One of the top reasons that people learn English is so that they can get a better job and a higher paying job.

It’s obvious that having a good vocabulary, good Email writing skills, and general communication skills would be of great help in any international workplace, but what about having an American Accent?  Is it important?

The truth is that it is important.  No boss will say that if your accent improves, then you will make more money, but this is an indirect and subtle truth.  If people think you sound like an American, they will naturally trust you more, consider you more international, and more competent in business.  It will also make it seem that your English is better than it is, even if all you are doing is learning to make it sound closer to that of a typical American.

Many adults fear they can’t improve their accent.  There are many accent reduction courses on the market and many don’t work.

With the right attitude and the right program, however, you can be sure to learn fantastic American accent in 30 days.  It might not be absolutely perfect, but it will make you sound like you have been living in the US or Canada for at least 20 years.

Try this Online Training Course for the American Accent.  You can follow along with the video lessons.  You’ll notice a huge improvement in less than a week.  You will be shocked at how good your pronunciation becomes after 30 days.  It’s fun too.  Just try it and see.

A: My name’s Bob.

B: My name’s Dave.

A:  Nice to meet you.

B: It’s nice to meet you, too.

A: There’s a lot of people here.

B: I didn’t know it would be this crowded.

A: Everyone wants to improve their networking.

B: I think this seminar will help everyone.

A: Here’s my business card.

B: Allow me to give you mine.

A: We’re both in magazine publishing!

B: Small world, isn’t it?

2.

A: My name is Bob Smith.

B: My name is Dave Brown.

A: It’s nice to meet you.

B: It’s nice meeting you, too.

A: A lot of people are here, aren’t there?

B: Who knew it would be this crowded?

A: Who knew networking was such a popular topic?

B: I’m sure it’ll help a lot of people.

A: Let me give you my card.

B: And here’s mine.

A: You’re in magazine publishing, too!

B: It’s a small world!

3.

A: Hi, my name is Bob.

B: Hi, my name is Dave.

A: It’s a pleasure to meet you.

B: Right back at you.

A: Who knew this many people would come to this seminar?

B: It’s standing room only.

A: Networking is a priority for everyone nowadays.

B: This huge crowd just proves that everyone values it.

A: Let me give you my business card.

B: Sure, and here’s my card.

A: We both publish magazines!

B: Isn’t that a coincidence?

1.

A: I need to become a good networker.

B: There are basic things you need to do.

A: Should I be different from others?

B: Yes, you should stand out in a good way.

A: Should I be able to describe myself impressively?

B: Yes, you should be able to impress someone within 30 seconds.

A: Should I help others?

B: Yes, because when you help others, you help yourself.

A: Should I have a good reputation?

B: Yes, people should know that you have a good reputation.

A: Should I follow up on referrals?

B: Yes, always follow up on referrals.

2.

A: I need to improve my networking skills.

B: There are basic skills you need to learn.

A: Should I differentiate myself?

B: Yes, you should have a skill that few others have.

A: Should I be able to talk well about myself?

B: Yes, you should be able to impress people when you talk about yourself.

A: Should I go out of my way to help people?

B: Yes, because what goes around comes around.

A: Should I nurture my reputation?

B: Don’t ever do anything that might harm your reputation.

A: Should I follow up when I get referrals?

B: Of course, because a referral might change your life.

3.

A: I think my networking skills need improvement.

B: Everybody needs to improve those skills.

A: Do I need to stand out in a crowd?

B: Yes, there must be something about you that people can admire.

A: Do I need to impress people just by talking to them?

B: Yes, especially when you talk about yourself and your skills.

A: Should I spend time helping others?

B: Yes, many good things will happen to you when you help others.

A: Should I do things to enhance my reputation?

B: You should be trustworthy, honest, and reliable at all times.

A: Are referrals important to follow up on?

B: Yes, because you never know which referral can improve your business success.

1.

A: How much for this restaurant?

B: I want $300,000 for the key money.

A: How much is the rent?

B: I want $15,000 a month for the first year.

A: How much is the annual increase?

B: The annual increase is 3 percent.

A: Does the key money include the inventory?

B: No, it doesn’t include the inventory.

A: Will you take $14,000 a month for rent?

B: I have to think about that.

A: How about lowering the annual increase?

B: I could lower it to 2 percent.

2.

A: How much do you want for this restaurant?

B: The key money alone is $300,000.

A: What are you asking for rent?

B: Rent will start at $15,000 for the first year.

A: What’s the annual increase?

B: That will be 3 percent a year.

A: Is inventory included in the key money?

B: No, you have to pay separately for the inventory.

A: Would you accept $14,000 for rent?

B: Let me think about it.

A: Would you lower the annual increase?

B: I could lower it by 1 percent.

3.

A: What’s the price for this restaurant?

B: Just the key money by itself is $300,000.

A: How about the monthly rent?

B: That’s $15,000 for the first year.

A: What about the annual increase?

B: That’s 3 percent every year.

A: Am I getting the inventory with my key money?

B: No, you have to pay extra for the inventory.

A: Can I offer you $14,000 a month?

B: That’s a possibility.

A: Are you firm about the 3 percent increase?

B: I’m flexible enough to drop it to 2 percent.

1.

A: How much is the annual rent increase?

B: The standard amount in NYC is 3 percent.

A: You mean that’s a common amount.

B: I mean it’s the standard amount.

A: Where does 3 percent come from?

B: They tie it to the cost of living index.

A: But that varies every year.

B: It varies, but it averages out to 3 percent.

A: Well, 3 percent is a bit too much.

B: What would you be willing to pay?

A: I’d be comfortable with 1.5 percent.

B: I’d be comfortable with 2 percent.

2.

A: What is the annual rent increase?

B: Three percent is the standard amount in NYC.

A: Don’t you mean the common amount?

B: It’s more standard than common.

A: How do they arrive at 3 percent?

B: It’s tied to the cost of living index.

A: But the index changes yearly.

B: It does, but the average is still 3 percent.

A: I don’t want to pay 3 percent.

B: What do you want to pay?

A: I want to pay 1.5 percent.

B: I want no less than 2 percent.

3.

A: What’s the yearly rent increase?

B: The standard amount is 3 percent in NYC.

A: I think that’s more like the common amount.

B: No, it’s the standard amount, not the common amount.

A: Where’d the 3 percent figure come from?

B: It’s tied to the yearly cost of living index.

A: But the index isn’t 3 percent every year.

B: Yes, but it averages out to 3 percent yearly.

A: I’m not comfortable with 3 percent.

B: What are you comfortable with?

A: I can live with 1.5 percent.

B: I can’t live with less than 2 percent.

1.

A: Your restaurant has a dirty kitchen.

B: Well, we cleaned that situation up.

A: You got 17 citations for kitchen problems from the last inspector.

B: Those problems have been taken care of.

A: Do you have paperwork to prove that?

B: We can call the inspector to visit us again.

A: You have to post the letter B instead of the letter A on your window.

B: When the inspector returns, we’ll be able to put an ‘A’ on our window.

A: But meanwhile, customers see the letter B, which reduces the value of this restaurant.

B: So, you want to offer me less money?

A: I think the letter B reduces the value of the restaurant by 25 percent.

B: Well, I’ll take 10 percent less, but that’s it.

2.

A: The kitchen in this restaurant is dirty.

B: It used to be dirty, but now it’s clean.

A: The health inspector gave the kitchen 17 citations.

B: We’ve taken care of those problems.

A: Can you show me paperwork on that?

B: I’ll call the inspector to visit again.

A: But meanwhile, the letter B is on the outside window.

B: After the next inspection, we’ll have an ‘A’ on the window.

A: But right now, customers don’t enter because they see ‘B’ on the window.

B: You think that’s hurting sales and value?

A: I think the letter B makes the restaurant 25 percent less valuable.

B: Well, I think it’s only 10 percent less valuable.

3.

A: There are many problems with the kitchen in your restaurant.

B: Those were temporary problems that are now nonexistent.

A: The health inspector cited you for 17 kitchen violations.

B: All those violations are cleaned up.

A: Is there any paperwork to support your claim?

B: No, but I can get the inspector back out here to support my claim.

A: Your restaurant has the letter B in the window.

B: We’ll be able to change it to ‘A’ after the next inspection.

A: But the restaurant is losing customers because they see the ‘B’ in the window.

B: Does that mean you want to offer less money?

A: I think the restaurant is worth 25 percent less than you want.

B: I’ll accept 10 percent less than the original price, but that’s it.

1.

A: Do you pay health care for the employees?

B: No, I just pay them $8 to $20 an hour.

A: Don’t they have a problem with that?

B: If they do, they haven’t told me.

A: I think you can build a more loyal staff by giving them health care.

B: Well, that’s your decision if you buy this restaurant.

A: Do you pay overtime?

B: I make sure that no one ever works more than 40 hours.

A: I think I’m going to hire an accountant, too.

B: Again, that’s your decision.

A: I might add more staff, because I want to be open on weekends.

B: Well, the more hours you’re open, the more staff you’ll need.

2.

A: Do your employees get health care?

B: I don’t provide any benefits for them.

A: Don’t they want it?

B: I don’t know how they feel about it.

A: I think staffers work harder if they get more benefits.

B: You can do whatever you like when you’re the owner.

A: Do you pay them overtime?

B: I don’t ever allow anyone to work overtime.

A: I’m going to hire an accountant instead of doing my own books.

B: As I said, it’s your decision when you’re the boss.

A: I want to be open on weekends, so I’ll probably hire more staff.

B: You’ll definitely need more staff on the weekend.

3.

A: Do you provide health care for your employees?

B: Health care for them would cost too much for me.

A: Don’t they think that’s bad?

B: They’re not going to get it, so it doesn’t matter.

A: I think I might give them health care.

B: If that makes you happy, then go for it.

A: Do your staffers get overtime pay?

B: I don’t pay overtime because I don’t allow overtime.

A: I’m not going to wear an accountant hat in addition to an owner’s hat.

B: I don’t blame you, because it’s a lot of work.

A: I’m going to need to hire more staff if I decide to stay open on weekends.

B: Yes, more hours means more staffers.

1.

A: Why aren’t you open on weekends?

B: This neighborhood is mostly businesses, and they close on weekends.

A: But they’re building a brand new hotel a block away.

B: That means there’ll be tourists or residents in the neighborhood on weekends.

A: Also, there are three other restaurants on this block that are open on weekends.

B: For me, five days a week is enough, but if you want to, then go for it.

A: You’ve got a jazz band that plays every evening.

B: Yes, it’s a three-piece band that plays for three hours.

A: How much do you pay them?

B: I only pay them $120 a night.

A: $120 each?

B: No, they split the $120 three ways.

2.

A: I notice that you’re not open on weekends.

B: A lot of my customers work in nearby businesses.

A: I checked, and a new hotel will be built nearby in 16 months.

B: That’s good, because then there will be customers here on weekends.

A: There are other restaurants nearby that stay open on weekends.

B: I have another job on weekends, so I don’t stay open.

A: I see that a jazz band plays here nightly.

B: Yes, it’s a nice band, and they play for three hours.

A: What’s their fee?

B: They’re happy with $120 nightly.

A: You pay them $120 each?

B: They get a TOTAL of $120.

3.

A: You don’t stay open on weekends.

B: Most of my customers are here only Monday through Friday.

A: There’s a new hotel going up just a block from here.

B: That’s good news if you want to open on weekends.

A: I see that this block has a few other restaurants that are open on weekends.

B: I’m too busy with other stuff on weekends to keep this place open.

A: You’ve got a nice jazz band that plays here every night.

B: They play nice music for three hours.

A: They must be pretty expensive.

B: They only get $120 each evening.

A: You pay each one of them $120?

B: They split it, so they get $40 each.

1.

A: Paying $120 is  a cheap price for a three-piece band.

B: They enjoy playing so much that money is secondary to them.

A: I’ll have to ask them if they want to work weekends too.

B: You might have to pay them a bit more.

A: Also, you have only one small, flat-screen TV in the restaurant.

B: Yes, and all I play is old black and white movies on it.

A: But most people want to see soccer and other sports on multiple TVs.

B: This restaurant is not for “most” people.

A: What do you mean?

B: I mean that I want a quiet, sophisticated clientele.

A: You don’t want a bunch of rowdy, noise-making drunken young men?

B: There are plenty of other restaurants that cater to those people.

2.

A: Paying only $120 isn’t very much for a three-piece band.

B: They love their music more than my money.

A: At that price, I need to ask them to work weekends too.

B: They might want a little more on weekends.

A: There’s only one flat-screen TV behind the bar.

B: Yes, because I want the TV to be background.

A: But most people in restaurants with bars want to see huge TVs everywhere.

B: I want an atmosphere that caters to the few, not the most.

A: I’m not sure what you mean.

B: I’m saying that I prefer quiet to loud.

A: You’re not into noisy, cheering drunks?

B: There’s plenty of sports bars all around here.

3.

A: Paying a three-piece band only $120 is like highway robbery.

B: I get a lot of notes for just a C-note.

A: I’ll ask them if they want to work weekends too.

B: Be careful not to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.

A: I see that there’s only one flat-screen TV in the whole restaurant.

B: Yes, because I think good conversation is more important than a lot of loud TVs.

A: But most customers are used to big flat-screen TVs all over the place.

B: I’m not interested in what “most” people want.

A: I’m sorry, but I don’t follow you.

B: I mean that I prefer quiet, well-mannered customers.

A: You don’t want a bar that caters to rude and unruly drinkers?

B: I don’t want those types of people as friends or customers.

1.

A: I might want to add a few more TVs and cable sports.

B: If you do that, you’ll probably lose the present clientele.

A: But I can make a lot of money off beer and liquor and buffalo wings.

B: The problem is that you have a lot of competition in this neighborhood.

A: I’ll just have to do something to make this restaurant more attractive.

B: You’re going to have to add a few urinals if you start selling more beer.

A: I’ll probably change the name of this place too.

B: I think you’re going down the wrong road.

A: What do you mean?

B: This restaurant has been here for years, and many people know the name.

A: But there are a lot of complaints in Yelp online about this restaurant.

B: I’ll bet most of those complaints are from just one or two people.

2.

A: I think I’m going to add some big TVs and cable sports.

B: You’ll lose the patrons you have.

A: Even if I lose them, I stand to make more on the new customers.

B: But there are a lot of other sports bars nearby.

A: I’ll just put on my thinking cap to come up with something enticing.

B: More beer in your customers means you’ll need more urinals.

A: I think I’m going to rename this place too.

B: I think that might be a mistake.

A: What are you saying?

B: Why change the name of an established restaurant?

A: But if you go to Yelp online, you’ll find lots of complaints about this restaurant.

B: If you ask any customer in here, you’ll find zero complaints.

3.

A: I think more TVs and cable sports will improve this place.

B: You’re taking a chance on losing the regular customers.

A: I might lose them, but I’ll probably make more from the new patrons.

B: I think there are about six sports bars within two blocks.

A: I’ll have a lot of two-for-one specials to attract the beer drinkers.

B: You’re going to have to expand the bathroom to add a couple of urinals.

A: I think this place needs a new name too.

B: That’s probably the wrong thing to do.

A: I don’t follow you.

B: What’s to be gained by changing the name?

A: According to Yelp, this restaurant has a bad reputation.

B: Are you going to believe Yelp, or are you going to believe the steady crowd of repeat customers?

1.

A: The problem is that people associate this restaurant’s name with these complaints.

B: Most people know that occasional complaints don’t mean a lot.

A: I just think it would be better to start afresh with a new name.

B: You’re going to have to pay for that new name.

A: I’m sure it won’t be too much.

B: With a new name, you’ll have to apply for a new liquor license, which might be denied.

A: I hadn’t thought about that.

B: That’s why I’m suggesting that you stay with this name and these customers.

A: You have a security system?

B: I have cameras in every room and corner of this restaurant.

A: So employee theft is not a problem?

B: I’ve yet to encounter any problems.

2.

A: Most people associate the name of this restaurant with the complaints on Yelp.

B: A few complaints on Yelp do not ruin any restaurant’s reputation.

A: It just makes sense to me to start anew.

B: That new name will cost you.

A: I doubt that it will cost that much for a new sign.

B: A new name requires a new liquor license application, and that might be denied.

A: I forgot that an application isn’t automatically approved.

B: It’s a risk you don’t have to take if you just keep the same name.

A: Can you tell me a little about your security?

B: There are cameras everywhere, all hooked up to a state of the art computer system.

A: So I don’t have to worry about employees or customers stealing anything?

B: I haven’t had one problem in the last five years.

3.

A: Complaints on Yelp mean that this restaurant’s name is tainted.

B: Since when is Yelp the arbiter of a quality restaurant?

A: A fresh name means a fresh start.

B: You can’t rename the restaurant for free, you know.

A: How much can an application and a new sign cost?

B: You’ll also have to pay for a new liquor license application, and they might not grant you one.

A: You mean they won’t just automatically rubber-stamp my application?

B: You’re just asking for problems if you rename this place.

A: What about your security system?

B: The only place that’s camera free is the bathroom.

A: So there’s no problem with employee theft?

B: Cameras tend to help keep even dishonest people honest.

1.

A: How many tables are in this restaurant?

B: We have 14 tables in two rooms.

A: What’s the square footage?

B: We have 2,500 usable square feet.

A: How do you stock the bar?

B: We have keg beer, domestic and imported bottled beer, about 20 wines, and top shelf liquor.

A: What percentage of your revenue comes from the bar?

B: The bar produces anywhere from a third to a half of our revenue.

A: Can I negotiate with the alcohol distributors for better prices?

B: There’s almost a monopoly on distribution and prices.

A: What’s your markup to patrons for their beer and liquor?

B: I only mark up the prices about 20 percent.

2.

A: How many tables do you have in this restaurant?

B: We have two rooms and 14 tables.

A: What is the square footage of this place?

B: There are 2,500 usable square feet.

A: What’s stocked in the bar?

B: We stock keg beer, domestic and imported bottled beer, about 20 wines, and top shelf liquor.

A: How much of your revenue comes from the bar?

B: About one-third to one-half of the revenue is bar revenue.

A: Are the alcohol distributors open to negotiations with me?

B: They’ve got a strangle-hold on prices that you can’t escape.

A: How much do you mark up your liquor prices?

B: I could mark the prices up higher, but I’m comfortable with 20 percent.

3.

A: Can you tell me how many tables there are in this restaurant?

B: There are 14 tables in two dining rooms.

A: How many square feet are there here?

B: There’s a total of 2,500 usable square feet.

A: What do you keep in the bar?

B: Our bartender serves keg beer, domestic and imported bottled beer, about 20 wines, and top shelf liquor.

A: How much of your revenue does the beer, wine, and liquor account for?

B: Revenue from the bar accounts for a third to a half of total revenue.

A: Can I cut better deals with the distributors of the booze?

B: There’s too few distributors, so there’s no competition, so you’re stuck with their prices.

A: How much more do patrons pay for liquor than you pay to the distributors?

B: I’m not here to gouge my customers, so I only mark up prices 20 percent.

1.

A: This is a huge space available for a restaurant.

B: It’s limited only by your imagination.

A: I want to build a second floor.

B: You can do that.

A: What about venting from the kitchen?

B: Everything’s set up for venting directly outside to the street.

A: Can I smash a hole through this wall to get into the kitchen?

B: You don’t want to do that, because you’ll have to build a three-foot high ramp.

A: What about grease traps?

B: You’ll have to clean them yourself or hire a contractor.

A: What about electricity and gas?

B: You’ll have your own meters for that.

2.

A: You sure do have a huge empty space here for a restaurant.

B: It’s huge, and you can fix it up anyway you like.

A: I want to add a second floor for seating.

B: That’s not a problem.

A: How about venting odors out of the building?

B: This building is in a commercial zone, so you can vent directly into the street.

A: Instead of using this walkway, can I put a hole through this wall directly into the kitchen?

B: That won’t work, because a 3-foot high ramp will take up too much room in the kitchen.

A: How about grease traps for the kitchen food?

B: They aren’t a problem as long as you clean them regularly.

A: Who pays for the electricity and gas?

B: You’ll have your own separate meters.

3.

A: I like how big this space is for a restaurant.

B: There’s little to restrict you from building your dream restaurant.

A: I want to have two floors for dining.

B: As I said, you can do almost anything you want.

A: Where’s the venting for kitchen odors?

B: We’re in a commercial zone, so venting goes straight to the street.

A: I’d rather walk directly into the kitchen by putting a doorway through this wall.

B: That’s no good, because you’ll need to build a ramp which can be dangerous.

A: What’s the story about the grease traps in the kitchen?

B: As long as you or a contractor cleans them regularly, they aren’t an issue.

A: Do I pay for electricity and gas, or do you?

B: That’ll be your cost, because you’ll be metered.

1.

A: You’re not allowed to renovate this space without permission from me, the landlord.

B: Can I install cabinets and sofas?

A: You can add movable and portable furniture and furnishings.

B: But I need to install floor-to-ceiling walls.

A: To do that, you have to get my permission, and then you need all the permits from the department of buildings.

B: Are you going to give me permission?

A: Ask me again after you are a good tenant for five years.

B: But I can’t make my business grow without these walls.

A: You know that if you install walls, you’ll have to remove them when your lease is up.

B: That sounds fair enough.

A: Okay, if you put up a deposit that covers the wall removal, I’ll agree to it.

B: Also, I was wondering if I could install  a large coat room. to get their hair and feet washed.

2.

A: Don’t renovate this particular space without my permission.

B: Is it okay if I install sofas and cabinets?

A: You can add anything that’s temporary and movable.

B: But I really need walls that go from the ceiling to the floor.

A: As I said, you’ll need my permission, plus you’ll need to get permits from the department of buildings.

B: Are you going to be kind enough to give me your permission?

A: Maybe if you’ve been a good tenant for at least five years.

B: But I need these walls in order for my business to succeed.

A: If I let you install the walls, you’re responsible for removing them when your lease ends.

B: I can live with that.

A: I’ll agree to this if you give me a sizable deposit.

B: Also, it’d be nice if I could install a large coat room.

3.

A: Make sure you don’t renovate this area without getting my permission.

B: I’d like to install some sofas and cabinets.

A: You can add anything that doesn’t require a contractor.

B: But I need to install permanent walls.

A: First you need my permission, and then you need permits from the department of buildings.

B: Can I count on getting your permission?

A: Let me see what kind of tenant you’ve been five years from now.

B: But without these walls, my business will fail.

A: You’ll have to pay for the wall installation and for the removal.

B: That sounds like a fair deal to me.

A: I’ll let you talk me into this if you give me a deposit that covers removal costs.

B: I don’t want to push my luck, but I’d also like to install a large coat room.

1.

A: Can you tell me a little about cold calling?

B: Cold calling is a great way to find new customers and make new sales.

A: But isn’t it boring and repetitive?

B: It’s your chance to make things happen.

A: How do I introduce myself?

B: Introduce yourself in a confident manner.

A: What if they don’t want my product or service?

B: Gain the trust of the customer before you tell them about your product or service.

A: What other advice you can give me?

B: Know everything about your product or service.

A: What happens if they say no?

B: That’s your opportunity to change their mind.

2.

A: I’m not overly familiar with cold calling.

B: It’s a fantastic way to find new customers.

A: But isn’t it a bit boring and repetitive?

B: That’s only in the mind of the cold caller.

A: What’s the best way to introduce myself?

B: The best way is to have a lot of confidence.

A: But I’m worried they won’t want what I’m selling.

B: Focus on gaining their trust before you worry about your sale.

A: Do you have any other tips for me?

B: Be knowledgeable about what you’re selling.

A: But what if the customer isn’t interested?

B: Cold calling is all about making a yes out of a no.

3.

A: I need some information about cold calling.

B: It’s one of the best ways to make new sales.

A: I always thought it was a boring job.

B: It can be exciting because of all the sales potential.

A: Is there a particular way to introduce myself?

B: You must display confidence to the customer.

A: Maybe they’re not interested in what I’m selling.

B: Gain their trust before you try to sell them anything.

A: Anything else I should know?

B: You should know your product or service inside and out.

A: But what if the customer doesn’t want I’m selling?

B: A customer who says no is still capable of saying yes!