Have you ever wondered whether your accent is holding you back from being understood or if something else is at play? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dive deep into the real reasons behind miscommunication, why clarity trumps accent, and how anyone, regardless of where they’re from, can become a more confident, impactful communicator.
As someone who has heard countless people say, “I have an accent, so people don’t take me seriously, or they can’t understand me,” I wanted to explore what’s really going on beneath the surface. Today, we’re talking about the essence of confidence and clarity and why being understood has far less to do with your accent than you think.
I’m excited to welcome Jay Poulton to the show. Jay is a communications coach with two decades of experience and a unique background, having worked with clients from over 35 countries, including leaders at Apple, Amazon, Google, and Meta. His speciality is voice: how you sound, how you’re heard, and why those two things are rarely the same. Jay’s story starts in a multicultural household in Montreal, and his journey to becoming a sought-after voice coach includes fascinating experiences working with professionals worldwide.
Together, we cover a lot of ground, including:
Why your accent isn’t the real obstacle; clarity is
The difference between how you sound and how you’re heard
The mechanics of voice: resonance, posture, and breathing
The impact of confidence and presence on communication
Practical steps for becoming more comfortable with challenging words and phrases
Techniques to maintain your authentic identity while improving clarity
The influence of generational and cultural differences in communication styles
The art of storytelling and using accent strategically to enhance authenticity
The importance of listening and self-awareness for becoming a better communicator
Tips for preparing for job interviews and presentations, including why you should always practice out loud
The power of well-timed pauses and strategic pacing (with examples from Steve Jobs and Michelle Obama)
Common communication mistakes like not matching the speed of your thoughts and words, or failing to prepare for your audience
Why genuine connection always beats forced imitation
If you’re looking to boost your confidence, refine your voice, or simply become better at connecting regardless of your background, this episode is packed with actionable advice, entertaining stories, and tried-and-true methods from the world of elite communication coaching. And if you’ve ever dreamed of being the voice of a cartoon character, you’re in good company!
Tune in and discover how your voice, accent, and all can become your greatest strength.
Connect with Jay:
Website: https://theaccentcoach.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-poulton-956b8633b/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaccentcoach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaytheaccentcoach/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccentCoach-hz7er
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