Level: B2.2-C1/C2 | Reading time: 3 minutes.
We often talk about what Pronunciation is, i.e., articulation, rhythm, stress, intonation and so on.
We seldomly say what it implies. Today, I will refer to some of the implied benefits of learning to Pronounce well. To focus on Pronunciation.
Pronunciation implies slowing down. That doesn’t mean your level of language will be affected. You will still be a B2, C1 level student. What will change is the clarity of your message. This is the first implication.
Slowing down your rhythm to articulate well will not only send a clear message to your audience, but also will help you have more time to think. That’s the second implication.
Take it as part of the ‘Slow Down’ movement, you see?
When you want to really taste something you are eating, you slow down. Slow down to be fitter, healthier.
Meditation implies slowing down the brain. Slow down to be wiser, happier, a more balanced person.
And so does Pronunciation. If you want to be articulate in English, you must slow down.
Can you give me examples of this, Anna?
Sure! There are plentiful examples. Out there for grabs.
Having no intention of sounding posh or classy, I will say, top of the list is… the royal family.
If you like the TV series ‘The Queen’, you may have noticed how she speaks. Or the prince and princesses. Take Diana Spencer if you please. Do they rush on their words? Do they blabber? I know you already have the answer. It’s obvious, isn’t it?
Second on my list comes, the smart politician. Very seldomly do we see a politician in a campaign speaking quickly. They ALL slow down. Why is this so?
On the surface, if you are a politician, you want people (common citizens, laymen, Sp. “los de a pie”) to follow your speech, to sympathise with your cause. On the deep level, you don’t want them to get lost, otherwise, you will lose an important vote -and the possibility of gaining power. And money.
If you are reading this, you are probably neither a royal nor a politician. You just want to be an effective presenter, to communicate well. Maybe you are a CEO in a business that needs to launch a product. Or you need to expand your business and want to convince investors.
Therefore, as everyone else listed above, you will need to slow down.
I told you above that the second implication of slowing down is to give you time to think. But there’s still a third. It’s closely associated to the idea of selling.
If you are a politician or a Royal, you are somehow ‘selling’ your ideas to gain votes or support. That invaluable backup from society. Thus, when you sell, you must emphasize the correct words.
Right. I’ve got it. You are neither a politician nor a salesperson. Yet, you want to get a language certificate by Cambridge or succeed in a job interview.
So, be articulate. Be mindful and aware of the way you speak. Join the Slow Down movement. Start by slowing down your speech and you will get the job of your dreams. Be mindful your words.
Slow down in your oral exams and you will get top marks.
Slow down in your presentations and you will be convincing.
100% guaranteed.
