RP Accent for American Actors & Narrators

As a seasoned actor or voice artist, you’re well aware of the significance of possessing a diverse range of accents in your skill set. Among the most coveted accents, Received Pronunciation (RP) stands out prominently in the realms of acting and narration. Despite the shared language between the UK and the US, mastering the RP accent presents its own set of challenges.

 

The RP accent is distinguished by its non-rhotic quality, rounded lips, and seamless connection of sounds. Achieving proficiency in this accent involves training your articulators, focusing on individual vowel sounds, and building muscle memory through repetition. Pronunciation is merely the initial step; the RP accent extends beyond the mere articulation of words. It encompasses the natural rhythm and intonation in your speech, injecting personality into your performances.

 

Avoid settling for an outdated, exaggerated rendition of RP. Collaborate with an accent coach who comprehends the contemporary nuances and variations of the accent, enabling you to tailor your speech to the distinct characters you bring to life.

 

Ready to elevate your acting skills? Book a complimentary 20-minute consultation with me today and embark on the journey to mastering the RP accent. Discover the impact a polished RP accent can have on your performances. Begin your transformative journey now!

FAQ

How do your lessons cater to American English speakers?

While General American English and British English share many similarities, there are distinct differences between the two accents. Let’s focus on the /r/ and /l/ sounds. General American is rhotic, whereas Received Pronunciation is non-rhotic. In Received Pronunciation, the /r/ sound is often omitted in words like ‘farm,’ ‘park,’ and ‘car.’ American English speakers are accustomed to rolling the tongue. Additionally, American English speakers typically produce darker /l/ sounds compared to Received Pronunciation. In simpler terms, General American English involves more tongue rolling and flexing. You’ll receive targeted drills to help you strike the right balance and avoid excessive rolling or flexing of the tongue.

 

How do your lessons distinguish themselves from those of a dialect coach?

While the teaching methods I employ share commonalities with those of a dialect coach, I specialize exclusively in teaching Received Pronunciation. Precision in teaching accents demands meticulous attention, and I concentrate solely on my native accent, which I have immersed myself in throughout my upbringing. Truly grasping an accent necessitates not only studying it but also having lived in the corresponding environment.

Due to my upbringing and surroundings, I possess a heightened awareness of the variations and nuances within the British RP accent. This enables me to assist students in fine-tuning their RP accent, be it a traditional or modern variation, based on their specific requirements. This approach goes beyond generic RP instruction, ensuring that students avoid learning an inaccurate version that might not align with the character they aim to portray.

 

How many lessons should I plan for?

I suggest a minimum of five lessons to cover the fundamentals thoroughly. This will provide you with a solid foundation to discern the nuances in vowel sounds, comprehend the articulators’ movements, and guide you on progressing independently beyond this initial stage.

 

How challenging is it for an American English speaker to adopt an RP accent?

For individuals coming from a General American English-speaking background, acquiring a basic RP accent is surprisingly straightforward. It is notably easier compared to non-native English speakers. With dedicated practice, tangible results can be achieved within a few days or weeks. However, refining the accent to a more nuanced level may require a more extended period of practice and effort.