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

261. Contained Energy: The Missing Skill in Communication

For a long time, I thought my rushed speech was just part of my personality. I’m enthusiastic. I get excited about ideas. I like forward motion. So when I spoke quickly or acted fast, I assumed that was a feature, not a bug. 

Even a speech tutor who has known me for 20 years once told me I needed to “remove the attack” from my voice. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what she meant. Now I do. That comment makes perfect sense in the context of how my pace and intensity can unintentionally create pressure for others. 

But over time, I started noticing a pattern that was harder to ignore: when I felt excited—or when I wanted something—people tensed up.

  • Not because the idea was bad.

  • Not because the request was unreasonable.

  • But because my pace carried urgency.

 And urgency, even when well-intentioned, often feels like pressure. The real issue wasn’t speed — it was velocity. What finally clicked for me is this: 

Trying to “talk slower” doesn’t work if your nervous system is still in move-this-forward-now mode. 

When we’re excited or motivated: 

  •  Our speech compresses

  •  Our breathing shortens

  •  Our bodies lean forward

  •  Our ideas stack on top of each other

 To us, it feels like clarity and momentum. To others, it often feels like being pushed. So the work isn’t reducing energy. It’s learning how to separate excitement from urgency.

 

 A simple reframe that changed everything: 

 I don’t need momentum. I need permission. Permission comes from safety, space, and choice — not speed. When I slow down enough to give people room, conversations become easier, not harder.

I learned that small changes make an immediate difference:

1. I slow the start, not the whole conversation.

The first 10 seconds set the emotional tone.

Starting slower than feels natural creates safety.

I can always speed up later.

 2. I pause after the headline. Instead of explaining everything at once, I separate it: 

  •  One clear headline

  •  A pause

  •  Then the details

 That pause signals confidence and respect.

 3. I add an explicit release valve when I’m asking for something.

Simple phrases like:

  • “No rush - just wanted to float it.”

  •  “If this isn’t a fit, totally fine.”

  •  “Think about it and let me know.”

 Choice lowers tension instantly.

 4. I ground my body before speaking

  • Feet flat on the floor.

  • One full exhale.

  • Jaw and shoulders relaxed.

 Stillness in the body creates stillness in timing.

 5. I delay the ask by 20–30 seconds. Connection first. Ask second. People are far more open when they don’t feel hunted.

In leadership, collaboration, sales, and communication in general, intensity without space creates resistance. Calm doesn’t mean low energy. It means contained energy. 

And contained energy is: 

  •  Easier to trust

  •  Easier to follow

  •  Easier to say yes to

 Urgency narrows people. Calm expands them.

 

I’m still practising this — especially when I care a lot. But every time I slow the pace, I notice: 

  •  Better conversations

  •  Less resistance

  •  More genuine engagement

 The skill is learning how to let that motivation land gently.

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

259. Words Matter: The Cost of Casual Profanity

In meetings, on podcasts, in posts, and even in boardrooms, profanity, especially words like “fuck”, has become increasingly common. For some, it signals authenticity or emphasis. For others, it’s a verbal shortcut. But there’s a growing question worth asking:

What is this habit doing to the quality of our speech and to how we’re perceived?

1. Profanity Replaces Precision

Strong language often steps in where clearer thinking should lead. When we rely on swear words to express frustration, excitement, or urgency, we trade specificity for shock value. Over time, this weakens our ability to articulate nuance, emotion, and reasoning.

In professional settings, precision is power. Vague intensity is not.

2. It Shrinks, Not Expands, Credibility

While some argue that swearing makes leaders sound “real,” context matters. Frequent profanity can undermine authority, distract from the message, and alienate parts of the audience, especially in diverse, global workplaces where norms differ.

Credibility grows when your words carry weight on their own.

3. It Becomes a Verbal Crutch

Like filler words (“um,” “you know”), habitual swearing often signals discomfort with silence or complexity. Instead of pausing to think, we reach for a word that fills space and emotion instantly.

Strong communicators are comfortable with pauses and choosing better words. To master the art of pause, practise with the app 4Ps, Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause.

A Better Challenge

This isn’t about moralising or policing speech. It’s about raising the bar.

  • Can we express urgency without profanity?

  • Can we show passion without shock?

  • Can we disagree forcefully and still sound composed?

The answer is yes, and the result is stronger speech, clearer thinking, and greater influence. Words matter; choose them carefully.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

258.  When Loyalty Becomes Self-Betrayal

Loyalty Without Respect is Self-betrayal

I was recently reminded of this in a group experience that started with joy and commitment, but over time revealed poor communication, lack of care, and pressure instead of support. I stayed longer than I should have, not because it felt right, but because I didn’t want to let others down. I also have a strong principle of completing what I start, and I’m learning that this can sometimes make letting go more difficult.

 That’s when it became clear:

I wasn’t being loyal to a person or a purpose. I was being loyal to discomfort.

 

When loyalty turns unhealthy

  • Expectations keep changing after you commit

  •  Your boundaries are treated as inconveniences

  •  You feel guilt instead of growth

  •  You’re valued for compliance, not contribution

  •  You stay to avoid conflict, not because you feel supported

 At that point, loyalty isn’t strength. It’s fear wearing a respectable mask.

 

The hidden cost of “staying”

 Unquestioned loyalty can cost you: 

  •  Joy

  •  Energy

  •  Self-respect

Trust in your own instincts. I didn’t do that in my latest group experience, even though my body was clearly sending signals telling me not to go there.

On reflection, I also realised the longer you stay, the harder it becomes to leave because of sunk time, money, or emotional investment.

Here’s the reframe that matters: 

  • Past investment is not a reason to keep paying future costs.

  •  Leaving is not failure

  • Walking away from an unsupportive environment is not quitting.

  • It’s choosing alignment over endurance.

 

Sometimes the bravest decision isn’t to push through, it’s to say: 

“This no longer works for me.”

That decision doesn’t erase what you learned.

It doesn’t negate your effort.

It simply honours your growth and promotes self-respect.

 

A new definition of loyalty

 Healthy loyalty includes:

  • Clear communication

  • Care for people, not just outcomes

  • To feel that my time is respected

 If those are missing, loyalty is no longer virtuous - it’s expensive. Before you stay loyal to a person, group, or system, ask: 

“Am I staying because this nourishes me or because I’m afraid of disappointing others?” 

Your answer will tell you everything. Loyalty is powerful.

But self-loyalty comes first.

Olga Smith

257. Buy Nothing

For years, I was caught in a cycle I didn’t fully recognise:

I was a shopping addict. I was shopping to make myself happy, which gave me a false feeling of self-love.

It didn’t look dramatic from the outside—just “treating myself,” chasing deals, ordering small things here and there. But underneath, there was a pattern:

  1. A rush before buying something

  2. The dopamine hit when I clicked purchase

  3. A quick crash into emptiness

  4. A new desire to repeat the cycle

And repeat it did - until it created debt, stress, but the most annoying of all, lost time and opportunities. Eventually, something shifted. I realised I was outsourcing my sense of fulfilment to objects that couldn't possibly provide it. So I made a decision that changed everything:

I would buy only food and bare essentials.

I committed to using what I already had and getting more creative with the resources around me. What started as a financial boundary became a personal transformation.

And while I did save money, that turned out to be only a small part of what I gained. Here are the unexpected advantages of my “Buy Nothing” practice:

1. I Became More Creative

Necessity truly is the mother of invention. When I stopped buying, I started problem-solving.

  • I repurposed things

  • I fixed things

It’s easy to overlook the richness of our lives when we’re always reaching for the next thing. As I reused, repaired, and re-imagined, I saw the value in what was already around me.

2. I found new hobbies (that are free):

  • Swimming in the cold seawater

  • Country walks

  • Beach Sundo

3. I Broke the Emotional Cycle

The biggest shift wasn’t financial—it was emotional.

  • I learned to sit with discomfort instead of numbing it with a purchase.

  • I learned to identify the real trigger behind the urge.

  • I learned that fulfilment isn’t something I need to buy.

4. I Regained Control

Addiction -of any kind - takes our power. Choosing “buy nothing” gave me my power back. I became clear about what I truly value.

And that clarity didn’t just transform my spending… it transformed my mindset, my habits, and my confidence.

“Buy Nothing” isn’t about deprivation. It’s about liberation. It’s about breaking a cycle that promises happiness with every purchase but delivers emptiness instead.

5. I freed up plenty of energy

Buying nothing eliminated decision fatigue. Every purchase—big or small—quietly drained my cognitive energy.

  • Do I need this?

  • Is this the right one?

  • What if there’s a better option?

  • Should I wait for a sale?

Choosing to “buy nothing” for a period of time removed that mental clutter and redirected my energy toward far more fulfilling pursuits. I’ve come to a simple conclusion:

I will only buy what I truly cannot live without. Everything else costs more than money - it costs my energy.

Warmly

Olga Smith

256. Emotional Authenticity Is Your Competitive Edge

I have noticed that a vast majority of people I meet are afraid to be themselves. They say the thing they are supposed to say. They do not express their own opinions. I find it truly exhausting and very boring specially when listening to public speeches. I want to scream: give me real you, not a fake persona you are trying to build.

There is a widespread opinion that professionalism and power means neutrality. Keep emotions out of it. Stay polished. Be composed.

However, there is one skill that consistently rises above the noise - emotional authenticity.

This skill builds real trust.

It improves resilience.

It reduces second-guessing and opens the door to real conversations

This very skill can be your strategic advantage, particularly in public speaking.

What Emotional Authenticity Is

  • Clear, grounded expression

  • Honest self-awareness

  • Communicating with sincerity rather than performance

It ISN’T:

  • Oversharing

  • Unfiltered emotion

Three Ways to Practice Emotional Authenticity In Public Speaking

  1. Start your speech with a question to the audience: Should I tell the truth or...? I am sure the audience will shout "yes". Follow up and tell people the truth and not what may seem sound appropriate or perferct

  2. Substitute verbs "think, believe," with verbs "feel, sense"

  3. Look each person in the audience in the eyes for 5 seconds (it will feel long)

These small shifts create space for honesty - and honesty creates connection.

Emotional authenticity isn’t about dramatic confession or forced openness. It’s about:

  • Alignment

  • Integrity

  • Congruence

Ignoring, hiding or suppressing your emotions doesn’t make them disappear. People can sense them. Recognising them is a powerful step to freedom of self-expression, strong presence and impactful speech. Your emotions and feeling are not obstacles - they’re the most valuable sourse of information.

I finish my newsletter with one of my favourite quotes:

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” - Carl Jung

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

255. Listening Is Wiser Than Speaking

Have you noticed that most people prefer talking rather than listening to others? Why is that? Because their own world and their own life feel more important to them than anyone else’s.

Most of us think we’re listening, but often we’re:

  •  Mentally crafting our reply

  •  Rushing to jump in with our own story 

When we do not listen, we tend to overtalk, and when we overtalk, we often:

  •  Say things we later regret

  •  Overshare without meaning to

  •  Come across as scattered or self-focused

  •  Miss valuable insights from the other side

  •  Dilute the impact of what does matter

 And here’s the core truth:

When we say little and measure our words, those words carry weight. Choosing our words carefully gives them power.

When we say too much, the essence gets lost in a sea of unnecessary noise.

 A few small changes can transform how we switch from talking too much to listening to others:

  •  Pause before responding

  •  Ask clarifying questions

  •  Focus on understanding, not replying

  •  Let silence exist for a moment—it creates clarity

 People who speak less often leave a stronger impression. Not because they’re quiet, but because they’re intentional. Their words aren’t drowned out—they stand out. 

254. Anatomy of Success That Shapes Our Path

99% of our students are already high achievers—or well on their way to becoming powerful, influential people. We help them master their speech, and during our elocution lessons, many of them inspired me to write this newsletter.

There is a powerful factor we often overlook.

It can guide us toward success… or quietly hold us back.

It speaks long before someone hears our ideas

It's sensed...

What is it?

It is our presence, or the way we look, move, and speak.

Let’s break down the signs that help us project confidence and the habits that can get in our way. We’ll explore two simple areas: physical signs and speech patterns.

Posture: Straight and Grounded

  • A straight posture doesn’t just look confident—it creates confidence.

  • Standing tall with shoulders back signals readiness, authority, and openness. A slouched posture communicates hesitation, insecurity, or withdrawal.

  • Power signal: Upright, aligned, and grounded posture

  • Failure pattern: Hunched shoulders, shifting weight, or shrinking into yourself

Pace and Rhythm: Measured, Not Rushed

  • When our movements are rushed or scattered, we signal anxiety or lack of control.

  • Measured rhythm—walking with intention and moving with purpose—creates an aura of stability.

  • Power signal: Smooth, controlled pace, no micromovement of improving hair, clothes. etc. No rush

  • Failure pattern: Fast, rushed, abrupt, jittery movements or inconsistent rhythm

Peace: The Energy of Calm Confidence

  • Power is not loud or frantic; it’s calm.

  • A peaceful presence shows emotional stability and inner security. Others read this as leadership.

  • Power signal: A calm, unhurried demeanour

  • Failure pattern: Restlessness, fidgeting, or visible tension

Eye Contact: Direct Yet Respectful

  • Looking directly at others demonstrates clarity and honesty. It shows that you are present, engaged, and unafraid.

  • Power signal: Clear, steady eye contact

  • Failure pattern: Avoiding eyes, darting glances, or looking downward

Speech patterns can amplify or diminish our authority in seconds. What are the speech patterns that signal power?

Pace: Measured and Intentional

  • Speaking too quickly can make your message feel rushed or chaotic. A measured pace helps your words land with impact. It signals thoughtfulness and control.

  • Power signal: Steady, intentional pacing

  • Failure pattern: Rapid, breathless speaking or trailing off

Pause: The Secret Ingredient of Power

  • Silence, when used appropriately, is powerful.

  • A pause gives weight to your message. It lets listeners absorb your words. It communicates certainty rather than desperation to fill space.

  • Power signal: Purposeful pauses to emphasise meaning

  • Failure pattern: Rambling, fillers, or talking nonstop

Power Is a Habit, Not a Talent. The anatomy of success lies in our presence.

You can start empowering yourself with the app 4Ps, Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause

253. Small Steps Matter

Big success does not happen overnight. It’s the result of consistent small steps practised over time. How does it work? I will explain in my examples below.

5 Second Rule

When you hear the alarm and continue staying in bed, telling yourself that another 10 minutes will not matter, you program and train your body and brain to procrastinate. But, if instead of staying in bed, you count ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE and get up, you train yourself to win the battle with yourself.

Cold Shower

Taking a cold shower lasts only 30 seconds, yet it feels incredibly difficult. But it's so difficult because we start thinking about how unpleasant and scary it will be.

Stop negotiating with yourself - just do it. When I started cold water swimming, the hardest part wasn’t the water itself, but overcoming the fear of it. Once I stopped thinking and simply acted, everything changed. Now it's my addiction. I love it so much because after swimming in cold water, I feel high energy.

Unpleasant Phone Call

We often delay making that one phone call we dread—maybe because we’re afraid of upsetting someone. We hope the problem will disappear if we avoid it long enough. But it never does.

In fact, the longer we wait, the worse it usually gets. Make the call as soon as possible, and you’ll feel lighter and relieved for the rest of the day.

5-minute speech exercises daily

Great speaking skills aren’t built in a single training session. They come from small, consistent daily practice.

Just 5 minutes a day of reading out loud and doing articulation exercises will make a remarkable difference over time. Start it today with the app Elocution Lessons!

Small actions create big change.

Do the little things daily, and the big results will follow.

Start now - your future self is waiting.

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

251. Did You Know “O” Can Be Pronounced Five Different Ways?

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.

Warmly

Olga Smith

250. Be Unstoppable: Balancing Your Inner Cycles to Build Momentum

We all go through different stages in life, shifting from one state of being to another, like the ebb and flow of tides.

🔥 The Drive State: When Momentum Takes Over

There are moments when we feel driven — energised, aligned, and unstoppable. In these phases, we create, build, solve, lead, and accomplish more than we imagined. It feels as if the world opens for us. But high drive without self-awareness eventually leads to one thing: burnout.

🌙 The Reflective State: When Doubt Meets Insight

Then come the melancholic, pensive seasons. Here, we slow down, question, reflect, and sometimes doubt ourselves. These periods can feel uncomfortable, yet they often reveal deeper truths:

  • What are you doing?

  • Why are you doing it?

  • Does it still align with who you’re becoming?

Reflection is very powerful — unless you stay there too long.

😴 The Resting State: When Your Mind and Body Reset

And then there are the tired seasons — essential moments of restoration. We sleep, eat, stretch, breathe, and reconnect with our humanity. Rest isn’t a pause from productivity.

The Real Question: What’s Your Ratio?

We all cycle through drive, reflection, and rest — but in different amounts.

  • Some people live in drive mode and eventually burn out.

  • Some stay in reflection and never take action.

  • Some rest so often that their momentum never forms.

There’s no universal formula. But there is awareness — and that changes everything.

🎯 An Example From My Own Life

Take speech mastery, for example. Once, I practised my English speech for hours every day. My articulation was sharp. My pronunciation was clear. My confidence was rising. Then I stopped completely (I was travelling to Italy and was learning to speak Italian). My English speech became sloppy — far from where I wanted to be. Now I practice just 20 minutes a day, and the improvement is remarkable. My articulation is returning. My pronunciation is strengthening. Consistency beats intensity - every time.

Know Yourself

Here’s what I’ve learned about myself:

  • My mind moves fast and seeks quick, simple solutions so I can relax.

  • When I feel driven, I can (figuratively) move mountains.

  • But I also tend to reflect too long — sometimes to the point where I feel sick, lose progress, and then rush to catch up, causing mistakes.

This is my cycle. But I’m choosing to break it — and create a new one.

✅ My 3-Step Formula to Stay Unstoppable

These simple habits have changed everything for me:

1. I allocate dedicated time for work, rest, and reflection.

Structure reduces emotional decision-making. I also know that for me, the best time to reflect is very early am or late pm. Work between 8 am and 1 pm. Rest between 4 pm-8 pm.

2. I set alarms to stop myself from going too far in any direction.

Balance needs boundaries. For me, this is particularly useful to limit my reflection and rest time.

3. I break tasks into baby steps and assign time to each one.

Small steps act like pressing on a gas pedal in a car; they make me move and build momentum.

Being unstoppable isn’t about always being in “go mode.” It’s about mastering the flow between drive, reflection, and rest — with awareness, intention, and compassion. When you learn your patterns and build consistency into your days, something powerful happens:

You don’t just make progress. You become unstoppable.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

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

247. Fortune Favours The Brave

The Ancient Truth That Still Defines Modern Success. “Fortune favours the brave” — a timeless proverb that has echoed through centuries, from Roman battlefields to Silicon Valley boardrooms. But what does it really mean in today’s world of AI disruption, global uncertainty, and rapid change?

At its core, this phrase reminds us that opportunity rarely visits those who play it safe. It seeks the doers — the ones willing to step into discomfort, take intelligent risks, and act with conviction even when outcomes are uncertain.

The Courage to Act in Uncertainty

We often romanticise bravery as a grand gesture — starting a company, quitting a job, or launching a bold product. But true bravery is quieter. It’s:

  • Speaking up in a meeting or in public

  • Admitting you don’t know something and choosing to learn.

  • Choosing innovation over imitation.

Each small act of courage compounds over time — and that’s where fortune begins to turn in your favour.

The New Definition of “Fortune”

In the past, “fortune” was material wealth, fame, or conquest.

Today, it’s broader:

  • Fortune is growth.

  • Fortune is impact.

  • Fortune is fulfilment.

The brave are not always the loudest. They’re often the most consistent — showing up, iterating, learning from failure, and daring to move forward when others freeze.

In a world changing faster than ever, playing it safe is now the riskiest move. The next innovation, opportunity, or breakthrough won’t come from certainty — it will come from someone willing to act despite the unknown.

So, the question isn’t whether fortune favours the brave.

It’s whether you’re brave enough to meet it halfway.

One of my billionaire friends once said: God gives huge wealth for two human qualities: patience and bravery. The more I think about this saying, the more I believe it's true.

246. Don't Overthink!

Do you ever find yourself stuck in small decisions — what to wear, what to start first, what to buy?

It’s strange how something so simple can suddenly feel heavy.

We live in a time of endless options, and while that can be a gift, it also brings a quiet kind of pressure — the sense that there must be a right choice waiting to be figured out.

 But often, the more we think, the further we drift from clarity.

 Sometimes the simplest way forward isn’t to analyse — it’s to feel.

We live in a world that rewards logic and over-analysis, but sometimes the wisest answers don’t come from thinking harder — they come from feeling deeper.

 Your body is constantly whispering to you:

  • a tightening in the chest when something feels off

  • a lightness in your step when something excites you

  • a calm in your belly when something is right

 That’s your intuition — your inner compass.

When you stop fighting the current and start flowing with it, something magical happens:

  • Decisions become easier.

  • Creativity feels natural

  • Life feels less like a checklist and more like a dance.

 This week, try this simple shift:

  • When your mind starts spinning, pause and take a deep breath

  •  Notice how your body feels about the situation — not what your mind thinks

  •  Then, trust that signal

 Flow isn’t about doing nothing — it’s about doing what feels aligned.

 So, let go of the overthinking.

Tune in.

Trust yourself.

And let life move through you.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

245. Accent Reduction Lesson

This article is a gift to all our subscribers, where I share a unique accent reduction methodology. I will demonstrate it in a 45-minute lesson.

  1. Start with warm-up exercises for the lips, jaw and tongue. You can find them in the apps Get Rid of your Accent (British English) or in American Accent App (American English). - 3 minutes

  2. The second stage is articulation exercises to make English consonants crisp - 5 minutes. Bello is an example from our apps:
    Repeat 3 times, keeping consonants clear and crisp. 

    pt                       pt                    pt                    pt

    kt                        kt                     kt                     kt

    ptkt                    ptkt                 ptkt                 ptkt

     

    bd                       bd                    bd                    bd

    gd                       gd                    gd                    gd

    bdgd                  bdgd               bdgd               bdgd

  3. Practise one sound in words, sentences and verses, repeat each exercise 3 times -20 minutes

  4. The next stage of the lessons - incorporating the target sound and crisp consonants in your mini-speech from your everyday life - 10 minutes.
    For example, if I were practising the /æ/ as in “back” sound, I would highlight it in all words:
    Today, I am travelling back to London from Selsey. It will take me two hours to get home. Traffic should be ok. I plan to manage on time to see my handyman.

  5. Finally, read a few sentences out loud - 3 times, noting the target sound and consonants.

    It is important to drink water and rest between exercises. Use the mirror to check the correct position of your lips and jaw.

    Warmly

    Olga Smith

    www.batcsglobal.com

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

This is one of the most common questions we hear from people starting our elocution lessons.

The answer depends on two main factors:

 1. Your ear for language – how well you can hear and imitate sounds.

2. Your commitment – whether you can dedicate 15–45 minutes a day to focused practice.

People with a naturally good ear often make faster progress. However, the second factor is far more important. Accent reduction is not just about listening — it’s about retraining your speech organs (your tongue, lips, and jaw) to produce the correct English sounds consistently.

Like any physical skill, it takes regular, mindful practice. The more you train, the faster your muscles and mind adapt — and the sooner you’ll sound clear, confident, and natural.

You can start your practice today with our apps:

Get Rid of your Accent (British English, RP)

American Accent App (American English)

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

243. Don’t Scatter Your Forces

In this week’s reflection, I’d like to continue my Energy Management series.

What I’ve noticed is how easy it is, in today’s world, to scatter our energy on endless small talks, messages, and trying to please others to appear “nice” or agreeable.

Instead of focusing on our goals, we often gift our attention to things that don’t truly matter. The result? Lost energy, wasted time, and a blurred sense of direction. It’s better to have a nap than waste energy.

Our energy is our life force — the fuel that powers creativity, clarity, and meaningful action.

What if, instead of doing more, we started choosing more carefully?

What if we said “no” to the activities and people that quietly drain us — and “yes” only to what nourishes and inspires us?

I live in London, and there are always invitations to talk, network, or “catch up.” Before agreeing, I pause and ask myself:

  • Does this meeting move me closer to something meaningful?

  • Does this conversation energise me or drain me?

Protecting our energy is not selfish - it’s essential. Keep your eyes on your prize - your goals and important relations.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com