By Julie Cunningham, MA, CCC-SLP, licensed speech-language pathologist
These are the free video lessons I'd start with if you want to work on your accent on your own. You can practice along with me in each one. They cover sounds, rhythm, intonation and voice placement.
- The Best Way to Practice Your American English Pronunciation
Practice only helps if you're practicing the right way. Learn which methods build accuracy and which ones waste your time. - EE and IH Vowels: A Visual Test
Watch the lips and the tension: EE is spread and tense, and IH is relaxed. A visual test for two vowels that many learners mix up. - AH and UH Vowels: A Visual Test
The AH in father and the UH in butter sound alike to many learners. This visual test shows how the two vowels are different. - Best American R /ɹ/ Pronunciation Practice
Practice techniques that help you find the tongue position for the American R, starting from a sound you already know. - Advanced English Pronunciation Practice: The Dark L
Many of my students ask about the dark L. This lesson gives you advanced practice for this tricky sound. - Rhythm in Sentences
English rhythm comes from long stressed syllables and short unstressed ones. Practice with a metronome and hear the beat in real sentences. - Master American English! Sentence Rhythm Part 2
Part 2 of my sentence rhythm lessons, with a musical exercise to help you practice the rhythm of everyday conversation. - Speak FAST English with my #1 FREE Practice Tool!
A metronome is a great free tool for practicing American English rhythm and speed. Practice along with me, beat by beat. - Sound Natural & Native with Intonation Templates
Flat intonation can make you sound bored or unsure. Learn intonation patterns for surprise, doubt, warmth and emphasis. - Voice Placement Exercises
Exercises to help you place your voice the way American English speakers do, for non-native speakers and native speakers who want a warmer, easier tone. - American English Pronunciation Challenge!
Compare American and British pronunciations, try tricky minimal pairs, then hear the correct version of every word. - 8 Real Conversations to Practice Your Pronunciation
Eight real American conversations to respond to out loud, so you can practice your rhythm and clarity with natural, everyday speech.
Want one-on-one help? See my private accent reduction training.
Want a step-by-step path? English Pro Lite is my free online American accent course, with 45 lessons and 2.5 hours of video. Start English Pro Lite free
