7 Ways to Practice Pronunciation

Speaking is one of the most powerful skill yet to be one of the hardest to develop. Why is it? it is because of fear. According to Professor Stephen Krashen, the emotions of the students are always involved in learning. If the students felt anxious about their learning, they are most likely to fail. They always want to practice within themselves. 

In line with this,  what are the ways we can solve this problem? This article aims to provide activities for developing the student's enunciation without the need of a partner.  

1. Reverse Dictation

Phones are the frequently used tool of all students. Through these gadgets, we can search videos, e-dictionaries and English pronunciation test. This also applies in learning other languages such as; French, Chinese, Japanese or Korean. Throughout the years, teachers and students have been using dictionaries for checking the proper way of pronouncing words. 

In relation to reverse dictation, it is YOU,  who has to speak on your phone and listen to what you had said. Try to write down, if you are missing a word, letter or even a sentence.  For example, you can try dictating the list of school supplies you need to buy or even the items you need to put in your grocery .

2. Act It Out

You can also learn to speak with ease everywhere. By watching TV series or movies and listening to music, you can use them as learning materials. Pick any movie you like. Then, look for its intonation and emotions. You can also try dubbing any line from the movie. Do your best to match your speech with their mouths. It would help you to practice speaking more clearly.

3. Practice Reading the Minimal Pairs

Minimal pairs are two words in English who have almost the same sound. As a matter of fact, most of the students struggles learning it. For example, the minimal pairs reach versus rich, when you listen to the words alone it is very difficult to distinguish. To conquer minimal pairs, turn them into a short test or assessment so you can easily see the progress.

4. Be familiar with the sound mastery

Regardless of proficiency, students sometimes find it difficult sounds because they are some words we don't know and haven't pronounce yet. As an old adage goes " Practice makes perfect", so you can practice reading and pronouncing words. 

5. Sing along

Select any favorite song and listen to the lyrics of the song. This can help you learn more about the connected speech.  Connected speech includes words or phrases such as: dreaming of you and fall in love,  You can learn the connection of these words and its flow by listening to a song.

6. Tongue Twisters

Tongue twisters are one of the most time-tested pronunciation exercises.  We often encounter them in parties and public speakers when they are preparing before the speech. Tongue-twister can help you to be alert on the words that you are going to say and it can help you improve your speaking speed.

7.  Do it Yourself Interview

One of the best and easiest way to improve your English skills is to do your own practice of answering questions. Each you can record yourself and answer different questions such as;

1. What are things you are looking forward to the next 5 years?

2. What are the changes you have in yourself?

3. How are you going to achieve these changes?

After recording yourself in answering these questions, evaluate your answers and figure out what needs to changed and improved.