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Accent Reduction in Interviews

6 years ago

A first impression greatly influences your success during an interview. Put yourself in the position of an interviewer, whether for a job or a university admission. You are likely one of many candidates who have the necessary qualifications and skills. Apart from your appearance, a first impression will be formed as soon as you start speaking. If the interviewer can’t easily understand you because of your accent this may affect the success of your interview. Additionally, when feeling nervous it can be even harder to express yourself well. Possession of clear communication skills is critical for interview success.

Following these accent reduction strategies is a good start:
  • Speak with a slow, calm rate. A slow speaking rate allows you time to move your speech muscles from one sound to the next to correctly form words. (Take note: If you are a native Spanish speaker, your first thought is to speak at the same speed you do in Spanish, but that is not what you should be doing. You need to remember to slow down your speed quite a bit).
  • Good breath support is essential to making sure your voice is loud enough to be heard. Breathing also helps you to relax.
  • Open your mouth. When you keep your lips partially closed sounds becomes trapped and your speech sounds mumbled.
  • Make sure you pronounce every sound, especially at the ends of words.
  • Practice longer and more difficult words related to your profession or studies by saying them in a syllable-by-syllable manner. Doing this will make sure you don’t omit any syllables.
  • Remember your nonverbal skills as well. Eye contact and facial expression are important.
Using these strategies can improve your ability to speak English clearly, improve your confidence and help you to win the job you have always wanted.

If you have a job interview coming up, and you want to practice these strategies or need some advice on what you should improve, then please contact me or sign up for a trial lesson.

Good luck!