One of the most challenging things in English is learning how to pronounce words clearly. Sadly, we tend to write words in a manner and typically pronounce them in a totally different way.
Pronunciation is the tool to present more precise language through speaking. Through English speaking coaching, individuals will communicate effectively once they have smart pronunciation and intonation, albeit they have less range vocabulary and grammar.
English coaching centers suggest that English pronunciation doesn't necessarily mean mastery of a list of sounds or different words. Instead, it amounts to learning and activating the specific approach towards the speaker’s thoughts, which is straightforward.
In the curriculum of English coaching classes, pronunciation includes all those aspects of speech that create assistance with logical flow of context. I may include segmented enunciation, pace, intonation and expression, and even marginal movement of the muscles and eye contact with the listener.
Role of phonetics:
Phonetics is an essential element to hone your speech but having clarity in delivering is necessary too. The most accepted method in English Speaking Coaching is whenever you pick up new words, write down the pronunciation, and incorporate it in daily practice.
We may all be aware of the sounds of all the alphabets, but when we put them together in a word, there are variations. Phonetics improves the spelling of the words. But as we speak, the positions of the words create the difference. For example: “Chair” and “Choir” have similar syllables “Ch” in the beginning, but the pronunciation is different.
English in most countries is the second language, so the way words are pronounced may vary significantly. As advised by English coaching centers do not pick up the accent with pronunciation. Most of us follow UK English or US English, thus looking for correct pronunciation and speaking in the same manner.
*Speakers of different dialects will, in general, various foster muscles of the mouth for elocution. By rehearsing the unknown dialect articulation, our muscles create, and elocution improves.
Likewise, making correct vowel and consonant sounds utilizing the muscles of our mouth, tongue, and lips, there are other significant parts of elocution, including:
a. word stress: accentuation on specific syllables during a word
b. sentence pressure: accentuation on specific words during a sentence
c. connectors: combining certain words
d. intonation: the rise and fall of our voice when we speak
Tips listed by English speaking coachings to improve pronunciation
1. Record your voice and listen:
This is the easiest way to improve your pronunciation. When we are in the initial phase of learning to speak, we are more focused on delivering our content than pronunciation. So when you practice speaking, make sure to record and hear your mistakes and correct them then and there.
2. Don’t rush:
When we start speaking, most of our focus is on fluency. We feel, to showcase fluency, we must talk fast, which indicates nervousness. Subsequently, it would defeat the purpose of the message. If you speak slowly and emphasize on words, you will be effective in communication and have quality content.
3. Concentrating on phonics:
Generally, visualization works on intonations. If you learn the way a particular word is pronounced, the task gets easier. Focus on difficult words each day. The next time you speak, you would know where the tongue is placed when you say the word.
For instance, “water”, here no specific stress is given to the letter “r”, or “cloth” where “th” is produced when you keep your tongue between your teeth.
4. Mirror practicing:
One of the challenges in speaking is the confidence to convey the message. To overcome this, try standing in front of the mirror and talk to yourself. Look at how you speak, what gestures follow with it, and what body language will complement your speaking. Also, do not forget to notice your mouth movement when you emphasize the word's specific sound.
5. Listen and copy:
When you are learning how to pronounce, one of the ways is to listen to the speaker and try to copy them. Listening to radios or podcasts covers the whole idea. Also, to familiarize yourself with many words, listening to a variety of topics is necessary. Don’t get comfortable with your favorite subject.
6. Have a language buddy and practice:
The only advantage you will have with your language partner is having critical feedback and improving as and when practicing. You can take cues from various scenarios like a telephonic conversation with receptionists, meeting a new colleague for work, or even ordering in a fancy restaurant.
7. Intonation and Stress:
To excel in pronunciation, being proficient with the individual sounds is vital. This means focusing on voice modulations and stress on words in sentences to communicate effectively. Sing songs, read articles aloud, and every time focus on the factors mentioned above.
With the online English coaching classes, a gentle reminder is to use these tips the next time you converse will help you examine what works for you the best. Important to note is these changes may not reflect immediately. Still, they will pave the path of achieving your goals with regular practice.
About the Author
I have been mentoring working professionals and students in proficiency skills and IELTS exam since long now. I am a certified trainer, Masters in business studies and have rich experience in the corporate and education fields. I hope my articles help the readers to gain strong confidence in their learning process.