Do you understand what I'm talking about?

[Desmond Ong]

Hey warriors,

I've been meaning to do videos and podcast but I am very worried about my accent and afraid that my viewers or listeners will not understand what I'm saying.

This is a sample of my video here : Viddler.com - Physical Products VS Information Products - Uploaded by desmond28

It's not scripted so there are some silly English mistake here. Can I know if you guys can comment on my accent if it's understandable?

Thanks. Feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[Fernando Veloso]

Desmond, there is always space for improvements

I spent a lot of years in media/radio dj so here's my advice: say all the letters in a word, don't "eat" them. I really don't know how to say it in English but Warriors will help me out here.

Maybe you can get a "Public Speaking" course? I did one years ago and it helps me right now while recording videos for my students.

Oh and a tip: always replace those "ahhhmmm" (while you think on what are going to say next) with a no sound second(s).

Better a no sound then a "ahhhmmm, what am i going to say"?

[Desmond Ong]

Originally Posted by Fernando Veloso

Desmond, there is always space for improvements

I spent a lot of years in media/radio dj so here's my advice: say all the letters in a word, don't "eat" them. I really don't know how to say it in English but Warriors will help me out here.

Maybe you can get a "Public Speaking" course? I did one years ago and it helps me right now while recording videos for my students.

Oh and a tip: always replace those "ahhhmmm" (while you think on what are going to say next) with a no sound second(s).

Better a no sound then a "ahhhmmm, what am i going to say"?

I actually took a lesson in college and well, I don't think I did very well.

But anyway, it's just the accent and the pace of my speech that I'm worried about.

[RobinSkeen]

I was able to follow what you were saying. However, you do tend to run your words together. Or leave off sounds. I still know what you're saying but to my ear it sounds strange. You tend to leave off the "s" on your plurals (very common) but again, I was able to follow you. Keep practicing, it will get there!

PS: I don't think you have a heavy accent.

[Raydal]

You drop a lot of the ending letters, but I could still follow what
you are saying.

-Ray Edwards

[Desmond Ong]

Originally Posted by RobinSkeen

I was able to follow what you were saying. However, you do tend to run your words together. Or leave off sounds. I still know what you're saying but to my ear it sounds strange. You tend to leave off the "s" on your plurals (very common) but again, I was able to follow you. Keep practicing, it will get there!

PS: I don't think you have a heavy accent.

Thanks. That's very helpful.

I always tend to watch American TV shows and movies to try to speak better American English. Guess it's hard when everyone around me don't speak American-accent English! LOL.

Anyway, I would work on that "s" problem.

Thanks again.

[craigraphael]

This might be a stretch comment but in some cases for me personally, an accent makes you more interesting. Example....to follow you and understand and retain what you say, I REALLY have to pay attention. That COULD be used to your advantage....but you do need to hone your English a bit. Keep practicing...

Craig Raphael