Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some of the questions I get most often about French pronunciation coaching. You can use the search bar to find a specific topic.
How long does it take to improve my French accent?
It really depends on how consistent and dedicated you are. If you practice every day, you’ll usually start to notice progress within a few weeks, especially in how clearly you pronounce vowels and how naturally your speech flows. Working with a coach can make a big difference, as it helps you focus on your specific challenges and make faster progress.
Is it possible to completely lose my foreign accent in French?
Completely losing your accent is very challenging, but not impossible. It depends on several factors: your native language, the age at which you were exposed to French, your daily exposure to the language, your ability to imitate sounds, your motivation, and your consistency. Many learners start out aiming to lose their accent completely, but along the way they often realize that what really matters is having clear, natural French pronunciation that people can understand effortlessly.
I’ve been living in France for 10 years and I still struggle to pronounce certain words. Why is that?
It depends on how and when you learned French, whether through classes, immersion, or everyday life. At first, your main goal was probably communication, not pronunciation, so some habits just stuck over time. The good news is, it’s never too late to improve your French pronunciation, no matter how old you are or how long you’ve lived in France.
Are your French pronunciation sessions eligible for CPF (French Personal Training Account)?
No, my French pronunciation lessons are not eligible for CPF funding. As an independent coach, obtaining the Qualiopi certification comes with a lot of formal requirements and paperwork that are far too time-consuming for a one-person business. This choice leaves me with more time to focus on my clients and their individual needs, so I can provide the best possible support and results.
Can my company pay for your training?
Yes, your company can pay for my training. The sessions can be billed as a professional service or as a training program based on a quote. Several companies have already trusted me to help their employees improve their French pronunciation and communication skills.
I want to get rid of my accent, but people tell me I don’t need to.
Why do you want to work on your accent? Only you can know the answer to that. Maybe it’s a personal challenge, a career goal, a response to discrimination, or something shaped by cultural or social factors. Losing your accent takes time and long-term commitment. It’s not always possible to lose it completely, but you can definitely improve your pronunciation and feel more confident and comfortable when you speak.
Do I have to lose my accent to speak French well?
No, you don’t. Clear and natural-sounding French pronunciation is what you need to be understood easily. A slight accent doesn’t get in the way of good communication. In fact, it can even be a strength, as long as most French sounds are produced accurately and your speech rhythm is close to the natural rhythm of French.
I saw a speech therapist who told me I don’t need to change my accent.
From a speech therapist’s perspective, an accent isn’t considered a disorder. It simply comes from the influence of your native language (and any other languages you speak) on your French. A pronunciation coach, trained in phonetic correction and vocal technique, can help you refine your pronunciation if that’s something you’d like to work on.
Why is my French pronunciation good when I repeat, but not when I speak?
Improving your pronunciation and prosody takes time and happens step by step. Progress usually shows up first in listening and repetition exercises. The next challenge is using what you’ve learned in real conversations, which is a slower process because your brain is also busy managing ideas, vocabulary, and interaction. It’s completely normal to experience this gap. With regular practice, I often see certain sounds become automatic and noticeable improvement after about three months of sessions
What simple exercises can help reduce a French accent?
Repeat short sentences, focus on the sounds you find tricky, and imitate native speakers you hear in videos or podcasts. Read aloud, record yourself, and listen back to notice and correct your mistakes.
Which French sounds are the most difficult for non-native speakers to pronounce?
Nasal vowels, the French “r,” the different “e” sounds, and the difference between “u” and “ou” are often challenging. However, it really depends on your native language. For Spanish speakers, for example, the contrast between /s/ and /z/ can be tricky. Many learners also struggle with rhythm, stress, intonation, as well as with liaisons and linking between words.
Do I need to take specialized lessons to improve your French accent?
You don’t have to, but working with a French pronunciation coach can help you make faster progress. A coach trained in phonetic correction and vocal technique can identify the underlying causes of your pronunciation struggles and suggest targeted exercises, sometimes inspired by singing or theater techniques.
What is a French pronunciation coaching session like?
A French pronunciation coaching session is a personalized experience designed to help you understand the underlying causes of your pronunciation struggles, build the awareness and techniques you need to improve, and overcome specific challenges.
Sessions combine listening, focused exercises, shadowing/mirroring or real-life speaking practice, all tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Can I work on my accent with a French teacher?
Yes, as long as the teacher is trained in phonetic correction. Teachers of French as a Foreign Language (FLE) know the rules of French pronunciation, but not all of them are comfortable with the physical and articulatory work needed to change an accent.
Can I improve my French accent through online lessons?
Yes, online lessons are effective if the coach is properly equipped, with a good microphone, a phonetic keyboard or software, and experience using digital tools. On your end, a stable internet connection and a good headset will make a big difference to your learning experience. This flexible format fits easily into your schedule and saves you time on travel.
How can I practice improving my French pronunciation at home?
Practice articulation exercises, read aloud, repeat short dialogues, imitate actors, and sing!
Practice every day, even just five minutes, to make new habits automatic. Record yourself to spot mistakes and get used to hearing your own voice in French.
Is there an app to practice French pronunciation?
No, I haven’t come across any really effective apps for French yet. I’ve tested some for English, and while they can help with listening and repetitio, they’re limited because they don’t offer personalized feedback or exercises tailored to your specific needs. An app can be a helpful complement to your training, but it can’t replace a French pronunciation coach.
How do actors manage to take on different accents?
Actors work with accent coaches who analyze the sounds, rhythms, and diction specific to a certain region or time period. They use listening, repetition, and imitation to build a believable accent. I also work with international actors who want to land roles in France without being limited to “the foreigner with an accent” type of character.
