10 Tips for perfect English pronunciation
1. Listen to yourself
It’s often difficult to hear pronunciation errors in your own speech because you’re focusing on actually communicating rather than the sound you’re making. If you can’t hear your pronunciation problems, it’s hard to fix them. Try recording your speech with your smartphone or PC and note the specific areas in which you need to improve.
2. Slow down!
Many English learners think that speaking fluently means they need to speak fast. This is wrong. Speaking too fast reinforces bad habits and makes the speaker sound nervous and indecisive. Speaking slowly will give you time to breathe properly and think about what to say next. Because it gives you time to think while you speak, you’ll feel more relaxed and able to focus on making your English sound great.
3. Picture it…
Close your eyes and think about how to make the sound before you say it. Visualize the position of your mouth and face. If you’ve studied with a phonics chart, think about the sound you’re making and how it relates to other English sounds. If you’ve used mouth and tongue diagrams, think about what shape you’ll need inside your mouth if you want to make the sound correctly.
4. Get physical!
Pronunciation is a physical skill. You are teaching your mouth a new way to move and use different muscles. Focus on difficult sounds every day. Having trouble with ‘th’? Place your tongue between your teeth and blow air out of your mouth. Feel the air passing over your tongue.
5. Watch yourself
Stand in front of a mirror to observe your tongue, lips and the shape of your mouth as you make certain sounds. Compare what you see with a video of a native speaker saying the same thing.
6. Copy the expert
There is no substitute for learning pronunciation from experts – native speakers. So listen! Listen to English radio programs and watch television and movies in English. Imitate what you’re hearing – even if you’re not yet sure what they’re saying.
7. Practice English alone
The pronunciation problem continues because we are afraid to make mistakes. Create a scenario – meet someone first, order in a restaurant, ask for directions – then act out the dialogue. don’t be shy.
8. Find a language buddy
It is important to get feedback from external observers. Find a friend who is also interested in improving their English. Try exchanging recorded messages so you can hear each other’s pronunciation closely.
9. Pay attention to intonation and stress
Good pronunciation is more than just mastering individual sounds. It is also understand intonation and stress. Read poems, speeches, and songs out loud, focusing on stress and tone.
10. Sing a song!
Learn the words of popular English songs and sing along. Singing helps you relax and just get those words out, as well as your rhythm and tone. Because you don’t need to focus on making sentences for yourself, you can focus on improving your pronunciation!
