Talk Like That

My name’s Mark Byron Dallas. I’m an accent & dialect coach specializing in helping actors, professionals, and language learners acquire and refine accents for work and develop authentic, confident speech.
My coaching is rooted in a deep understanding of phonetics, regional dialects, and the psychology of language perception.
From an early age, I became acutely aware of how accents shape people’s perceptions. Growing up in Birmingham, I experienced firsthand how certain accents are unfairly judged or stereotyped. As I moved through different parts of the UK and eventually settled in Toronto, I developed a keen interest in how accents influence identity, communication, and social mobility. This personal journey has shaped my approach as a coach: I don’t just teach accents—I help people understand their own voices and how they are received by the world.

What Sets Me Apart? Personal Experience & Expertise…
My self-taught linguistics knowledge, combined with decades of teaching and coaching experience, makes me uniquely skilled in both technical precision and real-world application. Many dialect coaches come from an academic background, focusing heavily on phonetics and theory. While I value and incorporate these elements into my coaching, my approach is practical, flexible, and tailored to each individual. I understand that accents are not just about sounds—they are deeply tied to emotion, culture, and identity.
I’ve had the privilege of working with actors preparing for major roles, professionals aiming to enhance their clarity in public speaking, and language learners striving for fluency in English. Each client presents a unique challenge, and I pride myself on finding the right approach for every individual.

Authentic Understanding of Accent Bias…
Accent bias is a subject that I am deeply passionate about, both as a linguist and as someone who has personally experienced it. In the UK, accents are often markers of class, education, and social status. The Birmingham accent, for example, has been consistently ranked as one of the least “prestigious” accents in Britain. Having grown up with that accent, I became aware of how people responded to it and how it influenced perceptions of intelligence and competence.
Over the years, I adapted my speech—not because I was ashamed of my accent, but because I recognized how shifting it slightly could change the way I was perceived. This experience has given me a unique insight into the emotional and psychological aspects of accent coaching. Many of my clients come to me not just to learn an accent but to navigate the social and professional implications of how they speak.

Multi-Regional Expertise…
I’ve lived in several different parts of the UK, each with its own distinct accent and dialect. From Birmingham to Ipswich, Essex to Bristol, and then London before settling in Toronto, I have absorbed a vast range of speech patterns. This exposure has given me an intuitive grasp of how accents evolve and how to teach them effectively.
Toronto, where I am now based, is one of the most culturally diverse cities in North America. Over the years, I’ve taught thousands of students from nearly every continent (except Antarctica of course!), which has given me firsthand experience with hundreds of accents from around the world. Whether it’s helping a Farsi speaker fine-tune their English pronunciation, coaching an American actor to master a British RP, or working with a Canadian executive to develop more confidence in their presentations, my work spans an incredible range of linguistic needs.

Referral-Based Success…
Unlike many who rely heavily on advertising, my business thrives on word-of-mouth. The fact that my clients consistently recommend me to others speaks volumes about the quality of my work. Most of the actors I coach come to me through referrals from other dialect coaches, agents, or fellow performers. This network-driven success is something I take great pride in—it reinforces that my coaching is not only effective but genuinely valued.

Interesting Facts About Me & My Business…
Active in Entertainment Industry Discussions: I regularly engage in conversations about the evolving landscape of voice work in film, television, and theatre. One major topic I’ve spoken about is the role of AI in voice manipulation. I was interviewed by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) to give my opinion on how AI is being used in film, particularly in the case of voice replacement.
(See: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6658768 and https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/adrien-brody-ai-brutalist-oscars-1.7465870)

Viral Video Success…
A video of me reciting a piece about Donald Trump went viral, gaining widespread attention. This experience reinforced the power of voice and delivery in engaging an audience.
Teaching Experience: I teach at the college level, further reinforcing my credibility in education and public speaking. Working with students from diverse backgrounds has given me a broader perspective on language learning and communication strategies.

My Offerings…

Private Coaching
One-on-one sessions tailored to actors, professionals, and anyone looking to refine their speech patterns or learn a new accent for an audition or a booked role. Whether you’re preparing for a period drama, mastering an American accent for a recurring character in a show, or simply seeking more confidence in your speech, I provide customized coaching to meet your goals.
Most sessions are online, but in-person coaching can be arranged in Toronto.

On-Set / In-Theatre / ADR Coaching
Accent and dialect support for cast members in stage, screen, and studio productions. Many productions bring in dialect coaches only for pre-production, but I also offer on-set support to ensure consistency throughout filming or performances.
I can also be available for Automated Dialogue Replacement sessions if required in post.

Video Courses
In-depth training accessible anytime, anywhere. These courses are designed to help learners at their own pace, covering everything from foundational accent work to advanced dialect mastery.
Workshops & Classes
Interactive group training sessions that cover a range of topics, including accent modification, voice training, and public speaking. These workshops are ideal for theatre groups, corporate teams, and language learners who want to enhance their pronunciation and delivery.

Why I Do What I Do…
I’ve always believed that how we speak is deeply tied to who we are. Accents are not just about sound—they are about identity, belonging, and perception. My mission as a coach is not just to teach people how to sound different, but to help them feel more confident and authentic in their own voices.
Many of my clients come to me with deeply ingrained beliefs about their own voices. Some have been told they need to “lose” their accent to be taken seriously, while others want to embrace a new dialect for personal or professional reasons. I never approach accent coaching as an erasure of identity. Instead, I see it as a way of expanding one’s vocal toolkit—giving people the ability to shift their speech when and how they choose, rather than feeling limited by it.

I am passionate about accents and the importance of clear, confident speech. Whether you’re looking to refine your accent, prepare for a role, or simply feel more comfortable with the way you speak, I’d love to help. Get in touch to book a session or subscribe to my newsletter for insights and updates!