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The science behind my methods

While much of my coaching methodology is based on what I know 'works' based on experience, it is nevertheless grounded in established phonetic theories, psychological principals and educational research. I've outlined below a highly simplified description of some of the key elements of my coaching, and the scientific fields they are guided by. For further insights on the research behind pronunciation, accent and communication, please consider subscribing to my Substack page.​

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Foundation in Phonetics and Linguistics

 

My coaching begins with a solid grounding in phonetics and linguistics. We explore:

  • The importance of intelligibility and naturalness in communication

  • Key phonological principles, including phonemes and allophones

  • Simplified phonotactics and syllable structure

  • Articulators and their role in English pronunciation

 

This foundation is based on decades of established phonetic research, including works by pioneers like Daniel Jones and Peter Ladefoged.

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Practical Application of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

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We delve into the practical use of the IPA, focusing on:

  • English consonants and vowels

  • Place and manner of articulation

  • Broad vs. narrow transcription

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This approach is informed by current phonetic research and paedagogical best practices in second language acquisition.

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Personalised Vowel Space Analysis

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Drawing from acoustic phonetics and perceptual studies, we explore:

  • The concept of individual vowel spaces

  • How L1 interference affects L2 vowel production

  • Strategies for accurate vowel quality reproduction

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This personalised approach helps clients understand and overcome their specific pronunciation challenges.

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Targeted Practice and Performance

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Our sessions include exercises such as:

  • Minimal pair exercises

  • Tongue twisters and sentence-level practice

  • Poetry and performance-based texts

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These activities are designed based on cognitive psychology principles of skill acquisition and motor learning.

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Holistic Approach to Communication

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My coaching goes beyond mere pronunciation, incorporating:

  • Awareness of speech production and perception

  • Scientific principles of speech to demystify the process

  • Empathy and strategies for dealing with mistakes

  • Intonation and stress patterns for enhanced meaning

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This holistic approach is informed by research in psycholinguistics and communicative competence theories.

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Continuous Improvement and Fluency Development

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Throughout our sessions, we focus on:

  • Building awareness of personal speech patterns

  • Developing strategies for self-correction

  • Encouraging a growth mindset for language learning

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These aspects are rooted in educational psychology and second language acquisition theories, promoting long-term improvement and confidence in English communication.

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