How to Communicate Well with an Accent |
Posted: October 29, 2017 |
You’ve always been complimented on your thick accent. People love hearing your speak even if they don’t always understand your words. While an accent seems exotic and exciting in many places, it can also be viewed as a hindrance in the workplace. In fact, it can keep you from winning a promotion or getting hired at a top level job. If you’re concerned about how well you will communicate with your accent, you can follow these steps to ensure everyone understands what you say.
Speak Calmly and Clearly
It’s common for people to speak fast when they are excited or anxious. Many times, this makes it even more difficult to understand a person. Instead, slow down and speak calmly. Make sure your voice is low, which is more understandable than when it goes up. Take a deep breath before you begin and be conscious of how fast you say your words.
Rely on Writing
Any verbal communication can be misunderstood whether you have an accent or not. If what you’re saying is important, put it in writing. You can use a slide show presentation that will clarify the key points of a speech or follow up a meeting with an email about your main points. You should never rely solely on oral communication for essential topics.
Allow Questions
Make sure you can clarify any points that are missed by stopping to allow for questions. It doesn’t matter if you’re giving a speech in front of people or talking one-on-one. Take a break often and say “Do you have any questions or do I need to go over anything again?” This will make people feel more comfortable to speak up and ensure they heard you correctly.
You don’t have to bring attention to your accent by mentioning it. Just let people know it’s okay to ask for clarification. Sometimes people’s minds wander and they may need to refocus and pick up anything they missed.
Get Help from a Speech Coach
You can use a speech reduction coach to help you learn how to speak to be understood. They will work with you on your speech so that others will be able to hear what you’re saying. The goal is not to make you lose your accent, but to help you learn how to speak clearly with one.
A speech coach will help you learn how to enunciate your words so they are understood. They may teach you special techniques or how to breathe correctly as you speak. You will get in the habit of speaking this way, so that you are always understood no matter who you are talking to.
You don’t have to let speech differences with those around you keep you from communicating and building relationships. You can learn how to communicate even if you speak with an accent. With good communication skills and the ability to be understood, you’ll have an easier time of finding a job, getting that promotion or just talking with those around you.
Claudette Roche is an accent reduction in the Vero Beach, FL area. She teaches foreign and American accents to actors and business persons/executives. In 2010 she was named as one of The Top 5 Voice Coaches by Hollywood Weekly Magazine.
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