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Pronunciation Pro

Pronunciation Pro

By Annie Ruden M.S. CCC-SLP

Learn to speak American English clearly and with incredible confidence with certified American Accent Trainer and Confidence Coach, Annie Ruden M.S. CCC-SLP.
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50. Thriving in Corporate America: Key Tips for Expats on the Road to Success

Pronunciation ProMar 24, 2024

00:00
39:23
50. Thriving in Corporate America: Key Tips for Expats on the Road to Success

50. Thriving in Corporate America: Key Tips for Expats on the Road to Success

In this episode of the Pronunciation Pro podcast, Annie is joined by Jenna Melendez, a career coach, that specialized in networking and connection.


They dive into the importance of networking within the work place and Jenna gives three tips that she feels are important as you are trying to further your career in corporate America.


If you are interested in hearing more from Jenna, join our Masterclass on April 4th at 11am PST. You can register for the class here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvc-mhqT4jEtNrAhcO-5mO8quFr-3trIra#/registration

Mar 24, 202439:23
49. Becoming an expert in your spoken English

49. Becoming an expert in your spoken English

Do you want to be an expert in American English? 


In this episode, I use points from one of my favorite books, “Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise” by Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool, to help you understand how you can master American English in your life.


Becoming an expert is possible - what are you going to do to make it happen in your life?

Mar 17, 202414:47
48. Sounding 100% like a Native English Speaker

48. Sounding 100% like a Native English Speaker

In this podcast episode, we dive into 5 tips that will help you sound more like a native English speaker.


Learn how to implement these tips in your life so you can be on your way to speaking English like a native.


Learn more about Pronunciation Pro and join us here: https://pronunciationpro.com/join/

Mar 10, 202435:22
47. Mastering English for Career Growth and Leadership
Feb 27, 202435:55
46. Overcoming Comparison to Native Speakers

46. Overcoming Comparison to Native Speakers

Do you feel yourself pulling away from intimate conversations with native English speakers? Do you find yourself feeling less than others around you? 


These might be signs you are falling into the trap of comparison. But don’t worry, this is a very common feeling and one that you can overcome. 


But the big question is, “How do I overcome comparison and competition, especially when trying to improve my English pronunciation?” 


In this podcast episode, I lay out the four part recipe to self improvement and give you eight ideas of practices you can implement in your life to shift your mindset away from the comparison that is holding you back. 


Listen for these things on the episode and choose a few that you can start practicing in your life. Even the smallest changes, when consistent, will go a long way. 


If you want additional support on your journey, we are always here for you. Join Pronunciation Pro and we’ll work together on the fundamentals of improving your English pronunciation along with shifting your mindset to feel more confident. 


Learn more about how to join here: https://pronunciationpro.com/join/ 

Feb 18, 202437:37
45. Comfort in Discomfort

45. Comfort in Discomfort

Do you stay quiet in moments where you have something to say because you are afraid that you might put yourself in an uncomfortable position? 


That feeling is common. 


The majority of people have the initial tendency to shy away from being uncomfortable because well… it’s uncomfortable!


But improving your English pronunciation doesn’t come from sitting in your comfort zone. It comes from speaking up, speaking out and trying new things in new situations. 


This podcast episode will teach you how to shift your mindset to push yourself a little further than you’re comfortable with. And I promise, the growth you are going to see by applying some simple changes within yourself is going to be worth the “risks” you feel you are taking by speaking out. 


Want to know how to make these changes? Join Pronunciation Pro and get the personalized coaching you need. 


Find the best package for you: https://pronunciationpro.com/join/

Feb 11, 202413:06
44. Dropping Endings: The Clarity Killer

44. Dropping Endings: The Clarity Killer

This episode is a practical pronunciation tool all about ending sounds for you to apply as you continue on your journey to speaking English clearly and with greater confidence!


As you have been learning English, you are developing error patterns to the way you are speak English.


The more aware of the error patterns you are making, the faster you are able to improve them!


In this episode we discuss a very common error pattern - ending sounds. There are three simple and easy steps you can apply to your English pronunciation training that will help you improve this error and speak more like a native.


Listen to the episode to hear these three important tips, INCLUDING examples of how they are applied!


If you are interested in gaining more specific help on your English pronunciation, join our program! Look into the different packages we offer and see what fits your needs the best.


https://pronunciationpro.com/join/

Feb 04, 202420:16
43. Expert Tips for Resumes & Job Interviews
Jan 26, 202439:32
42. Perfectionism & English: 3 Ways To Progress

42. Perfectionism & English: 3 Ways To Progress

Does your desire to be perfect when speaking English interfere with your ability to speak up in certain situations? In this episode, we will be discussing perfectionism and the antidotes to overcome your fear of making mistakes so that your voice can be heard!

Jan 21, 202431:56
Special Discount: You Are Not Alone

Special Discount: You Are Not Alone

Here at Pronunciation Pro we've been doing A LOT of planning for 2024 and we've made some big and exciting changes!

Click Here to see our new PLUS & PREMIER Memberships!

If you've wanted private, more personalized help from our certified trainers but the price jump to the PLUS and PREMIER packages have been too big -- or you just want more high level training and more flexibility so you get results FAST, then you'll be thrilled with what's to come!

Limited Time Offer: $50 off per month of your membership - discount applies at checkout.

Also, on Thursday, January 4th we'll have a Big Launch Webinar where I will explain the details and offer a limited time discount to those who attend!

Register for the webinar HERE!

This is a year of big changes! Let's make 2024 the year of opportunity and connection as you build greater clarity and confidence in your spoken English!

Dec 31, 202311:07
41. Student Stories: Dodzi from Togo West Africa
Apr 24, 202337:30
40. The English Gap
Apr 17, 202318:08
39. Simple Mindset Trick To Make Speaking English Easier

39. Simple Mindset Trick To Make Speaking English Easier

In my program, Pronunciation Pro, we don’t just work on getting your spoken American English to a greater level, we also work on your confidence. I am huge on confidence.

Of course learning the rules and flow of American English is very important, but building and gaining confidence is just as important in helping you feel that you can speak up and use your voice. It is vital for you to learn how to feel confident in your abilities to speak up, and this is one thing that my program focuses heavily on.

I don’t just want you to learn the rules of American English, I want you to gain confidence in yourself and build up your mindset. In order to build that self confidence that you’ve always wanted, there is one key thing you need to do: remove the negative self-talk from your mind.

In this episode of the Pronunciation Pro Podcast, I share with you an exclusive clip from one of the lessons taught in my program, so that you can learn more about how to improve your mindset and confidence when it comes to speaking English.

If you are interested in learning more about confidence and retraining your brain, I invite you to join Pronunciation Pro today. Even within the first few modules of my program you will see a shift in your mindset as you follow along with the lessons being taught.

I’m here for you and want you to succeed in all aspects of your American English growth, especially in feeling more confident in yourself! Sign up for my 7-day trial today to get started! http://pronunciationpro.com/trial/ 

Apr 10, 202318:52
38. English Success Is Simple
Apr 03, 202317:57
37. 4 Skills You Need To Level Up Your Career
Mar 28, 202328:20
36. Why Can I Understand English But Can't Speak It?
Mar 20, 202329:37
35. 5 Powerful Tips To Improve Your Spoken English

35. 5 Powerful Tips To Improve Your Spoken English

Do you ever wish you could get just a few simple tips to help improve your spoken American English? Tips that don’t feel impossible or overwhelming?

In this episode, I share with you 5 simple yet POWERFUL tips to improve your spoken English that will help you get the results you are looking for.

Let me briefly share each tip. 

First, find ways to speak up more. 

Second, work on your mindset so that you have more courage to speak up and to practice. 

Third, there are ways to practice and improve yourself. 

My fourth tip is to listen to English, whether it be a podcast or a TV show, pause it, and out loud give your opinion about it. It doesn’t matter whether that’s alone or with someone else, just speaking out loud and sharing your opinion or explaining something in your own words is what matters with this tip! 

The final tip is getting feedback from a native English speaker.

Listen to this episode as I dive deep into each tip and share examples of how to implement each tip into your life so that you can experience that growth and increase your confidence when speaking English.

Later in the podcast I mention how I’m not an English teacher, but I do have some favorite online English programs if you’d like to improve your grammar first! Kris Amerikos has a fantastic program that you can look into here: https://www.krisamerikos.com/a/2147520050/tspuLcVz

And as always, if you are interested in having a coach there to help you improve your spoken English and to give you feedback so that you know what you need to work on and teach you how to improve in those areas, I invite you to join Pronunciation Pro today: http://pronunciationpro.com/trial/

Mar 13, 202321:39
34. Living Your Purpose
Mar 06, 202325:26
33. Student Stories: Epar Nor from China
Dec 12, 202225:49
32. 3 Reasons Why a Speech Pathologist Can Help You Improve Your Pronunciation FASTER
Dec 05, 202210:32
31. Do You Feel Understood? 3 Ways To Make It Happen
Nov 21, 202223:33
30. Learning American English Rhythm
Nov 07, 202219:50
29. Disrupt Yourself: Pro Book Club
Oct 31, 202228:16
28. 2 Ways To Feel Confident in Your American English Pronunciation
Oct 24, 202228:38
27. Student Success Stories & Testimonials
Oct 10, 202220:14
26. 5 Most Common Error Patterns in American English
Oct 03, 202222:56
25. 6 English Words You Are Probably Saying Wrong
Sep 26, 202216:54
24. Secret To Sounding More Natural in American English
Sep 19, 202222:53
23. Student Stories: Ximena Zuniga
Sep 12, 202239:04
22. Gaining Greater Respect Through Clear English Communication
Sep 05, 202228:25
21. How to Understand Fast English Speakers
Aug 29, 202220:20
20. 6 Steps To Bounce Back After Failure

20. 6 Steps To Bounce Back After Failure

Have you ever failed to stay consistent with a goal you started? If so, you're not alone. 

In this episode, I discuss my journey of bouncing back after taking a break from something important in my life, and how you can do the same thing!

Failing, falling down, or getting off track on your goals is normal. 

This happens to everyone, and can especially happen when it comes to your English pronunciation journey.

The question is, are you going to get back up? Are you going to get back on track when you get off? 

I'm guessing the answer to that question is YES! 

How do I know? 

Because you have GRIT and RESILIENCE (two words I'll help you out with in this episode). 

I believe in you and want you to succeed. Your voice is important and needs to be heard. 

If you are ready to get back on track and want my help, join me at www.pronunciationpro.com

I'll provide you with a proven, step by step system to speaking English clearly and with incredible confidence! 

Aug 22, 202220:10
19. Understanding American English Intonation

19. Understanding American English Intonation

Do you feel like sometimes you're missing the meaning when native speakers are talking? 

So much of American English meaning is held in the intonation patterns.

When you understand intonation you will find it easier to follow the intent of the speaker. 

In this episode you will learn the rules of American English intonation and more importantly you will train your ear to the different ways intonation is used to create meaning. 

Want to learn more? Join the Pro Community at www.pronunciationpro.com

Jun 07, 202221:55
18. Could You Be Making More Money?

18. Could You Be Making More Money?

Are you making as much money as you are capable of or want to be making? 

If not, then let's look at what might be holding you back. 

Join me at www.pronunciationpro.com 


May 31, 202224:19
17. Crucial Conversations: Pro Book Club

17. Crucial Conversations: Pro Book Club

Do you have the skills to communicate during a crucial conversation?

....a conversation where the results of it could drastically change the course of your life and career?

In this weeks episode of the Pronunciation Pro Podcast I will teach you tools to navigate high-stakes conversations in a way that will help you speak with confidence!

Click here to join Pronunciation Pro! https://pronunciationpro.com/

May 23, 202249:16
16. Stepping Into Your Personal Power

16. Stepping Into Your Personal Power

Are there times while speaking English where you feel small and powerless? 

Are there times when you stay silent even though you know it's not what you want or what's best for you or others? 

In this episode I will help you know how to step into your personal power so you can confidently join the conversation as an equal.



May 18, 202224:19
15. How To Improve Your English Faster

15. How To Improve Your English Faster

You want to speak clear and confident American English and you want to do it fast! 

In this episode I'll teach you a strategy that will help.

Quantity over Quality

Go try it out and let me know how it goes! 

To join us in the Pronunciation Pro Online Training program click here: https://pronunciationpro.com/trial/


May 09, 202221:17
14. Student Stories: Nathalie Nguyen

14. Student Stories: Nathalie Nguyen

In this episode I interview Nathalie Nguyen, an accountant living in Canada.

Nathalie shares her experience and advice for those working to improve their English pronunciation and fluency. 

To view Nathalie's YouTube videos showing her journey over the last 3 years, go to: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaiUHC9yNxLU9U9aYMWyPQ/featured 

If you're ready to join Pronunciation Pro now and take your English training to the next level, click here: https://pronunciationpro.com/

Be sure to check out our PLUS or PREMIER memberships with one-on-one training like Nathalie has done!

https://pronunciationpro.com/join/

May 03, 202242:52
13. How To Build Confidence In YOU

13. How To Build Confidence In YOU

What is your opinion of yourself? 

Do you feel confident in who you are? 

Great communication is not just about saying the right words with correct grammar and pronunciation. 

Communication is an expression of who you are. 

If you want to improve your communication skills you must take a deeper look into the opinion you have of yourself. As you do you'll discover the path to greater confidence AND better communication. 

To get more lessons from my one of a kind Confident ProMindset Course, join Pronunciation Pro NOW! https://pronunciationpro.com/trial/

Apr 25, 202217:40
12. Learning To Listen To American English

12. Learning To Listen To American English

The key to learning to speak like a native is learning to open your ears to the sounds and rhythm of American English. As you tune your ear to the sounds of English you'll be better at pronouncing them correctly. 

To go deeper into training your ear to hear, join Pronunciation Pro now! https://pronunciationpro.com/ 


Listening Exercise #1:

Long /A/ vs short /e/

Paper - pepper

Wait - wet

Taste - test

Late - let

Waste - west


Listening Exercise #2: 

Short /o/ vs Short /u/

Hot - hut

Bought - but

Caught - cut

Lock - luck

Mom - mum


10 examples of words that are spelled different than they are pronounced.

  1. Thought: /thot/
  2. Doubt: /dowt/ - no /b/
  3. Wednesday: /wens-dA/
  4. February: /feb-yoo-wAr-ee/
  5. Receipt: /ree-seet/ no /p/
  6. Island: /I-lind/ - no /s/ and reduced /a/
  7. Asthma: /as-mu/ - no /th/
  8. Colonel: /ker-nul/
  9. Hors d’œuvres (French): /or-dervs/ - Other French words: bouillon, casserole, vinaigrette, protege, ballet, bouquet, boutique, silhouette, etiquette, faux pas
  10. Zucchini: /zoo-kee-nee/  (Italian) - pinata (Spanish)
Apr 18, 202224:19
11. 3 Tips To Overcome Fear of Mistakes While Speaking English

11. 3 Tips To Overcome Fear of Mistakes While Speaking English

Are you afraid of making mistakes while speaking English? If so, you're not alone. 

In this episode I will help you understand why you are afraid to make mistakes and give you 3 powerful tips to overcome this fear so you can speak up and feel confident!

Ready to join the Pronunciation Pro Online Training Program where you will learn how to feel confident while speaking English? 

Join me today! https://pronunciationpro.com/join/

Apr 11, 202227:28
10. Deep Work: Pro Book Club

10. Deep Work: Pro Book Club

Every other month in the Pronunciation Pro Online Training Program my students participate in a book club meeting. This months book was 'Deep Work' by Cal Newport. 

"The ability to perform deep work is becoming increasingly rare at exactly the same time it is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. As a consequence, the few who cultivate this skill, and then make it the core of their working life, will thrive" - Cal Newport

In this episode I will walk through a summary of this book and share with you some of the insight from our students and ways for you to apply these teaching to your life. 

To join Pronunciation Pro and participate in the next book club meeting, click here: https://pronunciationpro.com/trial/

To get one-on-one help with a trained American Accent Trainer through the PLUS or PREMIER packages, click here: https://pronunciationpro.com/join/

Apr 04, 202235:44
9. Your Voice Matters. You Matter.

9. Your Voice Matters. You Matter.

Your voice is important. You add something to this world that no one else can. If you want help finding your voice and confidence speaking English. I'm here to help!

Join me in the Pronunciation Pro Online Training Program: https://pronunciationpro.com/trial/ 

Mar 29, 202235:46
8. 5 Tips to Overcome Embarrassment While Speaking English

8. 5 Tips to Overcome Embarrassment While Speaking English

Do you avoid speaking up in English because you don't want to feel embarrassed?

In this episode I will share with you 5 tips to overcome feelings of embarrassment while speaking English so you can confidently speak up and share your thoughts, experience, ideas, and expertise without fear.

Mar 21, 202236:13
7. Understanding Confidence & Self-Confidence

7. Understanding Confidence & Self-Confidence

Are you a confident person? 

The question of confidence is not an all or nothing concept. 

In this episode you will come to understand what it takes to have greater self-confidence and how to create greater confidence in the skill of speaking English.  


Mar 14, 202244:14
6: Speaking English With Confidence

6: Speaking English With Confidence

"I will feel confident when I speak like a native"

This is the mindset that many of my students have when they first start working with me inside the Pronunciation Pro Online Training Program

But what if you could feel confident BEFORE speaking like a native? And what if feeling confident now was an important step to achieving your goal of speaking English like a native?

In this episode I will help you learn how to feel confident NOW so you can be the most successful in your journey to speak English like a native. 


RESOURCES:

TED Talk by Amy Cuddy: Your body language may shape who you are

Confident Thoughts To Practice: 

  • It’s okay to make mistakes
  • The more I practice, the better I get
  • I have the grit and determination to succeed at anything I set my mind to
  • I’m getting better every day
  • I’m proud of the way I keep trying
  • I am good enough right now to speak up and practice
  • If they have a problem with the way I speak English, that’s about them, not about me
  • I speak multiple languages, I’m amazing!
  • I’m tired of staying silent, it’s time to speak up and create the life of my dreams!

What confident thoughts would you add?

Mar 07, 202222:58
5. What Is An Accent & How Do I Change Mine

5. What Is An Accent & How Do I Change Mine

Let's take the mystery out of the process of changing an accent. 

An accent is when you use the sounds and rhythms of your first language while speaking English

To learn to speak English like a native speaker you have to learn to hear the difference between the way you say the sounds and rhythms of English and the way a native speaker uses them. Then you start the process of retraining your ear and mouth to move in this new way.

The science is simple, the process takes time and repetition. But as you are patient with the process you'll have great success in transforming your spoken English.

Want to know what is the difference between you and a native English speaker? We can help!

Get a Full Accent Assessment by a certified American Accent Trainer by clicking here: https://pronunciationpro.com/full-accent-assessment/

Feb 28, 202221:54
4. Student Stories: Amadou N' Diaye
Feb 21, 202232:35
3. 3 Powerful Practices To Improve Your Spoken English

3. 3 Powerful Practices To Improve Your Spoken English

In this episode I share with you 3 powerful but simple daily practices that will help you dramatically improve your spoken English 

These practices are:

1. Use the 3 Easy Tips

2. Read out loud for 2 minutes every day with your focus on the 3 Easy Tips

3. Listen to American English audiobooks or podcasts daily

I promise you that if you do these 3 practices consistently every day you will be amazed at the improvement you will see in your spoken English over the coming months and years. 


Recommended Podcasts:

TED Talks Daily

A Bit of Optimism with Simon Sinek

Work Life with Adam Grant

Taken For Granted

Super Soul with Oprah

Increase Your Impact with Justin Su'a

Feb 19, 202223:20
2. Connecting Through Stories

2. Connecting Through Stories

Throughout the Pronunciation Pro Podcast I will have the privilege of sharing the success stories of many of my students. 

Today I'm going to share a piece of my story with you. I'll share how I got started in accent training, the passion I feel for this work, and the deep love I've developed for my students along the way. 

I'll also share with you how I discovered my unique approach to confidence training through my own personal challenges. This one of a kind confidence training has helped my students get even better and faster results in their journey to speak American English with clarity and confidence. 


Feb 11, 202208:20