The ‘foreign accent effect’

Have you ever visited another country and spoken to a group of leaders or a sports team? What was the response?

Three well-known sportspeople were serving in another country by speaking to elite teams. I remember thirty players sitting on the field and listening to them tell stories of their faith in Christ.

The players sat spread out at first, slowly moving closer, and leaned in as they became more curious. The speakers’ convictions riveted them.

Over the years, I have shared my faith story with many athletes in other countries, and I have always found they were respectful and even leaned in to listen intently. However, in my home country, many show disinterest and then lean back in apathy. What’s going on?

I call it the ‘foreign accent effect!’ It seems strange that humans often tend to listen more attentively and respectfully to someone from somewhere else - with a different accent to theirs.

So, if we know this, let’s use this to our benefit.

Guest speakers and teachers from other nations can have a huge impact through their stories of faith and their use of simple, honest questions that local speakers and teachers prefer to avoid.

Scripture to ponder –

Psalm 117:1

Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.

Key Lesson:

Different cultures and accents can be used to good effect. Understand it and use it powerfully.