USING YOUR ROOTS AS AN ADVANTAGE WHEN ANSWERING A QUESTION
                        Copyright © 1987-2013- J. Morris Anderson- Phila. PA- All Rights Reserved

A perfect example of three people who used their roots as a positive means of elevating themselves are Lyndon Johnson and Jimmy Carter. They used their slow, down-home, countrified southern mannerisms to carry them to the highest position in America - the presidency. Bill Clinton, one of the most distinguished orators of his time, never shied away from his southern roots.

Black people as a whole have more roots in the south than in any other part of the country. One should never attempt to change his or her accent if you are a southerner, an easterner or, for that matter, are from any part of the country. When you attempt such a change, you are denying your roots. It is a vanity-serving, fruitless, and basically impossible task, and it can cause you to appear as a loser.

Using the same logic, since you cannot expect a Florida palm tree to flourish in New York's climate, you cannot expect a Georgia woman to speak as though she were born and bred in Brooklyn. The woman from Georgia cannot adequately concentrate on what she is saying when her concentration is focused on an affected eastern accent. Thus, she will appear phony for making the attempt.

In point of fact, many southerners are not fully aware of the special charm and intrigue which their voices bring to many northern ears. You must concentrate on using correct grammar and good diction. But, you must also be proud of your roots, no matter from where they extend. Only make positive improvements in your basic self.

When you have followed the previous instructions, you are ready for the next step and winning.

                       JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST TEEN VIOLENCE NOW
                                          CLICK THE "DONATE" BUTTO