Explore pronunciation, grammar and speaking habits, then try a small practice. These examples
illustrate the coaching experience; they are not findings from your voice.
Word stressIllustrative review
A tiny shift. A clearer word.
“We discussed the development plan.”
ILLUSTRATIVE PATTERNde·vel·op·ment
→
REFERENCE PATTERNde·vel·op·ment
/dɪˈvel.əp.mənt/
↳
Give VEL the spotlight.
The main stress falls on the second syllable. Let VEL be a little longer and more
prominent, with lighter syllables around it.
Synthesized reference · no learner audio analyzed
YOUR TURN
Word first. Then your sentence.
Tap once on VEL: de–VEL–op–ment. Now say “We discussed the development plan” at your normal
pace.
Practice explored. Try carrying that rhythm into your next conversation. Nothing was
recorded or graded.
Sound contrastIllustrative review
One vowel. Two different words.
“The ship leaves at six.”
COMPARE THE SOUNDsheep
→
THE WORD YOU MEANship
/ʃiːp/ → /ʃɪp/
↳
Listen for vowel quality, not just length.
“Ship” has the relaxed /ɪ/ vowel. “Sheep” has /iː/, with the tongue closer to the roof of
your mouth. Keep the first and last sounds the same.
Synthesized references · no learner audio analyzed
YOUR TURN
Ship. Sheep. Ship.
Alternate the words, then say “The ship leaves at six.” Focus on the vowel while keeping
your sentence natural.
Practice explored. You have a specific sound to listen for. Nothing was recorded or graded.
Sentence emphasisIllustrative practice
Give your meaning the spotlight.
Imagine being asked: “What was your role?”
NEUTRAL EMPHASISI led the project.
→
FOCUS ON YOUR CONTRIBUTIONI led the project.
Emphasis is a choice, not a fixed rule.
↳
What do you want them to notice?
Make “led” stand out to emphasize your role. Emphasizing “I” instead could contrast you
with someone else. Both can be valid; your intended meaning decides.
Say “I led the project” as an answer to “What was your role?” Then answer “Who led it?”
Notice where you put the emphasis.
Practice explored. Your emphasis can help express your meaning. Nothing was recorded or
graded.
GrammarIllustrative review
A small word. A better sentence.
EXAMPLE TO EXPLOREI work here since three years.
→
ONE NATURAL ALTERNATIVEI’ve worked here for three years.
↳
For a duration. Since a starting point.
The present perfect connects the past with the present here. Use for with a duration, such
as three years. Use since with a starting point, such as 2023. “I’ve been working here for
three years” is another natural option.
YOUR TURN
Make it about your life.
Complete two sentences: “I’ve … for …” and “I’ve … since …”. Try talking about where you
live, a hobby or your work.
Practice explored. Take one of these sentences into your next conversation. Nothing was
recorded or graded.
Fluency & clarityIllustrative suggestion
Give your idea a little space.
EXAMPLE TO EXPLORESo, um, like, I think we can start Friday.
→
TRY A COMFORTABLE PAUSE[Pause] I think we can start Friday.
↳
Keep the meaning. Give the point room.
Fillers and repetition are normal in spontaneous speech. If a cluster gets in the way of a
point, try a pause. Keep “I think” when you mean to sound tentative; speaking clearly
doesn’t mean removing every hesitation.
YOUR TURN
One point. One reason.
Give a short update. Pause before the main point, then give one reason. Try again without
repeating the setup, while keeping the details that matter.
Practice explored. Notice which pauses feel useful to you. Nothing was recorded or graded.
THERE’S MORE TO THE PICTURE
See how the moments fit together.
See your practice priorities, revisit your progress, and choose what to bring to a teacher.