Accents: Standard English level 2
This intermediate course is focused on studying the sounds and rhythms of Standard English in connected speech. What are the rules when putting sounds together when speaking fluently? How do these sounds create the accent and its rhythm?
This course is not for speakers of other languages who should take English Pronunciation courses instead. Although it is a follow-on course, it is also a complete course in itself.
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 13 Jan 2026End Date: 17 Feb 2026Tue (Evening): 18:00 - 19:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 6 sessions (over -6 weeks)Course Code: DVB018Tutors: Jonathan MulquinFull fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £90.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
If you would like to improve your ability to speak Standard English, take this Improvers' course with an experienced teacher of voice and accents. You will explore the rules around putting sounds together when speaking fluently and how these sounds create the accent and its rhythm.
This course is not for speakers of other languages who should take English Pronunciation courses instead.
What will we cover?
- Consonant sounds unique to Standard English – including nasal and lateral plosions
- Assimilation and elision of consonant sounds in connected speech
- Revision of vowel sounds, including Standard English placement of diphthongs and triphthongs.
- How to engage with the rhythms and intonation of Standard English.
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What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Identify key assimilations and elisions of consonants in written text
- Accurately create key consonant energies when speaking in conversation.
- Demonstrate the rhythm and tune of Standard English
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is open to anyone whose first language is English, and who feels this will help them improve their clarity of speech, as well as to English speaking actors and performers who wish to add to their range of accents.
If you are new to voice classes please take a moment to read our link:
full sequence of voice and speech classes at City Lit (click here) before choosing.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This course will be taught in the college.
The tutor will explain and demonstrate the placement of each sound. There will be practice material and you will work on different exercises individually, in pairs and as a group. Course materials will be provided via Google Classroom.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please have a pen/pencil and paper to hand to take notes during class.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Communicate with Confidence; Use your Voice Assertively
Please refer to our full sequence of voice and speech classes at City Lit (click here) as you consider which area you would like to study next.
Jonathan trained as an actor at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and then completed an MA in Voice Studies at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. He is in great demand as a voice teacher and coach at colleges across London including East 15, City Academy, London College of Music, London School of Dramatic Art, and St Mary’s University. His teaching style is based on the yoga voice work of Lynette Erving, bringing a strong connection between the body, the breath and the voice. He is passionate about the stagecraft of the voice, and likes to give technical tips and approaches to ensure the voice can be heard in any space. He also teaches accents, from RP and General American to West Country, Bristol, and Welsh.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.