Elocution Lesson with Prince William

This is the third edition in the Elocution Lessons With Royals series, where I analyse Prince William's short speech in Cape Town (2024).

What Worked Well

Three elements were particularly strong: the introduction, the conclusion, and his overall presence.

What stood out to me the most was the way William approached the stage: with a measured pace and clear confidence. Many public speakers rush on, which can signal nervousness—and often amplifies it. By contrast, a calm, unhurried walk helps set the tone, giving the speaker a moment to collect their thoughts and establish presence from the outset.

That’s exactly what happened here. William began by greeting the audience in several African languages, and that was met with genuine enthusiasm. It’s a simple but powerful technique in public speaking —especially for international audiences. Taking the time to learn even a basic greeting in your audience’s languages can immediately build rapport and create a strong, memorable opening.

His commanding presence was further elevated by masterful eye contact and resonant voice projection.

William used rhetorical devices (repetition, alliteration) and the rule of three to enhance his speech:

“People dedicated their time, talent and vision”

“When they succeed - we all succeed, when they thrive - we all thrive, when they win - we all win”

He closed his speech by offering farewells in several African languages, rekindling the audience’s enthusiasm.

What He Could Have Done Differently

  • For most of his speech, Prince William stood with arms crossed in front of his body.

It is his signature gesture. It projects composure and restraint in informal or observational settings. It can signal thoughtfulness, control, and a certain self-assured poise. However, in the context of public speaking, the same gesture can work against the speaker’s objectives.

An arms-crossed posture is often read, consciously or not, as closed or defensive. It creates a subtle barrier between the speaker and the audience, limiting openness and connection. Open gestures, by contrast, signal confidence, transparency, and engagement. There’s also a physical limitation. A constrained posture can therefore make delivery feel less dynamic and less persuasive.

For a speaker of Prince William’s stature, whose presence already carries authority, adopting a more open stance—relaxed arms, purposeful gestures, and grounded posture—would enhance warmth and relatability without sacrificing gravitas.

The body of his speech was marked by extended, densely constructed sentences, with little use of pause. This made the delivery harder to follow and risked diminishing audience engagement over time.

In public speaking, shorter sentences combined with deliberate pauses work better. Pauses, in particular, give the audience time to absorb and reflect, ensuring that each message is fully received before moving on to the next.

Public speakers can master phrases with the app 4Ps, Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause (iOS/Android).

In my next speech, I will be analysing a speech of another member of the British Royal family.

Warmly

Olga Smith

Public Speaking Phenomenon of Princess Diana

In our elocution lessons, students strive for perfection. We work on RP, controlled delivery, and confident body language.

At the same time, I always encourage all my students to be authentic, recognise their individual strengths and use what is uniquely theirs.

Princess Diana is one of the clearest real-world examples of how authenticity matters even more than perfection.

Early in her public life, her speech was noticeably formal and careful. You could hear the effort to “get it right.” The tone was controlled, slightly distant, and highly polished in a traditional sense. Let's have a look at how her speaking style transformed.

  • In the Anti-landmine speech (1997), she said: “I am not a political figure, nor do I wish to be one, but with the spirit of compassion, I appeal…”

She lowers her status (“I am not a political figure”) and builds trust by removing the tension around authority. She uses “I” and emotional framing instead of formal political language. Her humility creates an instant connection.

  • In her HIV/AIDS speech (1987), she said: “HIV does not make people dangerous to know, so you can shake their hands and give them a hug…”

Her direct, simple, human language (no technical terms) and the use of physical imagery (“shake hands,” “hug”) enhance emotional clarity.

  • Princess Diana often visited charities and hospitals. She often said things like:

“I just want to be with people and listen.”

Such short, unforced sentences and wanting to listen show her authenticity.

  • In many speeches and interviews, Diana used pauses to add emotional weight.

She pauses before emotional points.

She slows down noticeably when topics are sensitive.

Her public speaking strengths were:

  • simplicity

  • authenticity

  • clarity

  • compassion

  • connection with the audience

  • emotional vulnerability

  • great use of pauses

Princess Diana did not become impactful by sounding perfect. She achieved tremendous success in public speaking by being clear, present, and human. Her speeches show how she became who she was born to be - The Princess of People’s Hearts.

If you want to discover your own strengths in public speaking, please get in touch: www.batcsglobal.com/contact

Warmly, Olga Smith

Elocution Lessons With Prince Harry

Prince Harry delivered a powerful speech in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine — the capital of my motherland.

The content of his speech, the way it was written, and its delivery are impressive. I have decided to analyse it, and this analysis is the start of my new series, Elocution Lessons with Prince Harry.

Content

As a half-Russian and half-Ukrainian who was born in the Soviet Union, I can say that Harry’s speech was well researched.

Harry immediately connects with the audience by saying that he speaks to people as a former soldier of the Afghan war. He further strengthens this bond by saying, “I will not be speaking about Ukraine; I will be speaking directly to you.”

He uses rhetorical devices right from the start and throughout his speech.

  • Alliterations that help the audience remember what is said:

“difficult to describe”

“courage over caution”

"commitment with consistency"

"decisive actions delivered quickly"

  • The Rule of Three:

“strength, dignity and purpose”

“silence, delay and lack of accountability”

“actively, consistently and collectively”

“Ukraine earned respect through its leadership, through its resilience and through its conduct”

  • Repetition and the power of three make the message stand out and become more memorable:

“clarity of what matters, clarity of what is at stake, and clarity of who is carrying this burden”,

“still standing, still fighting, and still leading”,

“shared mission and shared responsibility”.

  • Contrasts multiply the depth and impact of what is being said:

“not in speeches but in action”

“not strength in arms but strength in unity”

“not just resilience but innovation under fire”

“not just survival but purpose”

“Strength is not measured by how loudly we speak, but by how consistently we stand for the values we hold dear”

Speech Delivery

Harry was reading the speech, yet he looked at the audience consistently and maintained good eye contact.

He emphasises key words and uses pauses effectively — allowing important ideas to land.

The pace of his speech was easy to follow, neither rushed nor slow.

What Harry could have done better

Three things stood out to me:

  • Uneven audience engagement

Harry often directed his gaze to the right side of the audience. A more balanced distribution of attention would have strengthened the connection across the room.

  • Posture

One shoulder appeared slightly raised — a small detail, but posture influences perceived confidence and authority.

  • Limited use of gestures

His hands remained mostly behind the lectern. Visible, controlled gestures could have reinforced key messages. At moments, slight awkward hand movement suggested some nervousness.

In my next edition, I will continue elocution lessons with Prince Harry

Stay tuned

Warmly

Olga Smith

What Does Elocution Teach?

Apart from clear pronunciation and good articulation, elocution helps develop control.

What I mean by that is control over how and when we speak.

Today I had a student who tried so hard to sound good that her speech became tense, and as a result, she made pronunciation mistakes. She is not the only one who has this issue.

Tension is not control. Speaking in a relaxed and clear way is.

I would recommend to all my elocution students the following exercises:


1. Start with breathing exercises from the app 4Ps, Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause (iOS/Android) – lesson 2.

2. Then work on pace (lesson 4), and finally use of pauses (lesson 5).

3. Record a one-minute speech, then listen back and note your use of pauses and pace.

4. If you notice tension or rushed speech, try again with deliberate pauses and a more relaxed delivery.

Finally, practising long vowels and diphthongs is a good way to slow down speech and improve clarity—rather than clipping them, learn to lean on long vowels and diphthongs. Lessons 1-5, 16-23 in the apps:

I also recommend being intentional about what you say. Sometimes, it is best to use very few words—or say nothing at all. Being economical with words and using pauses can be a very powerful means of communication—more on this in my next edition.

How to Enjoy Elocution?

Elocution does not have to be a long and exhausting practise. It works whe it is consistent.

It can be a lot of fun.

Do not wait for a perfect moment.

Let’s say you have a spare 5 minutes before starting an important meeting or task, or you are waiting for something.

Waiting can be boring.

Instead of another coffee or useless social media scrolling, take your phone and start practising with the app for 5 minutes.

Listen to amusing sentences and verses, repeat, record yourself, and then listen to how your speech becomes more precise and clear.

I recommend downloading all our apps to give yourself a variety of practice:

British English

American English

Do not wait for a perfect moment, practise one lesson today for 5 minutes.

Try not to miss a day of elocution practice.

Warmly

Olga Smith

How to Pronounce the /w/ Sound?

/w/ sound does not exist in many languages, for example, in Hindi, Russian, French, and Hebrew.

My native language was Russian, and it took me 6 months to strengthen my lip muscles in order to pronounce this sound correctly without thinking about it. In the past, I was substituting it with the /v/, and people could not understand me. As you can see from the examples below, the meaning of the word changes if the pronunciation of the /w/ sound is incorrect:

wet - vet, west - vest, whale - vale, wane - vain, worse -verse, wheel - veal.

If you want to achieve great results, practise the long /u:/ sound for three days, Lesson 2 and then /w/ sound, Lesson 25, in the apps:

·        Elocution Lessons

·        Get Rid of your Accent

·        Business English Speech

You will feel your lip muscles getting used to the forward position. The practice will take 10-20 minutes a day.

307. The Day I Recorded Myself and Got a Shock

I was confident. I thought my English was excellent.

I had a linguistics degree, an MBA, and I had been living and working in London for years. I genuinely believed I communicated well.

Then one day I recorded myself.

I played it back and I was shocked. I could not understand some of the words I was saying. Not because my vocabulary was wrong or my grammar was poor — but because my sounds were unclear, my speech very quiet, and what felt clear inside my head was actually quite difficult to follow from the outside.

That recording changed everything.

Not because it embarrassed me. But because it fascinated me. As a linguist I immediately wanted to understand the gap between how we sound in our own heads and how we actually sound to others.

That gap, I discovered, is where some communication problems live.

Here is what I found after years of research and teaching:

The professionals who struggle most are rarely struggling because of where they are from. They are struggling because of unclear sounds, rushed speech, swallowed endings and hesitant delivery.

These are technical problems. With technical solutions.

I know because I solved them myself — systematically, as a linguist. And that process became the Get Rid of Your Accent series — books, apps and video courses now used by international professionals in over 40 countries.

The recording feature in our apps exists for exactly this reason.

Because you cannot fix what you cannot hear. And most people — just like me — have never actually listened to themselves properly.

Try this today: Record yourself for 60 seconds talking about your work. Play it back. Listen not as yourself — but as a stranger hearing you for the first time.

What do you notice?

That moment of honest listening — however uncomfortable — is where transformation begins.

I'd love to know — have you ever recorded yourself and been surprised by what you heard? Share in the comments below.

Warmly, Olga Smith

285. Accent myth: Adults can’t change their accent

Most students who come to our elocution courses and take elocution lessons are adults aged 30–65.

 Almost all of them ask the same question:

“Is it possible at my age to change my accent?”

 The short answer is yes.

 In fact, 99% of our students are highly motivated, which is a key factor in their success. With our method and their dedication, they achieve remarkable results. Their speech becomes clear and easy to understand, and their accent becomes neutral, making it difficult for others to identify where they originally come from. 

They are no longer placed in a box: French, German, Russian, or another nationality simply based on how they speak.

Many students later tell us that they wish they had started this process years earlier. They often explain that before coming to us, they had tried different tutors and courses, but the results were minimal.

At BATCS Global, we combine professional elocution training with specialised learning apps to help students practise every day, which is essential for lasting change.

 So why do many accent reduction attempts fail?

From our experience working with adult learners, there are two common reasons why accent training does not produce results.

1. An Unqualified Tutor

Accent training requires specialised knowledge. Only a trained phonetician understands how sounds are formed in the mouth and how to correct pronunciation effectively.

A general English tutor usually has limited training in phonetics and pronunciation mechanics.

Other professionals focus on different areas:

  • Speech therapists specialise in correcting speech disorders and problems with speech organs.

  • Voice coaches focus on voice projection and vocal quality.

While both professions are valuable, their training is not focused on accent reduction. Nevertheless, speech therapists and voice coaches sometimes promise accent improvement, which often leads to disappointing results.

Accent reduction requires phonetic expertise, structured exercises, and a proven methodology.

2. Irregular and Insufficient Practice

Even with an excellent teacher, success depends on consistent practice.

Accent training works best when students practise every day using targeted exercises. Regular repetition trains the muscles involved in speech and helps build new pronunciation habits.

This is why we developed a range of specialised video courses, iOS and Android training apps that allow students to practise anywhere and reinforce what they learn during lessons.

Three apps to master all the sounds of Received Pronunciation:

An accompanying video course for these three apps: Get Rid of your Accent Part One

One app to master intonation, sentence stress, fluency and connoceted speech patterns:

An accompanying video course for these three apps: Get Rid of your Accent Part Two

One app to master public speaking skills

American English Speech Apps

For learners who want to master American pronunciation, we offer:

Accent-Specific Training Apps

Some learners need targeted help with pronunciation patterns typical of certain languages. For this purpose, we developed:

These apps focus on correcting the most common pronunciation challenges for speakers of those languages.

The Key to Success

Changing your accent as an adult is absolutely possible. What it requires is:

  • Expert phonetic guidance

  • Structured exercises

  • Daily practice

With the right method, consistent effort, and the support of tools such as the training programmes and apps developed by BATCS Global, adults can achieve clear, confident, and neutral English speech.

Many of our students tell us the same thing after completing their training:

“I only wish I had started sooner.”

Ready to Transform Your Speech?

If you want to change the way you speak English and reduce your accent, the most important step is to start with a professional speech analysis.

At BATCS Global, we offer students an individual speech analysis that identifies the exact pronunciation patterns affecting their speech. During this process, our trained phoneticians analyse:

  • how you produce individual sounds

  • stress and rhythm patterns

  • intonation and speech melody

  • pronunciation habits and speech patterns influenced by your native language

This detailed assessment allows us to create a personalised training plan targeting only the sounds and speech patterns that need correction. You will get a written report.

Because the training becomes precise and focused, students typically achieve results up to 80% faster compared with general pronunciation practice or traditional language lessons.

Instead of guessing what to improve, you will know exactly what to work on and how to practise effectively.

Combined with our structured lessons and specialised pronunciation apps, this approach helps learners achieve results very fast.

Take the first step today. Visit batcsglobal.com and book your individual speech analysis with BATCS Global to start transforming the way you speak.

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

283. 4 Mistakes in a 4-Letter Word

Are you mispronouncing these common English words? Many professionals do, and it can affect clarity.

These words are: “work, word, worm”

I am a non-native English Speaker. It took me several lessons with my speech tutor and a few months of strengthening my lip muscles to pronounce these words correctly. Before learning and mastering the correct pronunciation, I made 3 mistakes in these 4-letter words

The first word: “work”

Mistake N1

The /w/ sound does not exist in my native language, and I used to substitute it with the /v/ sound as in “vet”.

Mistake N2

In my Native lanaguage, we pronounce all letters, so I pronounced the/r/ sound, but in British English, it is not pronounced in this word

Mistake N3

The long /ɜː/ sound as in “Sir” does not exist in my native language either, and I used to pronounce it as /o/.

Mistake N4

Long words do not exist in my native language, and I could not pronounce the /ɜː/ as “Sir” as a long vowel

The result of these 4 mistakes:

Instead of “work” /wɜːk/ I was pronouncing /vɔrk/

Instead of “word” /wɜːd/ I was saying /vɔrd/

Instead of “worm” //wɜːm/ I was saying /vɔrm/

How To Do Right

Many learners of English struggle with these words. Because it is really a tough combination:

  1. For the /w/ sound, your lips should go forward into a tight whistle- shape circle for a split second, and then they should be pushed back into the neutral position.

  2. For the /ɜː/ as “Sir”, the lips should be in a relaxed, neutral position.

Pro Tip: Push lips forward and then quickly move them into the neutral position and keep them there for much longer to pronounce the long /ɜː/ sound.

What often happens is that students keep their lips forward in the round poision for too long and instead of /ɜː/ they say /ɔː/

“walk -“work”

Practice

Repeat each sentence 3 times:

  1. The word werm is hard work.

  2. I worked one term as a nurse.

I wanted to help many people and published apps where you can practise all English sounds. Practise /ɜː/ in lesson 5 and /w/ in lesson 25 with the apps:

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

271. How to Become a Successful Speech, Elocution, and Accent Reduction Tutor

In today’s globalised world, effective communication is more important than ever. Many people seek guidance to improve their speech clarity, elocution, and accent. If you want to become a good and well-paid speech, elocution, and accent reduction tutor, here is a comprehensive guide on how to excel in this field.

1. Develop Your Expertise

Before you can teach, you need a solid foundation. Understanding the mechanics of speech is essential. Focus on:

  • Phonetics and Phonology: Learn how sounds are produced and how they differ across languages and dialects.

  • Articulation and Pronunciation: Master the positioning of the tongue, lips, and jaw to produce accurate sounds.

  • Intonation, Stress, and Rhythm: Train to help clients sound natural and fluent in their target accent. To obtain this knowledge efficiently, use professional apps and books that contain over 25 years of teaching experience by a top London speech coach:

British English Books and Accompanying Apps:

  1. Get Rid of your Accent for Beginners. The accompanying app: Elocution Lessons

  2. The accompanying app: Get Rid of your Accent UK1

  3. Get Rid of your Accent Part Two, Advanced Level. The accompanying apps: Fluent English Speech and Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause

  4. Get Rid of your Accent for Business, Part Three. The accompanying app: Business English Speech

  5. Pace, Pitch, Pause, Power: Public Speaking Skills Training Manual. The accompanying app: Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause

The book Get Rid f your Accent For Beginners contains a whole chapter with tips and drils for teachers to make their lessons fun and enjoyable

American English Apps:

The Audio and Kindle book: GET RID OF YOUR ACCENT, PART ONE AND TWO: GENERAL AMERICAN ACCENT TRAINING MANUAL, Second Edition

2. Hone Your Teaching Skills

Knowing how to speak clearly is one thing—teaching it effectively is another. To become an excellent tutor:

  • Be Patient and Empathetic: Accent reduction can be a sensitive subject. Do not jump on students’ speech with corrections; use a measured pace and a calm, friendly attitude.

  • Adapt Your Approach: Every learner is unique. Tailor lessons to individual needs, learning speeds, and goals.

  • Praise often, do not overcorrect: Let a student feel that they are making continuous progress. Focus on actionable corrections, celebrate small wins to build confidence.

  • Make your lessons enjoyable: The book Get Rid of your Accent for Beginners contains a whole chapter with tips and drills for teachers to make their lessons enjoyable and fun!

3. Gain Practical Experience

Practical experience is invaluable. Start by:

  • Offering free or low-cost sessions to friends, colleagues, or community groups.

  • Observing experienced tutors and noting their techniques.

  • Recording your own practice sessions to analyse your teaching style and speech clarity.

The more you practice teaching, the better you’ll understand common challenges and how to address them effectively.

4. Build Trust and Professionalism

Your reputation as a tutor depends on your reliability and professionalism. Key strategies include:

  • Establishing clear lesson plans and learning objectives.

  • Communicating openly about progress and areas needing improvement.

  • Being punctual, organised, and prepared for each session.

  • Maintaining a positive, encouraging learning environment.

5. Market Yourself Effectively

Once you’ve honed your skills, it’s time to attract clients. You can:

  • Build a professional website highlighting your expertise and testimonials.

  • Create Quora and Reddit Profiles. Answer questions related to English Speech.

  • Publish LinkedIn Newsletter

  • Use social media to share tips, exercises, and success stories.

  • Network with language schools, corporate training programs, and public speaking clubs.

You can find free tips and resources on www.batcsglobal.com and contact me directly to get professional advice.

Warmly

Olga Smith

262. iOS Apps to Master English Speech

This article will help you choose the best apps to master Received Pronunciation, clear articulation, expressive voice modulation, and the strategic use of pauses. These core speaking skills are essential for public speakers and professionals who use English as a second language and want to sound confident, polished, and persuasive.

All the apps featured share powerful, user-friendly functionality. You can listen to expertly recorded audio by professional actors, record your own voice, and instantly compare your pronunciation with the model, making progress measurable and motivating.

British English:

Elocution Lessons. This app is ideal for children and people who have just started learning English. This app has 48 lessons. It contains short, commonly used phrases, sentences and verses that are easy to repeat, and it also has useful tips for teachers of English. It is actually useful for everyone as it contains essential, everyday English.

Get Rid of your Accent. This app is ideal if you want to get rid of a regional or foreign accent and to speak with Standard English or RP (Received Pronunciation). It has 42 lessons; it contains effective practical exercises to perfect all English sounds and perfect your articulation.

Fluent English Speech. This app is a follow-up to the Get Rid of your Accent app.  It is ideal if you want to develop fluency in English and sound more like a native English speaker. It contains exercises for difficult and connected speech patterns, natural flow of speech, intonation, sentence stress and onomatopoeia.

Business English Speech. This app was designed for top-level professionals, diplomats and lawyers. It is the only app on the market that has both English pronunciation and business vocabulary training. It contains 43 lessons with material gathered from interviews with CEOs, CFOs and MDs of global companies and helps to develop proficiency in English.

4Ps, Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause. This app is ideal if you want to get rid of monotonous speech and become a successful presenter and public speaker. It contains practical exercises for voice modulation and the use of pauses.

Get rid of Chinese Accent. This app is the same as the app Get Rid of your Accent, with an additional bonus - Chinese translations.

Get Rid of Russian Accent. This app is the same as the app Get Rid of your Accent, with an additional bonus - Russian translations.

General American English:

American Accent App. This app is ideal if you want to get rid of a foreign or regional accent and master the Standard American accent. It has 42 lessons. It contains effective, practical exercises to perfect all American English sounds.

Fluent American Speech. This app is a follow-up to the American Accent App. It is ideal to develop fluency in your American English speech. It contains exercises for difficult and connected speech patterns, natural flow of speech, intonation and sentence stress

More on www.batcsglobal.com

252. Speak Like a Leader

We’ve worked with ambassadors, business leaders, and top-level professionals through our elocution courses. Our work has helped them not only eliminate bad speech habits but also develop the language of power and leadership.

This article is based on the insights and methods we’ve used to support their transformation.

Avoiding Fillers

Filler words - "um, ah, like, you know, basically" - creep in when we speak without intention. They weaken your message, distract your audience, and make even strong ideas sound uncertain.

The solution is simple: slow down and pause. A pause is more powerful than any filler. It gives you space to think and gives your audience space to absorb your message. Confident speakers use silence as a tool.

Choosing Strong Words

Leaders choose words that are precise, vivid, and purposeful. Instead of vague language, they use words that clarify, energise, and strengthen their message.

Compare:

  • “I think this might work…” vs. “This approach will give us stronger results.”

  • “Maybe we should try…” vs. “Let’s do this.”

Strong words communicate leadership, conviction, and direction. They shape how others perceive you.

Speaking with Certainty

Uncertain language creates uncertain audiences. Words such as "might, maybe, probably, sort of, perhaps, etc." dilute your authority. While there is a time for caution, habitual uncertainty can undermine your credibility.

To sound more certain:

  • Make definitive statements

  • Replace vagueness with clarity

  • Speak with intention, not hesitation

Certainty is persuasive because it signals confidence in your message.

Simple Language vs. Unnecessary Complexity

True intelligence lies in simplicity. Leaders can explain profound ideas in clear, accessible language. Overly complex or academic phrasing can alienate audiences and make your message harder to absorb. Simple language is not “dumbing down.” It is refining—expressing the essence of an idea without clutter.

When your message is simple, your audience remembers it.

Avoiding Repetition

Repetition can be useful for emphasis, but unintentional repetition weakens your impact. When you repeat the same words or phrases excessively, your message becomes dull and loses authority.

A strong communicator:

  • uses synonyms and varied phrasing

  • eliminates redundancy

  • keeps the language fresh and dynamic

Variation keeps your audience attentive and your message persuasive.

Exercises for the Language of Leadership

These exercises we offer as homework after our elocution lessons:

Record your speech for 1-2 minutes. Choose any topic you can talk about comfortably.

  1. Listen back and note every filler word. Write down the words or sounds you use: um, ah, like, you know, basically, etc.

  2. Record a second version—this time replacing fillers with pauses. Focus on slowing down and using silence intentionally.

  3. Listen again and identify any convoluted or uncertain language. Notice words like maybe, sort of, might, probably, or unnecessarily complicated phrasing. Rewrite these moments using clearer, stronger, and simpler language.

  4. Record a final, polished version. Compare it with your first recording and observe how clarity, confidence, and simplicity transform your delivery.

More resources on www.batcsglobal.com

Olga Smith

249. One Letter Pronounced in Five Sounds

In many languages, words are pronounced in the same way they are spelt.

In English, spelling and pronunciation are not identical. English has inherited many foreign words, including those from Latin, French, Dutch, and German, and it has anglicised the pronunciation while retaining the original spelling.

In this article, I will give examples from our elocution apps of how one letter “o” represents several sounds:

  1. In words, “come, oven, front, company” it represents the / ʌ/ sound as in “duck” (Lesson 9)

  2. In words, “those, phone, no ” it is pronounced as a diphthong /əʊ/ as in “blow” (Lesson 16)

  3. In words, “corner, storage, form” it is pronounced as a long /ɔː/ sound (Lesson 3)

  4. In words, “stop, office, box” it is a short /ɒ/ sound (Lesson 10)

  5. In unstressed syllables, it is pronounced as schwa /ə/, as in “the”. I highlighted the schwa: “confirm, London, potatoes” (Lesson 6)

You noticed that I mentioned lesson numbers from our elocution apps in brackets. This is to help you practise these sounds.

British English

American English

When using the apps, avoid looking at the spelling the first time you practise a sound. This helps you overcome confusion caused by English spelling and focus purely on pronunciation. Listen carefully and repeat the sound in words, phrases, and verses. 

There are no fixed rules for when a particular sound is used. However, by working with our elocution apps, you’ll start to notice pronunciation patterns and have plenty of opportunities to practise them.

Subscribe to our newsletter and visit www.batcsglobal.com to receive daily pronunciation tips.

248. Your Personal Language Style

We all have our own personal style — a voice shaped by the environment we grew up in. The words we choose, the rhythm of our sentences, even the phrases we repeat without thinking - they all carry traces of our background, experiences, and the people who’ve influenced us.

Maybe you picked up a calm, measured tone from a parent who spoke thoughtfully. Or perhaps your speech has the warmth and colour of a lively neighbourhood where stories were traded like treasures. Over time, these influences blend into a style that’s uniquely yours - your linguistic fingerprint.

What’s fascinating is that our style continues to evolve. New environments, social circles, and technologies reshape how we speak and write. The way you text a friend today might be miles apart from how you wrote letters ten years ago — and that’s perfectly natural. Language is alive, and so are we.

Our personal style isn’t just about grammar or vocabulary; it’s about identity. It tells the world who we are, where we’ve been, and how we see things. Recognising and refining your style doesn’t mean losing authenticity - it means understanding your voice and using it with purpose.

So as you read this week’s edition, take a moment to reflect:

What’s your style saying about you?  

We offer a personalised speech analysis designed to help you discover and refine your unique communication style.

 Through this in-depth analysis, you will:

  •  Gain a clear understanding of your personal language style

  •  Identify your strengths and areas for growth

  •  Receive detailed, actionable recommendations to enhance your speech and voice

 To book your session, email oriana_r@hotmail.com or text +447971246806

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

235. The Power of Three

Have you noticed how often the power of three shows up in our daily lives? A good meal consists of a starter, a main course, and a dessert. A good day includes work, rest, and play.

Take my belly dancing class today. It felt amazing because it had:

1️⃣ A nice warm-up

2️⃣ A well-paced rehearsal of our routine for the upcoming show

3️⃣ A wonderfully relaxing stretch to finish

The same principle applies to public speaking. A strong speech always has:

1️⃣ An engaging introduction

2️⃣ An interesting main part

3️⃣ A memorable conclusion

And yes, even in elocution lessons, the pattern holds true:

1️⃣ Warm-up muscular exercises

2️⃣ Practising a sound or speech pattern

3️⃣ A fun verse or rhyme exercise at the end

Why does this work? Because our brains love structure. Three feels complete, balanced, and easy to remember. If you’d like to apply the power of three to your own speech and communication, you can explore my apps:

Now, I’d love to hear from you. What’s an example of the power of three in your own life? Share it in the comments—I can’t wait to read your ideas

232. Overcoming the Fear of Speaking English in Public

Speaking English in public can feel intimidating, even for people who have studied the language for years. The fear of making mistakes, being misunderstood, or sounding “different” is common—but the good news is that it can be managed and overcome with the right mindset and practical techniques.

Why We Fear Public Speaking in English

There are several reasons why speaking English in front of others can feel scary:

1. Fear of Mistakes
Worrying about mispronunciation or grammar errors can make you hesitant to speak at all.

2. Lack of Confidence
Not being sure about your vocabulary or fluency can make public speaking stressful.

3. High Expectations
Many people compare themselves to native speakers and feel pressure to “sound perfect.”

Understanding the cause of your fear is the first step to addressing it.

Practical Steps to Build Confidence

Here are some strategies that can help you speak more confidently in English, whether in meetings, presentations, or social situations:

1. Start Small
Practice speaking English in low-pressure situations—like ordering a meal, speaking with friends, or reading out loud at home. Small wins help build confidence gradually.

2. Focus on Clarity, Not Perfection
Instead of worrying about sounding like a native speaker, aim to be clear and understandable. Your audience values clarity more than perfect pronunciation.

3. Use Pauses Effectively
Pausing after each idea gives you time to think and reduces nervousness. Practising Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause (4Ps) can make your speech more natural and easier to follow.

4. Record and Listen to Yourself
Recording your voice and listening back allows you to notice your strengths and areas for improvement. Apps like Get Rid of Your Accent or Fluent English Speech provide guided exercises for intonation, articulation, and fluency, making this process easier.

5. Practice Public Speaking Gradually
Start with a small audience, then gradually increase the number of listeners. Toastmasters, online language meetups, or even speaking to family members can help you practice in a supportive environment.

Mindset Matters
Remember, everyone makes mistakes, even native speakers. Mistakes are part of the learning process and do not define your ability to communicate effectively. Celebrate your uniqnes and your progress, no matter how small, and be patient with yourself.

Final Thought
Overcoming the fear of speaking English in public takes practice, patience, and perseverance. Start small, focus on clarity, and gradually challenge yourself. With consistent effort, you’ll progress and feel proud of your progress.

Useful Tip
Incorporate a few minutes of daily practice with guided exercises from apps like Get Rid of Your Accent or Fluent English Speech—you’ll be amazed at how quickly your confidence grows.

More on www.batcsglobal.com

231. Get Rid of Russian Accent

This app is designed especially for Russian speakers who want to reduce their accent and speak clear, confident English. Based on the bestselling series Get Rid of Your Accent, it combines proven elocution lessons with step-by-step practice. All speech organ positions are translated into Russian, making it easy for learners to master English sounds and correct pronunciation quickly.

Why It Works

Trusted by actors, diplomats, teachers, and business professionals, this accent app helps you:

  1. Understand how each English sound is formed with Russian explanations

  2. Practise pronunciation, articulation and intonation

  3. Master all sounds of Received Pronunciation (RP) – also called Queen’s English, Oxford English, or BBC English

  4. Improve fluency for public speaking and everyday conversation

App Content

  • 48 lessons with words, phrases, short sentences, verses, and articulation drills, tongue twisters, rhythmic exercises, and passages

  • Audio recordings of native English speakers for accurate English pronunciation

Functionality

  1. Listen & Repeat– copy pronunciation, liaisons, and intonation

  2. Record & Compare – hear your voice and track your progress

With regular practice, you will:

• Neutralise your Russian accent within 1–3 months

• Speak English that is clear and easy to understand

• Gain confidence for teaching, studying, or working internationally

• Sound professional and fluent in English communication

Meet the Authors

Linda James (RAM, Dip. Ed., IPD, LRAM), Speech and Drama coach, trained at the Royal Academy of Music, with 20+ years of experience teaching RP and accent reduction in London drama schools, films, and TV.

Olga Smith (BA Linguistics, MBA), Linguist, public speaker, and co-author of the best-selling *Get Rid of Your Accent book series. Having overcome her own strong Russian accent, Olga brings practical expertise to learners worldwide.

Visit www.batcsglobal.com to book a professional speech analysis.

228. Fluent American Speech App

Based on the international bestseller Get Rid of Your Accent Part One and Two, General American Accent Training Manual, ISBN 9780955330087, this app helps you reduce your accent, perfect your American English pronunciation, and speak fluently with confidence.

With practical elocution lessons and vocal techniques, Fluent American Speech explains the rules of difficult American speech patterns, intonation, and sentence stress. Step by step, you’ll learn how to neutralise your accent and achieve a clear, natural speaking style.

App Content

  • Contractions for natural fluency

  • Liaisons for smooth connections between words

  • Strong and weak forms for authentic speech

  • Intonation and sentence stress for clarity and impact

  • Difficult word endings & silent letters with guided practice

Functionality
1. Native model audio tracks
2. Listen & repeat training
3. Record your voice
4. Compare pronunciation instantly

What You’ll Gain:

1. A fluent American accent in just 1–3 months of practice

2. Confidence in social and professional English speech as well as in public speaking

3. Improved job prospects, education, and social interactions

4. A professional voice that sounds natural, clear, and persuasive

Whether you want to get rid of your accent, prepare for public speaking, or simply improve your fluency in English, this accent app works like a personal coach in your pocket.

Start your journey to perfect American English pronunciation and fluency today and watch your career and social life blossom!

225. Fluent English Speech App

The follow-up to the bestselling Get Rid of Your Accent UK1 app. Designed for learners who want to speak English fluently, clearly, and confidently—just like a native speaker.

App Contents
Part 1: Master difficult speech patterns — word endings, consonant clusters, schwa, strong & weak forms.
Part 2: Connected speech — learn to speak in natural phrases instead of separate words.
Part 3: Improve intonation, sentence stress & rhythm — make your speech smooth, clear, and engaging.

Functionality
1. Native model audio tracks
2. Listen & repeat training
3. Record your voice
4. Compare pronunciation instantly

With this app, you will:

  • Develop English fluency and natural flow

  • Improve pronunciation, intonation & rhythm

  • Learn idioms & colloquial expressions to sound authentic

  • Reduce your foreign accent and speak with confidence

  • Boost career opportunities and personal impact through clear communication

    Meet the Authors

    Linda James (RAM, Dip. Ed., IPD, LRAM), Speech and Drama coach, trained at the Royal Academy of Music, with 20+ years of experience teaching RP and accent reduction in London drama schools, films, and TV.

    Olga Smith (BA Linguistics, MBA), Linguist, public speaker, and co-author of the best-selling *Get Rid of Your Accent book series. Having overcome her own strong Russian accent, Olga brings practical expertise to learners worldwide.

    Visit www.batcsglobal.com to book a professional speech analysis.