How to Practice American Pronunciation
Let me answer one of the most common questions I get asked:
Why can’t I use the right pronunciation when I talk to someone? How can I use what I’ve learned?
Let me first start by saying that if you have this same question you are not alone. It doesn’t make you incapable or stupid. It’s a very common struggle.
The simple answer is this: You are not supposed to think about pronunciation while in conversation. It may seem weird but that is NOT the best time or place to practice. Practice mode and conversation mode need to be different. So, how can you practice pronunciation effectively so that it becomes more natural in conversations? This simple hack will help you act with efficiency and speak with clarity even when you feel tired or lack motivation! Record your voice.
SLOW DOWN & GET INTENTIONAL!
Stop scrolling IG and following into the rabbit hole of the internet. Identify your goal and what you want to accomplish. Grab your cell phone’s voice recorder and record yourself finishing this sentence: I want to improve my English so that I can (do/feel)____________. 💪
There is something very powerful about getting your ideas out of your head and into the world vocally!
Follow these steps for EFFECTIVE INTENTIONAL PRACTICE
After you have learned how to pronounce a specific sound, you cannot just leave the knowledge there. Pronunciation is like exercise so you have to train the muscles. To create a new habit you need repetition. Here is how you make the sound like a habit for you.
✨ Step 1: Practice the sound by itself.
For example TH-TH-TH-TH-TH. Watch yourself in the mirror to see how your mouth looks or take a video in selfie mode.
🗣️ Step 2: Record yourself answering a question for 60 seconds while you focus on that sound.
Example: What’s the weather like in your city today?
👂Step 3: Listen back to your recording and identify the words that you used with the target sound.
Critique yourself. Which ones were clear and which ones were not?
⏺️ Step 4: Record yourself again focusing specifically on the words with the TH.
Pro tip! Don’t overwhelm yourself by thinking of other sounds, vocabulary, or grammar. Remember to focus on one sound at a time. This intentional practice helps your brain to focus and make the sound more natural for you. It’s the way to create a habit!
I know you might feel weird listening to your voice and recording yourself. But remember- if you don’t like the sound of your own voice, how can you expect others to want to listen?
Recording your voice and practicing intentionally will give you more confidence!😊
This is the BEST way to practice! By creating awareness and being more intentional during practice mode, you can feel more natural during conversation mode.
Let me help you identify which sounds you personally should be focusing on! Sign up for an introductory accent evaluation where in just 45 minutes I’ll help you identify your pronunciation priorities.