Social Mobility is desired by most people who work hard for themselves and their family.
Hashi Mohamed – one of my voice heroes – has made and presented a fascinating BBC R4 program, about social mobility.
Hashi came to the UK as a nine year old Somalian: an unaccompanied, child refugee.
At first he didn’t do well, thinking he would always return to his original country. He couldn’t be bothered with speaking English well or doing his schoolwork.
After a return trip to Somalia and seeing how hard life was there, he changed his mind.
He then changed his attitude to the world around him and decided to enthusiastically immerse himself into the UK culture and society.
He observed and learned what would bring him success in his chosen country.
What would improve his chances of success? What could he see here that he wanted?
He wanted ‘social mobility’ and that was only possible if he improved his chances of earning a really good income.
The result was and is, miraculous.
How Hashi Achieved Social Mobility
Hashi completely changed his life and career prospects, by accepting what ‘is’ rather than what should or could be: he changed his accent.
Of course he also studied at school and university, but he significantly changed his accent.
What Happened When Hashi Mohamed Changed His Accent?
By changing his accent, the doors that would have been closed to a Somalian refugee with a strong Arabic English speaking accent, were no longer shut.
He fitted himself to ‘what is’, rather than ‘what if’ and learned the optimum pronunciations of English vowels and consonants.
Using clear, precise diction, he gave himself a chance.
He worked on making an attractive speaking voice that can be understood by the entire United Kingdom and internationally.
We work in an international market now – whatever you do – so you need to learn the optimum sounds for your maximum chances.
The Results of Believing in Social Mobility
Hashi Mohamed is now a successful barrister, BBC program maker AND national broadcasting presenter!
He has two jobs that demand excellent communication skills, superb diction and vowels that can communicate with an international audience.
Hashi’s programme Adventures in Social Mobility is a very interesting program and well worth a listen …
By changing or merely improving your accent, you will improve your chances of Social Mobility too…
Accent Reduction / Softening Your Accent / Learning Clear Well Spoken English
Learning to pronounce words differently from your own accent is neither quick nor easy but it is possible.
I had a career in voice overs for 25 years and this is exactly what I did on a daily basis to help earn my living.
So I know it is possible. Just be dedicated and determined and you can achieve a lot on your own, without spending any money.
For extra help, of course I would love to see you, but if money is a problem please use this website for resources and ideas.
I have a put a couple of links here that might help you.
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Updated 28th March 2024.