Worried about your accent? Here’s how to speak clearly so others can easily understand you!

I work with many people for whom English is a second language, and they often share with me their constant worry about their accent.

Whether they’re in a meeting or showing up on social media, they notice that when they talk to people, they often get asked  “pardon” or “can you repeat that?”, or people’s eyes glaze over showing that they have tuned out, or the most awkward scenario: When people laugh even when they didn’t make a joke, and they’d actually asked a question.

Firstly, if this is you, I want you to know that it’s not your accent that is the problem.

Everyone has an accent.

When ANYONE speaks to another from a different country, then their accent will be foreign to the other.

I am Australian with a classic Australian accent, and guess what?

I could talk to another Australian and literally have no idea what they are saying, lol

Why?

Well, if someone mumbles or slurs their words, then no matter their accent, they will be hard to understand.

On the other hand, if someone has a different accent from me, but is clearly articulating their words, then they will still be easy to understand.

Tips to help you to speak clearly, regardless of your accent:

1. Articulate clearly. Open your mouth wide so that you can precisely enunciate every syllable of every word. Focus on drawing out your vowels, and make your consonants crisp.
2. Slow down. It’s when people talk too fast that they blur words into each other. 
3. Use greater melodic variation. The more you vary your pitch, with low and high pitches throughout your communication, the more you will effectively convey your message and support your verbal delivery.
4. Breathe. When you breathe deeply, you will generate more airflow in your vocal chords. This will create vibration, which helps your voice to carry a more full, deep and vibrant sound.
5. Check in with the listener. After you say what you need to, ask them: “Does that make sense?” or “Do you have any questions?”

Which of these tips do you need to focus on first? Email me and let me know, I’d love to hear!