The short answer? Technically, you don’t "lose" an accent. But you can adapt how you speak.

I was recently interviewed by Kirsty Major for The Guardian on this very topic: Can you lose an accent?

As a voice coach with years of experience, this is one of the most frequent questions I encounter.

Accents Are Not Something You "Have" or "Lose"

An accent isn’t a fixed object you carry around. It’s a combination of:

Learnt behaviour
Habitual muscle patterns
Sound choices (vowels, consonants, melody)
Cultural identity
Social conditioning
Emotional associations

Because accent is a physical skill set, it can be developed, adjusted, or expanded—much like learning a new instrument.

Actors do this all the time: acquiring multiple accent systems rather than erasing their native one.

Why Would Someone Want to Change Their Accent?

For some people, adapting their accent is a personal or professional choice. Common reasons include:

Improving intelligibility when speaking a second language
Feeling more integrated in a new community or workplace
Navigating perceptions or bias (fair or unfair)
Expanding professional opportunities (such as broadcast media or international business)

The key distinction is: adaptation, not erasure.

You don’t need to give up your original accent to learn additional ways of speaking.

Can You Eliminate an Accent Entirely?

Realistically, very few people eliminate their first language accent completely, especially in adulthood. This is because accent formation is deeply wired into:

Neurological development (especially before age 12)
Muscle memory
Identity and self-perception

However, with focused coaching and practice, you can gain the flexibility to sound different depending on context.

The Voice Coach’s Role

As a voice coach, my approach is not about erasing someone’s identity. Instead, I help clients:

Build control over speech patterns
Develop choice in how they present themselves vocally
Support confidence when speaking in diverse environments
Increase clarity and intelligibility

The goal is freedom, not conformity.

FAQs

Is it bad to want to change your accent?
No. It’s a personal choice. The important thing is that it comes from a place of self-directed desire rather than external pressure or shame.

Is there a best accent for English?
No. English is a global language with many valid varieties. Clarity is often more valuable than adopting any single "standard."

Can accent work help with career advancement?
In some industries (broadcasting, international business, acting), accent flexibility can expand opportunities. But confidence and clarity are often the bigger career assets.

Final Thoughts

You don’t lose your accent. But you can gain the skills to expand your range.

Whether you're seeking clearer pronunciation, greater adaptability, or simply more vocal confidence, voice coaching offers tools to:

Improve communication
Increase vocal control
Expand your expressive possibilities

It's not about erasing where you're from. It's about empowering where you want to go.

If you're curious about exploring your voice and accent possibilities, click here to learn more about coaching options.

Ashley Howard is a UK-based voice coach with 18+ years of experience helping professionals and individuals develop clear, confident, and flexible communication.

Can You Lose Your Accent? A Voice Coach's Perspective