Struggle to Understand A Foreign Accent?

Lynda Stucky November 11, 2020 Online Membership, Reduce a Foreign Accent

Ever heard the phrase “It’s not you, it’s me?” Frequently, it is an excuse that is used by someone in a relationship who is breaking up with the other person.

But the same can be said for the listener who is struggling to understand people speaking with foreign accent…”It’s not you, it’s me!”    The listener has ownership in the problem, too.

“Why Am I so Hard to Understand When I Speak So Well?”

Lynda Stucky January 18, 2016 Reduce a Foreign Accent, Reduce a Regional Accent

As an English learner with a great command of the language, why are you still hard to understand?

The American English Way of Saying “You”

Lynda Stucky November 25, 2013 Reduce a Foreign Accent

The word “you” is commonly used in English. Since it is also a weak word (unless it is intentionally stressed), it is often reduced when linked to negative contractions. Here are some examples…

Contrasting Sounds in English

Lynda Stucky December 23, 2013 Reduce a Foreign Accent

Pairs of sound in English that are made exactly the same except one is voice and the other is not, are called minimal pairs. The sounds in English that are made without using the vocal cords are called “voiceless.” Here are some examples…

Top 10 Successful Speaking Strategies to Use in Cross-Cultural Conversations for the Accented Speaker–Part 2

Lynda Stucky November 20, 2014 Build Your Brand, Reduce a Foreign Accent

Last week we discussed five tips for speaking in cross-cultural conversations.  Today, we explore the last five tips and tricks:

6. Pause periodically to give your listener time to process what you have said.
If you are making a few errors in your speech, the listener needs time to figure it out or “translate” what was said. Give your listener this time by pausing briefly.