In a word, yes.
An article in the Journal of Employment Counseling* discusses the impact that accents or dialects have on an individual’s employability. This study, conducted by Holly K. Carlson & Monica A. McHenry, was designed to determine how ethnicity, the amount of perceived accent or dialect, and comprehensibility affected a speaker’s employability. Human Resource specialists judged the speakers’ accent or dialect. The results indicated that when the speaker’s accent or dialect was minimal, employability was not affected. However, when speakers whose accent or dialect was maximally difficult to perceive, the speakers were given a lower employability rating and accent modification was suggested to improve their prospective employability.
It’s frustrating to not be understood and taking action to improve communication skills is a positive step with positive outcomes. Employers, employees and customers benefit when communication is improved. Changing one’s pronunciation results in better communication and relationships between customers, colleagues and teams. There is a positive benefit to everyone when communication occurs with clarity and confidence.
Many companies aren’t aware that accent reduction training exists. Talk to your employer about the benefits of individualized accent reduction classes. It’s a small investment with guaranteed improvement in increased profitability, productivity and satisfaction.
Seeking accent modification instruction is an indication that an individual is motivated, willing to accept the challenge of self improvement and wants to move forward in their careers. Employers respect and recognize this initiative, and often subsidize a course of instruction.
AccentRedux Pro offers individualized, professional instruction tailored to address each client’s challenges and meet their professional goals. Providing private coaching and training in-person makes a tremendous difference in a client’s improvement compared to receiving instruction in a large group setting, such as a university course, or listening to a CD purchased off the internet, which provides no feedback.
We’re happy to answer your questions and help you improve your communication skills. Ready?
* Volume 43, Issue 2, pgs 70–83, June 2006