I went through this same experience as a student, having gone "up" to Paris. As part of a "communication class" we were taped, and then saw our own recording. V

I went through this same experience as a student, having gone "up" to Paris. As part of a "communication class" we were taped, and then saw our own recording. Video was not as common at the time as it is nowadays, but to me it was quite shocking: I could barely understand myself! It was not only the accent (now weaker with time), but also mumbling plus talking too fast. It was a good experience. Definitely motivated me to pay more attention when I speak, slow down and articulate more (the accent part was not the main issue there ;).