4 Tips for Public Speaking with an Accent

[@AccurateEnglish]

Thank you for having me on your channel, Alex! It was a pleasure.

[@alexanderlyon]

Great to have you on the channel, Lisa. It was fun working on this with you.

[@fcojperez]

Awesome video, I hope put in practice some of the advice. Thanks both

[@Wandering.Homebody]

@accurateenglish Min 9, wot?! How do you know that their accent isn't as strong as they think it is?? I know plenty of people whose accent is way stronger than they think it is. You had me until then, but I really dislike this sort of mindless, dishonest pandering.

[@Wandering.Homebody]

@accurateenglish like your belief about your own accent, maybe? A very, very mild slavic accent, that shimmers through, on occasion, almost imperceptible, but still a funny thing to have, for an accent coach, who teaches standard American English for a living, right 😉?

[@coachmanisharstarvietnam3372]

Love how you emphasised the fact that 'clarity' is more important and that one shouldn’t feel overtly conscious about having a 'non native' accent. I especially liked it when you said “You are there because you deserve to be there. “ How empowering and reassuring!

[@EtreTocsin]

Wow, I am a native American English speaker and this was eye opening even for me. Really cool to have such an analytical perspective…

[@aprylakakadance8085]

Lisa, I enjoyed hearing you as you sound like my mom. She'd absolutely LOVE you!! 🤩 Thank you!!

[@BRONODICE]

Just thinking about how my university tried to tell me that someone asking me where I’m from is a micro aggression. Great advice Lisa!!!

[@alexanderlyon]

Yes, I hear you. I have heard the same thing taught in colleges. If anybody asks about where people are from, we should take offense to it. I don't think viewing it as a micro-aggression is a helpful or accurate way to understand the way conversations work. For instance, I was recently in a setting where I was meeting new people, in three conversations in a row, I was asked where I was from. I've been informally keeping track of this for years now and "where are you from?" (or some version of that question) is the most common question I get asked when meeting new people and even when getting to know people I've already met. It's THE #1 question I get asked. It's so common, I can't even think of what the #2 question is. No other question even comes close in terms of how frequently it's asked. I've always viewed this question as a sincere effort to get to know me. Now, having said that, I can understand how some people can feel sensitive about it. I'm not doubting their sincerity about that. I don't think it should ever be asked as a way to put somebody "in a box." I'm sure that the question has been asked with that attitude before, but that negative approach is usually evident in the person's other cues like their tone and the loo on their face. Still, it's a question that _everybody asks everybody_ when we're getting to know each other. And, in general, people LOVE talking about where they're from when they are asked. They almost always light up and get more animated. Either way, I've never seen actual data or studies that show the question functions as a micro-aggression. The area of study around micro-aggressions is a poorly researched area of study.

[@Wandering.Homebody]

@alex I know, right?! I m a white European woman who primarily lives in India, and get asked where I m from several times a day, every single day. And it certainly hasn't felt like any form of aggression to me even once, just politeness, or curiosity. It just makes sense, too, information wise, re what is my mother tongue, and my culture. Likewise I also ask everybody where they are from, to quickly establish what language we should talk to each other in, but also, to satisfy my curiosity.

[@Donnette_BistroLounge_owner]

​@alexanderlyon thank you. I ask people all the times where they're from. I've moved abroad and I ask the natives all the time which pariah they're from. They don't take it offensively. I honestly want to know where they're from and how far they've traveled from to dine at my Bistro and not for nothing it's great market research and bragging rights for my business. Most of us use that information as cultural bragging rights. To appear more cultured and accepting we boast about who we are in contact with or whom we rub shoulders with. I like knowing where people are from whether I'm in a nail salon in Florida hearing different American accents from New York, Long Island or Boston. I don't understand why anyone would take offense to this. We're way to hyper sensitive. I love talking about where I'm from. And my Guyanese accent makes me proud and I love it when people say you speak very well.😂😂😂it's my black South American girl flex. Smiles

[@englishsomalionline5053]

Thank you both for helping us becoming confident when speaking English. I am a non-native English speaker and I find Lisa’s videos helpful and as I hope this channel will do the same. Thanks

[@alexanderlyon]

It's our pleasure to make videos for you!

[@LisaGelhaus]

I work exclusively with non-native English speakers. And I AGREE 100% that the important thing is not losing your accent, but striving to communicate in a way that listeners can comprehend your message. Surprise! It’s about knowing your audience and THEIR limitations. Plus….Accent is part of each speaker’s identity and authenticity, being REAL makes your message more compelling. Thanks for the tips!

[@Asiforever1987]

Amazing... Alex! I watch your videos for around 2 hours everyday. I'll be more than happy to talk to you online. Lots of respect. From India

[@amilton1015]

Both experts - thank you very much!

[@alexanderlyon]

Our pleasure!

[@Paintmylips]

Thank you so much Coach Alex! I have improved a lot by watching all of your videos. I’m so grateful for you

[@evachan3261]

In my first job after college, the project manager shut me down in the middle of my talk during a meeting, and said she didn’t understand a word I said. Throughout time I had a coworker told me my accent was cute, was where I started to focus less in my accent but my speech, my content and my confidence. Today I am good at what I am doing and excel in my presentations in every way, towards VPs and Executives. DON’T let those people let you down! Thank you for sharing and lots of memories back.

[@alexanderlyon]

Thanks for sharing, Eva.

[@AlexandreLaprise]

yup! I was almost expecting Lisa to say sc** them! because yeah, those people suck. keep on!

[@Donnette_BistroLounge_owner]

The project manager was being culturally and linguistically insensitive.

[@robertnewberry5886]

Writing this from my blog, Sobriety Sword. I have addressed many large crowds over my career. Very deep southern drawl as we say down south. Never been an issue. It seems to draw people to me. At least the ones that count. I am a stutter survivor to boot. If your hearts in it, people will love you. Go Bold!

[@stinksterrekerinski4450]

Dale Carnegie quote?

[@toasterovens2384]

I have Lisa's American Accent Course. It is a great help to not only speaking better English but helping you understand why Americans speak the way they do.

[@husseinali6742]

Watching from Kenya, from the day I started watching this videos. I am able to go with the commentators especially football thank all.

[@johnvonninamann2606]

Loved this piece of advice: avoid stressing pronouns. Amen to that, lady.

[@jamestnov41945]

Fascinating episode. It took me a long time to speak properly. Born in Scotland I had a strong accent I also stuttered. I practiced and practiced. Just like Lisa says. I had to slow down my speech which also helped my stutter issue.

[@yehudimcewan5167]

Your Scottish accent was speaking properly.

[@holdontojesus7097]

Great job with being persistent and practicing so hard James. Great comment.

[@gigisolegigi7891]

Lisa is fantastic

[@hafsaboughanem9857]

Thank you thank you teachers

[@tatsianaptashnik1479]

Excellent video! Thank you. I totally can relate to the point that many non-native speakers (myself included) tend to overthink their accents.

[@oliveiramello1100]

Hey Alex. It was so nice Lisa had been your Channel she is amazing I learned so much from her.

[@marymnoraseng4583]

Hi Alex you’re my new English teacher. I am wishing you and your family very merry Christmas and happy new year 🎊🎈. Sincerely, Mary Noraseng.

[@AlexandreLaprise]

my goodness! Lisa delivers the goods!

[@alexanderlyon]

Yes, she's amazing.

[@dcrambishwasray8765]

God bless Alex sir awesome steps for me

[@salvadorrojas2255]

Both of you guys are amazing

[@karyvictoriaf]

Great video amazing advice thank you !

[@Mr_Bee_Boy]

Great video!

[@JenKumar]

Might you have a video with tips for native speakers to be understood easier by non native speakers?

[@jamescps8799]

Excellent advice. I am in Malaysia speaking the "Singlish" accent, but when I am in USA, I try to speak like the native speaker.

[@alexanderlyon]

Thanks for sharing, Jimmy.

[@sarameiragootblatt1819]

Omgosh this is incredible Thanks

[@alexanderlyon]

Lisa is amazing.

[@wildatheart8894]

Ohhh! PRAISE GOD. I needed this video, and here it is. Thanks Alex.

[@alexanderlyon]

You're so welcome!

[@gaturi80]

Very insightful.God bless both

[@dineshsce]

Best ever video ❤

[@toronjanahera1143]

I found your channel thanks to Lisa Mojsin's own channel,. I'm looking forward to subscribe after watching a few of your videos. Thanks.

[@alexanderlyon]

I love Lisa. She's great. Nice to have you join us here.

[@babyyoda4831]

That is quality content !

[@alexanderlyon]

Yes, she's amazing.

[@tammy6452]

An idea to keep in mind is that there may be absolutely nothing intended if someone asks for clarification. Some people who are losing hearing need clarification, the use of a different word or cues from the environment to figure out words. In this situation, it has nothing to do with the person speaking. It does not matter if it is a native speaker or not, if I am on the phone, I often need someone to repeat or say if differently.

[@alexanderlyon]

Yes, very true.

[@claudiaclaudia2471]

Good advice

[@jartotable]

What a lovely lady.

[@alexanderlyon]

Yes, Lisa is fantastic and was super easy to collaborate with. She's a true professional.

[@b-sideplank]

Hi Alex, I just found this channel and was really intrigued by the video you did on Bill Gates. Amazing! I have a question - it would be fascinating to get an answer from you. As briefly as I can - I sometimes find myself, almost subconsciously, emulating/imitating the speaking style of my "intellectual heroes" - and this includes hand gestures, diction, the tempo of speech. When this happens I can see a clear difference in the quality of my thinking ability. Maybe it's just perception, but how do scientifically explain this? Thanks in advance.

[@AndresLeonRangel]

loved this video.

[@hajara.8053]

Lovely

[@evelynsierra5775]

People always tell me I have a New York accent but I'm a native of New Jersey. I always say, Chalcolate and Win"er, loool. Do you think this pronunciation sounds like New York.

[@FirstnameLastname-fd9cp]

I always find it interesting how some Americans struggle to understand British accents but all Brits tend to understand all American accents.

[@alexanderlyon]

Ah, interesting.

[@FirstnameLastname-fd9cp]

@@alexanderlyon My guess is this is a result of T.V. In the UK we watch a lot of American T.V, so when we do hear an American accent it is totally normal to us. Maybe there isn’t a lot of exposure to the British accent in America making it harder to understand the accent. This is all anecdotal, mind you. I’m interested to see what any Americans think.

[@YUMA-jz9xx]

@@FirstnameLastname-fd9cp I totally agree and concur with your observation.

[@AccurateEnglish]

In American English, we tend to prolong our vowel sounds and we are generally more expressive. This makes for speech that is easier to understand.

[@FirstnameLastname-fd9cp]

@@AccurateEnglish Ah OK. I wasn't aware of that.

[@stinksterrekerinski4450]

Words are spirit. If your spirit is in order- your words will follow.

[@yehudimcewan5167]

What's wrong with my Scottish accent? Not about time other accepted that not everyone sounds the same?

[@alexanderlyon]

You're right, Paul. This video is for people who _want_ the advice. If that doesn't fit your situation, then the advice isn't for you.

[@DayuhansDiary]

Scottish accents are wonderful accents. I particularly like the northern Scottish accents.

[@yehudimcewan5167]

@@DayuhansDiary the Inverness accent is seen as the best spoken English. I'm from Edinburgh so like spud from trainspotting... Don't take my first comment that serious. I'm in ths Highlands and the clocks have went back so dark nights bring slightly darker humour.

[@yehudimcewan5167]

@@alexanderlyon don't take me seriously. I'm bot that parochial when it comes to Scottish things. Except football...

[@DayuhansDiary]

@@yehudimcewan5167 I’m in Newcastle mate so feel the pain on dark nights!

[@5erlkonig503]

It scares me because this is what I need in this moment lmao

[@alexanderlyon]

You can do it!

[@erichuelsman1334]

Hi, Your lesson are very helpful .I am Vietnamese so I always speak English with height voice. Could you help me with your advice for my pronunciation, please.

[@alexanderlyon]

Hi, Eric. Lisa's channel has tons of videos on pronunciation. Take a look at some of her content and see what you think.

[@erichuelsman1334]

@@alexanderlyon Thank you, but actually, this was my wife Rosy writing you. She is Vietnamese and is trying to improve her English. She thinks you guys are terrific and wants to follow your lessons.

[@dikoarianto9079]

❤️❤️❤️

I can testify that many of us are terrified of judgment for our accents

[@WINBRIDGEENGLISHACADEMY]

👏👏🌹

[@j27340]

What about my Southern accent and non-Southern audiences?

[@alexanderlyon]

I'm not sure about that, Joshua. These tips were for non-native speakers. I'm not sure I have any insights into regional accents in the US. Sorry about that.

[@Donnette_BistroLounge_owner]

I definitely think the southern accent can interrupt conversation for the person who doesn't understand deep Southern dialect. Hence, regionalisms or words that are particular to your regions as you speak to others matter as others may take one thing for another, soda or pop for example if you say pop someone from New York msy not know what you mean. I think enunciation and pronunciation does matter here too. Also slow down so that your audience hears and can follow you clearly.

[@TheShepdawg9]

For a communication channel, how didn't you check the spelling on the title?

[@alexanderlyon]

Thanks. Didn’t catch it. If you meant the missing S on Tips, I fixed it.

[@SDFenix]

Well, to be fair it’s mostly a channel about verbal communication.

[@David-yf5fo]

At the university where I work, the more people from a far away land butchers the English language, the better things seem to get for them. The way this works is analogous to what Carl Sagan said regarding early speculation about life on Venus..... Observation: I can't see a thing Conclusion: Dinosaurs Where I work..... Observation: We can't understand a thing this guy says and his slides are terrible Conclusion: This guy must be a brilliant scientist and we should offer him the position.

[@husienaadan401]

My teacher I am from somalia I am request to help me the free website that I learning English I am a poor Tell the place that I learn

[@HenryLeslieGraham]

But why do I detect an accent in Lisa's speech? Is she not a native English speaker?

[@AccurateEnglish]

Hi Henry, I don't have a foreign accent. I tend to speak extra clearly. It comes from 30 years of teaching English to non-native speakers who may not understand fast speech.

[@Donnette_BistroLounge_owner]

An accent??? Where??? She speaks with emphasis because she's a lecturer/teacher/trainer.

[@Iksvomid]

Stress your syllables so your conversations would be more relaxed!

[@spmc7090]

… hello Coach, this question is irrelevant to this particular video, however I’d like to request a video review of Logan Pauls’ interview of Sadhguru … thank you 🤙🏼🤘🏼

[@johnmarlon6916]

Now if only I could apply that to Chinese.

[@alexanderlyon]

That sounds challenging, John!

[@johnmarlon6916]

@@alexanderlyon Seems After a certain age one is always marked by their native language when they speak Living month-to-month with constant threat of de-facto deportation, now that is challenging.

[@richpiana8020]

React to Rittenhouse crying please! Leftists are saying it was fake, please analyse that.