Pronunciation is a topic of concern for English beginners or students attending spoken English classes. Besides this, it plays a vital role in the speaking and listening tests of competitive exams like IELTS and TOEFL. 

At times, it may even prove advantageous in the reading and writing sections of the exam. But improving pronunciation is challenging even for people with a good grasp of grammar and vocabulary. 

So, “how to improve English pronunciation?” is one of the most commonly searched questions on the web by language learners or teachers. However, a few methods and tips can prove helpful.

How to Improve English Pronunciation?

• Listen Carefully

The best solution for “how to improve English pronunciation?” is listening carefully. Developing it is also a part of many soft skill courses. So, you can attain a dual advantage with a single habit. Distinguish pronunciation between affect/effect, lame/lane, slip/sleep, etc.

Whenever you watch an English TV show, news program, interview, or listening to music, podcasts, or radio, carefully distinguish words. Even today, many national TV shows and radio programs provide free online English lessons. 

Additionally, you can choose free learning apps that make pronunciation or use the Google speech-to-text function. Alternatively, you can take online lessons through an experienced trainer or YouTube tutors. 

• Decrease Speed and Increase Sounds

Speaking at a slow pace while exaggerating sounds is one of the best tips to improve English pronunciation. Unfortunately, many people talk slower than they think and often fumble or make mispronunciations.

However, they can make a better impression by speaking slowly. Besides this, you attain more time to think about the message and the method as a speaker. As as result, it makes you relaxed. Meanwhile, exaggerating sounds enhance listening and speaking skills besides attention span.

• Shadow Online Tutors/Public Figures

Before we go ahead with this method, it is essential to define the most common form of English spoken in the country, i.e., American, British, Canadian, or Australian. Each has different pronunciation as the spellings vary significantly.

Shadowing online tutors or public figures means repeating the words spoken by someone immediately after hearing or mimicking, but not mocking. It is one of the best ways to improve English pronunciation as it helps to capture rhythm, tone, pitch and even builds muscle memory.

• Record

At times, you might not have someone around to practice your English speaking skills. Under such circumstances, you can record audio while reading aloud, reciting a poem, or speaking a dialogue. Regular practice is the cue for ways to improve English pronunciation because it helps to listen and enhance errors without judgment. 

Moreover, continuously recording the exact text often enhances other verbal skills while removing mother tongue influence. It is crucial to include a few difficult pronunciation words to make the method even more effective. After a month, check for areas of improvement and qualities that you have acquired.

• Practice Tongue Twisters

Tongue twisters like she sells seashells on the seashore; how much wood would a woodchuck chuck? Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, etc., which can prove very helpful. Many tutors include ways to improve English pronunciation and other skills. Moreover, they also help to remove mother tongue influence and speak fluently.

The tongue twisters help in improving verbal skills by incorporating similar sounds in a time frame. You can make the method even more effective by speaking slowly while focusing on the words and sounds. Once you accomplish it, gradually increase speed and retry, achieving the same goal.

• Understand the Phonemic Chart

Gaining an insight into the pronunciation of words through the IPA or International Phonetic Alphabet is essential. It helps to distinguish the pronunciation of letters incorporated in the same format in different words. For example, “ough” in ‘through,’ “though,’ and tough.’

All dictionaries, including Oxford, have phonetic descriptions for beginners, intermediate and advanced level English learners. Therefore, it is among the best tips to improve English pronunciation. The descriptions even help to obtain better grades in competitive exams.

• Avail an Online English Speaking Course

Self-learning can become a stimulating experience; however, it may still leave doubts that may prove harmful while comprehending passages or speaking during competitive exams. It is also one of the most crucial tips to improve English pronunciation.

As a student, you can avail common mistakes by regular practice, increase learning speed & capacity, build the desired vocabulary, and even correct errors on the spot throughout the class. Moreover, the trainer provides study material based on aptitude and goal. So, you can decide whether you need to improve spoken English for an interview or a language exam.

Additionally, you should read aloud, exercise with verbal sounds, listen & watch academic material, regularly speak English, and write down a breakup of heard words.

FAQs

1. Why is English pronunciation important?

Ans– Good English pronunciation is important for a number of reasons. It can help you to communicate more effectively, be understood more easily, and sound more professional. It can also make you more confident in your English speaking skills.

2. Is it possible to improve my English pronunciation on my own?

Ans– Yes, it is possible to improve your English pronunciation on your own. However, it is important to be patient and consistent with your practice. Here are a few tips for improving your English pronunciation on your own:

• Listen to native English speakers
• Record yourself speaking English
• Use a pronunciation dictionary
• Practice speaking English regularly

3. How long does it take to see improvement in English pronunciation?

Ans– The time it takes to see improvement in English pronunciation varies from person to person. It depends on factors such as your native language, your level of dedication, and the amount of practice you put in. However, with consistent practice, you can start seeing noticeable improvements within a few months.

4. What are some common English pronunciation mistakes?

Ans– Some common English pronunciation mistakes include:

• Not pronouncing all of the sounds in a word
• Pronouncing words incorrectly
• Using the wrong intonation
• Not linking words together