“Pronunciation Doesn’t Define Potential”: Bharat Nayak Opens Up About Communication, Confidence & Empathy in the Workplace

In an honest Facebook post, Bharat opened up about how his background shaped his communication journey, the challenges he faced in professional settings, and how empathy can transform workplace culture.

Bharat:  I come from a village and studied under the Jharkhand Board, which didn’t emphasize spoken English the way urban schools often do. I struggled with certain pronunciations—especially words with letters like 'F', 'V', 'W', 'Bh', 'S', and 'Sh'. When I began working, I realized that I was mispronouncing words without knowing it. Some colleagues would correct me—some kindly, others not so much.

 Honestly, it was a mix. When people corrected me with kindness, I appreciated it. But some did it in a condescending tone, which made me feel small. I remember once pronouncing “Chicago” the Indian way, and a colleague snapped, “It’s Shicago.” I later found out both pronunciations are valid. That moment stayed with me—not because of the correction, but the way it was delivered.

 Absolutely. I began avoiding public speaking and hesitated to contribute in meetings, especially around people who often pointed out my errors. It impacted my self-worth to the extent that I discussed it in therapy. For years, I felt I wasn’t doing enough to improve my pronunciation.

Collaborating with international colleagues made a huge difference. I realized that everyone has an accent, a unique way of speaking—and that's okay. What truly matters is your ideas, your insight, your contribution. That shift in perspective helped me regain confidence and focus on my strengths."

If you’re in a position to help someone, do it with empathy. Correct them gently and privately. Never make language or pronunciation a reason to humiliate someone. And for those struggling—don’t let someone else’s opinion define your worth. Keep learning, keep speaking. Your voice matters.

As Bharat prepares to take the next big step in his journey—raising funds to pursue his Master’s at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School—he remains grounded in his purpose: creating inclusive spaces where communication is about connection, not perfection.

If you’d like to support Bharat in his academic pursuits, either financially or by connecting him to people who can help, your contribution could be life-changing. Every act of support brings him one step closer to his dream.

Let’s uplift voices like Bharat’s—not just for how they speak, but for what they stand for.