It only ever understands me if I adopt an American accent; and that not consistently, presumably because it's bad (and often comically exaggerated). But my actu

It only ever understands me if I adopt an American accent; and that not consistently, presumably because it's bad (and often comically exaggerated). But my actual (British) voice never as far as I can recall. So maybe the varied experience is largely just whether you're American and if so have the right regional accent? (For what it's worth, my go-to impression is I think what you'd call 'valley girl', or whatever the male equivalent is. Since I feel liiike that's basically what all city-dwelling Americans sound like to me anywaaay. Do they sound that way to you allso orrr no? ;) )