306. Do The Right Thing

This is my motto.

Often, others try to manipulate me, advise me or ask me what I “should be doing” and “how good it would be for me.” It could be a dinner invitation, and I do not eat after 6 pm. So it is a NO for me, but others would say: “If you do it once, nothing will happen”.

Even more often, I am manipulated by my lazy brain (this is the brain's most important quality: to economise our energy for survival; the brain wants us to do what is necessary for our survival). For example, I should go for a run, but instead I have coffee with a cookie, or instead of practising my RP I watch my favourite comedian.

I looked back and realised that when I was a teenager, my willpower and sense of direction were much stronger. Somehow, I do not feel as strong in resisting temptation.

I know that if I don’t do the right thing, it is a road to nowhere. I will lose my direction.

I remember one of my great teachers once told me: move the world, baby, or the world will move you.

Each time I deviate from my direction, this phrase helps me to get back to myself.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

305. The Key Success Factor in Business

So let me ask you—how’s your business doing?

When it comes to running a business, I’ve learned that the key success factor is the right attitude.

There are two common mindsets I see every day:

  • Customer-oriented

  • Numbers-oriented

A customer-focused business asks: “How can I really help people?”

It’s about:

  • Solving real problems

  • Making life easier for customers

  • Building trust that lasts

A numbers-driven business asks: “How can I hit my targets or improve metrics?”

It’s about:

  • Revenue and profit

  • Conversions and traffic

  • Efficiency and margins

Metrics are important—but they should guide, not define, the purpose of business.

Look at the examples and see the difference:

1. Building a Website

  • Numbers-focused: “How many SEO keywords can I stuff in to rank higher?”

  • Customer-focused: “How can I make this site really useful and easy for visitors?”

2. Choosing a Product Line

  • Numbers-focused: “How do I maximise profit and cut costs?”

  • Customer-focused: “Does this product truly help people? Will it solve a real problem?”

3. Writing My First Book

When I wrote my first book, Get Rid of Your Accent, I calculated how much money I would make. But this was not my main drive. I wrote it because I wanted to help people with a problem I had myself: an unintelligible foreign accent. I knew how frustrating it was to feel misunderstood or ignored. I wanted to give others confidence and clarity in their speech.

I focused on helping, not earning. And because of that, the book became an international bestseller. That one act of putting people first naturally led to more books, apps, and video courses—all built to continue helping people communicate confidently.

So let me ask you again —how’s your business doing?

If the numbers are dropping, maybe it’s not the market or the timing—it might be your attitude. Maybe somewhere along the way, you forgot the most important thing: the people you’re here to serve.

Serving them well isn’t just good ethics—it’s the heart of a business that lasts.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

304. The Biggest Mistake of All

In today’s edition, I want to share a technique I learned at school as a teenager—one that somehow slipped out of my routine as life became faster and more demanding.

Recently, I noticed a frustrating pattern: I was repeating the same mistake. Again and again. It started to feel like I was doomed—that it was simply my nature and there was no way out.

Then I remembered something we used to do at school. We had a simple but powerful task: Work on Mistakes.

Here’s how it worked:

1. Make a clear note of the mistake
Be specific. Not vague, not emotional. Write down what exactly went wrong.

2. Write down the reason
This is where honesty matters. Was it carelessness? Lack of preparation? Assumptions? Distraction? This step forces you to confront the cause, not just the outcome.

3. Decide what you will do differently next time
This turns reflection into action. Without this step, awareness alone doesn’t lead to change.

Write it down by hand. Not on a phone or laptop. Handwriting engages the brain differently and helps the lesson stick.

What makes this exercise so powerful is its simplicity. It interrupts autopilot behaviour. Instead of letting mistakes blur into a general feeling of failure, it separates them, examines them, and turns each one into a lesson.

Making a mistake once is not the problem - repeating the same mistake is. I believe this is the biggest mistake of all.

Change doesn’t always require complex systems or drastic decisions. Sometimes, it begins with a pen, a moment of honesty, and the willingness to learn from what went wrong.

Warmly,
Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

303. 3 Speech Patterns That Slow Down Meetings

3 Speech Patterns That Slow Down Meetings

Olga Smith

Owner of BATCS Global, a publishing business, Director of Accent Reduction courses

March 26, 2026

Yesterday I had a meeting with my tech team, and it inspired me to write this article.

I want to showcase speech patterns that create confusion, slow down decisions, and frustrate participants.

1. Interrupting Others

This habit disrupts the flow of conversation. It’s ineffective because important ideas may be lost, and it can create tension.

Cure: Have patience to listen to others and make notes of the most important points.

2. Avoiding Direct Answers

It is quite frustrating when people do not answer questions directly, as if they didn’t hear them and go in circles. Not answering questions clearly delays decisions.

Examples

Question 1: “Can you finish this report by today?”

Indirect Response: “Well, I’ve got quite a few things going on, and the report is pretty detailed, so it might take some time to make sure everything is accurate…”

Direct answer: “I won’t be able to finish it today, but I can have it ready by tomorrow morning.”

Question 2: “How much will this project cost?”

Indirect answer: “Costs can vary depending on different factors like materials, timelines, and scope changes…”

Direct answer: “The estimated cost is £5,000, depending on the final scope.”

Cure: Listen to questions, clarify them if necessary and answer the question directly.

3. Speaking Too Quickly

This is particularly difficult if there is a tech discussion with non-tech people. It slows down the meeting because listeners may miss key information or misunderstand you.

Cure: This is a hard one to cure because it is a habit for many people and part of their nature. I recommend:

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

302. Elevate Your Language -Elevate Your Life

Yesterday, I attended a philosophy group in Barnes and I have enjoyed not only what I heard but the way people spoke - a wonderful choice of words and Received Pronunciation.

It got me thinking about language and how it transforms experience.

You may have the right thoughts, the right ambition, even the right strategy—but if your delivery lacks clarity and control, it dilutes your impact.

Choice of words, accent, pacing, and tone all contribute to perceived credibility. Like it or not, people associate certain speech patterns with composure, education, and authority.

This is why Received Pronunciation (RP)—often associated with the British upper classes—has historically carried weight. Not because it is “better,” but because it signals:

  • Clarity

  • Control

  • Intentional delivery

It doesn’t rush. It doesn’t blur. It doesn’t apologise.

Elevated speech is not about sounding louder or more formal. It’s about being deliberate.

Instead of:

  • Rushing through words

  • Softening statements unnecessarily

  • Filling space with uncertainty

You begin to:

  • Articulate clearly

  • Pause with confidence

  • Deliver thoughts with structure

Get Rid of your Accent app will help develop clear, composed speech rooted in RP—not to erase who you are, but to elevate how you’re perceived.

Here's how it works:

Elevated language → stronger presence; stronger presence → better opportunities; better opportunities → a different life trajectory

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

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

300. Online Accent Reduction Course for Professionals

Are you a non-native English speaker struggling to be understood at work?
Do you feel your accent is holding you back in meetings, presentations, or job interviews?

You’re not alone—and more importantly, you don’t have to stay stuck.

👉 This online accent reduction course for professionals is designed to help you improve your English pronunciation, reduce your accent, and speak confidently in business settings.

🚀 A Proven System to Improve Your English Accent Fast

This isn’t just another English course. It’s a step-by-step accent training system used by professionals who want real results.

⭐ Improve Your English Pronunciation (British Accent Training)

Start building a clear, professional British accent using:

✔ Learn how to pronounce business English vocabulary correctly
✔ Improve articulation and clarity
✔ Be easily understood in professional conversations

💼 Why Choose This Accent Reduction Course?

If you’re searching for:

  • Accent reduction course online

  • British accent training for professionals

  • Business English pronunciation course

  • How to speak English fluently and clearly

…this is exactly what you need.

✔ 43 structured lessons focused on real business English
✔ Covers finance, IT, law, HR, and marketing vocabulary
✔ Designed for career growth, job interviews, and workplace communication
✔ Inspired by the writing style of Financial Times and The Economist

📈 A Simple Learning Method That Gets Results

You don’t need hours of study—just a smart system.

Here’s how to improve your English speaking skills step by step:

  • Watch the video to understand mouth and speech positions

  • Practise with the app daily

  • Focus on one lesson at a time

  • Study for 10–45 minutes per day

  • Repeat each lesson for 3 days

  • Progress steadily and build confidence

👉 This method helps you reduce your accent naturally and permanently

🔑 Powerful Features for Fast Accent Improvement

🪞👄 Visual training – See and copy correct mouth positions
🎧 Listen and repeat exercises – Perfect your pronunciation
🎤 Record and compare – Track your progress like a pro
💿 Extra audio practice – Train anytime, anywhere

🎯 Who Is This Course For?

This course is perfect if you want to:

✔ Speak clear English at work
✔ Improve your business communication skills
✔ Sound more professional in meetings and presentations
✔ Build confidence in job interviews and networking
✔ Reduce a strong foreign accent

🔥 Start Speaking Clear, Confident English Today

Your accent should never hold you back from success.

👉 Join the Online Accent Reduction Course for Professionals today and start seeing results in just days.

Click here to get started now →

299. One Minute Tongue Exercise to Improve Pronunciation

Most people trying to improve their English pronunciation focus on learning more vocabulary or memorising rules. But pronunciation is actually a muscle skill.

And like any muscle skill, sometimes a tiny exercise can make a huge difference.

Here’s a simple 5-second tongue exercise you can try right now 👇

Step 1: Place your tongue on the teeth ridge, a prominent bone on the roof of your mouth

Step 2: Tap your tongue lightly against that spot. Do this rhythmic exercise from the app Get Rid of your Accent, Lesson 27:

t-t-t-t-t

tt-tt-tt-t

ttt-ttt-ttt-t

tttt-tttt-tttt-t

Step 3: Say these words immediately after
time, today, test, talk, terrible, torts, table, tennis, try, tend

You’ll notice your T sound becomes clearer and sharper.

Many learners keep their tongue too low or too relaxed, which makes pronunciation sound unclear. This quick exercise wakes up the tongue position used in many English consonants like T, D, N, and L.

Think of it like a one-minute warm-up for your mouth.

Try it before:

  • a meeting

  • a presentation

  • a job interview

  • recording a video

Small habits like this can improve clarity more than hours of passive listening.

Do this exercise 3 times a day for one week and notice how much easier certain sounds feel.

Sometimes improving your pronunciation isn’t about studying more — it’s about training the right muscles that create the sound.

Have you tried any pronunciation warm-ups before?

Share your favourite technique in the comments

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

298. N1 Human Strength in the Age of AI

In a world where AI can think faster than we ever could, what truly sets humans apart is no longer memory or calculation—but something deeper.

For most of human history, cognitive ability—memory, calculation, pattern recognition—has been a defining advantage. Today, artificial intelligence systems can perform these functions faster, cheaper, and often more accurately than we can. This shift forces a fundamental question:

When machines can solve problems, what do humans bring to the table?

For me, this question is not abstract—it is deeply personal.

A Personal Turning Point

I am genuinely grateful for AI, because for the first time in my life, I no longer feel inadequate because of my dyslexia.

Growing up, I was made to feel that intelligence looked a certain way—and I didn’t fit it.

I was shamed for my spelling. Reading wasn’t natural or clear to me, yet my father insisted I read fifty pages a day before I could have any fun. What was meant to build discipline often felt like punishment. While others seemed to move effortlessly through text, I had to fight for every page.

I also struggled with routine and anything that required grinding through information without meaning. It drained me.

I remember friends proudly talking about reading a hundred books over the summer. I could barely get through three.

And for a long time, that made me feel behind.

A Different Realisation

Over time, I noticed something important.

Some of the most well-read people I knew—people who could recall vast amounts of information—were not necessarily getting what they wanted from life.

They knew a lot. But knowledge alone didn’t translate into clarity, direction, or results.

That’s when something shifted.

I began to understand that knowing more is not the same as thinking better—and it’s certainly not the same as discernment.

Dyslexia as an Unexpected Advantage

What I lacked in conventional learning, I developed elsewhere.

Because reading was hard, I couldn’t rely on consuming endless information. I became selective. Focused. Intentional.

I developed a kind of laser focus—a drive to understand what actually mattered and how to get what I wanted.

I didn’t have the luxury of drowning in information, so I learned to cut through it.

In a strange way, dyslexia trained me for the exact world we’re entering now.

The Rise of N1 Strength

What I once saw as a weakness is now part of what I call N1 human strength—the smallest unit of uniquely human value that scales everything else.

N1 strength is not about competing with AI. It is about directing it.

It includes mainly leadership qualities:

1. Taste

AI generates options. We decide what is worth keeping.

2. Judgment

AI offers possibilities. We choose what matters.

3. Direction

AI executes. We define the goal.

4. Integration

AI produces fragments. We connect them.

5. Meaning-Making

AI generates content. We give it purpose.

6. Experience Truth

AI is hypothetical—it can simulate, predict, and suggest.
But truth is grounded in lived experience. Humans test, feel, and verify what actually works.

A New Kind of Confidence

For the first time, I don’t feel like I have to compensate.

I don’t feel behind.

I feel aligned.

AI didn’t just remove a limitation—it revealed that the game has changed.

The traits I once struggled with forced me to develop something deeper than knowledge: discernment, focus, and direction.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

297. Learning in 2026: From Information to Expertise to Execution

With the invention of the internet, we got access to information. I remember waiting for books at the library. Now, I can search, scroll, and find almost anything instantly.

But information alone didn’t make us capable. It just made us aware.

With the rise of AI, we’ve entered a different era.

We now have access to expertise.

Learning has changed

We no longer need to attend lectures or spend months mastering theory before taking action. It is no longer about preparing first and doing later. It’s now a hands-on process.

We learn by doing.

You get the information and expertise you need for a specific task—and apply it immediately.

My experience improving a website with AI

Recently, I worked on improving my website, focusing on SEO and performance.

A few years ago, this would’ve meant:

  • Taking full SEO courses

  • Reading endless blogs about algorithms

  • Hiring an expert

  • Spending weeks testing without clarity

This time was different.

I didn’t study SEO in the traditional sense.
I improved the website directly.

  • Needed better structure → got clear recommendations

  • Needed keyword ideas → generated and refined them instantly

  • Needed optimisation → made targeted improvements with guidance

I wasn’t becoming an SEO expert.

I was operating like one—with help.

The shift: learning by doing

This is the biggest change in 2026:

Learning is no longer preparation.
Learning is execution.

Instead of:

  • Studying first

  • Practicing later

We now:

  1. Start with something real

  2. Identify gaps

  3. Get expert-level guidance

  4. Apply immediately

Repeat.

Why this works? Because context beats theory.

Everything I learned had a purpose:

  • SEO → visibility

  • Content → ranking and conversion

  • Structure → clarity for users and search engines

Nothing was abstract. Everything was practical.

The new skill: learning on demand

The most valuable skill today isn’t knowing everything.

It’s:

  • Asking the right questions

  • Applying answers quickly

  • Iterating fast

Learning on demand.

The internet gave us access to information.
AI gave us access to expertise.

Now the only thing left is action.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

296. The List of Our Apps, Books and Video Courses

295. What Creating My First 1-Minute Instagram Video Taught Me

I had been dreading this for years. Finally, I decided to do it—create a 1-minute Instagram video. I even told myself: I wouldn’t do anything else until I got it done. Here’s what I learned:

  • Creating a 1-minute video takes far more strategy than I expected.

  • It’s surprisingly hard to make something that is both attention-grabbing and meaningful in such a short time.

What Worked Well 

 1. I started with a clear idea: explaining how the /t/ sound is created and how to master it.

2. I had a clear structure: a beginning, middle, and end.

3. I used a microphone—audio quality was strong

4. I rehearsed the video content 3 times

5. I spoke clearly and stayed authentic to my style

6. I avoided filler words

7. I used good natural light and faced the window

8. The content was valuable and useful

Mistakes I Made

Mistake #1: No hook

I didn’t think about the first 3 seconds.

Attention spans are short—if you don’t grab interest immediately, people scroll.

Instead of a strong hook, I just greeted the audience.

A simple structure I should have followed:

  1. 0–3 sec: Hook. Strong hooks include:  a bold statement (“You’ve been doing this wrong…”)  or a question that sparks curiosity

  2. 3–45 sec: Main content

  3. 45–60 sec: Conclusion + CTA

Mistake #2: Not visually engaging

The video lacked movement and variation to keep attention.

Mistake #3: No captions or text

I didn’t use text to:

  • Highlight key points

  • Reinforce the message

  • Guide viewers

Many people watch without sound—this was a missed opportunity.

Mistake #4: No call to action

I ended with: “I hope you enjoyed the video.”

Instead, I could have said:

  • “Follow for more tips”

  • “Save this for later”

A CTA turns viewers into engaged followers.

Creating a great 1-minute Instagram video is about clarity, energy, and connection. I had clarity and energy. But I missed a connection with my audience—at the start (no hook) and at the end (no CTA).

I’ll keep experimenting.

And who knows - maybe the next one will be better.

Olga Smith
www.batcsglobal.com

294. Accent Reduction Method

⭐ How Our Method Works

Step 1: Practice the sounds that challenge you most

  • Start with your video course, app or book.

  • Focus on the specific sounds that are difficult for your nationality.

  • Track your progress with exercises and recordings built into the apps.

Step 2: Work on fluency and intonation

  • Gradually practice words, sentences, and natural speech patterns.

  • Apply your learning in real-life speaking situations, like meetings, presentations, and conversations.

Step 3: Optional Personalised Support: Speech Analysis & Elocution Lessons

How Sounds are Produced

You learn how to physically produce sounds correctly:

  • Where to place your tongue and

  • How to shape your lips;

  • Jaw position: open, half-open or half-closed, etc. Many people have very stiff jaw muscles, which affects pronunciation.


Fluency Training Involves:

  • Connected speech patterns

  • Sentence stress

  • Natural flow of speech

  • Strong and weak forms of words

  • Schwa and fluency

  • Difficult speech patterns: words anding s and consinant clusters

  • Use of colloquial expressions and idioms

  • Intonation

293. How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Accent?

How long will it take me to get rid of my accent?

This is one of the most common questions we’re asked—and the honest answer is: it depends.

Your progress is highly individual and influenced by several factors. Accents are deeply connected to muscle memory and personal identity, so changing them takes time and consistent practice.

Here are four key factors that affect how quickly you can get rid of your accent:

1. Your native language
Some languages are closer to English than others. For example, speakers of Italian or German may find it easier to adapt to English pronunciation, while speakers of Japanese or Chinese often face more differences to overcome.

2. How long you’ve been speaking English
The longer you’ve used certain pronunciation patterns, the more ingrained they become. Changing established habits takes time—but it’s absolutely possible.

3. When you started learning English
Early exposure can make pronunciation more intuitive, but starting later doesn’t mean you can’t make significant progress.

4. Your listening ability (“your ear”)
Some people naturally pick up sounds and rhythm more easily, while others need more focused listening practice. The good news is that this skill can be trained.

Here’s a realistic timeline (if you practice regularly):

  • 1-2 weeks: You’ll start noticing specific sounds

  • 1–3 months: Your speech becomes clearer and easier for others to understand.

  • 6–12 months: You can sound quite close to your target accent in many situations.

  • 1+ year: Near-native fluency is possible, but subtle traces of your original accent often remain.

 What speeds it up:

  • Daily speaking practice (even 15–45 mins)

  • Recording yourself and comparing

  • Shadowing native speakers (copying rhythm + intonation)

  • Focusing on patterns, not just individual words

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

291. Confusing Sounds for Japanese, Chinese and Spanish Speakers of English

Many English learners struggle with certain pronunciation sounds, especially when those sounds do not exist in their native language. Based on my experience teaching students from Japan, Spain and China, two of the most common pronunciation mistakes involve the /v/ and /b/ sounds, and the /l/ and /r/ sounds.

Confusing /v/ and /b/ sounds change the meaning of words:

  • berry - very

  • boat - vote

The /v/ sound is made by placing your top teeth on your bottom lip and letting air pass through.

The /b/sound is made purely with lips: the lips are pressed tightly together and suddenly move to allow the compressed air to escape in a small explosion

Practise articulation exercises 3 times a day for a week, repeat each line 3 times:

  1. Vet, vote, very, van, veal

    Virtually everyone voted to leave the village undeveloped.

  2. Bet, boat, berry, ban, bill

    The brace of brown birds was bagged by Billy Butler.

The second most common mistake for Japanese, Chinese and Spanish Speakers of English is mixing up /l/ and /r/ sounds:

  • light - right

  • glass - grass

To pronounce the /l/ sound, the tip of the tongue touches the alveolar ridge.

To pronounce the /r/, the tip of the tongue curls back but does not touch the roof of the mouth.

Practise articulation exercises 3 times a day for a week, repeat each line 3 times:

  1. link, lake, love, late, loan
    The lanky Lord of London built a castle and a mill.

  2. rat, right, role, ring, rock
    Three red lorries drove over the rusty railway bridge.

Pronunciation improves with consistent practice. Spend just a few minutes every day repeating these exercises, and you will notice your clarity and confidence improving. Small daily practice can make a big difference. With patience and practice, the correct pronunciation will become your second nature.

You can find more exercises for these sounds in Lessons 26, 35, 33, 42 in the app Get Rid of your Accent (British English) and American Accent App (American English)

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

289. One-Minute Tongue Exercise to Improve Pronunciation

Most people trying to improve their English pronunciation focus on learning more vocabulary or memorising rules. But pronunciation is actually a muscle skill.

Like any muscle skill, sometimes a tiny exercise can make a huge difference.

Here’s a simple one-minute tongue exercise you can try right now:

Step 1: Place your tongue on the alveolar ridge, about 1 cm above and behind your top teeth.

Step 2: Tap your tongue lightly against that spot. Do this rhythmic exercise from the app Get Rid of your Accent, Lesson 27:

t-t-t-t-t

tt-tt-tt-t

ttt-ttt-ttt-t

tttt-tttt-tttt-t

Step 3: Practise the sound in words, sentences and verses:
time, today, test, talk, terrible, torts, table, tennis, try, tend

Two toads totally tired of trying to trot to Tetbury

You’ll notice your /t/ sound becomes clearer and sharper.

Many learners keep their tongue too low or too relaxed, which makes pronunciation sound unclear. This quick exercise wakes up the tongue position used in many English consonants /t, d, l, n/: Lessons 27a, 27b, 30, 33 from the app Get Rid of your Accent.

Think of it like a one-minute warm-up for your mouth.

Try it before:

  • a meeting

  • a presentation

  • a job interview

  • recording a video

Small habits like this can improve clarity more than hours of passive listening.

Do this exercise 3 times a day for one week and notice how much easier certain sounds feel.

Sometimes improving your pronunciation isn’t about studying more — it’s about training the right muscles that create the sound.

Have you tried any pronunciation warm-ups before?

Share your favourite technique in the comments

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

287. The N1 Mistake in Public Speaking

When people speak in public, they often focus too much on themselves:

  • Am I speaking correctly?

  • Is my accent good enough?

  • Will people judge me?

  • Do I sound clever?”

  • Am I impressive?

This self-focus creates tension. The speaker tries hard, looks stiff, the voice tightens, and the message becomes less clear.

Ironically, the audience is usually not judging the speaker as harshly as the speaker imagines.

In my experience as a public speaker and a member of a public speaking club, the number one mistake in public speaking is something much simpler:

Trying to sound perfect instead of trying to communicate.

Connection and communication are not about sounding perfect. It’s about being understood and understanding others.

Try these simple tricks:


1. Instead of speaking to a crowd, imagine you are talking to one person and trying to explain your ideas.

Look at one listener for a moment, then another. Speak as if you are having a conversation.

 This makes your delivery more natural and helps the audience feel included.

  

2. Use Simple Language 

Many speakers think complex language makes them sound intelligent. In reality, simple language makes your message clearer. Short sentences and familiar words help the audience understand you quickly. Communication is about clarity, not complexity.

 

 3. Show That You Care About the Audience 

A strong speaker always thinks about the listener. Ask yourself: 

  •  What problem does my audience have?

  •  What idea will help them?

  •  What do I want them to remember?

 When the audience feels that the speaker is helping them, a connection naturally happens.

  4. Use Pauses

 Many speakers talk too fast because they are nervous.

 Pauses are powerful because they:

  • Give the audience time to understand

  •  Make your message sound more confident

  •  Allow important ideas to stand out

Learn how to use pauses effectively with the app 4Ps, Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause .

5. Use Repetitions

  • Memorise your key ideas by heart and repeat them throughout your speech.

  • Make your voice louder when you say your key messages.

When you focus on helping your audience rather than impressing them, communication becomes much easier.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

286. One trick to sound natural in English

There’s one simple trick to sound natural in English: focus on contractions.

In everyday English, native speakers, in certain cases, do not pronounce the full form of words -they contract them so that the speech flows smoothly.

Instead of saying:

  “I will go out”

 “I would like to see it”

 “It would have been better to stay home”

 

Native speakers often say:

  “I’ll go out.”

 “I’d like to see it.”

 “It would’ve been better to stay home.”

 

Notice how:

  “I will” → “I’ll”

 “I would” → “I’d”

 “It would have been” → “It would’ve been”

 

Mastering contractions can instantly make your English sound smoother and more natural. 

Practice Contractions and Strong and Weak Forms of Words

Lesson 43 in the Business English Speech app (based on the book Get Rid of your Accent for Business) focuses entirely on contractions. You’ll:

Lesson 6 in the app Fluent English Speech (based on the book Get Rid of your Accent Part Two, Advance Level)

  •  Discover which words native speakers naturally contract

  •  Perfect pronunciation

  •  Sharpen your skills with 12 hands-on exercises

 Get the books and apps today and start sounding natural in English!

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com