American Accent Training

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Speech Stairs Method

Speaking with more clear intonation is not a hard skill to learn, but it will feel funny and slower than how you are currently speaking. It will take time and effort to get used to this new speaking pattern. After some practice, this new skill that once felt funny will feel natural.

The approach to how to use the “Speech Stairs Method” is to begin your statement in your “natural” tone. Then move up one step higher on the speech stairs early in your statement, which is typically on the second or third word. Then move your pitch down the imaginary speech stairs on each syllable for the rest of your statement.

Learning to speak along the speech stairs will immediately increase the clarity of your words because your speech rate will be controlled and you will have better range of motion with your speech articulators (lips, tongue and jaw), positioning you to say sounds and words more clearly. Your speech will be clearer and the perception of your level of English will improve.