Pronununciation Tips For ESL Speakers

Pronunciation Makes an Impression!

How well do people to understand you when you speak English? Do they often have to ask you to repeat things? 

Speaking clearly enough to be understood MUST be one of your most important priorities if you live in an English country. 

Real communication involves two parties: a speaker and a listener. If the listener can't understand you, you are NOT communicating. 

 It doesn't matter how interesting you are if people have to struggle to get the point.  In fact,  if they have to keep working hard to understand you, they eventually simply stop trying.   

If you are an adult, you will probably never sound like a native speaker. NO ONE expects you to, so don't worry about it. What IS important is that you speak clearly enough for people understand you. This does NOT require getting rid of your accent. It does involve making a real effort. 

You CAN take steps to speak more clearly. I have previously written about some of the steps you can take to improve your pronunciation,  but the following article by Suzanne Bennett offers some excellent advice. Make sure you read the tips section. 

Article: 

Pronunciation  is always a big challenge when speaking a language that is not your own. No matter how hard you try, there are always some sounds in a foreign language that your tongue and lips simply will not want to make! What can you do to sound as native and natural as possible.continue reading

New Pronunciation Links, Videos and Activities

I have also added some new links to the Pronunciation Links on the right hand side of the page, as well as new videos and practice activities on the PRONUNCIATION PAGE.


Of course, as you know, singing English is also a terrific way to practice, so why don't you try out a few songs on the MUSIC PAGE. 

How do you Use the Internet?

I posted this question eight or nine months ago and got no responses at all, Yet, this post seems to have been one of my most popular posts. Why?  Please help me out here. Use this as an opportunity to practice writing opinion comments, and post your comment to the question:

 HOW DO YOU USE THE INTERNET?

How often do you use it? What do you use it for? Do you mainly use it to play games, find friends?  Do you learn online, or shop?  Do you talk with friends and family with skype?  Do you watch TV shows, movies. the news or You Tube videos of your favourite singers via  the Internet instead of on TV?  Do you even own a television anymore? Do you use Internet radio stations rather than regular ones from your radio? How about social media, do you use the Internet to tap into Facebook, twitter or any other social media out there?   

The Internet has taken over our lives.Many people spend so much time on the Internet that they can't imagine what life was like before the Internet was created. For some it has become a serious addiction that threatens their marriage, just as alcohol or drug addiction does. 

What are YOUR thoughts on this big question and the smaller ones associated with it. 

This is your opportunity to practice some opinion writing on line.

How DO YOU use the Internet? 
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Internet?  Don't kid yourself, there are disadvantages.  Do you have any tips or suggestions to give other people who are addicted to the Internet, or do you think there is no such thing as being addicted to the Internet? 

Give me your comments on this