improving voice - Page 3

Originally Posted by Jared

A compromise solution: get a Canadian accent.

(I have read in our jingoistic local press that ESL students prefer to study Canada because our accent is the most easily understood by English speakers with other accents - I think that's a nice way of saying: even the Canadian accent is boring! )

Originally Posted by Fabienne

I think there's always something that gives you away (Fabienne assumes sleuth demeanor). Maybe once or twice a year, someone will ask where I'm from (without seeing my first name). I have a fairly neutral American accent, but then I might pronounce some words with more of a British twist, and some of the 'r's cause me trouble, and I get lazy, at times, with my 'th's. The inconsistency is what gives me away, I believe, if we're only talking accents. There are many other cues by which a non-native may be identified. It's always a fun game to play, isn't it Globetrotter.

On Thursday morning, I'm doing a voice-over. I was chosen for the job because my accent, though American, has "something" about it (these are the words of the producer). This isn't my profession, I do it for fun, I get recommended by word of mouth.

Originally Posted by MetroStyles

Sloaney,

If you really want the accent, I have a great way of you getting it. Here is how:

1) Get an account at bitme.org, a bit torrent website.
2) Search for "accents"
3) There is a program to download there that teaches you all kinds of accents. If I recall correctly it had two types of British, Australian, Irish, Scottish, etc. It basically teaches you how to speak with different parts of your throat/mouth and use different types of mouth and tongue movements to emulate different accents. Very educational, and free.

If you do not know how to use bit torrent or what it is, or if you cannot get an invitation to the site, then you don't want the accent badly enough.

Hope that helps.

Originally Posted by Mbogo

"I pretended to be somebody I wanted to be until finally I became that person. Or he became me." -Cary Grant

Originally Posted by sloaney

You fashion your life based PURELY on your aspirations. As JPS said, existence before essence. You should never be hindered by where you came from or your cultural heritage.

Originally Posted by skalogre

Trust me, it does NOT give you instant credibility
everywhere. I wish I could when necessary do a greek accent when speaking
english. Oftentimes it is better to fit in more than stand out without meaning to.

Originally Posted by sloaney

i grew up in asia and spent the past six years in the united states before moving to the uk earlier this year. i grew up (i.e. since i was a kid) speaking english at home to family and to friends so it is my "first language" BUT my english had a local accent. after spending 6 years in the states, i now speak with an american accent more or less naturally and have to consciously revert back to speaking with a local accent whenever i am in asia to avoid being seen as pretentious. (this is hard because i express myself most naturally now when i speak with an american accent). BUT i really like the british (upper class/BBC) accent and being here (and still fairly young - in my twenties) would very much like to adopt it (i see it as just another way to improve myself, like dressing better, etc). i figured out that if there's a will there's a way..... if anyone can point out anyone or any group in london that can help that will be great. general advice/thoughts are welcomed as well. i also need to develop a deeper more authoritative voice.

in my opinion, voice is probably the 2nd most important thing after physical appearence, and cannot be discounted. especially if you would like to sound credible and learned when giving your views and forecasts on the market to institutional investors.

p.s. a few weeks ago i was paying one of my utility bills via the phone and the lady on the other line complimented me on my accent out of the blue.... which i found quite strange.