I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. While it wasn’t exactly the holler, nearly everyone outside my family had what you’d call a “southern accent.” My dad, a Kentucky native, had little discernible accent due to his career in sales and frequent business travel. My mother, on the other hand, was from New York, so her accent was distinctly East Coast. While others referred to our city as “Loo-uh-vul,” we pronounced it “Louisville”—you get the picture.  For all these reasons, The Atlantic article titled “The Last Days of the Southern Drawl” caught my attention. https://tinyurl.com/Last-Day-of-the-Southern-Drawl

As I entered the fields of broadcasting and public speaking, I became determined to eliminate any trace of an accent. I believed that sounding “neutral” was the key to success. But then, I had an epiphany.

The Power of Authenticity

At an event, I heard humorist Jeanne Robertson speak. She proudly hailed from North Carolina and had the thickest Southern accent I’d ever heard. At first, I cringed slightly. But as I watched her captivate the entire audience, I realized that her bold embrace of her heritage—along with her humor—was instrumental to her connection with her audience. That moment forever changed how I viewed accents.

Our accents—whether regional, social, ethnic, or foreign—make us unique. They can actually encourage audiences to lean in and listen more closely. 

Focus on Clarity, Not Perfection

As a speech coach and communication strategist, I work with people who hail from around the world, each with their own accent. The first thing many ask is, “How can I get rid of my accent?” My response is always, “You don’t want to get rid of your accent—it makes you unique and intriguing. What you DO want is to be understood.”

Professionals describe accent modification as elective training for clarity, not a disorder to fix. The goal is to be easily understood, not to sound “native.” This mindset reduces pressure and makes practice more sustainable.

Practical Tips for Clear Communication

  • Get Specific Feedback: Ask listeners what actually confuses them (specific sounds, word endings, etc.) rather than guessing. This way, you focus on patterns that matter most for comprehension.
  • Read Aloud and Record Yourself: This helps you focus on slow, accurate pronunciation.
  • Practice with Tongue Twisters and Articulation Exercises:
    • She sells seashells by the seashore.
    • A big baby buggy with rubber buggy bumpers.
  • Slow Down: Many folks self-conscious about their accents tend to speed up to “get it over faster.”  Instead, always keep your audience in mind and prioritize being understood over speed.

Embrace Your Story

When you speak with an accent, your audience will likely be curious about where you’re from. If you’re comfortable, use this as an opportunity to build intimacy by sharing your origin story. For example, I recently heard a speaker say, “You may notice a different rhythm in my accent. I’m from Glasgow, Scotland, and while I cannot provide subtitles, if at any time you don’t understand me, please let me know!”

Your Signature Accent

Your accent is part of your signature—your personal brand, if you will. Wear it with pride, focus on clarity, and remember: being understood is more important than sounding just like everyone else.