Did you know you have more success getting jobs and apartment rentals depending on your accent? Scottish accents are perceived as trustworthy, Southern accents as friendly… .

I definitely moderate my tone and accent depending on what I want from the person and what type of impression I want to make. Soft and feminine, well-educated, a slight drawl, all business and clipped? European soft As or harsh American A’s?

Do I want to leave the impression I’m NOT American—well that does come in rather useful in certain countries!

Am I looking for understanding and a refund or adjustment of my ATT bill or do I need the person to take me seriously in a bossy way to make my point?

Read all about it in this BBC story “Does Your Accent Make You Sound Smarter”

Photos: Scenes from “My Fair Lady” with Audrey Hepburn