Improve Your Accent: Communicate Clearly in American English

Fast Speech – Shortcuts English Speakers Use to Speak Quickly and Efficiently

Have you noticed how we say “comfterble,” even though the word is spelled com-for-ta-ble? Have you ever heard anyone say “ax” when talking about asking questions? Or have you wondered why people often call the second month of the year “Febyuary,” even though there’s technically an “r” in the middle? In this video, we’re going to talk about fast speech, and the interesting things native English speakers do in order to speak the language more … Read the article and watch the video lesson

Intonation For Clear Communication – Why Intonation Is So Important in American English

So you’re ready to improve your intonation! You’d like to communicate what you mean and express how you feel when speaking English. You get that intonation involves pitch, but you realize that it goes beyond the rises and falls of your voice. You want to understand why intonation is so important for clear communication. In this video, we’re going to talk about why intonation matters so much in American English. You’ll learn the most important … Read the article and watch the video lesson

Change Your Meaning with Your Voice – Intonation, Inflection, & Tone of Voice

You can say the same question in several different ways: What are you doing? (falling intonation) What are YOU doing? WHAT are you doing? What are you doing? (steep fall in pitch) What are you doing? (wavy pitch) What are you doing? (flat pitch) Even though the words are the same, the feeling you get from them is totally different. In this video, you’re going to learn three ways to change your meaning with your … Read the article and watch the video lesson

Pitch and Intonation When Speaking English – Intonation for Statements, Questions & Thought Groups

Have you noticed how English speakers may finish a statement or a question with their pitch higher at the end? Other times, you can hear that their pitch falls steeply at the end. Or perhaps you’ve noticed how slight rises in pitch throughout the sentence help you follow along with their thoughts. These subtle changes in pitch help us communicate our meaning through intonation. In this video, we’re going to talk all about pitch and … Read the article and watch the video lesson

Find Your Flow When Speaking English – Stress, Rhythm, Melody, Contrast and Thought Groups

Ever noticed how native English speakers use their voices to emphasize important words and help you follow what they’re saying? The rise and fall of their pitch, and the contrast between the words that matter, and those that don’t, create the natural rhythm and melody of American English. If you’re wondering how to find your own flow when speaking English, then this video is for you. In this video, you’ll learn how to use stress, … Read the article and watch the video lesson

Don’t Let This Outdated Accent Advice Keep You From Speaking English – Your Ideas Matter!

If you’ve spent any time working on your accent, pronunciation, or voice in English, then you’ve come across a ton of advice. Go to just about any corner of the internet, and you’ll find videos, podcasts, articles, and message board discussions telling you exactly what you need to do to achieve your accent goals. If you’re like most people, you’re probably feeling a little overwhelmed by all of the information out there. How do you … Read the article and watch the video lesson