In times past, when extensive travel was out of the reach of most people, having a strong regional accent was not a problem, because everybody sounded just like you! However, as outsourcing becomes more prevalent in business and global travel is more easily accessible, there are situations where it is imperative not to speak with a pronounced accent. In some professions, your job could depend on it. Here are some tips for losing that accent.

Soak It Up

To minimize or eliminate your accent, it’s essential to be with people who speak the way you want to speak. Accents are more absorbed than learned, so you will tend to talk like the people with whom you associate. Also, be aware that when you are with people who have an accent similar to yours, you will automatically talk like they do.

Get Honest

Record and listen to yourself. By doing this, you can hear exactly what intonations you need to work on. Pay attention to where you are stressing words, focusing particularly on vowels, as vowel sounds play the biggest role in accent variations. Make a list of words you have trouble pronouncing and say them in front of a friend who does not have the accent you are trying to lose. Other people can hear your accent much more easily than you can hear it yourself. Having a friend who will level with you can be an invaluable asset.

Go To The Pros

Television announcers are famous for having “neutral” accents. Listen to them and emulate their speech. While practicing, speak slowly, as this will help you control your rhythm and intonation. If you need to lose your accent in a short period of time, consider seeing a speech-language pathologist. These professionals can evaluate your vowel and consonant pronunciation, rhythm and intonation, and regional idioms. They can also help you formulate goals and break them down into small, attainable steps.

It’s important to realize that getting rid of an accent can take a long time. If you are serious about losing your accent, be prepared for lots of practice sessions. Remember, however, that having an accent isn’t always negative–sometimes it can work to your advantage. A person’s accent is part of the spice that makes him or her unique. Even if you do succeed in thoroughly ridding yourself of your accent, keep it tucked away in your back pocket for a special occasion. You never know when that old twang might be just what the doctor ordered!