Does It Really Matter to Have a Strong Accent?

In 2004, I, Olga Smith, was looking for an elocution tutor. My American husband could not understand some of the words I was saying. People often asked me to repeat what I said. Then I was saying it in the same way; it was a vicious circle. I felt my foreign accent was a nuisance for me and others.

After a long, difficult search and failed attempts with numerous "elocution tutors”, I found Linda James, a qualified phonetician with 20+ years of teaching speech in London drama schools and accent reduction to international professionals. From the very first lesson, I fell in love with Linda's teaching method and could see the progress straight away.

In 2006, I told Linda I wanted to write a book based on her method and asked her to co-author it. I wanted to make Linda's exclusive and very enjoyable lessons available to a wide audience. This is how the international bestselling book Get Rid of Your Accent, Part One (Audible/Amazon) was born.

Linda and I later co-authored Parts Two - Advanced Level and Three - for Business, and our most recent book is Get Rid of Your Accent for Beginners.

We recently created accompanying video courses for the mentioned above apps:

All our books have been converted into iOS and Android apps by developer Yury Kravchenko. Yury himself had a strong Russian accent, and his elocution tutor recommended our Get Rid of Your Accent book. He enjoyed the book and the progress he was making with it. Yury proposed turning the entire series into apps:

British English

Elocution Lessons

Get Rid of your Accent:

Fluent English Speech

Business English Speech

4Ps, Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause

Get rid of Chinese Accent

Get Rid of Russian Accent

American English

Today, nearly 20 years later, what started as my personal struggle has become a global resource.

If you've ever felt held back by your accent — in meetings, on stage, or simply in conversation — I want you to know: clear, confident speech is a skill. And like any skill, it can be learned.

Whether you prefer books, apps, video courses, or 1-to-1 coaching, we have a path for you:

  • 📗 Bestselling books on Amazon & Audible

  • 📱iOS & Android apps (British & American English)

  • 🎓 Video courses on Udemy

  • 🎙️ Online & in-person coaching in London

Find free tips on www.batcsglobal.com

Warmly

Olga Smith

What King Charles III Can Teach You About the Art of Rhetoric

On 28 April, 2026, King Charles III rose to speak at dinner in the White House and delivered a quiet masterclass in the oldest art in politics: the art of persuasion.

Charles opened his dinner remarks not with a grand thesis, but with an act of sympathy. He acknowledged the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner just days before, paying tribute to Trump and Melania for their "courage and steadfastness." This is the oldest rhetorical technique, dating back to Ancient Greece. Aristotle called it ethos.

Ethos refers to the speaker's credibility and moral character.

Ethos has three elements:

1. Phronesis - refers to the speaker's intelligence and experience, establishing them as knowledgeable

2. Arete - moral value of the argument

3. Eunoia - mutual understanding, speaker's likability and accessibility

Let’s see how the King continues the art of rhetoric in his dinner speech.

Then the gear change. Having established gravity, the King pivoted immediately to comedy — remarking upon the East Wing renovations before noting that the British had made their own "small attempt at real estate development of the White House in 1814," the year British forces burned it to the ground. The joke was self-deprecating on behalf of his nation, and flattering the President's own passion for construction. Lightheartedly, with a single sentence, the King desused two centuries of historical awkwardness.

My favourite King’s joke was about Winston Churchill facing President Ruselvelt naked as he came out of the bathroom (the President wanted to have a chat). Upon seeing Churchill without his clothes, Ruselvelt stated, "The British Prime Minister has nothing to conceal from the President."

Having moved through sympathy, self-deprecating comedy, and shared history, the King arrived at his true destination: the language of kinship. He spoke of the "truly unique" relationship between two nations bound by language, history, and common purpose — and made it feel, for a moment, genuinely felt rather than merely diplomatic. That is what rhetoric, at its finest, can do. 

Warmly

Olga Smith

The King Before Congress: History, Diplomacy, and a Touch of Wilde

On 28 April 2026, King Charles III addressed the United States Congress — a moment charged with ceremony and quiet historical weight. As he walked slowly to the lectern, his bearing alone seemed to still the chamber. Something rare and significant was about to unfold.

He opened, disarmingly, with wit. Quoting Oscar Wilde, the King drew warm laughter from the assembled legislators:

"We have really everything in common with America nowadays, except, of course, language."

What followed earned him numerous standing ovations — a speech woven from clever humour, resonant historical references, and genuine praise for America and its enduring friendship with Britain. I found myself particularly struck by one phrase: "The Founding Fathers were bold and imaginative rebels with a cause." Descriptive, precise, and quietly daring.

The speech was as much a history lesson as an act of statesmanship. The King invoked Magna Carta — Latin for "Great Charter" — the foundational document agreed upon in England in 1215, enshrining the principle that no one stands above the law. It is the bedrock upon which democracy in both the United Kingdom and the United States was built, and hearing it spoken of in those hallowed chambers carried a particular resonance.

What impressed me most was the King's masterclass in diplomacy — a rare blend of candour and grace. Even when addressing issues that divide Congress, he spoke with sincerity and authenticity, never retreating into comfortable platitudes.

His closing was quietly profound. Reminding his audience that America's words carry weight and meaning, he added that the actions of this great nation matter even more. He then sealed the thought by invoking Lincoln's timeless words from the Gettysburg Address:

"The world will little note what we say, but it will never forget what we do."

It was, in every sense, a speech worthy of the occasion — and of the man who delivered it.

In my next edition, we turn to something altogether lighter: the King's after-dinner speech, and the rather different art of making a room laugh.

Warmly,
Olga Smith

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

301. Mini 1-Minute Public Speaking Challenge

What if you could become a more confident speaker in just 60 seconds a day?

Public speaking doesn’t require a stage, a big audience, or hours of preparation. It starts with consistency—and small, intentional practice.

Here’s a simple challenge you can start today:

⏱ The 1-Minute Speaking Habit

Every day, pick a topic and speak about it for one minute. That’s it.

No scripts. No overthinking. Just speak.

How it works:

  • Choose any topic (your day, an idea, a news story, a lesson learned)

  • Set a timer for 60 seconds

  • Speak out loud—ideally record yourself

  • Don’t stop, even if you stumble

Why this works:

  • Builds clarity of thought

  • Reduces fear of speaking

  • Improves articulation and confidence

  • Trains you to think on your feet

Want to level up? Try this:

  • Day 1–3: Speak freely

  • Day 4–7: Add structure (beginning, middle, end)

  • Week 2: Focus on tone, pauses, and body language

  • Week 3: Challenge yourself with tougher topics

I do this exercise every day, I love it and it has become a habit for me. I can always find one minute a day to have fun and do something useful at the same time.

Your turn:
What will you speak about today?

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

292. How to Keep your Audience’s Attention

Yesterday, I visited my Toastmasters club and listened to six impromptu and three prepared speeches. I chose to sit at the back of the room so that, if I got bored, I could peek at my phone for some intellectual or visual stimulation.

Here’s an honest reflection on what I noticed about the speakers and how I felt as an audience member.

Moments When I Got Bored

  • The speaker’s voice was too quiet, and I could not hear much

  • A monotonous speech delivery made me instantly switch off from listening and look at my phone

  • When they spoke too fast and did not have a clear speech structure

  • When the speaker was relying too heavily on notes, it felt like they were reading a boring report rather than sharing a message

Moments When I Really Enjoyed Listening

  • One of the speakers started his speech with a deep, intimate question; it felt like he was speaking to me directly. It was an amazing connection

  • A few speakers made clever jokes and connected them to previous speakers. We all could relate to those jokes and have a good laugh

What Stood Out: Body Language

Finally, I would like to share what stood out to me. I paid attention to the body language because it speaks louder than words and tells a lot about a person. I find it fascinating:

  • One speaker had a lifted shoulder and hunched back, which made him appear tense and uneven

  • The Toastmaster of the evening hugged presenters, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere

  • Some speakers looked very serious throughout, which made their talks feel heavy

Key Takeaways for Speakers

  1. Open with a relatable question or story to capture attention

  2. Project your voice so that people can hear you

  3. Memorise the key messages of your speech and connect with the audience rather than reading a script

  4. Create a clear speech structure, pause between paragraphs and allow listeners to absorb one idea at a time

  5. Stand tall, open your shoulders and smile

I’d love to hear from you—what interesting things do you notice when people speak?

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

290. Do You Speak Too Fast?

Why Do People Speak Too Fast?

There are several reasons why someone might speak quickly:

  1. Nervousness or anxiety – When we’re nervous, our body goes into “fight or flight” mode, and talking fast is a natural response.

  2. Excitement – Sharing something you’re passionate about can make words pour out rapidly.

  3. Time pressure – Feeling rushed often makes us speed up, thinking we need to fit everything into a limited timeframe.

  4. Habit – Some people have simply always spoken quickly, and it becomes their default pace.

While speaking fast can sometimes convey enthusiasm or urgency, it often comes with downsides:

  • Listeners may miss key points or misunderstand your message, and feel tired of trying to keep up with a rapid speaker

  • Speaking too fast can make you appear nervous rather than confident.

How to Slow Down

  1. I’ve noticed that some people don’t filter their speech; they say whatever comes to mind. This often results in narratives that lack structure, logic and meaning.

On the other hand, some people speak very little, but every word they choose carries weight and significance. Their speech is deliberate, meaningful, and easy to follow.

Thinking about what, why and how to say something is a great way to slow down your speech.

2. Furthermore, the app 4Ps, Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause, can be a wonderful tool to master your speech to create a lasting impact and learn the foundations of public speaking. You will see how our pace is connected to our pitch and the power of our voice, and how effective the use of pause is.

3. Slowing down your speech doesn’t happen automatically - it requires conscious effort. Deliberately practising slower speech, pausing between thoughts, emphasising key points, and controlling your pace helps retrain your brain and body. With consistent practice over 1–3 months, measured and purposeful speaking can become a natural part of how you communicate.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

278. Executive Presence (3/4): Speech & Voice

In the third edition of my Executive Presence series, I’ll break down the features of executive language—and what undermines it. We’ll look at what to say, what to avoid, and how to speak with authority and a strong presence.

Words That Weaken Your Presence

  • Softening statements with “just,” “maybe,” or “I’m not sure”.

Instead of them, use definite verbs and deadlines, for example: “let’s get this done by 2 pm”, “I need this report on my desk by 4 pm today”.

  • Swear words and rude words.

Be careful and pause, select words carefully. If you cannot find an appropriate word, feel frustrated, pause.

  • Filler words such as "eeh, uh, like, basically, you know", etc.

Substitute them with pauses.

Executive Language Features

  • Concision. Executive language is clear and economical. “Brevity is the soul of wit.” — William Shakespeare.

Instead of: “I just wanted to quickly touch base and kind of go over a few thoughts I had regarding the project.”

Say: “Let’s review the key points of the project.”

  • Specific words. Executive language avoids vague expressions and replaces them with precise, measurable terms.

Instead of: “We need to improve results.” Say: “We need to increase revenue by 10% this quarter.”

Instead of: “There are some issues.” Say: “We’re facing delays in delivery and a 5% budget overrun.”

Specific language communicates control, direction, and leadership.

How to Say It

  1. Stress key messages and use optimistic and uplifting intonation. Download the app Fluent English Speech to master sentence stress and intonation.

  2. Use pitch and pace strategically to enhance clarity and authority. Download the app Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause and have a few elocution lessons to master the 4Ps of public speaking.

  3. Articulate clearly and precisely. Strong articulation reinforces credibility and presence. You can master it with the app Get Rid of your Accent.

In the final edition of this series, I will focus on the body language and nonverbal cues that complete executive presence.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

260. Own Your Space - Use Your Arms with Confidence

We have been running elocution lessons since 2007 and have helped hundreds of people become confident and effective public speakers.

What we have noticed is that most students are unsure how to use their arms and hands while speaking in public. This uncertainty often results in gestures that reduce the impact of a presentation and make the speaker appear tense or awkward.

Some of the most common distracting hand and arm habits include:

  • Putting hands behind the back

  • Creating a “chicken-wing” effect by holding the upper arms too close to the body

  • Crossing the hands over the stomach

  • Keeping hands in pockets

  • Tight, clumsy-looking fingers

These gestures often signal a lack of confidence and suggest that the speaker is tense.

I experienced something similar when I started belly dancing. Being in control of my arms was one of my biggest challenges:

  1. I tended to keep my upper arms too close to my body, making my hands look stiff and awkward (the chicken wing effect). My teacher told me that I needed to own my space and allow my arms to move freely and move them away from my body.

  2. My fingers were spread awkwardly.

    In dance, fingers frame the movement; when used correctly, they elevate the dancer to something magnificent.

That advice applies just as powerfully to public speaking. Confident speakers are not afraid to use open, expansive arm gestures and to fully own the space they are in.

As a member of a public speaking club, I have noticed that even the most experienced public speakers can sometimes overdo their arm movements. The fact is that:

  • too much movement,

  • overly exaggerated gestures,

  • constantly repeated gestures, or

  • gestures that don’t match the words - can distract the audience rather than enhance the message.

Here are some strategies to get it right:

1. Be mindful, not mechanical

Plan your gestures to align with key points in your speech, but don’t force them on every sentence. Natural, purposeful movements have more impact than constant motion.

2. Own your space

Stand with a stable posture and allow your arms to move within your personal space. Avoid collapsing them close to your body, putting them in pockets, or hiding them behind your back. Confident speakers use open gestures to “claim” the stage.

3. Match gestures to words

Gestures should complement what you’re saying. For example, when enumerating points, show them on your fingers; when speaking about growth, use upward hand motions. This reinforces your message visually.

4. Practice restraint and rhythm

Less is often more. Overuse of gestures can feel chaotic. Practice your speech and notice where gestures feel natural. Pausing occasionally with hands at rest can make the gestures you do use stand out.

5. Record and review

Video yourself during practice sessions. Seeing how your arm movements look from an audience perspective helps identify distracting habits and improve flow.

6. Draw inspiration from other disciplines

Activities like dance, acting, or even martial arts teach spatial awareness and fluid arm movements. These skills can help you move with purpose rather than randomly.

When used with intention, gestures become quiet poetry, infusing your presence with elegance and grace and making beauty felt in both movement and sound.

In our elocution lessons, we record students’ speeches in both audio and video formats to help them develop strong verbal and nonverbal communication skills. To book a lesson, email: oriana_r@hotmail.com.

Warmly

Olga Smith

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.