Sorry, this page is no longer available
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Francis Carlisle: Last Minute English

Are you looking to improve your English pronunciation and speak with an authentic British accent?

Welcome to English Pronunciation - Complete Guide to English Speaking.

This course is perfect for English learners who want to achieve perfect English pronunciation in their English speaking.

The course is suitable for all levels of English pronunciation learners, from beginners to advanced.

Step 1: Phonemes

We'll start from the beginning and teach you the correct mouth positions for English phonemes.

Read more

Are you looking to improve your English pronunciation and speak with an authentic British accent?

Welcome to English Pronunciation - Complete Guide to English Speaking.

This course is perfect for English learners who want to achieve perfect English pronunciation in their English speaking.

The course is suitable for all levels of English pronunciation learners, from beginners to advanced.

Step 1: Phonemes

We'll start from the beginning and teach you the correct mouth positions for English phonemes.

This way, you can learn how to say difficult words in a British accent with perfect English pronunciation. Your English speaking will never have been better.

For each vowel and consonant sound in English pronunciation, I'll teach you: 

  • The correct mouth position for your English speaking

  • Spelling rules for that sound

  • Longer words to practice the English pronunciation for that sound

  • Listening practice so you can identify the sound easily from a British accent

  • Reading a passage together for extra practice of that sound in your English speaking

Summary: You'll know exactly how to pronounce each sound correctly, and when to use them.

Step 2: English pronunciation improvement

We will see some common English pronunciation problems that people have and you'll learn the correct skills to avoid those English pronunciation mistakes in your English speaking.

These include: 

  • Words that are difficult to say correctly - e.g. definitely; mischievous; stomach

  • Words that look the same but sound different (heteronyms) e.g. lead and lead; excuse and excuse

Summary: After this section, your English pronunciation will be so accurate that you'll want to practice English speaking all day.

Step 3: British accent training

We'll learn the best ways to make your English pronunciation sound very natural with a British accent.

We will be learning the RP (Received Pronunciation) accent, which is considered the most 'British' and most correct accent for English speaking.

It's the accent that you've heard in movies like Harry Potter and shows like Downton Abbey and Bridgerton - so if you want your English speaking to sound like that, don't miss this section.

These British accent methods include:

  • End many words with schwa sound, not strong ‘r’ sound e.g. mother

  • Long ‘aaaah’ sound in words like ‘class, bath’ in British accent

  • Pronounce ‘tt’ as ‘tt’ (not ‘dd’ like Americans. )

  • Stewpid vs Stoopid – RP British accent uses ‘you’ sound

  • Pronounce the middle ‘r’ in words like ‘very’ as a ‘d’ (vedy good)

  • Summary: After this section, you'll sound like you were born in the nice part of London. Your English speaking is certain to improve.

Step 4: English pronunciation mastery

We'll learn some high-level ways to make your English speaking even more natural sounding, by connecting your speech.

Connected speech is a great way to make your English pronunciation more authentic when you are practicing your English speaking. 

And we'll practice passages together so you can be as confident as possible when using your new perfect English pronunciation.  

We'll learn the following methods of making your English pronunciation more connected: 

  • Contractions

  • Gemination

  • Catenation

  • Assimilation

  • Intrusion

Summary: After this section, you'll be able to say long passages fluently just as a native speaker would during your English speaking.

By the end of the course, you'll have the tools you need to perfect your English pronunciation and speak with confidence like a native English speaker with a natural British accent.

Start improving your English pronunciation today. Let's get started.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • You'll learn perfect english pronunciation
  • You'll learn the different sounds (phonemes) in english pronunciation
  • You'll learn how to connect your speech accurately to sound more natural in your english pronunciation
  • You'll learn how to develop a british rp accent in your english pronunciation so that your english speaking is better than ever

Syllabus

You'll learn the most important sounds to make your English pronunciation perfect for your English Speaking
Welcome to the Course!
App & Ape - /æ/ /eɪ/ - British English Pronunciation
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on Received Pronunciation (RP), which is often considered a standard and prestigious accent, making it useful for learners aiming for formal or professional contexts
Covers connected speech, which is essential for understanding and producing natural-sounding English, helping learners move beyond textbook English
Includes sections on common pronunciation problems and difficult words, directly addressing challenges faced by many English language learners
Teaches mouth positions for phonemes, which provides a foundational understanding of English pronunciation suitable for beginners
Includes practice passages, which allows learners to apply their knowledge in a practical context and improve fluency
Features sample videos from other courses, which may distract learners from the core focus of English pronunciation

Save this course

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

Reviews summary

Complete guide to british rp pronunciation

According to students, this course offers a systematic approach to mastering English pronunciation, with a specific focus on the British RP accent. Many learners report a noticeable improvement in their clarity and confidence when speaking English. The breakdown of individual phonemes is highlighted as particularly helpful, although some suggest that achieving a native-like accent still requires significant practice beyond the course material. Overall, it's considered a valuable resource for those aiming to refine their pronunciation.
Specific training targets the Received Pronunciation accent.
"I specifically wanted to learn the RP accent, and this course delivered exactly what it promised in that regard."
"If you are looking for the Queen's English, this course is spot on. It dives deep into RP specific sounds and intonation."
"It's important to know this course focuses solely on RP, which was perfect for me, but might not suit everyone."
"The emphasis on the RP accent nuances was exactly what I needed to refine my speech."
Instructor is clear, knowledgeable, and easy to follow.
"The instructor's explanations are very clear, and his own pronunciation is a perfect example to follow."
"He makes complex concepts easy to understand and motivates you to keep practicing."
"I found the instructor's voice and teaching style very engaging throughout the lessons."
"His passion for the subject really comes through, making the learning experience enjoyable."
Course breaks down sounds clearly and methodically.
"I really appreciate the step-by-step approach starting with individual sounds before moving on to more complex topics. It's very logical."
"The way the course explains each phoneme and its mouth position helped me finally understand sounds I struggled with for years."
"Learning the sounds methodically made it less overwhelming than trying to grasp everything at once. Very well structured."
"This method of starting with phonemes is the best way to build a strong foundation for correct pronunciation."
Many students feel their pronunciation improved.
"After taking this course, my friends and colleagues commented on how much clearer my English pronunciation has become."
"I feel much more confident speaking now. The exercises helped me correct long-standing pronunciation errors."
"This course genuinely helped me reduce my foreign accent and sound more natural."
"My ability to distinguish between similar sounds and pronounce them correctly has greatly improved."
Requires significant self-practice outside lectures.
"The course content is excellent, but you really need to put in a lot of personal practice time to see results."
"While the explanations are great, I wish there were more interactive exercises or opportunities for feedback."
"Just watching the videos isn't enough; consistent daily practice following the methods is key to improving."
"The course gives you the tools, but becoming fluent or achieving a perfect accent is a journey that extends well beyond."

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 English Pronunciation - Complete Guide to English Speaking with these activities:
Review Phonetics Fundamentals
Solidify your understanding of basic phonetics to better grasp the nuances of English phonemes.
Browse courses on phonetics
Show steps
  • Review the IPA chart and its symbols.
  • Practice transcribing simple words.
  • Listen to audio examples of different phonemes.
Review 'English Pronunciation in Use'
Supplement your learning with a structured textbook on English pronunciation.
Show steps
  • Read the introductory chapters on phonetics.
  • Complete the exercises related to specific phonemes.
  • Use the audio materials to practice pronunciation.
Shadowing Native Speakers
Improve your pronunciation and accent by mimicking native English speakers.
Show steps
  • Find audio or video clips of native British English speakers.
  • Listen to a short segment and repeat it immediately.
  • Focus on matching the speaker's intonation and rhythm.
  • Record yourself and compare your pronunciation.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Record Yourself Speaking
Identify areas for improvement by recording and analyzing your own speech.
Show steps
  • Choose a short passage in British English.
  • Record yourself reading the passage.
  • Listen to the recording and identify areas where your pronunciation differs from native speakers.
  • Focus on correcting those specific sounds or patterns.
Explore 'Accents of English'
Gain a broader understanding of English accents and their variations.
Show steps
  • Read the chapter on Received Pronunciation (RP).
  • Compare RP with other accents described in the book.
  • Identify the key features that distinguish RP from other accents.
Explore YouTube Channels
Refine your pronunciation skills by following online tutorials and lessons.
Show steps
  • Search for YouTube channels focused on British English pronunciation.
  • Watch videos on specific phonemes or pronunciation challenges.
  • Practice the exercises and techniques demonstrated in the videos.
Practice with a Language Partner
Improve your fluency and accuracy by practicing with a fellow learner.
Show steps
  • Find a language partner who is also learning British English pronunciation.
  • Practice speaking with each other, focusing on specific sounds or patterns.
  • Provide each other with feedback on pronunciation and accent.

Career center

Learners who complete English Pronunciation - Complete Guide to English Speaking will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Accent Coach
An accent coach helps individuals modify or adopt a particular accent. If you are looking to guide others in achieving a specific accent, you may find this course helpful. The course provides comprehensive training in British Received Pronunciation. Such training will help you teach others the nuances of this accent. The course also covers common pronunciation problems and provides methods for improving overall speech clarity. As an accent coach, you'll be able to leverage this knowledge to help your clients achieve their desired accent goals.
English Language Teacher
An English Language Teacher helps non-native speakers learn English. This course, focusing on English pronunciation and speaking with an authentic British accent, is beneficial for anyone looking to improve their own pronunciation skills. A solid understanding of phonemes and common pronunciation problems helps an English Language Teacher provide targeted instruction. Moreover, this course covers methods for connecting speech, which leads to more natural-sounding English, and will help you teach others to improve their fluency.
Dialogue Coach
Dialogue coaches work with actors to help them deliver their lines convincingly, often focusing on accent and pronunciation. This course on English pronunciation helps you develop the skills necessary to guide actors in mastering a British accent. The course provides a deep dive into phonemes, pronunciation rules, and common mistakes. As a dialogue coach, you will be able to use this knowledge to assist actors in achieving authenticity in their roles. Detailed instruction in Received Pronunciation will be helpful in coaching performers.
Language Tutor
Language tutors provide personalized instruction to students learning a new language. This course, focusing on improving English pronunciation and achieving a British accent, may be useful if you wish to tutor students in English as a Second Language (ESL). The course's detailed coverage of phonemes, pronunciation rules, and common mistakes are useful in providing targeted instruction. Moreover, the course includes techniques for connecting speech, which can help you guide students in enhancing their fluency.
Voice Actor
Voice actors provide voices for animations, commercials, audiobooks, and other media. For a voice actor, clear pronunciation and accent control are essential. This course helps you develop a precise British accent. You'll learn the correct mouth positions for English phonemes and practice techniques for connected speech, enhancing your ability to deliver authentic and engaging performances. The detailed attention to British Received Pronunciation can set you apart in a field where versatility and accuracy are highly valued.
ESL Materials Developer
An ESL materials developer creates resources for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. This course, with its focus on English pronunciation and British Received Pronunciation (RP), is beneficial when crafting effective and accurate learning materials. Understanding the correct mouth positions for phonemes and common pronunciation errors is key to designing targeted exercises. Insights into connected speech and accent nuances from the course will help you produce authentic and engaging resources for ESL students. The course will help you craft materials focused on British English.
Voice-Over Artist
Voice over artists provide narration for commercials, documentaries, e-learning modules, and other audio-visual projects. A voice over artist needs clear and engaging pronunciation. This course provides comprehensive training in English pronunciation, with a particular focus on developing a British Received Pronunciation accent. By mastering the correct mouth positions for phonemes and learning techniques for connected speech, you'll enhance your ability to deliver professional and polished voice over performances.
Foreign Language Dubbing Artist
A foreign language dubbing artist replaces the original dialogue of a film or television show with a translated version, matching lip movements and conveying the intended emotion. Excellent pronunciation and accent control are essential to success in this role. This course provides a foundation in authentic British Received Pronunciation (RP), helping you deliver convincing performances when dubbing English-language content. As RP is often considered a prestigious dialect, you can use it to portray characters with a certain social status.
Speech Therapist
Speech therapists assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders. This course might be useful in helping you understand the nuances of English pronunciation, particularly regarding the British accent. The focus on phonemes and common pronunciation problems supplies theoretical and practical knowledge. The course also covers techniques for connected speech. Speech therapists often hold a master's degree and certification.
Communications Trainer
Communications trainers help individuals improve their communication skills, including public speaking, presentation skills, and interpersonal communication. This course on English pronunciation may be useful in helping you provide targeted feedback and guidance on improving speech clarity and accent. The focus on phonemes, pronunciation rules, and common mistakes helps offer learners practical strategies. The study of British Received Pronunciation offers trainers useful knowledge for learners focused on that accent.
Linguist
Linguists study language, its structure, and its evolution. This course on English pronunciation may be useful if you wish to deepen your understanding of phonetics and phonology. By learning the correct mouth positions for English phonemes and exploring common pronunciation challenges, you'll gain insights into the complexities of spoken English. Moreover, the course's focus on British Received Pronunciation can provide a valuable case study in accent variation and standardization. Those with advanced degrees often find themselves researching and teaching.
Podcast Host
Podcast hosts create and present audio content on various topics. Clear and articulate English pronunciation is important when communicating effectively with listeners. If you host a podcast, this course helps you refine your English pronunciation and develop a British accent. The course focuses on phonemes, common pronunciation problems, and techniques for connecting speech, which will help you sound more natural and engaging. As your English pronunciation improves, your audience will be more receptive to your content.
Public Speaker
Public speakers deliver presentations and speeches to a variety of audiences. Clear and engaging pronunciation is essential for effective communication. This course focuses on improving English pronunciation and developing a British accent, which can add a touch of sophistication to your speaking style. You'll learn the correct mouth positions for English phonemes, how to avoid common pronunciation mistakes, and techniques for connecting your speech to sound more natural. Developing skills in British Received Pronunciation may help you connect with audiences.
Speech Writer
Speech writers craft speeches for individuals in various fields, including politics, business, and entertainment. While writing a speech does not involve speaking, understanding phonetics, pronunciation, and speech patterns can help you craft speeches that are more persuasive. This course, focusing on English pronunciation and British Received Pronunciation, may be useful to writing a speech that sounds natural. Though not strictly required, advanced degrees may make you more competitive.
Interpreter
Interpreters facilitate communication between individuals who speak different languages. Though centered on English, this language course may be useful to becoming an interpreter. The course focuses on improving English pronunciation and even achieving a British accent. While this will not teach you another language, fluency in a language is one of the basic requirements of being an interpreter. The course's detail in how to connect speech when speaking may also be useful.

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 English Pronunciation - Complete Guide to English Speaking.
Provides a comprehensive guide to English pronunciation, covering individual sounds, stress patterns, and intonation. It valuable resource for learners of all levels, offering clear explanations and practical exercises. The book is particularly helpful for understanding the nuances of British English pronunciation, which is the focus of this course. It can be used as a reference text throughout the course.
Provides a detailed overview of various English accents around the world, including Received Pronunciation (RP). While broader in scope than the course, it offers valuable context and helps learners understand the variations within English pronunciation. It is useful for learners who want to understand the broader context of English accents. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.

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