Does your new accent make you "a fake"?
Friday, August 28, 2009 at 12:57PM In my previous post, I talked about how "putting on" another accent is something that you can choose to do, and compared it to wearing a suit when necessary and appropriate. It's also something that actors do all the time!
You probably know of a number of actors who have successfully adopted an American accent. Movie stars like Russell Crowe, Kate Winslet, Christian Bale, and House's Hugh Laurie are notable in their success in putting on an American accent. In fact, many people are shocked with they see these actors interviewed on a talk show and hear them speaking in their native British or Australian accent for the first time!
Contrary to what the entertainment industry would have us believe, actors and actresses are real people like you and me (or at least they used to be! ;-). They started with a dream to achieve success in their chosen field, figured out what they needed to accomplish to reach their goals, and then worked hard to achieve their dreams. Not so very different from you, right?!?
Stepping back from the accent issue for a moment, actors train themselves to put on an entirely new persona for each role. This persona may also include an accent that is different from their natural way of speaking... but even if it doesn't, an actor still has to step into a new character, with a personality, history, and motivations that are completely different from who he really is as a person. It's very unnatural to him at first, until some time has passed and he has become more comfortable in his new persona.
In the same way, speaking with a different accent feels unnatural to you... probably even uncomfortable and awkward. Thinking back to the clothing analogy in my previous post, new clothes are often uncomfortable when you put them on for the first time. But you feel "right at home" in your favorite old pair of jeans, right?
I've also had clients tell me that they feel like they're somehow being "dishonest" or "deceitful" when speaking with an American accent... like they're being a "fake". To this, I respond: "Do you feel offended by actors because you feel that they're being untrue to their real selves when portraying a character in a film?"
Because your new American accent feels so strange and unnatural, it is normal to think that it must certainly seem strange and unnatural to everyone who is listening to your "new voice". But I want to assure you that this is not the case. Most people you speak to will simply understand you the first time! Because you'll sound more like the Americans around you, you'll blend in more easily and the way that you speak will become less of a distraction from whatever it is that you have to say. And, after all, isn't that your ultimate goal?!?
So I want to encourage you in your efforts to adopt an American accent. Sure, it will feel unnatural and uncomfortable at first. But if you've decided that this is something that will help you reach your personal and professional goals... then it's time to commit yourself to working hard to achieve your dreams. Eventually, your new accent will become as comfortable as your old pair of jeans!
How about you? Do you feel that thinking of yourself as an actor might help you feel more comfortable speaking English with an American accent? Please post your thoughts below... and let me know if I can be of any help!
Reader Comments (2)
I used to have this strange feeling of being "fake" when I spoke the way Americans do, but now I have realized after working with Kevin that it would be easier to communicate if you can really mimic the way they speak. It is not pretending you are an American, but just try to communicate with them, because that is the way they talk. If you don't do that way, they would not understand.
I actually had a quiet of struggling with this feeling in the past. I can't say this feeling has gone for me, but I feel better when I am communicating with Americans easier.
Hi I'm trying to reduce my accent and learn the american accent. It's very difficult so I'm thinking about buying this product.