Turning sound into meaningful words and phrases:

– Using one word at a time, find several variations with inflection and tone.

I.E. “Well” as a question, an exclamation, or a drama.

“Oh”, “Please”, “Sit down”, “Help me!” all with drama and exclamation.

– Practice with words and phrases that are common to you. Use a tape recorder to explore the options.

– Turn phrases into longer sentences. Describe a step-by-step procedure (recipe changing a tire )

– Tell a children’s story and explore your energy, freedom and animation.

– Avoid “motor mouth”. Keep a natural speed and rhythm and pay attention to punctuation.

*** Feel the onset of the breath from the abdominal. Keep the throat and jaw relaxed. Explore the natural inflection and meaning of each phrase. Use punctuation to let each phrase release and then pause for breath.

 

Tips for Dictation and Accent Reduction
LISTEN, LISTEN AND LISTEN SOME MORE!!!

– Identify the sounds, words and phrases that are difficult.

– Typical difficulties in English are the consonants: th, r, v, w.

– Typical difficulties are the diphthong vowel sounds: ay, oy, ow, oh.

– When a difficult sound or group of sounds is identified, then practice drills that contain those sounds. Use a tape recorder to record yourself and hear yourself back.

Sentences to practice:

– Wear you hair with care.

– There is room in the rear of the refrigerator.

– Is he a hearer or a listener?

– Think on this, that, and the other thing.

– Three thousand thirty three thimbles.

– The clothing is made of cloth.

– Bathe yourself in the bath thoroughly.

– The wine from the vine is very fine.

– There is a horror in the mirror.

– Poor Muriel was immured with the neurotic McClure.

– Six thick thistle sticks.

– Biscuit mixers.

– A critical cricket critic.

– Sixty six sickly chicks.

Once you have identified a problem sound and have learned how to form the sound and say the word correctly, then you must rehearse it until it becomes your habit.

– Choose four words or phrases each day and practice them constantly.

– Listen to tapes on books, videos, radio, television. Working with a tape recorder, imitate the sounds and the rhythmic pattern of the speech.

– Spend time every day reading out loud.

– Take every opportunity to practice.

– Read poetry and memorize it.

– Find speakers to listen to and then imitate them.

*** LISTEN! IMITATE! REHEARSE! MEMORIZE! HABITUALIZE!

Interacting with the audience is another aspect of speaking that makes for a more memerable, enjoyable and worth while experience.

• getting listeners activily involved
• tricks, games
• listening tests, jokes,