English Pronunciation

English pronunciation encompasses much more than proficiency in producing individual sounds.

Among other things, we have to consider rhythm, intonation, stress, contractions, linking sounds, pauses, and voice placement as well.

These all affect your ability to speak clearly in English.

If your native language is syllable timed rather than stress timed, or if it has a range of vowel and consonant sounds that are not replicated in English, then it's likely that you'll find English pronunciation challenging!

However, I firmly believe that everyone, regardless of age or starting point, can learn to speak English clearly.

Let's talk a bit about accents because everyone speaks English with an accent. I do, and you will too. My aim is not to remove your accent completely (unless you want me to help you change to another one) but rather to soften your accent so you can be clearly understood in any situation.

I prefer the term 'accent softening' to 'accent reduction' because my role is to help you speak more clearly, and not to erase your cultural identity. Everyone speaks with an accent and most people can be understood so it's not a question of reducing your accent. It's a matter of making sure that people can understand you.

Very early on in my accounting career, I worked for a multinational film company where English was the lingua franca. My international colleagues all spoke English fluently yet many retained traces of their native accents. It really didn't matter because they could be understood perfectly.

That's my aim for you and your pronunciation.

This page is under construction. Keep checking back for more details.

I offer all seriously interested clients a free 30-minute video consultation.  We'll meet in Zoom, chat, and make a plan.