GST 101 Lecture Note: use of English and Communication Skills I.
Topic: Pronunciation and Articulation Practice.
Presented by FreshNote
Today we’re going to talk about pronunciation and articulation. This may seem basic, but it’s one of the most overlooked areas in communication. You can have all the right ideas in your head, but if you pronounce words poorly or mumble through your message, your audience won’t understand you — and they’ll quickly lose interest.
Fortunately, you landed on FreshNote, let’s fix that ASAP
What is Pronunciation?
Pronunciation is simply how we say words. It involves:
- The correct sounds of letters and syllables
- The stress (which syllables we emphasize)
- The intonation (how our voice rises and falls)
Every word has its proper way of being said, and incorrect pronunciation can actually change meaning or create confusion.
What is Articulation?
Articulation refers to how clearly you say words. It’s about:
- Enunciating your words clearly
- Opening your mouth and using your lips, teeth, and tongue properly
- Avoiding slurred or mumbled speech
Good articulation helps people hear and understand you — even when you're nervous or speaking fast.
Why Does Pronunciation and Articulation Matter?
- It shows you are confident and educated
- It makes your message clear and effective
- It helps you in public speaking, interviews, debates, and classroom discussions
- It builds your credibility — people trust a clear speaker
Common Pronunciation Challenges (especially for Nigerian students)
Let’s be honest — English is not our first language, and that’s okay. But we must improve where necessary.
Here are a few commonly mispronounced words:
| Incorrect Pronunciation | Correct Pronunciation | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Libary | Library | /ˈlaɪ.brər.i/ |
| Febuary | February | /ˈfeb.ruː.er.i/ |
| Pronounciation | Pronunciation | /prəˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/ |
| Witch (for Which) | Which | /wɪtʃ/ vs /wɪtʃ/ (difference in context) |
| Government (omitting 'n') | Government | /ˈɡʌv.ən.mənt/ |
| Supposably | Supposedly | /səˈpəʊ.zɪd.li/ |
| Access (ability to enter or use sth | Assess (to evaluation sth) | e.g Access the document. Assess the man |
Tips to Improve Pronunciation and Articulation
-
Listen and Repeat
Listen to native speakers (BBC, TED Talks, audiobooks) and mimic how they speak. -
Practice with a Mirror
Watch how your mouth moves. Open your mouth properly. Don’t be shy. -
Record Yourself
Read a passage aloud and record it. Then play it back and listen for unclear or wrongly pronounced words. -
Learn Phonetic Symbols
The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) shows how words are pronounced. Learn the basics — especially the vowel and consonant sounds. -
Slow Down
Speak at a comfortable pace. It’s better to be slow and clear than fast and confusing. -
Use Tongue Twisters for Articulation
Practice tongue twisters like.
10 Tongue Twisters for Pronunciation Practice:
- She sells seashells by the seashore.
- Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
- How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
- Red lorry, yellow lorry.
- I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!
- Six slippery snails slid slowly seaward.
- Betty Botter bought some butter, but she said the butter’s bitter.
- A big black bug bit a big black bear and made the big black bear bleed blood.
- Truly rural.
- The thirty-three thieves thought they thrilled the throne throughout Thursday.
These help train your mouth to move quickly and clearly.
Exercise (Optional but Recommended)
Repeat after me:
- "I would like to develop my vocabulary and improve my pronunciation."
- "Clarity in speech is important in communication."
- "Proper articulation makes a speaker sound professional."
Tongue Twister Challenge:
Choose one and try saying it 3 times without stopping.
Conclusions
Good pronunciation is not about faking a foreign accent. It’s about being clear, confident, and correct. You don’t need to sound British or American — just aim for standard Nigerian English, and speak clearly enough for others to understand.
Keep practicing, and your speaking skills will improve before you even notice.