Do I Need to Improve My Accent?

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Some people with heavy accents lack what is called "comfortable intelligibility."

If you've been wondering about whether you need to learn how to speak more clearly, this short self-assessment tool is for you!

1. During a conversation, people ask me to repeat myself because they haven't understood me.

2. Completing simple exchanges, such as ordering food or asking for advice, are difficult.

3. I often avoid certain words because they are too hard for me to pronounce.

4. Even when I speak slowly, people don't understand some or all of what I am saying.

5. I find it difficult to hear the difference between my speech and a native speaker's.

6. I don't know how to place my jaw, tongue, and lips to make English speech sounds.

7. At work, I don't feel confident about sharing my ideas or giving oral presentations.

8. After a conversation, I always or often feel unsure about whether I've been understood.

9. I'm so frustrated with being misunderstood and/or having to repeat myself that I avoid socializing with my colleagues and people in the community.

10. I think my strong accent is preventing me from realizing my full potential.

If you answered "yes" to three or more of these questions, you may benefit from an accent reduction and/or oral communications skills course.

Where Can I Get Help to Become a More Effective, Confident Speaker?

Accent Reduction Specialists Within a short period of time, a specialized “accent adjuster” or “accent reduction” trainer can help you to significantly reduce your accent, and develop listening and speaking strategies.

Professional Development Opportunities With culturally diverse workforces, companies often invest in specialized professional development courses.

New recruits sometimes receive opportunities to improve their speaking skills as part of their “onboarding” training package.

Established professionals are offered personalized, on-site and online courses that they can easily fit into their schedules.

You could hire someone yourself, or ask your employer if accent or oral communication skills training is included in your professional development plan.

Win-Win Investments Employers regard these specialized, short-term programs not only as valuable, win-win investments with long-term dividends, but also as opportunities to honour their diversity and inclusion goals.

Career Success Through Effective Speaking Experience the power and confidence that comes with clear, effective communication: Ask your employer to invest in you!

Contact Accent Language Services to receive a free 15-minute consultation!