Arrrite people, so I have a very serious question for you.
One thing I’ve noticed since I’ve been in foreign is my inability to speak in anything other than the Queen’s English when giving a presentation.
(you know, like Dominic Kalipersad on Panorama back in the day)
Whenever I have to speak in public, it’s like I’m back in front of a classroom, hands clasped at my chest like I’m reciting a poem, and English English English!
It’s the only way!
So here’s the thing…
I’m supposedly conducting an audio interview at the end of the month…
An audio interview that will be posted online from now until eternity…
What do I do?
Okay, so let me give you the full background.
Besides maybe having to control my presentation accent, which is not really the Queen’s English, but a Trini Queen’s English, and totally foreign sounding, which might be good if I were giving a state of the union address for one of the colonies but for an interview something more accessible might be more appropriate.
Yes, so besides that.
Besides that I kind of have the tendency to sound like a six-year old girl.
Like I answer the phone and the freaking telemarketer, in that sickeningly, sappy voice they reserve for kids, asks: “Is your mummy home?”
BAH.
Yes, I love to torture myself.
I actually really enjoy public speaking, although it makes me a nervous wreck.
My first real taste of public speaking was two jobs ago when I started doing training workshops. I was so proud and excited that I was chosen to teach these professionals in the field how to do their job!
Well hear this.
Talk about a step back into reality.
A couple days before the first workshop, my benevolent boss comes around with a NYT article (as he was often wont to do) specially selected for me.
The title?
Wait for it..
…
“My Voice Has Got to Go”
OH SNAP!
Well yeah I can laugh about it now but back then, I, the recent college grad who had not yet developed the tough shell necessary to advancement in the U.S. rat race, went home in a state of shock, which subsequently turned into hysterics. Once the shaking and hysterics subsided, I began to plot my exit strategy.
Anyway, whatevs. Every experience prepares you for the next one and the one thing I can say is that I now know how to stand up for myself and that’s probably one of the most valuable things you can learn in business.
And… back to the story.
Actually wait. Let me put a disclaimer. I really don’t think there’s anything wrong with my voice. I’ve definitely gotten more compliments on my voice than complaints. My students (yup, still tickles me to say it!) always gave me great marks and I truly enjoyed the experience. Who doesn’t love a stage? Yes, the voice is a bit high-pitched, but—in spite of never having read that wretched article (principle)—through sheer bloodymindedness I have learned to gain better control of my lower chords for a fuller, deeper tone.
Okay, now back to the story.
Well, the question.
What should I do?
Should I do what comes naturally? This stiff, Queen’s English, reciting the Constitution type of thing?
Start practicing rounding out my vowels and pronouncing my R’s so I don’t freak anyone out with my weird (to them) foreign sounding voice?
What do you all do?
Even if at no other time, do you try to minimize your accent when you talk in public?
Has your accent gotten you in trouble before?
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