Accurate pronunciation is an important part of
learning any language, and especially when you’re learning English. Some people believe that for your pronunciation to be correct, you must sound 100% like a native, but that's just not realistic. Correct pronunciation relates to your ability to speak clearly and for others to be able to understand you clearly because the way
your speech sounds can have a big impact on whether or not people understand
what you are saying and their initial impression of you. The tricky thing about
pronunciation is that it is not just a question of acquiring knowledge, it’s a
physical skill that you need to practice regularly.
How to improve English pronunciation
There are no shortcuts to perfect pronunciation, however, there are some ways you can practice more effectively and improve your skills faster. Follow our ten top tips, start improving your pronunciation today, and take a step closer towards your goal of perfect English pronunciation.
1.
Listen to yourself
It’s often difficult to
hear pronunciation errors in your own speech because you are concentrating
actually communicating rather than the sound you are making. If you can’t hear
your pronunciation problems, it’s tough to correct them. Try recording your speech
with your smartphone or PC and making a note of specific areas you need to
improve on.
2.
Slow down!
Many English learners
think that speaking fluently means they need to speak fast. This is wrong.
Speaking too fast reinforces bad habits and makes the speaker sound nervous and
indecisive. Speaking slowly will give you time to breathe properly and think about
what you want to say next. Because it gives you time to think while you are
speaking, you’ll feel more relaxed and be able to concentrate on making your
English sound fantastic.
3.
Picture it…
Close your eyes and
think about how to make a sound before saying it. Visualize the positioning of
your mouth and face. If you have studied with the phonemic chart, think about
the sound you are making and how it relates to other English phonemes. If you
have used diagrams of the mouth and tongue, think about the shape you need to
make inside your mouth if you want to make the sound correctly.
4.
Get physical!
Pronunciation is a
physical skill. You’re teaching your mouth a new way to move and using
different muscles. Focus on difficult sounds each day. Having trouble with
‘th’? Put your tongue between your teeth (don’t bite down) and blow air out of
your mouth. Feel the air move over the top of your tongue.
5.
Watch yourself
Stand in front of a
mirror to see the placement of your tongue, lips, and shape of your mouth when
you make certain sounds. Compare what you see with a video of a native-speaker
saying the same thing.
6.
Copy the experts
There’s no replacement for
learning pronunciation from the experts – native-speakers. So listen! Listen to
English radio programs and watch television and movies in English. Imitate what
you’re hearing – even if you’re not sure what they’re saying yet.
7.
Practice English alone
Pronunciation problems
persist because we’re afraid to make mistakes. Create scenarios – meeting
someone for the first time, ordering at a restaurant, asking for directions –
then act out the dialogue by yourself. Don’t be shy.
8.
Find a language buddy
Getting feedback from an
outside observer is crucial. Find a friend who’s also interested in improving
their English. Try exchanging recorded messages so you can listen closely to
each other’s pronunciation.
9. Pay attention to
intonation and stress
Good pronunciation is
more than just mastering individual sounds. It’s also understanding intonation
(the rise and fall of the voice) and stress (some sounds in words and some
words in sentences are louder or clearer than others). Read poems, speeches, and
songs aloud, concentrating on the word stress and intonation.
10.
Sing a song!
Learn the words to popular English songs and sing along. Singing helps you relax and just get those
words out, as well as helping your rhythm and intonation. Because you don’t
need to concentrate on constructing sentences for yourself, you can concentrate
on making your pronunciation sound great!
Give each of these tips a try next time you have a
chance and find out which of them works best for you. Remember, none of them is
an instant fix but they will all help you reach your goals as part of regular
practice. Are you ready to improve your English pronunciation?
Good luck.
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