You Don’t Have an Accent, You Just Have a Different Accent.

If you are an international student, your accent should not hold you back.

English might not have been your first language, but it shouldn’t stop you from participating in any events.

For the most part, you think about yourself more than what others would think about you. If you can convey your message and are articulate, that is more than enough for good communication—you don’t have to worry about your accent.

Even I struggled initially to adapt while I was concerned with having a different accent. It took me a while to start participating in class because I was always worried about my accent.

Yes, it is overwhelming in the beginning. Also, business classes are very extroverted, and class participation has a huge impact on your grade.

Here is how I worked on it, so I don’t really have to think about it anymore:

↳ Interact as much as possible. Consider this a trial run period, and do not care too much about what other people think. You are bound to make some mistakes.

↳ Add value when you speak. Automatically, people will want to listen to you if you provide valuable insights.

↳ Participate in all activities and events and just try to speak when given a chance.

↳ Embrace your uniqueness. Your accent is part of who you are and brings diversity to the conversation. Be proud of it.

↳ Focus on clarity over perfection. Clear communication is more important than having a perfect accent. Ensure your message is understood.

How have you overcome challenges related to your accent? Comment below and inspire others!

Captive Side Note:

Remember, your accent is a testament to your unique journey and background. It’s a strength, not a weakness.