What is Your Accent

What is your Accent?

Have you ever been to England? It’s a pleasure listening to a British or an Aussie accent. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to spend in week in the British Isles. It was interesting to notice who spoke with an accent.

What is your accent? Is there somebody at your work or in your circle of influence that is always the center of bad news? Do you hesitate ever asking them how they’re doing for fear they will tell you. They are always suffering from some …itis and the law of attraction consolidates an aura of negativity upon their space.

They have an accent. There are a lot of people going through tough economic times right now. Sometimes our accent differs depending upon our mood or station in life.

It can be difficult to hide your true accent when rough times come knocking at your door. Let’s say you are being interviewed for a new position and you are asked to explain a little about your last job. If you are still sore about your former boss, there is a good likelihood it will come out. It’s in your accent.

Let’s take a short quiz. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of politicians? I’m sure you had an assortment of adjectives flow through your gray matter. Whatever came to your mind is their accent.

Last night I had dinner with my brother in law, who is an attorney (that’s another accent.) We were discussing a particular homicide in Vancouver BC. Not being familiar with the story, he indicated that he was reticent to offer an opinion because the only source of intel was the paper and the evening news. He explained that neither source was reliable or knowledgeable in such areas.

Today’s news media carry an accent.

What is your accent when communicating with your loved ones? Is it pleasant? Do your children look forward to hearing your accent?  Recently, I spoke with a client who is having a difficult time talking to his father because the accent is so caustic.

Your accent has the ability to leverage a great amount of good. The opposite is also true.

I’m not very good at imitating accents from various nations, although my Yogi Bear imitation has promise. May I suggest an experiment? The primary purpose for communicating is to gain an understanding. Most folks approach communication to secure agreement.

Try for one full day to communicate and never once express an opinion unless directly asked. Search to understand the other person’s point of view. Parents, this is a powerful accent with your children. They may not recognize you, but if you want a relationship with them, it’s a good starting point.

This type of accent is the door to developing trust with whomever you choose to practice. It has the power to change your life.