Introductions To Teaching Speech Seminar

January 10 & 17, 2026

10:00 AM – 1:30 PM ET

Fundamentals of the ConverSAID Method

Bi-Monthly Saturdays

January 24th – May 30th, 2026

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET

In-Person Training Requirement

24 hours of independent, in-person training in accent reduction pedagogy

*Not included in cost

Stages of the Teaching Process

August 21 & 22, 2026

October 16 & 17, 2026

October 23 & 24, 2026

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET

Certification: General Questions

What will certification and membership cost?
ConverSAID Training Course: The total cost of the program is $5,499. In-person training requirement cost not included. This varies depending on where and how long you complete it.

No, they may be due over the course of time. It will depend on how you pace yourself. The first fee is at the start of phase one. The In-Person Coaching fees are due at the end of phase two, and the Reporting and Mentor Coaching fee is due during phase three.  The semi-annual membership dues will occur while working towards your completion of all three phases.

Does the certification program have a time limit?

Yes. You must complete Level 1 Level 2 within 2 years of taking your ConverSAID Training Course. For example, if an individual finishes the ConverSAID Training Course in January 9, 2026, they will need to schedule In-Person Training to their Level 2 by May 30, 2026.

Separately, you have 90 days to complete In-Person sessions of mentor coaching.

How long will the certification process take?

Time varies, depending on how much time you have and how much training you’ve had. Many people complete the certification process within 18 months after completing the Phase One Training.

I have prior education/experience in accent reduction training. Is there a fast track to certification for me?

We are thrilled to have people pursue certification who have prior education and experience in training, as well as those with no prior education and experience. However, our certification standards require that each applicant must complete all three phases of the ConverSAID Certification process. Additionally, the ConverSAID Training Course required for certification must be completed through a Certified Training Center or other Certified Training source.

 *If you have taken training through one of our Training Centers (please see list here) in the past, please email [email protected]. We can help clarify how that specific training fits into the certification process.

Can I become certified if my corporation has a corporate trainer?

The corporate sponsor is indispensable in the training and development of certification. We believe our trainers must pursue the closest possible connection to their organization for accountability and financial support. In light of the importance of financial oversight, we require our trainers to serve under a program manager qualified leadership during their training. At ConverSAID, we hold a view, recognizing that while corporate trainers  may aid the trainer in a myriad of ways, ConverSAID requires that a supervisor/manager meet specific qualifications. Because of these beliefs, both of which are reflected in our guiding documents, we cannot certify an individual who has joined certification with an organization that has the role or title of corporate trainer, regardless of their oversight responsibilities.

Can I become certified if I am a Corporate Coach (CC)?

As state governments continue to encroach upon the rights of individuals and groups, ConverSAID recognizes that this is particularly noticeable within the approval and accreditation of government vendors. As trainers, we affirm that it is inconsistent to withhold diverse morality and mandates in training and consulting, in deference to state statutes and codes of ethics which regulate ethical principles and truths. With these concerns in mind, ConverSAID welcomes those currently holding state licensure for professional speech therapy to engage in our Phase 1 training, to further discern the segmental and prosodic underpinnings that distinguish ConverSAID accent reduction from other approaches. Since training is fundamentally phonetic in nature, ConverSAID reserves the right not to approve current Licensed Speech Professionals, Licensed Educators, or those holding equitable licenses for coaching services, from continuing the certification process due to the growing ethical and moral restrictions placed upon state licensed practitioners. However, those who have completed Phase 1 and wish to continue in progression with ConverSAID certification may make an appeal for consideration with the Membership Services department.

Can I share content that I purchased on the ConverSAID Store with others?

You may share purchased ConverSAID Store content with family members, clients, and groups in your organization or school for educational purposes. If you share the material with others, they are not permitted to share the material again (e.g. if you share the material with your colleague, he is not permitted to share the material with his clients without first purchasing it himself). 

Watching the ConverSAID Training Course via a purchased audio or video recording will not count toward certification. If you show the material in an organization or school setting, you are required to make a verbal or written statement to those watching the training that it will not lead to certification. 

ConverSAID Certification Process

Phase 1: General

Why am I getting an error message that says “Invalid entry” when I try to complete the Contact Details section in the certification application?

That particular error message “Invalid entry,” means that you have entered text in a box that requires a number only. You might look back through the pages and be sure that you do not have anything like that. The most common error is in the Education page for the Graduation Year, but it could be others as well.

Phase 1: Self-Paced

What if I watched videos that someone else shared with me? Do they count toward the ConverSAID Course requirement?

Watching the ConverSAID Training Course via a purchased audio or video recording will not count toward certification. If you show the material in an organization or school setting, you are required to make a verbal or written statement to those watching the training that it will not lead to certification. 

Why am I getting an error when I try to submit my ConverSAID information in the certification application?

There are a few reasons why it might not be working:

1. if there are any required fields not completed

2. if the wrong kind of information is entered into a field (i.e. text in a field that requires only a number such as the Year Completed box)

3. by clicking the close button or off of the screen without hitting save/next/continue

4. it could be slow to respond when you click on the button (you will need to wait and let it reload before clicking again or navigating away from the page)

5. not using the Google Chrome browser (Safari, IE, and others are not recommended).  

6. It might also be helpful to log out and log back in again.

If it is not one of these 6 points, then do you see any error messages pop-up? (if so, please screenshot those and send by email to [email protected]).

Phase 1: Training

Is the Training requirement measured as 24 hours or 24 sessions?

You must complete at least 24 sessions that add up to at least 24 hours of In-Person training. For example, if you took 24 sessions that added up to 18 hours, (45 minute sessions) then you are still lacking 6 more hours to fulfill this requirement.

 What if I cannot remember specific details that are required on the Observation Log? (i.e., watched videos or did it over time)

You will need to enter each session, name of trainer, and length. There is no exception for Mp4’s or online videos.

Phase 1: Approved Reading

Can I use audio recordings to fulfill the reading requirement?

Yes, but… The reading is meant to help give you a good phonetic training and vocal pedagogical foundation, which you will also use to help you work through the sessions in Phase 2. Having a digital downloaded copy that you can highlight and look up page numbers in will be helpful since you must footnote any citations you may use in your answers on the publications.

*The book for Speak With Distinction by Edith Skinner will not fulfill that requirement. That is the only exception.

Can I get a PDF copy of the ConverSAID Statements and Affirmations that I signed in Phase 1?

We do not have PDFs of our documents available, but you may access them on the main website under Leadership -> About Us

What if I do not fully agree with the ConverSAID Standards?

If you cannot in good conscience sign that you are in full agreement with the statements (that is, your pedagogy are completely in line with ConverSAID), then you should not pursue certification. ConverSAID certifies according to these Standards so that anyone who seeks out one of our trainers, knows exactly what they believe.


Phase 2: Sessions

Which session should I complete first?

We recommend completing the Level 1 Session first, and then the Training Session. It is wise to complete the pedagogical session first. Good foundation leads to good training.

What will the facilitators be looking for in the sessions?

In the foundation sessions, the facilitator will be noting the applicant’s understanding and in line with ConverSAID’s Standards and his ability to communicate it clearly. In the trainer’s session, the facilitator will be observing how the applicant applies the class observations to a variety of training issues in line with ConverSAID’s Standards.

The instructions say that each answer must be between 1-1.5 pages, how important is that?

The facilitators will send back any papers for rewrites that are too short or too long based on the requirements. The goal is to be sure you are able to explain your answers well enough (at least 1 page) and yet to be able to answer them succinctly (less than 1.5). The graders have 44 – 66 pages to grade based on this range. With this in mind, it is best to stick to the instructions.

What if I disagree with a particular method? (i.e. stressing instead of intonation, head and chest voice balancing, Phonetics instead of ConverSAID syntax, etc.)

The purpose of the sessions is to be sure that the candidate truly believes and practices vocal pedagogy and training according to the Standards of Methods and Practices of ConverSAID. If the essay/paper questions reveal a disagreement with ConverSAID’s standards, opportunity for growth, learning, and coming in line with these standards will be allowed though a chance for rewrite upon grading. However, if the candidate’s pedagogy differ from ConverSAID standards and he or she does not desire to change the positions to be in line with ConverSAID standards, then ConverSAID cannot certify that individual. Though we would encourage continued growth and training, ConverSAID is not able to certify anyone outside of the guiding documents.

What are the different grades for the papers?

Your papers are graded on a pass or rewrite basis. If the applicant will need to submit a rewrite our graders will give input to help deepen the candidate’s understanding of the topic. They will be available for further discussion, when necessary. The candidate will be given as many tries as needed, as long as there is evidence that he or she is working hard to continue learning and understanding.

Can I access Phase 2 ahead of time to prepare?

No, you will not be able to access Phase 2 ahead of time. Once you have reached that part of the process you will be given access to all the instructions you need, and forms for you and those who will be filling out the evaluations for you.

I received my rewrites back, but I can’t see my grader’s comments, what should I do?

It could be a couple of things. If you are looking at the files on a mobile device (phone, tablet, etc.), you will not be able to see the comments. You will need to open the files on a laptop or desktop computer in order to see the comments on the margins of the papers. If you are already on a computer, it may be that you need to change your settings to see the Comments. If after trying these things you still do not see the comments, please feel free to email your grader or our office at [email protected]

I uploaded my rewrites; how do I know if they were received?

When you upload your papers into the dashboard, they are automatically uploaded in our system. You can tell if they have been uploaded from your dashboard. If you are wondering if your grader has started regrading them, then you will need to reach out to him directly. Your trainer’s information is listed on your Phase 2 dashboard.

Phase 2: Evaluations

What evaluations will be required in Phase 2?

You will be required to have 3 evaluations submitted on your behalf:

Colleague Evaluation – This is an evaluation of you from someone close to you. It can be a friend, co-worker, ministry partner, etc.

Boss/Supervisor Evaluation – This is an evaluation of you from a Boss/Supervisor of the organization where you are an employee.

Membership & Authority Letter – This is a letter from a representative of your (secretary, etc.), on letterhead and submitted digitally, showing that you are both a member in good standing and under the authority of your senior trainer.

How do I access the Evaluations in Phase 2?

You will not be able to have access to the evaluations and grader payment until you have completed and uploaded your exams. Be sure to read the Phase Overview/Instruction and watch the Phase Tutorial in each phase to make sure you know how to complete each item correctly and in the proper order. 

How do I check the status of an evaluation?

To check on the status of your evaluations, you may log in to your dashboard and check the status in the same place where you sent out the requests. If it does not show completed, that means it has not come back clear yet and you will want to follow up with the person you sent it to (may have them check junk/spam mail).  You can also resend the request from there as well, either to the same person/email address or to another person/email address.

Can I access Phase 2 ahead of time to prepare?

No, you will not be able to access Phase 2 ahead of time. Once you have reached that part of the process you will be given access to all the instructions you need, and forms for you and those who will be filling out the evaluations for you.

Phase 3

How will I connect with a training director?

Step-by-step instructions are provided in Phase 3. Working from a list of Trainers you will begin to email one at a time asking them to coach you. You will be able to reach out to them through the contact information provided. Once you have connected and communicated with your coach through the proper steps you may begin working on those hours!

How will I connect with trainees?

While we can’t give you any specifics because every context is different, we know that some have gone to some creative lengths to reach out for trainees. Some have posted on facebook that they are working on become a certified trainer and that they are offering free training to locals. Others have emailed people, some have contacted other local organizations to offer training, and surely there are many more that have tried other things. Trainers may also have other recommendations for getting trainees and will likely be your best source for ideas since they are working with you individually.

Can I complete this phase even if I am not in the United States?

Yes! You may complete this process remotely. In fact, it is usually completed remotely even for those in the United States. You will be in contact with your training director through email and possibly phone.

Can my spouse and I train together for coaching?

No. ConverSAID does see great wisdom in team training, but for the purpose of certification, your training director must determine that you can bear the entire load of preparing for and conducting the training session. For the training case you submit for coaching, you should be the only trainer participating in the session. You may have an individual sit in on the sessions with you to observe, but you must be leading and directing the session.

New Member/Renewals

What is required to become a new member or renew membership?

After the candidate has completed all the membership requirements the candidate must complete the final steps to become a certified member of ConverSAID and to renew membership semi-annually. These requirements include:

1. Signing the Membership Covenant

2. Request a Boss/Supervisor Authority Form be completed on his behalf by his boss, supervisor, or managing authority

3. Complete the Background Check Form (every 5 years)

4. Pay the current semi-annual membership dues

How do I get my membership renewal certificate?

On your Member Account page, there are two different ways that you can get your certificate. First, you may download a digital copy of your certificate at any time throughout the year by clicking on the “Generate Digital Certificate” button. This will provide you with a PDF copy for you to download/save/print, etc. Second, you may also request a physical copy to be sent to you. This option is only available during the Renewal Period (October through March). You may request the physical copy by clicking on the button, “Request Physical Certificate.” This request will be batched with other member requests at the beginning of each month and sent off to the print shop for processing and shipping. The address that your certificate will be sent to is your main account address under the “Update Contact Details” button on your account page. Please download your physical certificate. (to avoid delays in shipping from USPS delivery).

What is the Membership Renewal period? When is the deadline for renewal?

Each year, the renewal period for membership opens up after the ConverSAID Annual Webinar which always takes place on the first Wednesday of October. After the webinar, you will then see the Membership Renewal section open up under your Member Account page. The deadline to complete all of the renewal steps is December 31. Beginning January 24th – May 30th, 2026, you may complete the renewal process with an additional $75 Late Fee automatically applied.  After May 30th, any Member who has not completed the renewal process by the deadline automatically gets switched from Current to Expired member and will not be a Certified ConverSAID Trainer for that year.

What if I do not renew my membership by the deadline?

The status of any Member who has not completed the renewal process by the deadline automatically gets switched from Current to Expired member and will not be a Certified ConverSAID Trainer for that year. See the “Expired Member/Reinstatement” section below for questions about the reinstatement process.

Where can I purchase ConverSAID logo apparel?

You may click the following link to order ConverSAID logo apparel: ConverSAID Apparel


Certified Membership

How do I change/update my details on the Find a Trainer Directory?

In order to make yourself visible on the directory, and to choose what information you provide on the directory, you can log into your member account, click on the “Directory/Map Details” button and enter the information there. Changes to this information may take up to 24 hours to change on the Find-A-Trainer map.

What are the membership levels?

After you complete the certification process, you will become a certified ConverSAID Trainer and can renew your membership semi-annually.

Level 1 – completed the certification process

Level 2 – Level 1 members who “have a Bachelor’s degree” and “hold training in a separate office address outside of the home address.”

Licensee – Level 2 members who have completed and passed Licensee applications, exam process, and coaching. For more information on becoming a Licensee, click here.

What are the benefits of being a Certified ConverSAID Member?

• Training under key leadership in accent reduction
• Accountability for accent reduction training
• Endorsement from the largest association of accent reduction trainers
• Recommendation on our Find a Trainer on-line map
• Networking with like-minded accent reduction trainers
• Exclusive invites to our Live training webinars
• Discounts on registration for ConverSAID events 
• Free Members Resources online through your Member Account

Where can I purchase ConverSAID logo apparel?

You may click the following link to order ConverSAID logo apparel: ConverSAID Apparel


Expired Member/Reinstatement

How do I go about reinstating my membership?

Once you are ready to complete the membership steps (same as New member and Renewal), you can follow the Membership Reinstatement process on your Member Account page on the website. If you have been expired for less than two years, the process will be quicker, but if you have not been a member for two years or more, then your reinstatement request will be submitted to the Board of Directors for a vote at their next scheduled quarterly meeting before being able to complete the rest of the reinstatement process and become a current member again.