Ask Ash

Dear Ash,

I have quite a strong regional accent and as a result I'm feeling self-conscious about speaking up in meetings and at court. I have only recently begun my professional career but I have already had some ribbing from the senior members of the team about the way I talk. I had to move towns in order to secure employment and I now feel uncomfortable in my surroundings. I feel pressurised to talk in a particular way, especially in front of clients, in order to seem more professional. The whole situation is becoming really stressful.

Ash replies:

The Liverpudlian poet Roger McGough, who was awarded an OBE, aptly summarised that: "As long as your grammar is good and you can speak properly then no one should take any notice of your accent". Unfortunately, recent research does confirm that people with strong regional or working class accents were more likely to suffer discrimination. The use of such accents is not of course linked in any way to a person's intelligence, ability and mindset, but society still has an unfortunate tendency to prejudge, based upon exterior qualities.

Nevertheless, many people still do find success in life despite the prejudice against their particular accents. Being yourself and retaining a sense of credibility is the key. Trying to be someone you are not by putting on a false accent may actually make you come across as pretentious and ridiculous - similar to the character of Hyacinth Bucket!

You may be getting some ribbing at work but your employer was clearly not concerned about the way you spoke, otherwise you would not have been offered the job. Try and learn to embrace your accent: it makes you different and not necessarily in any negative way. Your accent may indeed be endearing to clients as it makes you different and adds to your character. Don't continue to make the mistake of being self conscious about your accent as it will inevitably affect your confidence and prevent you from being yourself. Keep in mind the saying: "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else".

"Ash" is a solicitor who is willing to answer work-related queries from solicitors and trainees, which can be put to her via the editor: peter@connect communications.co.uk or mail to Studio 2001, Mile End, Paisley PA1 1JS. Confidence will be respected and any advice published will be anonymised.

Please note that letters to Ash are not received at the Law Society of Scotland. The Society offers a support service for trainees through its Registrar's Department. For one-to-one advice contact Katie Meanley, manager in the Registrar's Department on 0131 476 8105/8200, or katiemeanley@lawscot.org.uk