Speech Training Beyond 1:1 Sessions: Groups and Workshops

Speech Training Beyond 1:1 Sessions

If you’re exploring accent or speech training as a service, you might be picturing one-on-one sessions as the only option.
That’s a common assumption, especially for SLPs and ESL instructors who are used to individualized work.

But here’s something many people don’t realize early on:
Accent and speech training doesn’t have to be limited to private sessions.

Workshops and group trainings can be a flexible, lucrative, and surprisingly approachable way to share your skills, even if you’re still new to this field.

Why Group Workshops Are Worth Considering (Even as a Beginner)

When people hear “workshop,” they often imagine large, high-pressure events or polished presenters with years of experience.
In reality, workshops can start small and grow over time.

A group session might mean:
• A small online workshop with 6–10 participants
• A short training for an ESL program or community group
• A webinar-style session focused on one clear speech or pronunciation topic with hot seat coaching

As your confidence grows, those same skills can scale into larger workshops, sometimes with dozens or even hundreds of participants.

The benefit?
• You reach more people at once
• You reduce burnout from constant 1:1 sessions
• You create offerings that fit your energy and schedule

For many instructors, this becomes a powerful complement to private work or even an alternative.

So… Can Accent Training Work in Groups?

Yes, but with the right expectations and structure.

Group speech and accent training looks a bit different from private sessions, and that’s not a bad thing. The goal isn’t individualized correction for every participant. Instead, it’s about:
• Awareness
• Practice
• Confidence
• Clear, guided instruction
• Group focus and motivation

When designed intentionally, group sessions can be highly effective and, honestly, more fun for learners.

How to Make Group Accent Training Effective

Here are a few beginner-friendly strategies that work well in group settings:

1. Build in Interactive Practice

Even without individual feedback, learners benefit from guided repetition and active participation.

Examples include:
• Practicing sounds or phrases together in unison
• Encouraging participants to mute and practice out loud during online sessions
• Partner work or small-group practice in breakout rooms for live workshops

The key is helping students get real conversational speaking practice, not just listen and repeat.

2. Use Simple Technology to Stay Connected

You don’t need advanced tools or complicated setups.

Features like:
• Chat boxes
• Polls
• Thumbs-up or reaction buttons

All help participants stay engaged and feel included, even in larger groups.

3. Set Clear Expectations From the Start

This is one of the most important pieces.

Group workshops feel more like a class than a private session, and that’s okay, as long as participants understand:
• What the workshop includes
• What it doesn’t include, especially individualized feedback
• The learning goals and structure

Clear communication prevents disappointment and builds trust.

You Don’t Have to Start Big

It’s worth repeating: you don’t need to jump straight into large-scale workshops.

Many instructors start with:
• One small group
• One focused topic
• One simple workshop format

Over time, those experiences build confidence, clarity, and skill, and often open the door to bigger opportunities.

Here Are Some Real-Life Examples of What’s Possible (Even for Beginning Instructors):

• You host your first 10-person Zoom workshop, and participants leave saying how helpful and encouraging it was.
• You realize it’s possible to earn more in a single session than you used to make in an entire day.
• You begin building a reputation, a sense of community, and the confidence to think a little bigger about what’s next.

This can be the beginning of something truly meaningful, not just for your students, but for you as well.

A Flexible Path Into This Work

If you’re considering accent or speech training as a service, group workshops offer a way to:
• Experiment without committing to a full caseload
• Share your expertise in a supportive, structured format
• Create meaningful impact without overextending yourself

With thoughtful planning and realistic expectations, group training can become one of the most rewarding parts of this work.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re curious about how to structure groups more intentionally, you may also find this helpful:

Optimal Group Size for Effective Speech Training Sessions
https://www.theaccentchannel.com/blog/faq-optimal-group-size-for-effective-speech-training-sessions