How to Communicate Clearly and Confidently at Work: with Jay Alexander Poulton

How can you communicate with more clarity, confidence, and authority, even if English isn't your first language? In this episode of NeuroConversant Leadership, Jeremy Doran sits down with Jay Alexander Poulton, known as The Accent Coach, to explore how the way we speak shapes how others perceive us at work. Jay helps people around the world speak English with greater clarity and confidence. He explains why communication challenges aren't always about having an accent. Your vocal delivery, tone, rhythm, articulation, and ability to connect with your audience can all influence whether your ideas are understood and taken seriously. The conversation also explores the challenges of communication in multicultural workplaces, where differences in language, culture, and speaking styles can lead to misunderstandings. Whether you're a manager leading a diverse team, a technical professional presenting complex ideas, or someone who wants to feel more confident speaking up, this episode offers practical lessons you can put into practice. In this episode, you'll learn: -How to communicate more clearly and confidently, regardless of your accent. -Why confidence and clarity reinforce each other. -How language and cultural differences affect workplace communication. -Why it's not just what you say, but how you say it, that matters. -How to make technical ideas more engaging by using stories. -Why managers need to adapt their communication to different team members. -The three foundations of a strong speaking voice: breath, articulation, and resonance. -How posture and breathing influence vocal confidence and projection. -How vocal variety helps you hold attention and create an emotional connection. -How to evaluate your own communication and identify areas for improvement. Key takeaway: Effective communication isn't about sounding perfect or eliminating every trace of your accent. It's about helping people understand you, connect with your message, and hear the value you bring. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to NeuroConversant Leadership 01:13—How Jay Became The Accent Coach 04:07 – The Connection Between Clarity and Confidence 05:29 – Speaking Versus Writing in English 07:52 – The Hidden Effort of Speaking a Second Language 09:40 – Language, Culture, and Workplace Misunderstandings 11:34 – Why Vocal Delivery Matters for Native Speakers Too 13:43 – How Storytelling Makes Communication More Effective 15:44 – Adapting Your Communication to Your Team 19:12 – Three Foundations of a Strong Speaking Voice 21:03 – Articulation, Resonance, and Vocal Authority 21:33 – How Breathing and Posture Affect Your Voice 23:16 – Using Vocal Variety to Hold Attention 26:41 – How to Audit Your Own Communication 29:41 – Where to Find Jay Alexander Poulton 30:20 – Jay's Best Advice for Communicating with Confidence Connect with Jay Alexander Poulton Website: https://theaccentcoach.com Find Jay on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook under Jay the Accent Coach or The Accent Coach. About NeuroConversant Leadership NeuroConversant Leadership helps people connect and collaborate with others who think, work, and see the world differently. We explore practical ways to improve leadership, communication, and relationships across diverse teams. If your organization needs help strengthening communication and collaboration, reach out to NeuroConversant Leadership. #LeadershipCommunication #CommunicationSkills #AccentCoach