American English: Important Sounds for Perfect Pronunciation from Udemy

This course is designed for the high-intermediate to advanced English speaker who wants to improve their pronunciation of spoken English. It continues to build on concepts learned in the “5 Days to a Better Accent” course. While the "5 Days" course focused on the more rhythmic and melodic aspects of spoken English, this course focuses on individual sounds that can be problematic. The class was created specifically to target the most frequent and characteristic sounds of American English that are typically difficult and/or unknown for non-native English speakers: the schwa, ER, R colored vowels, R, short i, long e, L, ED endings, S, Z and S endings. Focusing on the most high frequency problematic sounds allows you to more quickly and effectively make changes in your pronunciation.

Included in the course is a 70 page downloadable workbook full of practice activities. You will be actively learning in this class. You will find auditory discrimination activities to train your ear to hear key sounds, practice with the International Phonetic Alphabet, and individualized practice. There are activities involving songs and video clips, popular sayings, jokes and American culture, so you will not only learn, but also enjoy your practice sessions. Words used in class examples are taken from English high frequency lists, so you will hear and speak words that you will likely use on a daily basis. In addition, your practice is personalized, using words from your own personal high frequency list, to make your training as relevant and effective as possible. Take the pre and post tests to hear the difference in your speech as a result of the course.

What's inside

Learning objective

Students will be able to correctly pronounce the following american english sounds: the schwa, er, r controlled vowels, r, short i, l, ed endings, s, z & s endings.

Syllabus

Introduction to Course

The Schwa

The Schwa Part 1- Review of Word Stress

The Schwa Part 2

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Builds upon concepts taught in the "5 Days to a Better Accent" course, which may be helpful for learners who have already taken that course

Includes a 70-page downloadable workbook with practice activities, which can help learners reinforce their understanding and improve their skills

Focuses on high-frequency problematic sounds, allowing learners to quickly and effectively improve their pronunciation in practical, everyday situations

Uses words from English high-frequency lists in class examples, ensuring learners hear and speak words they will likely use on a daily basis

Requires learners to have access to songs and video clips, popular sayings, jokes and American culture, which may require additional time and resources

Reviews summary

Mastering key american sounds

According to students, this course offers a highly focused approach to tackling specific, problematic sounds in American English, such as the schwa and R. Many found the included workbook and practical exercises extremely helpful for hands-on practice. Learners report seeing a noticeable improvement in their pronunciation and clarity after completing the course. While it is designed as a follow-up to a previous course, focusing deeply on individual sounds, it requires consistent, dedicated practice to achieve the best results. The clear explanations from the instructor are frequently praised.

Designed as continuation material.

"It definitely helps if you've taken the '5 Days' course first, but this one is great for diving deep into specific sounds."

"Although it builds on a previous course, it still provides valuable in-depth practice for these particular sounds."

"This course is a great next step after learning the basics of American English rhythm and stress."

Needs commitment outside lessons.

"You really need to put in the time practicing the sounds daily to see results."

"Success in this course depends heavily on your willingness to practice the exercises repeatedly."

"Merely watching the videos isn't enough; consistent daily practice is essential."

Instructor's teaching is easy to follow.

"The instructor breaks down complex sounds into simple, understandable steps."

"Explanations were very clear and the demonstrations helped me understand how to form the sounds."

"I felt the teaching style was encouraging and easy to learn from."

Engaging activities for real practice.

"The workbook activities were fantastic, made practicing the sounds much more engaging and effective."

"I found the exercises in the downloadable workbook to be highly practical and useful."

"Active practice through the provided materials is key to improving pronunciation."

Mastering specific, tricky sounds.

"The focus on sounds like the schwa and R was incredibly helpful, finally feel like I'm getting them right."

"This course targeted exactly the sounds I struggle with the most in American English."

"I appreciated the detailed breakdown of difficult sounds such as the L and ED endings."

Helps learners sound more natural.

"I've noticed a significant improvement in my pronunciation since taking this course, especially with word endings."

"My confidence in speaking American English has increased a lot after practicing these sounds."

"People have commented that my speech sounds clearer and more natural now."

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 American English: Important Sounds for Perfect Pronunciation with these activities:

Review IPA Symbols

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Familiarize yourself with the International Phonetic Alphabet to better understand the course's pronunciation lessons.

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Find an IPA chart online or in a textbook.
Review the symbols and their corresponding sounds.
Practice transcribing simple words using IPA.

Explore YouTube Pronunciation Channels

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Refine your skills by following online tutorials focused on American English pronunciation.

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Search for YouTube channels dedicated to American English pronunciation.
Watch videos that address the specific sounds covered in the course.
Practice the exercises and techniques demonstrated in the videos.

Read 'American Accent Training'

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Supplement your learning with a well-regarded book on American accent training.

View American Accent Training with Online Audio... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'American Accent Training'.
Work through the chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
Complete the exercises and practice the dialogues.

Four other activities

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Record and Compare Your Pronunciation

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Improve your pronunciation by recording yourself speaking and comparing it to native speakers.

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Find audio or video clips of native speakers pronouncing words from the course.
Record yourself pronouncing the same words.
Compare your recording to the native speaker's and identify areas for improvement.
Repeat the process, focusing on correcting your pronunciation.

Explore 'Clear Speech' by Judy Gilbert

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Supplement your learning with a well-regarded book on American accent training.

View Clear Speech from the Start Teacher Resource... on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'Clear Speech'.
Work through the chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
Complete the exercises and practice the dialogues.

Create a Pronunciation Journal

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Solidify your understanding by documenting your pronunciation challenges and progress.

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Create a journal (physical or digital).
Note down words or sounds you find difficult to pronounce.
Record your attempts at pronouncing them and track your progress over time.
Include IPA transcriptions and notes on how to improve.

Practice with a Language Partner

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Improve your pronunciation through interactive practice with a language partner.

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Find a language partner who is a native English speaker or another learner.
Practice pronouncing words and phrases from the course together.
Provide each other with feedback on pronunciation.
Focus on the sounds that are most challenging for both of you.

Career center

Learners who complete American English: Important Sounds for Perfect Pronunciation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Pronunciation Coach

A Pronunciation Coach specializes in helping individuals improve their pronunciation of a specific language, often for professional or personal reasons. This course focuses specifically on the sounds that are problematic for non-native speakers of American English, like the Schwa, ER, R controlled vowels, R, short I, L, ED endings, S, Z and S endings. This knowledge may be directly applicable to coaching clients who want to refine their American English accent. The course includes auditory discrimination activities and individualized practice and will provide a foundation for teaching others how to improve their pronunciation.

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ESL Teacher

An ESL Teacher specializes in teaching English to students whose native language is not English. This course may be incredibly advantageous, especially if you're a non-native English speaker yourself. By mastering the nuances of American English pronunciation, including tricky sounds like the schwa, ER, and R-controlled vowels, you'll be better equipped to guide your students towards accurate and confident speech. The course focuses on the most frequent and characteristic sounds of American English that are typically difficult. Furthermore, the specific focus on sounds such as L, ED endings, S, Z & S endings helps to handle specific learner difficulties.

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Language Tutor

As a Language Tutor, one provides personalized instruction to students learning a new language, in this case, English. This course is useful for improving your own American English pronunciation. A Language Tutor can leverage the course's focus on sounds like the Schwa, ER, and R-controlled vowels to help students overcome common pronunciation challenges. The course includes activities involving songs, video clips, popular sayings, jokes and American culture, so you will not only learn, but also enjoy your practice sessions, allowing you to create engaging lesson plans for your students. You can also get a handle on L, ED endings, S, Z and S endings.

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English Teacher

An English Teacher helps students of all ages learn English grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing skills. This course may be particularly helpful for non native speakers seeking to improve their pronunciation of spoken English, specifically American English. By mastering sounds like the schwa, ER, and R, you'll gain confidence in your enunciation of words and improve your ability to model correct pronunciation. Many people enter the teaching profession to share their love of a subject, so being able to share the intricacies of American English with others can be an appealing prospect. Specifically, the course helps one to confidently pronounce sounds like L, ED endings, S, Z and S endings.

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Interpreter

An Interpreter converts spoken communication from one language into another in real-time. This course may be valuable for improving your pronunciation of American English, particularly if you are an interpreter who is not a native English speaker. The course focuses on specific sounds that are often problematic, such as the schwa, ER, and R, and mastering these sounds can lead to clearer and more confident interpretation. This course helps you to handle L, ED endings, S, Z and S endings, which may be difficult.

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Voice Coach

A Voice Coach works with individuals to improve their vocal delivery, whether for public speaking, singing, or general communication. This course may provide valuable insights into the specific sounds of American English. By focusing on sounds like the schwa, ER, and R, and by mastering the nuances of pronunciation, you can help your clients achieve clearer and more confident speech. Many Voice Coaches have a passion for language and helping others express themselves effectively, so being able to guide clients through the intricacies of American English pronunciation can be very rewarding. Knowing how to properly teach the L, ED endings, S, Z and S endings can be particularly helpful.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

A Speech Language Pathologist assesses, diagnoses, treats, and helps to prevent speech, language, cognitive, communication, voice, swallowing, fluency, and other related disorders. This typically requires a master's degree. While this course is not a substitute for formal training, it may be useful for understanding the specific pronunciation challenges faced by non-native English speakers. Focusing on sounds like the schwa, ER, and R, and understanding the nuances of American English pronunciation, helps you to understand your clients' specific needs. Specific modules about the L, ED endings, S, Z and S endings can be helpful. The course is designed for high-intermediate to advanced English speaker who wants to improve their pronunciation of spoken English.

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Tour Guide

A Tour Guide leads groups of people on tours, providing information and insights about a specific location or attraction. Clear and engaging communication is crucial for success as a tour guide, and the course helps refine the guide's American English pronunciation. It tackles sounds like the Schwa, ER, R controlled vowels, R, short I, L, ED endings, S, Z and S endings. The course is specifically designed for high intermediate to advanced speakers.

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Linguist

A Linguist studies the science of language, including its structure, history, and acquisition. This often requires an advanced degree. While a broad field, this course may provide a focused understanding of American English pronunciation, especially concerning the specific challenges faced by non-native speakers. The course may offer an advantage when conducting research or analysis related to phonetics or language acquisition and when understanding sounds like the schwa, ER, and R. The course focuses on the most frequent and characteristic sounds of American English that are typically difficult.

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Customer Service Representative

A Customer Service Representative interacts with customers to provide information, resolve issues, and address concerns. Clear and effective communication is essential for providing positive customer experiences. The course helps refine your pronunciation of American English, focusing on sounds like the schwa, ER, and R. This can lead to clearer and more confident communication with customers. You can also get handle on L, ED endings, S, Z and S endings.

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Foreign Service Officer

A Foreign Service Officer represents their country's interests abroad, often requiring strong communication skills. While this career involves a broad range of responsibilities, clear and effective communication in English is often essential. This course provides a targeted way to refine your American English pronunciation, focusing on sounds like the schwa, ER, and R, which can enhance your overall communication abilities. It may also assist in clearly communicating with colleagues from around the world. The course focuses on the most frequent and characteristic sounds of American English that are typically difficult, such as the sounds L, ED endings, S, Z and S endings.

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Recruiter

A Recruiter identifies, interviews, and screens candidates to fill job openings. Clear and effective communication is essential for building rapport with candidates and accurately conveying job requirements. The course hones the pronunciation of American English, focusing on sounds like the schwa, ER, and R. This can help you to communicate confidently and professionally. Some parts of the course also handle L, ED endings, S, Z and S endings.

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Translator

A Translator converts written or spoken material from one language into another. While the core skill is language proficiency, this course can enhance the translator's ability to accurately convey the nuances of spoken American English. While understanding sounds like the schwa, ER, and R may improve your ability to understand spoken content, the course includes practice with the International Phonetic Alphabet, and individualized practice. There are activities involving songs and video clips, popular sayings, jokes and American culture. You can also get a handle on L, ED endings, S, Z and S endings.

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Public Relations Specialist

A Public Relations Specialist manages a company's or organization's public image. Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to speak clearly and persuasively. Having a handle on American English pronunciation, including the schwa, ER, and R sounds may help, as emphasized in this particular course. In addition, you can also get a handle on L, ED endings, S, Z and S endings. The course may improve overall communication abilities. It is designed for high intermediate to advanced speakers.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates documentation, instructions, and manuals for complex technical products or services. Attention to detail and precision is essential for the role. While writing is the primary focus, this course may help technical writers who must also deliver presentations or create audio/visual materials. The course hones your American English pronunciation. It will help speakers master sounds like the Schwa, ER, R controlled vowels, R, short I, L, ED endings, S, Z and S endings.

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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 American English: Important Sounds for Perfect Pronunciation.

American Accent Training with Online Audio

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Comprehensive guide to American English pronunciation. It provides detailed explanations and exercises for mastering various sounds and intonation patterns. It is commonly used as a textbook in accent reduction courses and offers a structured approach to improving pronunciation. This book provides additional depth to the course materials.

American Accent Training with Online Audio...

Kindle Edition

Clear Speech from the Start Teacher Resource Book...

Save

Classic resource for improving spoken English. It focuses on clarity and intelligibility, providing practical exercises and strategies for effective communication. It is particularly helpful for learners who want to improve their overall pronunciation and be easily understood. This book is valuable as additional reading.

Clear Speech from the Start Teacher Resource Book...

Paperback

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Clear Speech from the Start Teacher Resource Book...

Kindle Edition

Check price