"Is there a 'g' sound at the end of the word WRONG?"

This question came from one of my stellar Clear English Academy students in a practice session the other day.

It's tricky, right? We see the letter G, but there is actually no /g/ sound in this word!

Many of my students unintentionally add a...

It's a mistake to think that learning and practicing pronunciation is less important than developing your vocabulary and grammar.

In fact, I'd argue that it's more important.

I know, I know. I'm a pronunciation nerd.  It's my thing so of course I think it's...

Did you know there is a rhythmic pattern to pronouncing words like HR, DMV, and CST?

These are called initialisms. Initialisms are abbreviations where you speak the first letter of each word in the name of something. 

HR- Human Resources

DMV- Department of Motor Vehicles

CST- Central...

Do you every think "I want my English to sound more natural..."

Then wonder, but how the heck do I do that? What does that even mean?

You feel like something sounds a bit "off" in your speech but you're not sure exactly what that is and you're completely clueless as to how to fix it.

Well...

I am easily overwhelmed. 

I have always been this way. I can remember, growing up, when big projects would be looming for school, I would make myself almost sick with thoughts and feelings of “I have to get this done” and “how am I going to get this done?”

The result...

I absolutely love this time of year- the decorations, the gatherings, the traditions and the excitement in the air.

It’s a special time for many and I enjoy hearing about different holiday celebrations. 

I don’t know about you, but there are several “tiny traditions”...

Consider this sentence:

Terror gripped her heart as she peered into the mirror- the horror of the days events apparent in her reflection.

Do you feel an inkling of terror at the thought of speaking this sentence out loud?

This sentence is heavy on the R sounds and these sounds are challenging for...

The other day my son comes to me and asks:

"How do you say this, mom?"

And he points to "GIF" on his tablet screen.

"Well, buddy, that's a tricky one," I shared. "There's actually a wide debate!"

So we begin discussing the Letter G and how it's pronounced differently in different words,...

I LOVE chocolate chip cookies.

All other cookies could disappear off the face of the earth forever and I wouldn’t bat an eye but take away my chocolate chip? Never!!

The kids and I made some chocolate chip cookies (or CCCs as we call them  ) over the weekend. It had been awhile...

How hard is it, really, to change the way you speak?

Actors do it all the time, right? Admittedly, some better than others. :)

There’s a difference, though, in the way a performer approaches voice training. It’s a completely different mindset than the way you’re probably...