The Accent Coach Discusses the Power of Communication in the Workplace

Getting the job done right typically involves communication between co-workers. This is how most companies work. In fact, if there wasn’t any communication between certain company departments, it’s safe to say that nothing would get done (or at least not done right!).

The power of communication in the workplace is undeniable. Yet, there’s a difference between “good” communication and “poor” communication. The Accent Coach, Claudette Roche, elaborates, “Poor communication can quickly result in inefficient systems or productions. This is why automation is becoming so big. There’s less human error and less messaging lost in translation.”

She continues, “It’s kind of funny how communication is one of the most basic and essential skills, but we don’t see it being taught in school. And there are many many adults who can’t communicate well.”

“All in all, good communication means better client relationships, improved collaboration, increased productivity, and so much more,” Roche adds.

In fact, poor communication can leave management dealing with conflict as opposed to actually producing quality work or products. It can have a detrimental impact on profits and employee satisfaction. 

“With the whole move toward helping those with mental health issues, I think these big companies are beginning to realize the value of interpersonal relationships, communication, and general wellness of their employees as a whole,” the Accent Coach states.

At the end of the day, good communication between employees and customers leads to better outcomes overall. Roche says, “It’s almost as though it would pay for itself having employees learn communication skills as part of their onboarding process. With fewer miscommunications and improved communication with clients, it can only lead to good things!”

Why Do Foreigners Sing with American Accents?

Do you ever notice how when you listen to a British pop or rock band (hello, Beatles!), they don’t appear to have an accent? What’s up with that?

Adele doesn’t have an accent when she sings (or at least, almost).

In fact… usually, it’s not even clear where the person is from just from listening to their music.

While American culture, including the media, movies, and music, tends to be one of the biggest pillars across the globe, this might not exactly be the reason why singers tend to all sound like they have one accent.

Get this: Accents become more neutralized when you sing because words and vocal pitches tend to be more drawn out!

In many ways, this actually CANCELS out accents and intonations of words.

So, now you know!

And if you’re looking to improve your speech skills or reduce your accent, get in touch with me today. As an executive speech coach, I’ve helped hundreds of clients get to where they want to be professionally and more.

3 Words You Probably Say Wrong

Through my years working as a professional speech coach, I’ve seen all the ways you can pronounce words wrong. So, I thought I’d share three common mispronunciations today, helping you avoid another person correcting you or someone misunderstanding what you’re trying to say!

First up…

1. Hierarchy – Pronounced: /hahy-uh-rahr-kee/
   The common mistake? We say “hi-archy.”

While both versions have two syllables, only one is actually correct. It’s often the “er” sound that is missing. Thus, next time you go to say this word, try emphasizing that “er” sound a bit more!

2. Liable – Pronounced: lahy-uh-buh l/
   Yet, many people say “Libel,” which is unfortunately incorrect!

In fact, saying “libel” means a totally different thing, which means you want to be careful when pronouncing this one.

3. Nuclear /noo-klee-er/
   Often pronounced, “nucular,” this actually isn’t the right way to say this in English. However, you might get a pass with this one… Depending where you live, different dialects accept different pronunciations of this word.

Do you get any of these wrongs? Which ones?

Tips & Tricks for Getting Started With Accent Reduction

Maybe you’ve decided it’s time: You want to work on accent reduction so you can seek out better opportunities or be better understood.

First off, congrats! That’s a big step to take. As an executive speech coach, I’ve helped many individuals overcome similar hurdles.

So, what are some tips and tricks to getting started?

Here are a few:

→ Read book while listening to the audio version
→ Slow down and enunciate
→ Record yourself and listen back
→ Hire an accent coach

If you’re ready to work with an accent coach, get in touch with me today!

3 Tips for Speaking Your Best

As a professional speech coach, I’ve worked with countless individuals, helping them improve their speeches and more. With this experience, I thought it only made sense to share some of my top tips for speaking your best, given any occasion!

Whether you have an upcoming speech or you simply want to appear more confident, try these three tips:

1. Finish the sound of the word at the end of your sentence.

This is an all-too-common mistake people make. They find themselves trailing off, which actually doesn’t help solidify what they are trying to communicate. Instead, it appears less confident. So, make sure you finish saying the sound of that last word!

2. Add tone!

Monotone talking involves saying the same words with the same emphasis. This basically is a sure-fire way for others to NOT listen to you. Emphasize certain words. Add tonality. It helps!

3. Some words must be said longer.

Rushing never helps anyone, you or the people listening. And at the same time, saying certain words quickly can definitely give a whole other meaning. For instance, “ice” and “eyes” really only have their length differentiating them. Give certain words the length of time they need to be said!

What is An Accent?

The Oxford Dictionary defines “Accent” as, “a distinctive mode of pronunciation of a language, especially one associated with a particular nation, locality, or social class.”

But… As a speech coach online, I often read and hear people say that they don’t have an accent.

Here’s the truth: ALL of us have an accent.

However, “foreign accents” refers to when a person speaks a language but uses sounds or rules from their first language.

Inevitably, this can lead to confusion for the person listening. For example, when things aren’t pronounced correctly, the listener may misunderstand the message.

And this is where an accent coach (much like myself!) comes into play.

An accent coach can help you communicate properly and confidently, helping you break through the barriers of your innate accent. For more information, get in touch with me today!

My Top Tips for Creating an Engaging Speech

Tired of boring speeches? Or are you tired of giving boring speeches?

Well, luckily, you’re reading this post!

Through my many years of speech coaching, I’ve helped countless individuals improve their accents, gain confidence with public speaking, and improve their speech.

The truth is… Even the most technical of speeches don’t have to be boring. In fact, if you actually want people to listen, they should be anything BUT boring or mundane.

So, without further delay, here are a few tips to help you create your most engaging speech yet:

1. Weave in stories.

People love stories. It makes ideas memorable. It makes them engaging. It allows others to take a journey with you. Whenever you can, twist your ideas into stories.

Now, this doesn’t mean writing a speech of story after story. Rather, it’s about finding an opportunity to weave it in and give people a constant line of thinking to follow.

2. Start with a hook.

Gaining your audience’s attention right off the bat is important to ensure they hear the rest of what you have to say. The first part of your speech needs to entice people! Try giving a stat or a quick fun fact – anything that might grab someone’s attention. Then, the goal is, inevitably, to keep it.

3. Change your tone and pitch

Do not talk in the same mundane, monotone voice the entire time. Your audience will fall asleep!

Instead, change your tone and pitch as you talk. If part of your speech would be more exciting with some enthusiasm, show some enthusiasm!

4. Pace yourself.

This basically means don’t talk too quickly or too fast. Some great ways to determine if you’re doing so is by recording to yourself and listening to it back, or having a friend or co-worker listen to you and provide feedback.

And don’t forget… practice, practice, practice! Happy speech-giving!

4 Skills of Conversation: Learn How to Win Over Any Crowd

Networking can pose a nerve-wracking and awkward situation. You don’t know what to say. You might fumble over your words. I get it. As a professional speech coach, I’ve worked with various clients on nailing down the art of conversation.

So, with that in mind, here are a few tips:

• Listen – People long for others to hear them and digest what they’re saying. And in today’s world, it’s hard to find people who truly listen. So if you can do this, you’re likely to stand out in the crowd.
• Give Praise (and mean it!) – The important part about praise is that it must be genuine. And when you genuinely think something nice about someone, say it! We need more positivity in this world (and you might just make someone’s day by doing so).
• Ask Questions – People also desire to feel understood. By asking questions, it shows you’re not only listening but trying to understand on a deeper level.
• Smile – A smile should never go underestimated! This makes you look approachable, friendly, open, and honest.

Use these at your next networking event to help you get a leg-up (or at the very least, make a few new connections).

Self-Sabotaging Communication: Are You Doing Any of These?

Do you often apologize for no reason? Do you put forth an idea but then immediately follow it up with a self-deprecating comment? If you’re thinking this sounds like you… It’s time to wake up and become more aware of how these communication tactics are working against you (as opposed to FOR you).

As an executive speech coach for many years, I’ve helped many businessmen and women, as well as actors and actresses, overcome common hurdles interfering with their communication.

Here are my top 5 communication mistakes:

1. Your voice rises in pitch toward the end of a statement.

This immediately gives off the impression of uncertainty. Avoid this and speak confidently with an even pitch so others take you seriously and your ideas.

2. You over-apologize.

A trick I love is replacing “I’m sorry” with “thank you.” For instance, instead of apologizing for being late (which, ideally, you shouldn’t be), thank others for their patience.

3. You’re focused more on peace-keeping than solving the problem.

There is always a time and place for keeping harmony. When you’ve done the work though, take credit. Instead of using “we,” say “I.”

4. Using “just,” “actually,” or “kind of.”

This ends up being wishy-washy, which leads others to, again, avoid taking you seriously.

5. Rushing through your speech or presentation.

This can actually do the opposite of what you want. It can increase your nerves and also miscommunicate your ideas or points. Go slow. Articulate your points!

Challenges in Hiring Independent Contractors

There are times when it can serve your business well to hire outside contractors instead of adding to your staff. However, there are also challenges when it comes to working with independent contractors that you need to be aware of before moving in this direction.

Check Their Reputation

You want to be sure that the contractors you hire are able to do the job assigned and that they will do it in a timely manner. Look for contractors who are experienced and have references. Since you won’t be working in the same location with them, it can be difficult to monitor their progress and supervise their work.

Some businesses use an online platform where everyone does their work to make it easier to keep updated on progress of projects. Others set up weekly meetings to ensure the work is coming along. Just make sure you do a thorough check of their credentials and past work history to know you’re hiring true professionals.

Ensure Adequate Communication

Many times, the people you work with will be from another part of the country or other countries. Communication is essential to a successful project, and you must be able to understand each other. People with thick accents can be more easily misunderstood. You can hire an accent reduction coach to help you learn how to speak clearly to others.

You should also have a plan in place for how you will communicate and how often. Email is often the easiest, but instructions can be misunderstood. Chats can be effective as long as you both are working at the same time. You can also do video calls if you need to touch base or explain instructions.

Know What to Outsource

Not all of your business is able to be outsourced nor should it be. You need to know what aspects can be given to someone outside of the company. For instance, marketing can often be done by independent contractors while HR tasks should be handled by an employee.

When considering what to use contractors for, think about the most important aspects of your company. Those should be kept in-house. Also, look at what areas you need help with or lack resources. IT is one area that is commonly outsourced even though they may have access to sensitive areas of the company. Many small companies don’t have the skills to handle the IT tasks, which makes outsourcing the best solution.

Make sure your contractors are dedicated to doing the work you give to them, and set out clear expectations from the beginning. This may include work hours and availability, deadlines and communication requirements. It’s a good idea to create a document that you can share with the contractors about procedures and expectations.

Working with contractors for your business is one way to save money and get the best work. However, you must be aware of the challenges and be prepared to handle issues as they arise to ensure your company remains successful.