EP 130 – Peter Novak, Founder at Strictly Speaking Group: The Surprising Truth About Accent Bias – and How to Overcome It

Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.comEver feel you are getting penalized at work – not getting promoted, not being listened to, not being seen as a leader – because of your accent? “Accent bias” is very real, says Peter Novak, but his prescriptions on how to overcome that bias – and elevate yourself – may surprise you. In this episode of 97% Effective, host Michael Wenderoth sits down with Peter Novak, PhD and founder of the Strictly Speaking Group. They discuss how we should think about accents – and the keys to succeeding in high stakes communications, particularly if you are a non-native English speaker. Peter challenges the usefulness of “accent reduction” training and the common advice to “not read from a script,” sharing research and cutting-edge strategies (including ones that involve AI) that have helped his clients become rising stars who embrace the power of their multilingual identities. You’ll leave this episode with the hard truths on accents and amazingly practical tips that will immediately help you ascend.SHOW NOTES:Peter’s interest in communication, accents and theater that drove his career and lifeInsights from Peter’s two year project translating Shakespeare’s 12th night into American Sign Language (ASL)Blunt question #1: Is “accent bias” real? Peter shares the research.What the heck does confidence in English sound like?The core of Peter’s work: How do you speak in a way that meets the expectations of what native speakers are listening for?Blunt question #2: Should I get accent reduction training? Peter’s surprising response.Brain science on what native English speakers are listening for: English as a “stress-timed language” where stressing certain words generates meaningBeyond your words and accent: understanding “prosody” or the musicality of a language to convey meaning, intention – and make your communication landPractical Tip: One of the best things you can do is to get a good microphone!“It’s not an accent, it’s an identity”The Canadian study that showed that language training that focused on “macro-linguistic factors” (variation, tone, pace) mattered more than training that focused on accentPractical Tip for fast speakers: Don’t slow down – Instead pause within the sentence around “thought clusters”How to sound confident, curious, or spontaneous: When and how to use downward, upward and sustained intonation in your communication.How to read from a text – but still sound like you are speaking off the cuffPractical Tip: Practice your speech out loud – but record it with a voice to text app – and then ask AI to generate a voice print and recommendations.Practical Tip: Scoring and the “2 1/2 inch trick” when delivering a powerful speech through virtual meetings and online video communication.Repeating words, using sustained inflection – and not being confined by the text: Peter demonstrates how to sound spontaneous when reading from a scriptPractical tip, inspired by Ginger Rogers: How to send subtle reminders at work that you are powerful and do a lot of heavy lifting.Practical tip, inspired by Laura Huang: Turn a stereotypically perceived weakness into a strengthPractical tip: Use idioms from your native language (where Peter reveals his Argentinian-accented Spanish!)Understanding how people want their communications: Ask them, ask others, use new AI toolsPractical tip for non-native speakers: Provide sign posts and structure to ensure your message landsLightning round with Peter: Who has most shaped his thinking, How communication will evolve with AI BIO AND LINKS:Peter Novak is the founder of Strictly Speaking Group, where he has built his reputation as a globally recognized communications coach. Since 2016, his team has coached thousands—from rising stars to Fortune 50 executives—helping global companies succeed in high-stakes communications. A top-rated LinkedIn Learning instructor, Peter’s course on clear speech for global professionals has attracted more than 250,000 learners and has been translated into six languages. He is recognized for his work with multilingual leaders and non-native English speakers, blending linguistics, cultural intelligence (CQ), and inclusive communication. Peter holds a doctorate in Dramaturgy from Yale, and is Professor Emeritus at the University of San Francisco, where he co-founded the Performing Arts & Social Justice program. Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-novak-ssg/Strictly Speaking Group: https://www.strictlyspeakinggroup.comPeter’s LinkedIn Learning Course: https://tinyurl.com/4w98sfe6Signing Shakespeare: Peter’s translation of Twelfth Night into American Sign Language (ASL) https://tinyurl.com/5acxjmcuResearch (Lit Review) on the advantages of multilingualism: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383948429_Literature_Review_The_Advantages_of_Multilingualism“Learners can become more intelligible or comprehensible through instruction with ‘no noticeable change in accent’ ” –controlled investigation on the effects of ESL teaching. “Evidence for a Broad Framework for Pronunciation Instruction” (Derwing, Munro & Wibe): https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/0023-8333.00047Laura Huang’s book – EDGE: Turning Adversity into Advantage https://a.co/d/1C1GXk697% Effective EP115: The Power of Being in Outsider (Prof Sven Horak): https://tinyurl.com/2y48e9jtArdjan Verdooren’s book on intercultural communication: Cultures Don’t Meet, People Do https://a.co/d/82S7j04Michael’s Award-Winning book, Get Promoted: What Your Really Missing at Work That’s Holding You Back https://tinyurl.com/453txk74Watch this episode on video, the 97% Effective Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@97PercentEffectiveAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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