Accent Reduction: 10 Myths and their Freeing Truths (Myths 7-8)
In 10 Myths and Truths about Accent Reduction: Part 3 (Myths 5-6), we covered myths and truths #5 and #6 of Accent Reduction. They were:
Review of Myths #5 & #6
#5
“Unless people say they have trouble understanding me, they understand me just fine.”
Truth: Communication partners feel uncomfortable directly voicing that they have difficulty understanding someone.
#6
“If people I work with understand me, I don’t need to be understood on social situations.”
Truth #1: The people you work with may be used to hearing you speak with the speech patterns that are influenced by your native language.
Truth #2: On the other hand, unless you are aware of the signs above that indicate communication barriers, you may be in a situation where your co-workers do not understand you yet don’t express that.
Truth #3: Regarding social situations, people you encounter in social situations may also be used to your speech patterns that are influenced by your native language.
Myths #7 and #8
Myths #7 and #8 have to do with the expectations of how accent reduction can help depending on how long someone has been speaking English.
#7
“Accent reduction is only for people who have been speaking English a long time.”
Truth: Accent reduction is for English language learners who know enough English to communicate at an intermediate to advanced level. It is efficient to establish English speaking habits while learning English. The reason is that you don’t develop non-English speaking behaviors that become habits. When you establish habits, it takes a longer time and more effort to change those habits.
#8
“Accent reduction is only for people who are learning English. It’s too late for non-native English speakers who’ve been been speaking English for a long period of time.”
Truth: It is never too late to learn new things. No matter how long you’ve been speaking English, it’s absolutely possible to learn new English speaking habits. With an accent trainer, dedication to homework between sessions, and belief in your ability to attain your goal, you can master the American English speech patterns. You can attain communication excellence so people focus on WHAT you say and not on HOW you say it.
Summary
Both speakers who have an intermediate working knowledge of English as well as advanced fluent English speakers benefit from accent reduction. In both cases, clear communication is the goal so you can fully express your skills, personality, talents, and spirit. A qualified experienced accent trainer is equipped with the technical and interpersonal skills to help you attain that goal. You deserve in every way.
To you reaching your communication goals,
Cher
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wished to say that I’ve truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
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very soon!
Christine,
Yes-when minor changes are made, it can mean the difference in the way someone perceives your professionalism. It can also improve your credibility in your reader’s eyes.
Cher
Phillis,
Thank you for your kind comments. I’m glad you find these blogs valuable. I also know you will find the free Speak up and Stand out Kit very helpful.
Do you mind my asking what you specifically find my blog useful for in your practical daily life?
To your success,
Cher
Such amazing perception and tips! I love your dedication to accent reduction!
It always surprises me how unaware of ourselves and our interactions with others we can be. Really attending to how others are reacting to us in a conversation can yield a ton of information about how well we’re getting our message across.
I am at the airport and as I wait to board my flight I am listening to all the different sounds – everyone seems to have a different accent….it has always amazed me how quickly we can misunderstand one another. Why is it that people will speak really loud and slow when attempting to communicate with someone who doesn’t speak their language? I find that so disrespectful and rude. Thank you for the heart-felt work that you do Cher – it is so needed!
Teena
http://www.coupletherapyconnection.com
It’s easy to find the “reasons” that something “won’t work for me” or why I don’t really need it. Fear of something being “too hard” or unachievable keeps many of us stuck, whether it’s issues of accent reduction or whatever is getting in the way of our best expression (verbal or otherwise). Thanks for the post!
I continue to be fascinated by the topic of accent reduction. ~ I’m always reminded of my “American” accent when I visit my husband’s family in England – and he’s reminded of his “English” accent when we visit my family here in the U.S. ~ People are fascinated by the accents/dialects of others. But in business and legal matters, it’s critical to be fully understood by another. Even a slight misspeak or a slight misunderstanding can make or break a deal.
Cher, not only are your tips and myth busters beneficial for those with foreign accents who would like to be understood better, but they would be useful for any American with a regional accent who travels and would like to be better understood. Your tips and tools are always spot on!
I agree that even though we have been around people whether family or social, we do not specifically ask the person what they mean if we do not understand the message behind what they are saying. I especially was aware of this through my grand mother who spoke little English as I did not want to embarrass her.
Pam,
Thank you for sharing your experience of how this applies to your grandmother 🙂
Cher
Christine,
Thank you 🙂 I’m glad the tips are “spot on”!
Cher
Tina,
You offer insightful wisdom as you see the need for identifying communication breakdown amidst the “fascination” of accents.
Cher
Kailean,
You’re very welcome. I like how you’ve identified the ease of finding reasons for which something “won’t work” for us 🙂
Cher
Teena,
You’re so very welcome. Thank you for your insight that speaking more loudly doesn’t repair communication in many situations 🙂 Thank you also for the huge impact you’re making in the work you do.
Cher