Answer provided by Anthea Fraser Gupta (With input from other panelists), School of English, University of Leeds

An accent is a way of pronouncing a language. It is therefore impossible to speak without an accent. Read the rest of this entry »

By: Sheri Summers

Adapting to another country can be an overwhelming experience by itself, but add the difficulty of working in another language, and you may find yourself feeling like a helpless child. Here are some tips that can help you be better understood when speaking English. Read the rest of this entry »

By: David W Richards

While having to speak in public, some people are experiencing anxiety and/or nervousness. Their hands are shaking. They can barely say anything.

Have you been undergoing the same situation? Read the rest of this entry »

By:  Frank Gerace

Intonation in English.

Intonation, the “music” of a language, is perhaps the most important element of a correct accent. Many people think that  pronunciation is what makes up an accent. It may be that pronunciation is very important for an understandable accent. But it is intonation that gives the final touch that makes an accent correct or native. Read the rest of this entry »

By: Toon Chooi Tan

Public speaking is an art-form. It may seem like something that some can do
naturally, and some can’t (let’s face it, we have all seen both good and bad
speakers) but there are things you can do to improve your public speaking. This
article contains seven great tips to help you improve your public speaking. Read the rest of this entry »

Can I change my accent?

Answer provided by Anthea Fraser Gupta (With input from other panelists), School of English, University of Leeds
Yes. Accents are not fixed. Our accents change over time as our needs change and as our sense of who we are changes and develops. Usually this happens naturally, and often unconsciously. Accents can be expected to change until we are in our early twenties. Read the rest of this entry »

By: Josie Whitehead

The problem with the English language is “pronunciation” because what you see in English is not necessarily what you say.

Take for example the following words: Read the rest of this entry »

By Peter Murphy
We have all seen a conversation go from right to horrible wrong. The moment it happens there is a silence and awkward reactions from everyone involved. The person who caused the problem, in most cases, does not even realize what he or she did wrong.
Chances are Read the rest of this entry »

By Peter Murphy
Starting a conversation is one of the hardest parts of communication. Some conversations begin easily, but others seem as if it hard work just to get them off the ground. Having a good idea of great ways to start a conversation will help you avoid problems the next time you try to begin a conversation.
There are five basic things you must know Read the rest of this entry »