If you live in an area where your accent is unique, it can sometimes make you self-conscious. However, a unique accent can actually get you noticed more in a good way, and lead to new opportunities. The first thing to do when embracing your accent is to stop trying to change. If you have an accent that can be tough for others to understand, focus on elongating your vowels. This slows down your speech to make it more understandable. Also, just slow down in general. And, if you are using a second language, don’t fret about mispronunciation.
Key Takeaways:
- Some people feel a lot of pressure to ditch or dull their accents, which can make them feel self-conscious. First of all, stop that. Not only is that just plain unnecessary, but researchers have found that it’s actually incredibly difficult to do.
- One of the most common pieces of speaking advice for people with accents (as well as one of the top requests by listeners who are struggling to keep up) is, “Slow down.”
- Finally, if you have an accent because English is your second language, you’re likely going to mispronounce words every once in a while—and that’s okay! Many people with accents get hung up on mispronunciation, but that’s rarely the thing that throws listeners off.
“Obviously, you don’t want to speak too quickly, but you also don’t want to speak ploddingly, dropping small pauses in between your words. That can be excruciating to listen to, not to mention inefficient.”
https://www.fastcompany.com/3067519/how-to-turn-your-accent-into-a-public-speaking-asset?partner=rss
