Communication not perfection

Are you looking to improve your pronunciation and speaking skills in English? If so, you’re in luck! In this blog post, I provide 5 tips to help you achieve fluidity in English. Following these simple tips will help make your pronunciation smoother and more accurate. So what are you waiting for? keep reading!

BUT FIRST, I’d like to make a disclaimer. If you’re learning English as an adult, forget the idea that you’ll ever speak like a native. The key to pronunciation is not perfection but communication. You’ve done your job if the other person understands your message. Striving for perfection will only lead to disappointment and failure. I know this message is harsh, but it will make a big difference in your progress, I promise. 

Make sure your pronunciation is clear and precise

This means speaking slowly and enunciating each word clearly.

While there’s nothing wrong with being a fast talker, clarity is key in communication. To ensure your message gets across loud and clear, slow down and enunciate each word clearly. This may seem tedious, but your listeners will appreciate the effort. And who knows, you might even find that speaking more slowly helps you to better articulate your thoughts. So the next time you’re in a hurry to get your point across, take a deep breath and give clarity a chance. Your words will thank you for it.

Listen to native English speakers as often as possible

This will help you get a feel for the rhythms and tones of the language.

There’s no doubt about it, listening to native English speakers is the best way to learn the language. But why exactly is that? Well, for one thing, it allows you to get a feel for the rhythms and tones of the language. But more importantly, it allows you to hear how real people use the language in everyday situations. So go ahead and put on your headphones and immerse yourself in the sounds of English. You might find that you enjoy it more than you thought.

The Canadian Tip – Check out the podcasts: The Moth, The Economist, and The Canadian Wants to Know

Be aware of your tongue placement when speaking English

Most people are unaware of the importance of tongue placement when speaking English. However, the position of your tongue can greatly impact the clarity of your speech. For example, the letter “th” is often mispronounced because people don’t place their tongues correctly. The correct pronunciation of “th” is to position your tongue between your teeth and then exhale. This may take some practice, but it’s important to get it right to be understood by others.

In addition to “th”, there are other letters that are commonly mispronounced due to incorrect tongue placement. If you’re having trouble with any of these sounds, make sure to ask a native speaker for help so you can learn the correct way to say them. With a little practice, you’ll be speaking English like a pro in no time!

The Canadian Tip: Check out my tongue twisters list

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! 

If you’re struggling with a particular pronunciation, don’t hesitate to ask a friend or teacher for assistance.

Asking for help is often seen as a sign of weakness. We are taught to be independent and figure things out independently. However, this isn’t always possible – or even the best option. For example, it can be beneficial to ask a friend or teacher for assistance if you’re struggling with a particular pronunciation. They can provide feedback and guidance that will help you to improve. In addition, asking for help shows that you are willing to invest the time and effort necessary to learn something new. So don’t be afraid to ask – it might help you reach your goals.

In my lessons, you’ll get many opportunities to practice and improve your pronunciation. Contact me for more information. 

Practice, practice, practice! 

The more you speak English, the better your pronunciation will become.

The adage “practice makes perfect” is certainly true when learning to pronounce English words correctly. The more you speak, the more exposure you will have to the correct way to say things. Of course, it helps if you have a good teacher or tutor to guide you along the way. But ultimately, the best way to improve your pronunciation is to keep speaking and practicing as often as possible. So don’t be shy – start practicing today and you’ll be surprised at how quickly your pronunciation improves.

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