Accent Bias at Work: Why Your Multilingual Voice is a Strength

Many international professionals recognise this feeling: you speak English well, but not perfectly. You carry the unmistakable accent of your native language. And no matter how rationally you know it shouldn’t matter, in formal work situations it can feel like your voice carries less weight than that of native speakers.

This phenomenon is often called accent bias: the unconscious tendency to perceive people with an accent as less competent, less confident, or less leadership-worthy.

There Is No “Correct” Accent

What is often overlooked is that there is no single “correct” accent. English has many forms. Kenyan English is just as much native English as American or British English; it just sounds different.

Biases around accent and language are rarely neutral. They are often rooted in colonial power structures, where certain sounds were labeled as “professional” or “superior.”

It is about time to change that.

Multilingual Professionals Are Unfairly Underestimated

Many people affected by accent bias are multilingual. They think, work, and communicate in more than one language. This requires cognitive flexibility, adaptability, and sharpness, a real advantage, you would think. Yet they often feel misunderstood, both literally and figuratively.

In my work, I see accent bias moving from the outside in. International professionals start to correct themselves, slow down, or even stay quiet. They have plenty to say but are tired of repeating themselves or struggling to find the right words or tone in the moment. Over time, they speak up less and often feel invisible, even underestimated.

Why Your Voice Changes Under Pressure

Many people feel an internal pressure to be “perfect.” As soon as speaking no longer feels safe, the body switches to control or withdrawal. The voice becomes flatter, softer, or tense, and that is unconsciously read as insecurity.

This has nothing to do with competence. It’s a normal physiological response to pressure, hierarchy, and formal settings — and it happens to the smartest, most capable professionals.

How to Start Changing It

Acknowledging and becoming aware of accent bias is the first step. A second is to make it talkable. The more you understand the patterns that hold you back, the easier it becomes to regain clarity, confidence, and presence in meetings and presentations.

What are your experiences with accent bias?

Do you work internationally and notice yourself holding back in formal settings? Then it’s time to take action.

Schedule a free introductory call here