Use linking for smooth speech
This lesson will build on past lessons by helping you use connected speech to sound more fluent.
Say these phrases.
- "Nice to meet you."
- "That's a really good question."
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"I was born and raised in [hometown]."
Just note how the phrases are said.
Move on quickly.
Let's discuss those three phrases.
- How's your fluency for each one?
- Is one easier to say than the others? If so, why?
1. How's your fluency for those phrases?
- "Nice to meet you."
- Probably very easy to say fluently.
- Said with connected speech, /nai-stu-MI-chu/.
- "That's a really good question."
- Maybe harder to say smoothly.
- Connected speech: /tha-tsa-ri-li-gud-KWES-chin/.
- "I was born and raised in [hometown]."
- Probably harder still.
- Connected speech: /bor-nan-(d)raised/ or /BORN-'n-REI'zd/.
NOTE: "Born and raised" is a very common phrase in English.
2. Is one easier to say than the others?
Probably (unless your student is already fluent).
- "Nice to meet you"—should be easy to say and sound fluent.
- "That's a really good question"—may be a bit harder.
- "Born and raised"—possibly harder still.
If so, why?
You've said, "Nice to meet you" many times.
Plus, you've heard it said naturally many times.
Ask: "How many times have you said, 'It's nice to meet you'?"
The more you say (and hear) a phrase, the easier it is to say.
So, if you want to say a phrase naturally, say it many times.
But not all practice is equal!
Some say, "Practice makes perfect." It's not true. We all have bad habits. Some people have been doing the same job poorly for years.
Perfect practice makes perfect.
A. Set phrases
Say these phrases fluently. Each phrase is one chunk of connected speech.
- First of all...
- In my opinion...
- To be honest...
- As a matter of fact...
Which parts of those phrases are stressed?
Go back. Say each phrase slowly, with as much word stress as you can. Then say it again at a natural pace, using the correct word stress.
B. Your phrases
For each topic, think of other phrases you like to use. Your teacher can help you. When you think of a good phrase, say it 5 times.
Topics:
- Describing your job.
- Giving a strong opinion.
- Giving a weak opinion.
A. Set phrases
A chunk is a group of words said together. We don't pause in the middle of a chunk. Lexical chunks are important to study.
Here are the phrases:
- First of all...
-
Sounds like: /FUR-sta-vall/
-
3 syllables, stress on the first: /Ooo/
-
- In my opinion...
- Sounds like: /en-MA-y'-pi-ny'n/
- 5 syllables, main stress on the second (with secondary stress on the fourth: /oOooo/
- To be honest...
- Sounds like: /t'-bi-YOH-nist/
- 4 syllables, stress on the third: /ooOo/
- As a matter of fact...
- Sounds like: /a-za-MA-t'-ruh-FACT/
- 6 syllables, stress on the 3rd and 6th /ooOooO/
Word stress
NOTE: Word stress will be explored more fully in the next lesson (GCAS 9). For now, just quickly go over the main points.
There are three ways to stress a word:
- higher/lower (pitch)—the stressed word has the highest pitch in the phrase;
- longer/shorter (word length)—the stressed word is stretched and has the main beat of the rhythm; and
- louder/softer (volume)—the stressed word is slightly louder than the other words. This should not be overdone.
Of these three, pitch and length are the most important.
NOTE: For a quick audio example, see "What is Word Stress?", from EnglishClub.com.
B. Your phrases
Your student should have some ideas of other phrases. If not, use the examples below.
- Describing your job.
- I'm a consultant. /OooOo/
- I've been working... /ooOo/
- at my company... /ooOoo/
- for 4 years. /oOo/
- at my company... /ooOoo/
- Giving a strong opinion.
- I really think... /oOOo/
- I definitely think... /oOoooo/
- Giving a weak opinion.
- I suppose... /ooO/
- I guess... /oO/
Now, practice answering some questions. Focus on using a smooth rhythm of speech.