Pitch and Intonation in American English Archives • Page 5 of 6 • English with Kim

How to Understand Fast Native English Speakers During Conversations

Want to understand fast native English speakers during conversations in English? Do you feel a little stressed out when trying to follow what fast-talking Americans are saying? 😕 If so, you’re not alone. Most non-native speakers tend to stress out before interacting with native English speakers because they’re afraid they’re not going to catch every single word. Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered! In this article and video, I share my tips on how … Read the article and watch the video lesson

Use Your Listening Skills to Improve How You Sound When Speaking English

Can you use your listening skills in order to reduce your accent and improve your pronunciation? That’s the question we’re going to answer today! In order to improve how you sound in English, you need to increase your sensitivity to the characteristics and details of natural, native speech. After all, if you can’t hear the way a native English speaker uses his or her voice, then you won’t be able to change the way … Read the article and watch the video lesson

Five Ways to Show Active Listening During Conversations with Americans

Are you listening? Then you need to show me. Showing active listening is absolutely essential in American culture. Like it or not, when we are speaking a language that isn’t our first, we often have to show other people that we understand them. In my experience learning Spanish, I found that my listening skills have always been stronger than my speaking skills. Even though I’m now fluent in Spanish, I often feel like I need … Read the article and watch the video lesson

Four Elements of a Natural-Sounding Accent in American English

Sound familiar? I came here [to the US] and realized how truly limited my English was, and it was very scary. I soon realized it wasn’t going to be hard to learn – it was going to be nearly impossible. My accent was horrible. In Mexico, nobody says, “You speak English with a good accent.” You either speak English or you don’t: as long as you can communicate, no one cares. But the word … Read the article and watch the video lesson

The Power of Pitch: Change Your Tone for Better Stress and Intonation in English

Want to speak clearly and express your emotions and attitudes through your voice? Then you need to learn to change your tone and use pitch variation for better stress and intonation in American English. In short, you need to embrace the power of pitch. The Role of Pitch in Spoken English Before we get started, let’s talk about what we mean by the word “pitch.” Pitch is the highness or lowness of your voice, and it’s … Read the article and watch the video lesson

Seven Ways to Use Your Voice and Breath to Communicate Clearly in English

I have excellent news for you: sounding professional is NOT about having perfect pronunciation. When you’re trying to increase your authority, be taken more seriously, and achieve success in a professional or academic setting, you may obsess over these things: how your accent sounds to other people what you are (or rather your mouth is) doing wrong, or identifying the ways in which you don’t sound like a native speaker. Does this sound familiar? I know … Read the article and watch the video lesson