Lisa’s Blog
Tips, insights, and updates
English Vowels – Pronunciation Test
Check your knowledge of American English vowel sounds by taking this test In the chart below, read the words in each line. Decide which word (A, B, C, or D) is pronounced with a different vowel sound from the other three words. If you think that all four words are...
Speak English with a more powerful voice
A lot of my students struggle with various voice issues. All of these issues can prevent you from speaking English clearly and may make your foreign accent even stronger. For example: Speaking too fast Speaking with a weak voice Breathing incorrectly Mumbling (not...
Why English Is So Hard
If the plural of tooth is teeth, shouldn't the plural of booth be beeth? The English language has a lot of helpful rules in place that have developed over hundreds of years. This poem demonstrates the challenges of learning English. So many exceptions to the rules....
Is Your Foreign Name Easy to Pronounce?
Many of my foreign-born students have names that are difficult for native speakers of English to pronounce. Some of them decide to change their name to a similar sounding English name, and others prefer to keep their original name and just accept the fact that they...
American vowels and good word stress
Watch this student from India. He's been practicing with my American Accent teaching materials. He just sent me this video. I am impressed. He sounds like he lives in the United States. Don't you agree?He is stressing the words well, speaking clearly and pronouncing...
How does your accent sound?
This student from Brazil practiced his American accent by watching my YouTube lessons. Great job, Wagner! I want to see more videos from you guys. If I think your accent sounds good, I will post your video here on my blog. First, view all...
The Rhythm and Melody of English
Here is a short exercise to help you with word stress and rhythm. First, here are some general rules:Stress key words (content words), which are generally nouns and verbs.In longer sentences, stress the last key word the most. Reduce prepositions, pronouns...
Too old to improve your accent?
Do you think you are too old to improve your accent? I sometimes get phone calls from people in their 30's and 40's who think they are too old to change their accents. No, you are not too old! I currently have three students in their 60's who...
Pronouncing American Names
My students sometimes struggle with knowing the correct pronunciation of American names. One of my students had a problem with the name of her boss, "Doug." She called him "dog" instead! Some names can be confusing because they are similar. For example:"Brett" and...