Ass

Ah, you're from South London or Kent, and as such definitely British but definitely NOT posh

HICE

Absolutely, old chap. Definitely a member of the upper echelons. Did we go to school together?

British accents range from cockney to fraightfully posh. A natural English voice with just a hint of posh sprinkled on it can do wonders to make your project sound authoritative. Great for corporate presentations, documentaries and general narration. Sometimes, though, going overboard on the posh factor can be fun.

2. How Northern British are you? When you say ‘got to’ does is sound like ‘gorra’ or ‘goatta’?

gorra

You’re a scouser from Liverpool and related to the Beatles

GOAT'A

You’ve overshot and ended up in Glasgow. Choose life.

Regional accents come thick and fast, but none thicker than Scottish, and none faster than Scouse.

3. How Cockney are you? When you say ‘out’, how does it sound?

ahht

Were you born within the sound of Bow bells, me old china?

OOOT

Have another haggis, Angus and ‘tak the high road…’

The British in general love a cheeky cockney chappie. Most people born in London have it in them to swap to this accent – especially when talking to the great London Black Taxi drivers. A highland Scottish accent is lovely, but can be a bit broad for many people. ('China' is cockney rhyming slang for mate - china plate...)

4. How would you pronounce ‘Mr Cholmondeley-Featherstonehaugh’?

Chumley-Fanshaw

You are frightfully British and terribly posh

Cholmondeley what now?

Sorry but you just failed the 'Non-U' test

British English pronunciation (pronounced ‘pronunciation’, not ‘pronounciation’) is very quirky. A well-educated British voice is likely to get it right. ‘Beauchamp Place’, anyone?

5. How would you ask the way to Leicester?

How can I get to lie sester

You’re not very British. Would you like to sound like you were?

Do you by any chance happen to know the best way to Lester?”

From London, it's straight up the M1.

A common mistake that those with English as a second language make is to be too direct. There are entire websites dedicated to the foibles of how vague and verbose British people can be. For example, look at the next question…

6. What do you mean when you say, "That’s a very interesting idea"?

That’s a very interesting idea.

You aren’t British at all are you?

That’s the most stupid idea ever.

Welcome to Britain

We Brits are notorious for often not meaning exactly what we say. In business for example, ‘That’s disappointing’ means you have totally messed up and are fired. And ‘I only have a few minor comments’ means you should go back to your desk, tear up this garbage, set fire to it and start from scratch.

7. Do you think that A Very British Voice would enhance your project by making it sound authoritative but friendly with a hint of a smile?

YES

That’s brilliant news. Thank you! Click here for a FREE demo and a quote

NO

Are you sure? You can have a FREE demo if you like. You might change your mind...

Every month I create a daft reel on a different subject. Here’s a typical example.
CAUTION. As my grandmother would say, this recording contains 'language'.

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