“Foreign accent” or “global voice”

“Foreign accent”, or “global voice”?

Which one do you hear?

In our globalised world, speaking a second or third language at work is more common than not.

And yet, research shows that foreign-accented speakers are still often perceived as less competent than native speakers — regardless of the quality of their ideas.

This isn’t just about language. It’s about bias.

Even when there’s no real barrier to understanding, studies show that accents can subconsciously shape how we’re heard and how we’re judged.

At work. In meetings. During presentations.

🔹 Listeners need slightly more effort to process accented speech
🔹 That extra effort can lead to unfair snap judgments
🔹 And those judgments can limit opportunities.

For many professionals, speaking English at work means making constant effort — often unnoticed by native speakers — not just to find the right words, but to be heard and taken seriously.

I've always coached people to view language as a vehicle for getting your message across. It doesn't matter if the words aren't perfect, or that you have an accent, as long as you're understood.

Our accent is also a mark of our identity - something to be valued.

But that doesn’t cancel a deep-seated bias.

As native English speakers, we can help shift this — by becoming more aware of our own listening habits, and by giving others the time and attention they deserve.


If you use English as a second language at work, what’s been your experience?

Have you ever felt held back — or lifted up — because of your accent?

Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash