Even a Nerd Can Be Heard

I don’t know if this is just a U.S. thing or not. But what is it about foreign accents? When I listen to a speaker from another country, I want them to be successful. I give them far more benefit of the doubt and I listen more closely and carefully than I do locals.

And there is something about respecting people who are outside of your local area.  The further the distance they travel to give their presentation, the more credibility they seem to have. This is true for people from other areas of the U.S and especially for Canadians.  All those Canadians have to do is say “PrOcess” once, and I automatically assume they have something meaningful to share. 

I think I unconsciously apply this knowledge to my own presentations. When I am in Georgia, I talk about all of the strange and weird things that go on in California. I guess I’m trying to show that I am the exotic survivor of life in a foreign, nut- and berry- filled land.  And when I speak in California, my southern accent seems to get heavier and I use my “not from around here- ness” to make an impact. I’m not sure if it helps me gain credibility, but I know it helps me form a connection with the audience.  I think people yearn to make “foreigners” feel welcome. 

Today I listened to a Danish presenter talking about software. The presentation not only brought back fond memories of my experiences as an employee of a Danish company, but it was both entertaining and informative.  I had forgotten about the Danish sense of humor and their very unique style.  It must have something to do with the cold weather and that strange fish they eat over there.

So the lesson for presenters is this, travel outside of your local area to give presentations or learn to speak Danish, Canadian, or a language of your choice.