Frequently Asked Questions

The purpose of this website is to provide:

• Speech lessons/tutorials on how to pronounce the sounds of American English.
• A way to practice these sounds consistently.
• Additional language study in grammar, listening and speech practice.

• Generally, an intermediate to advanced level of English is needed to study these lessons. 
• If you can speak and understand basic English, then you shouldn't have any trouble.  
• If you're still not sure, please click the "Try It" buttons to check out the sample lessons on the front homepage of ESL Speech Connect.

• These courses focus on the pronunciation of American English.  
• Some Courses may include grammar as well.  
• All lessons are delivered in a self-study, presentation format with audio, video, quizzes and dictation feature (You must be in Chrome browser to use dictation).  
• Students can work at their own pace according to their schedule.  
• Except for the yearly membership courses, individual courses are usually available for 12 or 16 weeks only.  

If you  answer "yes" to any of the following, then these lessons are for you.

• I have to repeat myself for others to understand me.
• I have trouble with the same sounds and words over and over again.
• I get frustrated or discouraged with my pronunciation.
• My pronunciation causes me to have less confidence when I speak.
• I avoid particular words because I cannot pronounce them correctly.

• Those who are at a beginner- level of English.
• Those who are looking for a "quick fix" for their pronunciation.
• Those who are unwilling to invest some time and effort in the study and practice of pronunciation.

This depends on several factors such as:  

• Age 
• 2nd language acquisition,
• Amount of language exposure,
• Time and focus spent on pronunciation.  

 A major factor is age.  The younger a person is, the easier it is to modify or completely change one's accent.  Someone who is twelve years old and younger will be able adapt his/her pronunciation to the second language much easier than an adult.  The older a person is, the less likely it will be to sound like a native of speaker of that language.  That being said, there are those individuals who have a talent for language and pronunciation.  Then there are others who invest their time to focus and immerse themselves in speech practice.  Actors and actresses are good examples of this.  

The key is to make realistic goals for yourself.  Where do you want to begin focusing your pronunciation?  At your work?   Over the phone?  At school?  In casual conversations?  While out shopping?  At home?  Choose where and how you want to start modifying your pronunciation.  The goal should not be to completely "get rid" of your accent, but to enhance your pronunciation within a range of clarity that is easily understood.