Exercises to improve pronunciation in English

Mastering English pronunciation is essential for clear and effective communication. Often, students focus on expanding their vocabulary and improving their grammar, while neglecting pronunciation, which can make it difficult for native speakers to understand. In this article, we explore different exercises to improve pronunciation in English, offering practical tips and effective activities.

Practical exercises to improve pronunciation in English

Active listening and repetition

One of the most effective methods for improving pronunciation is active listening. This means paying attention to the sounds of English in conversations, films, podcasts and songs. An excellent exercise is the technique of shadowing, which consists of immediately repeating what you hear, imitating the rhythm and intonation of the speaker. 
To make it more effective, listen to the audio of the speaker and listen carefully to how the sounds are articulated. Try to record yourself to compare your pronunciation with the original. 

Practice with Tongue Twisters

Tongue twisters are ideal for improving articulation and fluency in English. Some of the most popular examples are:

• "She sells seashells by the seashore" (To practice the /ʃ/ and /s/ sounds).


• "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" (To work on the pronunciation of /p/ and /b/).

Practicing these tongue twisters at different speeds and aloud helps improve precision and speed in pronunciation.

Identification and Practice of Problematic Sounds

Many Spanish speakers have difficulty with certain sounds in English. Some of the most common ones are:

• /θ/ and /ð/ (as in "think" and "this").


• /ɪ/ and /iː/ (as in "ship" and "sheep").


• /r/ (the English "r" is different from the Spanish "r").

To practice these sounds, you can search for phonetics videos on YouTube and repeat the words. It’s also helpful to place your hand on your throat while pronouncing to feel the vibrations of the sounds.

Activities to Improve English Pronunciation

Use of Specialized Apps

There are apps specifically designed to improve pronunciation, such as Elsa Speak, Forvo, or Speechling. These tools allow you to record your voice and compare it with the pronunciation of native speakers, offering immediate feedback.

Reading Aloud

Reading aloud helps improve pronunciation and fluency. To make it more effective:

• Choose texts that contain words you find challenging.


• Record yourself while reading and compare it with recordings of native speakers.


• Practice with audiobooks, continuing to read while listening to the spoken version.

A useful variation is to read a text several times with different emphasis and rhythms to improve intonation.

Imitating Native Speakers

Imitation is a valuable technique for improving pronunciation. Listen carefully to speeches by native speakers and try to copy not only the sounds but also the intonation and rhythm of the language. You can do this with clips from movies, series, or speeches in English.

Language Exchange with Native Speakers

Speaking with native speakers is one of the best ways to perfect pronunciation. You can use platforms to find people interested in reciprocal language practice. Additionally, receiving direct feedback from a native speaker can help you correct pronunciation errors more quickly and effectively.

Using the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) Method

The IPA allows you to know the phonetic representation of each word, making it easier to understand how to pronounce it correctly. Taking time to learn the most common phonetic symbols can be very helpful, especially for distinguishing similar sounds that tend to be confused.

10 Tips to Improve English Pronunciation

• Listen to English daily: Expose yourself to the language through movies, podcasts, and series.


• Record yourself speaking: Identify mistakes and improve your intonation.


• Learn English sounds: Practice with phonetics videos.


• Use specialized apps: Elsa Speak and Forvo are excellent options.


• Imitate native speakers: Copy their rhythm and accent.


• Practice tongue twisters: They help improve diction and verbal agility.


• Sing in English: You’ll improve fluency and pronunciation effortlessly.


• Read aloud: Work on intonation and clarity.


• Do language exchange: Speaking with natives will boost your confidence.


• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: Consistent practice is key to improvement.

Practice Makes Perfect

Improving English pronunciation requires patience and dedication, but with the right pronunciation exercises, anyone can achieve significant improvements. Incorporating activities and tips into your daily routine will help you gain fluency and confidence when speaking English. Don’t give up—keep practicing!
If you’re looking for an immersive and fun way to improve English pronunciation, the English Summer  camps are an excellent option for kids and teens. Through interactive activities and classes with native teachers, our programs offer a unique experience to perfect their English naturally and effectively. Additionally, living in full immersion during the summer helps develop confidence when speaking and significantly improves pronunciation in a dynamic and motivating environment.