Speak More Fluently with Connected Speech

Connected speech is a vital aspect of American English that is often overlooked by non-native speakers. It refers to the way in which English speakers link words together in a sentence, rather than pronouncing each word as a separate unit.

This can be achieved through various techniques, such as elision, assimilation, and liaison. In this article, we will explore the importance of using connected speech in American English, and how it can help learners to improve their pronunciation and fluency.

Benefits

One of the main benefits of connected speech is that it can make your speech sound more natural and fluent.

When we speak in everyday conversation, we don't pause between every word or syllable, as this would sound robotic and unnatural. Instead, we link words together to create a smooth and flowing rhythm.

By using connected speech, learners can make their English sound more authentic and less robotic.

Pronunciation & Intonation

Another advantage of connected speech is that it can help to clarify the meaning of a sentence. English is a stress-timed language, which means that certain syllables in a word are stressed more than others.

In connected speech, these stressed syllables often become even more pronounced, which can help the listener to understand which words are most important in a sentence.

By using connected speech, learners can emphasize the right words to convey their intended meaning.

Comprehension

Connected speech can also help learners to understand native speakers more easily. When we listen to someone speaking, our brains don't process each individual word in isolation.

Instead, we use context and our knowledge of connected speech patterns to fill in the gaps and understand what is being said.

By learning to use connected speech in their own speech, learners can better understand the speech of native speakers, as well as communicate more effectively with them.

Where to Start

Of course, learning to use connected speech correctly can be challenging, particularly for non-native speakers.

It can feel overwhelming because there are many different aspects of connected speech to master. I recommend starting with the linking and blending techniques below.

Linking: Consonant + Vowel

Linking is a technique used in connected speech where two words are pronounced together without a pause in between them.

The last consonant sound of one word is linked to the first vowel sound of the next word. This creates a smooth and natural flow of speech, making it sound more like how native speakers talk. 

For example, in the phrase "goal is" the "l" sound in "goal" is linked to the "i" sound in "is" making it sound like "ɡoʊ-lɪz."

Blending: Consonant + Consonant

Blending is a technique used in connected speech, where we combine two or more consonant sounds from different words, to make it sound more fluent and natural. 

For example, in "phone number," instead of pronouncing the "n" sound in "phone" and "number" separately, we blend them together and say it as one sound, "fəʊ-nʌm-bər."

These techniques are commonly used to improve fluidity, reduce awkward pauses and make your speech sound more natural.

This is why connected speech is an essential aspect of American English and will help you to improve you pronunciation and fluency.

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