Pronunciation
Classes

This class is specifically designed for non-native English speakers.  The six-week course is broken into the following areas:

Breathing: This is what sustains speech and ensures a well-modulated voice. Correct breathing technique means that you will be able to project your voice and manage your nerves when speaking in front of a group. It is important to spend time ensuring that the Intercostal Diaphragmatic Breathing technique is achieved as this will combat many speech fault issues.

Articulation and Diction: One of the main difficulties in learning a new language is being able to pronounce words correctly. We will work on the organs of articulation focusing on how the sounds are produced for the English Language this will be broken down into work on vowels and consonants.

There are five vowels in the English Language a, e, i, o, u however there are over 15 different vowel sounds. Through the course, we will work through the mouth shape for the different vowels and the different vowel sounds. It is important to master these for correct English pronunciation as it is impossible to pronounce consonants without the vowel sounds in between them.

Consonants consist of the rest of the letters in the English Alphabet which are not vowels.

To pronounce consonants properly an understanding of the placement of the organs of articulation needs to be understood. The theory behind the organs of articulation will also be thought to ensure full comprehension.

Delivery Skills: It is not enough to be able to speak English theoretically, rate, pace, infection, and emphasis are vital to aid in good delivery and comprehension. This is worked on through weekly performing of literature in class. It will increase vocabulary and comprehension of colloquial language which will be important for the Cambridge English Exam.

Connected Speech: This is how one word impacts another word.  It aids with the flow of speech and is used predominately when speaking quickly in conversation.  For example in connected speech – “Put your shoe on” becomes “Put your shoe w – on”

Tone, Intonation, and Rhythm: This cannot be underestimated when speaking English.  We show you how to use stress correctly along with the nuances of tone and intonation.  The rhythm of a language is equally important if you want to sound like a fluent speaker.

 

We offer three different levels of pronunciation classes:

Level 1: Focuses on the foundations of the English language such as the pronunciation of vowels and consonants.

Level 2: Works on the fluency of speech and sounding like a native speaker.

Level 3: This course practically implements what you have learned in level 1 and level 2.  Each week you will be reading scripts, poems, prose, and conversations to put your pronunciation into practice.  We also look at accent reduction for those who want it.  We have an Irish, English, and American  Vocal Coach.

 

If you would like to avail of one of our free taster classes to see which level is right for you please visit our home page www.speechdramadublin.com

 

Location:  Online – classes take place via Zoom Conferencing.

Duration: One hour each week for six weeks.

Cost: €180

Booking Class sizes up to 10 online and 12 in physical classes.  Please secure your place by closing your desired course date above.

 

Contact sales@speechdramadublin.com for more information or if you have any queries.

 

Private Pronunciation Classes

We also provide one on one pronunciation tuition.  This 6-week session of weekly 40-minute classes costs €300.  Classes are taking place via Zoom at the moment.   Please contact sales@speechdramadublin.com for more information.

 

Testimonial: 

Viviana Jakomin (Italian) September 2018

 My experience with the Dublin School of Drama and Communication has been nothing less than absolutely fantastic, rewarding, challenging and enjoyable.

It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Jill. Her passion about English sounds and her enthusiasm and positive energy is contagious.

Jill’s approach is outstanding and she manages to immediately spot the main weaknesses and identify the areas of improvement in a very efficient and effective way.

She has tailored the classes to my specific needs, combining different contents and covering all the aspects of effective communication, from the correct breathing technique to the different mouth shapes needed for pronouncing each vowel and consonant sound, form the ways to enhance my self-confidence to the exercises to project my voice.

Jill has been very thorough and clear, always pushing me to get the pronunciation right, soften my accent and implement vocal techniques to deliver an engaging speech.

This course has been for me an enlightening journey and I strongly recommend it to anybody thinking of improving their elocution, communication and presentation skills. You will absolutely love it!