How can you reach your English Goals? Start with these 3 steps!

“I want people to stop asking where I’m from.”

“I wish people could understand me so I don’t have to repeat myself.”

“I want to blend in and sound like a native English speaker.”

Does this sound like you? Read on!

No matter what level of English you are at, from beginner to fluent, there are always struggles. English can be confusing and the rules are often inconsistent. Pronunciation does not always directly correspond with the written letters so it often feels like you have to learn an infinite amount of sounds and spelling.

What can you do to bring all the pieces together to practice not only grammar and vocabulary but pronunciation, tone, and rhythm?

In this video I go over three steps you can take to help you practice your English for better fluency and pronunciation:

Here is a summary of the steps to transform your speaking skills:

• Step 1: Learn all of the sounds of American English and their IPA symbols

  • There are lots of ways English speakers struggle with the sounds of English such as:

    • Language transference (taking sounds from your native language and using them in another language)

    • Mixing up similar sounds

    • Learning sounds that don’t exist in your native language

  • To help with this I’ve created a video lesson to teach you this step here: ALL of the Sounds of American English… Made Simple

  • There is also a text/audio version of this lesson- HERE.

  • If you want to download the Cheat Sheets for this lesson, sign up at the end of this lesson for your free download.

• Step 2: Mimic native speakers.

  • Copy exactly what and how the native English speakers talk on:

    • TV/ movies

    • the radio

    • podcasts

    • YouTube videos

    • TED.com (These are free talks on all kinds of interesting topics, with transcripts and translations.)

    • practice with an English teacher, accent coach, or helpful friend

• Step 3: Practice independently.

  • Read out loud often.

    • Make notes of words or sounds you aren’t sure about.

    • You can also highlight or circle sounds you know are difficult to pay special attention to them.

    • You can check your pronunciation with my recommended online dictionary: learnersdictionary.com

  • Be conscious of how you speak.

    • Every time you speak English is an opportunity to practice and improve! Make sure you use what you have learned in lessons, and bring it into your every day life.

  • Review past lessons/ sounds/ words.

    • It’s true what they say “use it or lose it,” so make sure to always review what you’ve already learned to keep it fresh.

  • Live it!

    • What do I mean? Well, once you’ve done all of the work to practice and study and reach your English goals, then you can continue to feel and act like a native English speaker. Keep practicing long enough and your struggles will feel very far away!

I have 100% confidence that with enough time and practice, you can reach your #GOALS!

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