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Speaking Effective American English On job interviews when first conversing with an individual and when addressing small or large groups, the first few seconds are critical in setting the tone for how youll be perceived. If she has an annoying regional accent, uses incorrect grammar, has a limited vocabulary, and if she has an irritatingly sharp piercing voice, sounds whiny or bossy or doesnt articulate her words clearly, its an immediate turn-off①. This isnt someone who you would hire or proudly introduce to your friends and business associates. This doesnt mean that everyone should try to sound like a professional actor or broadcaster. All of us have qualities unique to our own way of speaking, our individual voiceprint as distinctive as our fingerprints. Our voice is very personal and an important part of our identity. Some natural characteristics of our voice may be very appealing. The idea is to take the voice with which youve been gifted and give it the very best sound that you can. With the right type of practice, by paying attention to the quality of your voice and by knowing how to properly express yourself, youll almost immediately improve your opportunities in job interviews, social situations, in selling, and in running a meeting or addressing groups of people. Lets say it again, it all begins with the instrument, your voice. If its sound and quality is flawed and needs improvement, thats where you start. thats what everyone hears whether in casual conversation or in making a major speech to a large audience. Pure vowel sounds, articulation, proper breathing, expressive speaking patterns, a pleasing vocal range, naturalness, all these will make you get twice the result with half the effort. | 
