Hi everyone. Have you ever been told that you should lose your accent to truly master English? Well, today we are tearing that myth apart. Instead, let's celebrate our unique accents and learn how to express ourselves with clarity and confidence. Remember, it's not about masking who you are, but about enhancing it.

So, stay tuned for some solid strategies on improving your English intelligibility and enriching your communication skills. Let's dive in.

First off, your accent, it's part of you. It tells a story about your origins, your journey, and who you are today. Rather than trying to get rid of it, let's make it your strength.

And how do we do that? By aiming for intelligibility. The ease at which your speech can be understood by others. So let me reassure you, mastering English is not about erasing your accent. But about making sure you're understood. It's about communicating your ideas effectively, and it's about feeling confident in your English skills.

All right, let's get to the strategies. Our first strategy is active listening. This doesn't mean simply hearing the words spoken by native L1 English speakers. Instead, it involves analyzing how they speak. The rhythm, the intonation, the stress patterns on words. For example, in English, we often stress content words like nouns, main verbs, adjectives, and adverbs while structure words like prepositions, auxiliary verbs and articles are typically spoken more quickly and softly.

Let's practice. Repeat after me. I want to go to the park. Did you notice how go and park were emphasized? Good. 

Next up, strategy number two, pronunciation practice. Focus on sounds that are challenging or don't exist in your own native L1 language. English has many tricky sounds like the th, th, vv, and rr. Don't rush. Take it slow. Master one sound at a time. To practice the th, try sentences like the thin, thick thorn. The thin, thick thorn. Remember, it's not about perfection, but it's instead about progress and improvement. Like I always say, practice makes progress.

The third strategy is mirror and mimic. This doesn't mean copying someone's accent, but rather... Observing the rhythm, the intonation, and the stress in their speech. Here's a fun way to do it. Watch your favorite English speaking show or movie and repeat the dialogues. You'll be surprised how much it helps with your own pronunciation and intonation.

This means copying the speech patterns of native English speakers and it's a fun activity. So, like I said, pick your favorite movie or TV show, listen to a line, and then pause, then repeat it. Try, “I'll be back” , from the Terminator. Did you notice the stress on B and then a little bit on the back? That's what we're aiming for.

Next, engage in conversations. It's time to take your skills to the real world. Find English speaking communities. Engage in discussions. Ask questions. Share your opinions. The more you converse, the more natural it will become. But where can you find such communities, you ask? I've got just the solution for you.

And do you want to know what that solution is, Advanced English Explearners? How to put these strategies into action? Well, we have got the perfect place for you to practice. Our very own Community, Explearning Academy. We host live workshops every week. Providing you with plenty of opportunities to practice speaking and communicating and not only will this decrease anxiety, but it will also significantly boost your confidence. By learning together, you're not just improving your English. You're joining a supportive community of fellow learners who are all on the same journey.

All right moving on to strategy number five. Slow down. It is not a race. When you speak too quickly, it might be difficult for others to understand you. Let's try it. Instead of saying, I'm going to the store, rushing through it, I'm going to the store. Take your time with each word. I am going to the store.

And then more naturally, I'm going to the store. Do you see the difference? Practice this slowing down technique. It can do wonders for your intelligibility. And then as you do that, you're gonna start to fall into that natural rhythm and pattern. 

Alright, strategy number six. Pronounce the ends of your words clearly in English, a lot of meaning is carried in the ends of words.

For example, I walk versus I walked. One simple ED changes the whole tense of the sentence, so focus on those endings. Let's practice. Say I cooked dinner. Make sure the ed, the cooked, cooked is clear and audible. I cooked dinner. 

Now let's move on to strategy number seven. Use body language. Communication is about more than just words. Gestures, facial expressions, and body movements help convey your meaning effectively. Let's say you're talking about a big idea at a meeting. Don't just say it's a big idea, show it. Spread your arms wide, lean in, let your body do some of the talking.

Remember, nonverbal communication is a universal language.

Embrace your accent. Be proud of it. It's a part of who you are. Your job isn't to lose your accent, but your job is to make sure that you are understood. So, don't forget that the goal is intelligibility, right? Being able to be understood by others. And with the strategies that we've discussed here in this lesson today, you are well on your way.

Just make sure that you keep on practicing. And remember that your accent is your identity. Wear it with pride. Work on being understood, not on sounding like someone else. Keep practicing, keep engaging, and soon you will see just how far you've come. With every conversation, you're not just getting closer to English fluency, you're also becoming a more confident communicator.

So let's take these steps together, Explearners. Keep pushing forward, keep growing, and let's celebrate the journey along the way. Remember also that language is not just a tool for communication. It's a bridge to understanding, connections, and opportunities. 

So I hope that this video was insightful and gave you actionable steps to improve your English intelligibility without losing your unique accent.

Don't forget to like this video, share it with your friends, and subscribe to our channel for more useful and fun content. And also be sure to leave a comment down below. I read every single one of them. And share your experiences or ask any questions that you have. I absolutely love hearing from you. And remember that Explearning Academy is here to support you.

We are a community of learners just like you, working towards the same goals. So let's reach those goals together, join us for our live workshops, and make the most of the opportunities to practice speaking and communicating. Here's to less anxiety and more confidence. 

Alright, Advanced English Explearners, until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep expressing yourself in English.

Because you gotta keep explearning. Your accent is your superpower. Wear it with pride. I'll see you in the next lesson. Bye for now and happy explearning, everyone.

About the Author and the Explearning Academy:

Mary Daphne is an expert in communication, executive skills and professional development. She is the founder of the Explearning Academy, a platform dedicated to helping individuals enhance their social fluency, boost their careers, and elevate their social game. Through immersive group coaching programs like the Executive Communication Lab and self-guided journeys, participants gain the social superpowers and career catapults they've been searching for. If you're ready to take your negotiation skills to the next level and connect with like-minded individuals, visit academy.explearning.co and explore the various plans available. Join the Explearning Academy community and unlock your full potential.

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