more details about the American “fast D” sound

by | Feb 17, 2009 | Uncategorized

As I stated in a comment below, I didn’t have time to cover all of the details of the American T in the YouTube video. Here are some more facts: This fast “d” sound occurs when a T is between two vowels but it also sometimes occurs when the letter T...

my new YouTube video for the American T sound

by | Feb 13, 2009 | Uncategorized

I have just posted this video on YouTube to help you sound more American. The letter “T” is pronounced like a fast “D” sound when it’s between two vowels. Here are some examples of words: “better,” “city,”...

Speaking English faster to sound more American?

by | Feb 8, 2009 | Uncategorized

Usually this is not a good idea. Often speaking fast will make your accent sound stronger. Here’s why:There are specific rules that native speakers subconsciously follow when they speak quickly. If you don’t follow these rules your speech will be harder to...

American pronunciation of your foreign name

by | Jan 28, 2009 | Uncategorized

How do Americans pronounce your name? Do they struggle to say it? What name do you give when ordering coffee at Starbucks, your real name or an Americanized version?This is a common topic that comes up in my classes. Some of my students insist that Americans should...

free dowloads (response to a question)

by | Jan 19, 2009 | Uncategorized

A recent blog reader asked:”Do you know of any free downloads (listen and repeat type, if those exist)? I think those would help me a lot since I pronounce the individual words and short phrases really native-like but when I talk for a few minutes or say longer...