As an English learner, you know that pronunciation in English is tricky. And avoiding it isn’t going to help, so the next best thing is to work to figure out the pronunciation rules in English. This blog will show you how to create your perfect pronunciation plan.
What is a Pronunciation Plan?
When you have an intermediate level of English, you already have a strong pronunciation base and a pronunciation plan is to fine-tune what you’ve previously learned. The goal of your pronunciation plan is to establish methods that you can use to improve your pronunciation in English so that you are understood more easily by the people you typically use English with and help you understand them better too.
Mapping Out Your Pronunciation Plan
Use this guide to get you started with what to map out for your personalized plan:
1st step: Find Misunderstandings
The first step is to be open to finding misunderstandings. The words that cause confusion and you are asked to repeat are the words you want to focus on. Think of it as an opportunity to learn more about pronunciation. You needn’t limit yourself to singular words, pay attention to if it could also be certain phrases.
In the same way that words you say might cause confusion for others, pay attention to words that other people say that you have difficulty understanding. Many times this can mean that you are pronouncing it in a different way and that is why it doesn’t make sense when someone else says it.
If no words come to mind, a graded reader like Short Stories in English by Olly Richards can point you in the right direction. Start with the terms found in the vocabulary section of each chapter.
The important thing is to be open to the possibility that some words or phrases you use now can be pronounced differently. Changing the way you say those words or phrases could allow people you commonly talk with to understand you better, and why wouldn’t you want that?
2nd step: Doublecheck with a Dictionary
In the second step of your pronunciation plan, you should educate yourself on the different pronunciations out there. Allow yourself to be curious. There are many English pronunciations that are possible. Which one will you choose to copy?
With a dictionary, you can learn about the origin of the word. Perhaps it is connected to a word in your language! This can aid you in learning the pronunciation. You can also look at the phonetic transcription and use that to help you.
Of course, the option to listen to a recording of the word is often available and this may be of great use to you to do some drilling. Play the word, pronounce it yourself, and play the word again.
Remember, the goal of this step is to determine the pronunciation rules in English of the misunderstood word. Be sure to provide yourself with as much research on the word as possible.
3rd & 4th steps: Do Test Runs
After spending time with the word, it’s time to test it with yourself and others. In step 3, use the word with people you are close to such as good friends or a teacher to see if they understand you well.
Check out Voice Message Speaking Practice for flexible, 1:1 speaking support with your speaking anywhere, anytime including feedback to support continued pronunciation improvement.
For step 4, start using the word with a larger variety of people, such as those you have just met.
Both of these steps should be completed on numerous occasions and evaluated afterward. If the misunderstanding continues, go back to step 2 to evaluate the word in the dictionary in further detail. Pay attention to whether the misunderstanding tends to be a specific word or a group of words together.
5th step: Maintain Your knowledge
The last step in your pronunciation plan is to keep this plan going long-term. Because these are words that are important to you to use often in conversation, you will be more motivated to practice these words on a regular basis which is good news for you!
You are figuring out your own pronunciation rules in English in order to help others understand you better and help you understand them better too. The more you keep using these words, the better you’ll remember what you’ve learned.
Final Thoughts
Combining established pronunciation rules with your way of speaking is not always easy. It takes patience, practice, self-compassion, and belief in yourself, and it’s worth it to help you have more relaxing conversations. By focusing on improving your pronunciation, you’re setting yourself up for a more enjoyable experience where you’re understood without difficulty and you can understand others more easily too.
What word will you focus on first?
