How
to Speak American English with Confidence
Proven accent reduction techniques No one is Telling You About
Washington, DC - Do you wonder why people don't always understand you when you speak, even though you have spent
years learning English? Do you feel shy or embarrassed when speaking in public because of your foreign accent? Are
you frustrated that people always ask you where you are from, instead of listening to what you have to say? Do you
avoid using certain words because you don't know how to pronounce them the American way? Are you tired of getting
noticed only because of the way you sound?
What if there was a way you could learn proven easy-to-follow techniques to speaking and pronouncing American
English? By the time you finish reading this article, you will know how to begin improving your American English
communication skills - so you can gain confidence and achieve greater personal and professional success.
American English pronunciation and accent acquisition are not generally publicized or specifically taught in
typical English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. The few programs that are available, such as private
instruction or lengthy formal classes, are either expensive, inconvenient or inaccessible. As a result, most
non-native American English speakers lack the awareness and specialized knowledge of how to successfully improve
their pronunciation and speaking skills.
With awareness, knowledge, and some guidance, you can speak American English with greater confidence. You will:
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Apply the pronunciation techniques that will help you acquire an American English
accent.
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Master American English sounds and
speech patterns that will make you sound more natural and comprehensible to American listeners. |
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Understand the
differences between written and spoken American English so that you speak like an American
would. |
So how can you achieve these goals? By distilling our years of experience teaching non-native American English
speakers from all over the world, we have found that you can master spoken American English by focusing on just
three success strategies. You need to:
1. Understand the American Sounds of
English
There are 26 letters in the English alphabet but in American English these letters can make
up to 52 different sounds. English spelling rules are complicated and the sound of a vowel or consonant depends on
its location in a word and the letters that surround it. By learning how to pronounce these sounds you can
effectively improve your American accent.
2. Use American English Word and Sentence Stress
American English pronunciation patterns are based on stress and intonation. One of the most
important things you can do to speak with an American accent is to use word and sentence stress correctly. The
correct use of syllable stress will greatly enhance your American English pronunciation.
3. Link Words and Reduce Phrases
In spoken American English some words are linked together and some words are reduced (e. g.
"Gimme" instead of "Give me"). By learning to use linking and reductions in everyday speech, you will sound more
natural and improve your American English accent significantly.
We've shown you how, using these three proven success strategies, you can successfully
upgrade your communication skills and gain greater speaking confidence. Now that you know about these strategies,
its time for you to act on this.
Confident Voice's quality collection of resources, knowledge and
comprehensive online courses will help you accelerate your progress. Unlike other
classes or programs, our courses combine the best proven class-room techniques
from experienced, credentialed teachers with the latest online learning
technologies. We offer you a convenient, affordable and effective
way to learn at your own pace and schedule, with as much guidance from us as you decide you
need.
Before You Do Anything Else...
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Take our Accent Quiz - Find out what your
score is and the best action plan for you
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Sign up for an online lesson taught by an experienced and
credentialed instructor - Learn and practice the concepts that will help you improve your American
English pronunciation
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by Susan Ryan, Chief Instructor, ConfidentVoice.com
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Confident Voice offers expert advice and learning programs for American English, American accent, and English
pronunciation.
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