How to Speak English Like a Native: Accent & Intonation Tips

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How to Speak English Like a Native: Accent & Intonation Tips

arush
Speaking English like a native speaker requires practice with accent, intonation, and pronunciation. Here are some effective tips to help you sound more natural:

πŸ”Ή 1. Master the Rhythm and Intonation
English has a natural flowβ€”some words are stressed, while others are softer.

Listen to native speakers and notice how their tone rises and falls.

πŸ‘‰ Practice: Mimic conversations from movies or podcasts.

βœ… Example: "What are you doing?" (Stress on "what" and "do" while the rest flows naturally.)

πŸ”Ή 2. Focus on Linking Words (Connected Speech)
Native speakers connect words when speaking.

Instead of pronouncing each word separately, they blend sounds.

βœ… Examples:
❌ "I am going to eat."
βœ… "I'm gonna eat." ("Going to" β†’ "Gonna")

❌ "What do you want?"
βœ… "Whaddaya want?"

πŸ‘‰ Practice: Say sentences quickly, linking words naturally.

πŸ”Ή 3. Imitate Native Speakers (Shadowing Technique)
Listen to native speakers and repeat immediately after them.

Try to copy their accent, tone, and speed.

πŸ‘‰ Practice: Choose a short video, movie scene, or podcast, pause after each sentence, and repeat exactly.

βœ… Use tools like BBC Learning English, YouGlish, or TED Talks.
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πŸ”Ή 4. Focus on Difficult Sounds
Some sounds are tricky for non-native speakers, like:

TH (Think, This, That)

R & L (Right, Light, Really)

V & W (Very, World, Wine)

πŸ‘‰ Practice: Exaggerate these sounds at first, then speak naturally.

βœ… Example: "Thirty-three thirsty thieves." (TH practice)

πŸ”Ή 5. Use Contractions Like a Native
Native speakers shorten words in daily speech.