We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Pauline Midwinter

This course is mostly video lectures, so you can pause and rewatch, copying and repeating the sounds as often as you like. This means that you can use this course even if you've never had a voice lesson before. It is aimed at adults with good reading ability of the English language, but who might struggle with pronouncing some of the words they are fully able to read. This can be useful if you're attending an English-speaking workplace or school but struggle to be understood. Throughout the course you will:

Read more

This course is mostly video lectures, so you can pause and rewatch, copying and repeating the sounds as often as you like. This means that you can use this course even if you've never had a voice lesson before. It is aimed at adults with good reading ability of the English language, but who might struggle with pronouncing some of the words they are fully able to read. This can be useful if you're attending an English-speaking workplace or school but struggle to be understood. Throughout the course you will:

  • Learn how to produce RP sounds
  • Practice good breathing and vocal production techniques
  • Find links to word lists to create your own practice materials
  • Experiment with intonation and emphasis in an English manner

I have a clear, friendly English voice. My accent is very slight, you may or may not be able to hear that I grew up in the south of England (Dorset), then moved to Suffolk, then Essex, then Kent, then Suffolk. Generally people find my voice to be quite neutral. You will be able to listen to me explain the sounds and reproduce them easily. The words and sentences are in the resources and you can add to them by following the links. You might have watched other videos and struggled with being able to reproduce the sound yourself, this course will help you to make those sounds yourself. This course is

  • Suitable for complete beginners to work towards changing their accent
  • Great for a refresher if you've previously had voice lessons

So if you are able to read English well, but become easily frustrated when people cannot understand you, try this course to iron out those difficult sounds.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand received pronunciation's history, consider its future and know why it is a useful common ground today
  • Use forward voice - the place that english people use to produce the majority of their vowel and consonant sounds
  • Create received pronunciation sounds, words and sentences by listening and repeating
  • Warm up your voice in a safe and measured way
  • Demonstrate appropriate techniques for breathing in an efficient manner
  • Listen to some examples of different emphasis and think about the meanings
  • Think about intonation in a sentence to give the right impression

Syllabus

Create received pronunciation sounds
Received Pronunciation - An Introduction

Try these contentious words :)

Think about why breathing is so important for vocal exercises. Try some exercises with Pauline then on your own. Practice them regularly to increase capacity and strength. Review with some extra exercises to try alone.

Read more

Here we will use those full lungs to warm up the vocal chords without damaging them. Pauline will teach you how to gently and safely warm up your voice before using it. This is really useful for many areas of your life! Pauline will also teach you some strengthening exercises.

Review everything we have learned in the preceding lecture.

The majority of Received Pronunciation is at the front of the mouth. Using forward voice is a skill that can be learned! Use these exercises to bring and keep the voice forward!

Pauline will go through long, short, semi and diphthongal vowel sounds in isolation. She'll then put them into words, then sentences, then tongue twisters.

The oooh sound in isolation, in words and in sentences for you to listen to and repeat.

The or sound in isolation, in words and in sentences.

The diphthongal ay sound in isolation, in words and in sentences.

The long I in isolation, in words and in sentences.

A as in cat, in isolation, in words and in sentences. Keep the mouth really open wide for this sound!

The short 'u' sound in a few words and sentences.

Here we'll look at plosive and fricative consonants in detail, as they are the most important for RP. We will use them in isolation, in words, sentences and tongue twisters.

In this lecture we'll examine two different sorts of sentence - questions and statements. Using the incorrect intonation can detract from RP, so let's get them right!

Here you will find links to places where you can hear good examples of RP to emulate.

An article written by Pauline about the future of RP. Is it going to remain relevant?

Here Pauline draws together everything we've learned and points you in the right direction from here onwards.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on Received Pronunciation, which is often perceived as a standard accent in professional settings and can improve clarity and understanding
Includes vocal warm-up exercises, which are useful for public speaking, performance, and general vocal health, benefiting learners beyond accent modification
Requires learners to have good reading ability in English, which may exclude learners who are primarily focused on improving conversational skills
Emphasizes listening and repeating, which is a proven method for language acquisition and accent modification, making it accessible to visual and auditory learners
Explores intonation and emphasis, which are crucial elements of effective communication and can significantly impact how one is perceived by others
Provides links to external resources for practice materials, which requires learners to be proactive in supplementing the course content

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Elocution - learn british rp production

According to students, this course offers a solid foundation in British Received Pronunciation. Learners frequently praise the instructor's clear instruction and the effective exercises, particularly for breathing and vocal production, which aid in producing the specific RP sounds. Many find it excellent for beginners looking to change or refine their accent. While the detailed focus on individual sounds is appreciated, students note that consistent personal practice outside the video lectures is crucial for achieving fluency and embedding the techniques learned.
Consistent self-study is necessary.
"You really need to put in the practice time on your own after the lectures to see results."
"Improvement depends heavily on repeating the exercises and sounds consistently."
"Success with this course requires consistent effort outside of just watching the videos."
Covers various vowel and consonant sounds.
"I appreciated the detailed breakdown of individual vowel and diphthong sounds."
"Learning the plosive and fricative consonants in detail was very helpful."
"The focus on specific sounds and putting them into words and sentences was great."
Provides a solid starting point for RP.
"This course is perfect if you are just starting your journey into learning RP."
"It gives a great foundation for understanding and producing the core sounds of RP."
"As someone new to elocution, I found this course very helpful and not overwhelming."
Exercises help practice RP sounds.
"The breathing and vocal exercises were particularly useful for preparing to practice the sounds."
"Practicing the individual sounds with the instructor in the videos felt very effective."
"I feel the exercises really helped me improve my pronunciation and voice control."
Instructor's teaching style is praised.
"The instructor has a very clear voice and explains things well, making it easy to follow."
"Her teaching style makes learning RP accessible and understandable even for complex sounds."
"I found the explanations easy to grasp, and the video format helps a lot."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Elocution - learn British Received Pronunciation production with these activities:
Review Phonetics Fundamentals
Strengthen your understanding of basic phonetics to better grasp the nuances of RP sounds.
Browse courses on phonetics
Show steps
  • Review the IPA chart and its symbols.
  • Practice transcribing simple words using IPA.
  • Identify the articulatory features of different sounds.
Watch RP Pronunciation Tutorials on YouTube
Refine your pronunciation by following online tutorials that demonstrate RP sounds.
Show steps
  • Search for reputable RP pronunciation tutorials on YouTube.
  • Follow along with the tutorials, practicing the sounds and words.
  • Pay attention to the mouth movements and tongue positions demonstrated.
  • Take notes on any new information or tips.
Read 'Accents of English' by J.C. Wells
Gain a deeper understanding of RP by exploring its place among other English accents.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters focusing on Received Pronunciation.
  • Compare and contrast RP with other accents described in the book.
  • Take notes on the key phonetic features of RP.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
RP Sound Repetition Drills
Reinforce your ability to produce RP sounds through focused repetition exercises.
Show steps
  • Select a list of RP-specific words and phrases.
  • Record yourself pronouncing the words and phrases.
  • Compare your pronunciation to native RP speakers.
  • Repeat the process, focusing on areas for improvement.
Record Yourself Speaking in RP
Practice and refine your RP pronunciation by recording and analyzing your own speech.
Show steps
  • Choose a short passage or monologue in English.
  • Record yourself reading the passage in RP.
  • Listen back to the recording and identify areas for improvement.
  • Re-record the passage, focusing on correcting errors.
Read 'The Cambridge Handbook of Phonetics'
Deepen your understanding of the science behind RP sounds with a comprehensive phonetics handbook.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Focus on chapters related to articulatory and acoustic phonetics.
  • Relate the concepts to the specific sounds of RP.
  • Use the book as a reference for understanding complex phonetic terms.
Help Others with RP Pronunciation
Solidify your knowledge by helping others learn RP pronunciation.
Show steps
  • Find someone who is interested in learning RP.
  • Share what you have learned in the course and through other activities.
  • Provide feedback and encouragement.
  • Answer questions and address any difficulties they may be having.

Career center

Learners who complete Elocution - learn British Received Pronunciation production will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Voice Actor
A voice actor provides voices for animated characters, commercials, audiobooks, and more. This course helps you develop a standard British accent, which some clients may desire. The course focuses on Received Pronunciation, a specific accent and dialect that is traditionally associated with educated speakers of English in Britain. This course will help voice actors who wish to diversify their vocal range and appeal to a broader market, including those seeking a neutral, easily understood British accent. Learning to produce RP sounds, practice vocal techniques, and experiment with intonation are all pertinent skills for a voice actor. As the course is aimed at adults with good reading ability of the English language, this will prepare you to work with scripts and improve enunciation.
Accent Reduction Coach
An accent reduction coach helps individuals modify their accents to speak with greater clarity or adopt a different accent. This course on British Received Pronunciation provides a solid foundation for teaching others how to speak with a British accent. The course’s detailed instruction on producing RP sounds, practicing vocal techniques, and experimenting with intonation can be directly applied to coaching clients. The video lectures in this course will be useful for you during your coaching sessions. By mastering Received Pronunciation, an accent reduction coach can effectively guide clients in achieving their desired accent goals. A coach will be able to help those who have difficulty with pronunciation.
Dialogue Coach
A dialogue coach works with actors to help them achieve a specific accent, dialect, or vocal delivery for a role. As a dialogue coach, this course on British Received Pronunciation will give you the tools to teach actors how to speak with this prestigious accent. The course's detailed instruction on producing RP sounds, practicing vocal techniques, and experimenting with intonation provides a strong foundation for teaching others. The video lectures will be helpful for you when teaching others. By understanding the nuances of Received Pronunciation, especially for those who struggle with pronunciation, a future dialogue coach can help many actors.
Audiobook Narrator
An audiobook narrator records and performs the text of a book for listeners. This course on British Received Pronunciation can help you develop a clear, articulate, and engaging voice for narration. The course emphasizes good breathing and vocal production techniques, which are essential for sustaining performance over long periods. By learning how to produce RP sounds, you can refine your pronunciation and ensure that the story is easily understood. The course also covers intonation and emphasis, enabling you to bring characters and scenes to life through your voice. The course is aimed at adults with good reading ability of the English language.
Broadcast Journalist
A broadcast journalist reports news and information through television, radio, or online media. This course on British Received Pronunciation can help you develop a clear, authoritative, and professional speaking voice. The course emphasizes good breathing and vocal production techniques, which are essential for engaging viewers and listeners. By learning how to produce RP sounds, you can refine your pronunciation and ensure that your message is easily understood. The course also covers intonation and emphasis, allowing you to add nuance and credibility to your reporting. Learning to create Received Pronunciation sounds, words and sentences by listening and repeating will develop your skills.
English Teacher
An English teacher instructs students in the English language, literature, and composition. This course may be useful for English teachers who want to improve their own pronunciation or teach their students about different English accents. This course focuses on Received Pronunciation, a specific accent and dialect that is traditionally associated with educated speakers of English in Britain. Understanding the nuances of Received Pronunciation, including how to produce RP sounds and how to practice good breathing and vocal production techniques, allows teachers to become more qualified. In addition, the course may improve the way that an English teacher speaks, helping students understand them better.
Public Speaker
A public speaker delivers speeches and presentations to various audiences. This course on British Received Pronunciation can help you develop a clear, confident, and articulate speaking voice. The course emphasizes good breathing and vocal production techniques, which are essential for engaging an audience and projecting effectively. By learning how to produce RP sounds, you can refine your pronunciation and ensure that your message is easily understood. The course also covers intonation and emphasis, allowing you to add nuance and impact to your delivery. This can be especially helpful if you struggle with the sounds of English when speaking to a wide variety of people.
Podcaster
A podcaster creates and hosts audio or video programs for online distribution. This course on British Received Pronunciation can help podcasters develop a clear, engaging, and professional speaking voice. The course emphasizes good breathing and vocal production techniques, which are essential for capturing and maintaining listeners' attention. By learning how to produce RP sounds, you can refine your pronunciation and ensure that your message is easily understood. The course also covers intonation and emphasis, allowing you to add nuance and impact to your delivery. This can be especially helpful if you are easily frustrated when people cannot understand you.
Call Center Operator
A call center operator handles inbound and outbound calls, providing information and assistance to customers. This course focusing on British Received Pronunciation may be useful for developing a clear and professional speaking voice. The course emphasizes good breathing and vocal production techniques, which are essential for effective communication. By learning how to produce RP sounds, you can begin to refine your pronunciation and ensure that your message is easily understood. The course also covers intonation and emphasis, which allows you to add nuance and clarity to your interactions with callers. The course may be useful for those who are at an English-speaking workplace and may struggle to be understood.
Customer Service Representative
A customer service representative interacts directly with customers to provide support, answer questions, and resolve issues. This course focused on British Received Pronunciation can help you develop a clear and professional speaking voice. The course emphasizes good breathing and vocal production techniques, which are essential for effective communication. By learning how to produce RP sounds, you can refine your pronunciation and ensure that your message is easily understood. The course also covers intonation and emphasis, allowing you to add nuance and clarity to your interactions with customers. This can be especially helpful if you are at an English-speaking workplace and may struggle to be understood.
Tour Guide
A tour guide leads groups of people on tours, providing information and insights about a particular location or attraction. This course on British Received Pronunciation can help you develop a clear and engaging speaking voice. The course emphasizes good breathing and vocal production techniques, which are essential for projecting your voice and keeping your audience interested. By learning how to produce RP sounds, you can refine your pronunciation and ensure that your commentary is easily understood. The course also covers intonation and emphasis, allowing you to add nuance and personality to your presentations. The course may be useful for those who struggle with pronunciation.
Translator
A translator converts written or spoken content from one language to another. While this course focuses on pronunciation rather than language skills, it will aid translators who need to produce voiceovers or recordings in English. This course focuses on Received Pronunciation, a specific accent and dialect that is traditionally associated with educated speakers of English in Britain. By mastering the nuances of Received Pronunciation, including how to produce RP sounds and how to practice good breathing and vocal production techniques, translators can offer professional, high-quality voice work. The course is aimed at adults with good reading ability of the English language. The course may be useful for those who struggle to be understood.
Interpreter
An interpreter converts spoken language from one language to another in real-time. This course, focusing on British Received Pronunciation, may be useful for interpreters who want to refine their English pronunciation and clarity. The course emphasizes good breathing and vocal production techniques, which are essential for effective communication. By learning how to produce RP sounds, you can refine your pronunciation and ensure that your message is easily understood. The course also covers intonation and emphasis, allowing you to add nuance and clarity to your delivery. The course may be helpful for those who are at an English-speaking workplace and struggle to be understood.
Speech Therapist
A speech therapist assesses, diagnoses, and treats communication and swallowing disorders. This course on British Received Pronunciation may be useful for speech therapists who want to deepen their understanding of accents and dialects. This course focuses on Received Pronunciation, a specific accent and dialect that is traditionally associated with educated speakers of English in Britain. Understanding the nuances of Received Pronunciation, including how to produce RP sounds and how to experiment with intonation, can enhance a speech therapist's ability to work with clients who wish to learn or modify their accents. The course may be a great refresher if you've previously had voice lessons.
Video Game Designer
A video game designer creates and develops the various elements of video games. This course may be useful for designers who are involved in creating characters or narratives that require a British accent. The course focuses on Received Pronunciation, a specific accent and dialect that is traditionally associated with educated speakers of English in Britain. The course is mostly video lectures, so you can pause and rewatch, copying and repeating the sounds as often as you like. This can be useful for those who struggle to be understood. The course also covers intonation and emphasis.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Elocution - learn British Received Pronunciation production.
Provides a comprehensive overview of various English accents, including Received Pronunciation. It delves into the phonetic details of RP and its variations. It valuable resource for understanding the broader context of RP within the English language family. This book is often used as a textbook in phonetics and linguistics courses.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser