How to Practice English Pronunciation

There are some great exercises that can help people hone their pronunciation skills in English.

One of the key advantages of the English language is that, when spoken, it tends to be fairly flat. That is, it is quite neutral, as there are no significant peaks when it comes to the stress put in any syllable. There are some great exercises that can help people hone their pronunciation skills in English. By practicing 10 to 30 minutes daily, an average person can easily improve her speaking skills in the language, and can even polish off any accents she carries from her native tongue.

Instructions

1. Practice the differences in vowel pronunciation. Start with the short sounds: "bat," "bet," "bit," "bot," "but." Repeat each word 10 times. Go to the long sounds: "bait," "beet," "bite," "boat," "bute," "boot," "bout." Repeat each word 10 times.

2. Make a list of 50 words that you're familiar with. To do this, think of a specific task, like going to the bank or going to the doctor, and write down the words most commonly used in those situations.
   Divide these words in individual vowels and consonant sounds. For example, the word "understand," would look like: "un/der/s/tan/d." "Stamp," would appear as "s/tam/p."
   Perform this exercise for words in the past tense. Take into consideration that words that typically end in hard consonant sounds (stop, kick, catch), have a "t" sound at the end. For example, "stopped" would be "s/top/t"; "drenched" is "dren/ch/t."
   Start pronouncing each individual section slowly, then increase speed. Repeat each word two to three times.

3. Practice saying the words by making resonance exercises. When you speak a word, imagine it sounding in the middle top part of your tongue. Focus on this area of your mouth when practicing. This exercise will help you eliminate any native tongue accents, since the resonance you're making is the most neutral there is.

4. Practice these exercises daily for 10 to 30 minutes for six months. Record yourself every week to check your progress.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not underestimate the power of exaggeration. Exaggerate your pronunciation. That way, it will stick better.

• Speak to other English-speaking friends for at least an hour weekly.

References

• Ted Power: Teaching and Learning English Pronunciation