They stop there.
This coaching addresses communication that needs to work under pressure, with real-time feedback on your specific speech patterns, practice drawn from your actual work situations, and attention to rhythm, timing, and vocal presence, not just sounds.
For a fuller look at why this matters for each profession:
Doctors: Apps and Accent Classes Don't Train Clinical Communication →
Nurses: Apps and Accent Classes Don't Train Bedside Communication →
Pilots: Apps and Accent Classes Don't Train Cockpit Communication →
About Scheduling
How do I schedule my sessions? After enrollment and payment are complete, you'll receive a personalized scheduling link. Sessions are via Zoom and can be booked around shifts, call schedules, flight rotations, and varying time zones.
How flexible is the scheduling? Very. I work with professionals across multiple time zones, including international clients. If you're outside the US, we'll find a time that works for both of us. Just mention your time zone when you reach out.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule? Sessions cancelled with 24 hours or more notice can be rescheduled at no charge. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice are forfeited. Medical emergencies and family crises are handled case by case.
What happens if I don't complete my program within the scheduled window? The 4-week intensive is designed to be completed within one month. The 12-week program is designed to be completed within four months. Extensions beyond those windows require approval and may involve additional fees.
Can I pause my program? Contact me as soon as possible. Medical emergencies, family crises, and certain unexpected life events may qualify for a pause. Schedule conflicts generally do not.
What technology do I need? A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a reliable internet connection, Zoom installed, and a microphone and camera. Built-in equipment is fine. A quiet space for sessions makes a meaningful difference.
About Payment
How much do the programs cost? 12-Week Comprehensive Program: $1,488 4-Week Intensive: $558 Presentation Coaching: $225 Graduate sessions: $155 (50 minutes) or $86 (25 minutes)
Payment plans are available for both main programs. Full details on the Pricing page →
Can I pay per session instead of upfront? No. Programs are paid before sessions are scheduled, either in full or via a payment plan. This ensures commitment on both sides and allows me to hold dedicated time for you.
Why can't I book a single session to try it? One session is not enough time to address the speech patterns affecting daily communication. The 4-week intensive is the minimum for meaningful, measurable improvement. Many clients use it as a starting point before moving into the 12-week program.
What payment methods do you accept? Stripe (credit card or bank transfer), Venmo, and PayPal.
Do you offer refunds? Payment is non-refundable after your first coaching session. Before your first session, a refund is available minus a $50 administrative fee. If a genuine emergency arises after your first session, I will review the situation individually. Full details on the Pricing page →
Can I get reimbursed by my employer or insurance? Some employers offer professional development funds that apply to this kind of coaching. I provide detailed invoices on request. Health insurance typically does not cover it, as this is professional development rather than medical treatment. Check with your HR department.
About Results
What kind of results do people typically see? The most consistent outcomes are being asked to repeat themselves less often, clearer communication during high-pressure moments such as handoffs, briefings, and ATC exchanges, and stronger professional confidence. Individual results depend on starting point and consistency of practice.
Will this help me in job interviews or presentations? Yes. The Presentation Coaching session is specifically designed for high-stakes speaking events including interviews, fellowship presentations, grand rounds, and check ride debriefs. To book, use the contact form and include your event date and a brief description of your presentation. I'll follow up within 24 hours to confirm fit and send a payment link.
About Claire
What are your qualifications? I'm a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with 35 years of clinical experience and a specialist certification in accent modification. This is clinical speech work based on evidence, not language teaching. Full background on the About page →
Why work with a Speech-Language Pathologist rather than an accent coach or ESL teacher? Speech-Language Pathologists are licensed clinicians trained in the anatomy and physiology of speech production, not just the sounds of a language. That distinction matters when the goal is professional communication under pressure rather than general English fluency.
ESL instruction focuses on vocabulary, grammar, and foundational language skills. Accent coaches vary widely in training and methodology, and most are not licensed or clinically credentialed.
This coaching is based on clinical speech science and evidence-based accent training. The work addresses rhythm, timing, intonation, and the specific patterns that affect how you are understood in clinical and aviation settings. It is grounded in 35 years of clinical experience and a specialist certification in accent modification, not language teaching or general communication advice.
If you want to know whether this approach is the right fit for your specific situation, the diagnostic is the place to start.
Do you work with people in my specialty? I specialize in multilingual doctors, nurses, and pilots. During the diagnostic I'll let you know if I have direct experience with your specific role.
Do you offer in-person or group sessions? All sessions are individual and conducted online via Zoom. This allows for flexible scheduling across time zones and the ability to record sessions for your own review.
Can you help with IELTS or other English exams? No. I focus on professional communication in healthcare and aviation, not test preparation. I can refer you to appropriate resources if needed.
I'm not in the US. Can you still work with me? Yes. I work with professionals worldwide. If you're working in an American English context or planning to, this coaching applies directly. Just account for the time zone difference when booking.