How to Improve Your English Pronunciation: 6 Easy Tips You Can Start Today
Do people sometimes ask you to repeat yourself when you speak English?
If so, you’re not alone! Many English learners feel nervous about their pronunciation—but with the right tools and practice, you can speak more clearly and feel more confident.
As a TESOL-certified English tutor with a Master's Degree, I’ve helped students from around the world improve their pronunciation—even if English is very different from their first language.
Here are six simple tips to help you start improving your English pronunciation today.
1. Listen Carefully to Native Speakers
Pay attention to how English sounds, not just what the words mean.
Try:
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Watching YouTube videos with subtitles
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Listening to podcasts or audiobooks
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Repeating words and phrases as you listen
2. Practice “Shadowing” Sentences
Shadowing means listening to a sentence and repeating it immediately, trying to match the speaker’s speed and tone.
This helps you:
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Improve rhythm
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Train your ear
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Sound more natural
Try it with short videos or recordings.
3. Use a Mirror When You Practice
Stand in front of a mirror and watch your mouth as you speak.
Focus on:
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Tongue position
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Lip movement
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Jaw shape
Compare your mouth to a video of a native speaker. It may feel strange at first, but it works!
4. Learn the Sounds That Are Hard for You
Different languages have different sounds. If your first language is Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, or Russian, some English sounds may not exist in your native language.
Common tricky sounds include:
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/th/ as in think
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/v/ as in very
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Short and long vowel sounds (ship vs. sheep)
In my lessons, I help students focus on the sounds they personally struggle with—not every sound in English.
5. Use Pronunciation Apps
Here are a few great tools for practicing pronunciation:
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Blue Canoe (great for stress and rhythm)
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Elsa Speak
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YouGlish (search words and hear real speakers say them)
Bonus: Many of these apps give you instant feedback!
6. Get Personal Feedback from a Real Teacher
Apps are helpful, but they can’t always tell you what you’re doing wrong or how to fix it.
That’s why working with a certified tutor makes a big difference. I give my students clear corrections, easy techniques, and customized practice.
You’ll know exactly how to say sounds like a native—and feel confident doing it.
🌟 Ready to Improve Your Pronunciation?
It’s never too late to start sounding more natural in English.
