Clarity Accent Modification
by Carol Edgel, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
A speech-language pathologist teaches you how to speak with a Standard American Accent. Learn how to say things in a way that will help you be understood by your friends, co-workers and clients. Commonly mispronounced words and tricky English spellings are covered. Tips for how to pronounce vowels and consonants, as well as how to speak with an American prosody are shared.
Episodes
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How Adverbs Can Change Meaning | From Excited to Sarcastic to Doubtful
How Adverbs Can Change Meaning | From Excited to Sarcastic to Doubtful In this video, we’ll explore how adverbs like actually, really, and even — when combined with the right tone of voice — can dramatically change the mood of your sentence. The same words can sound excited, sarcastic, doubtful…
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How Intonation Can Change Meaning | Stressing Different Words for Clarity
How Intonation Can Change Meaning | Stressing Different Words for Clarity In this video, we’ll explore how stressing one particular word in a sentence can completely change its meaning in American English. By shifting which word you emphasize, you can clarify intent, add emotion, or even correct...
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Patterns of Syllable Stress in American English – Part 6 | How Suffix Type Affects Word Stress
Patterns of Syllable Stress in American English – Part 6 | How Suffix Type Affects Word Stress In this video, we’ll explore how the type of suffix in a word can determine where the syllable stress falls in American English. Recognizing these patterns can make it much easier to predict stress...
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Patterns of Syllable Stress in American English – Part 5 | Word Variations & Parts of Speech
Patterns of Syllable Stress in American English – Part 5 | Word Variations & Parts of Speech In this video, we’ll explore how syllable stress changes depending on a word’s part of speech — like the difference between a noun and a verb. Understanding these patterns will help you sound more natural...
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Pitch, Tone & Prosody – Part 2 | Practice Prosody Using Pitch and Tone
Pitch, Tone & Prosody – Part 2 | Practice Prosody Using Pitch and Tone In this video, we’ll begin practicing prosody — the natural rhythm and melody of speech — by focusing on pitch and tone. Mastering prosody is one of the most important steps to sounding fluent and natural in American English.…
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Final Sounds: Voiced or Unvoiced? | Word Quiz & Listening Practice
Final Sounds: Voiced or Unvoiced? | Word Quiz & Listening Practice In this video, we’ll test your ability to hear the difference between voiced and unvoiced final consonant sounds in American English. Changing the voicing of a final sound can completely change the meaning of the word — so it’s...
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Patterns of Syllable Stress in American English – Part 4 | Compound Words & Phrasal Verbs
Patterns of Syllable Stress in American English – Part 4 | Compound Words & Phrasal Verbs In this video, we’ll look at how syllable stress works in compound words and phrasal verbs in American English. These types of words follow specific stress patterns that can completely change the meaning if...
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Long U vs. Horseshoe U (ʊ) | Hear the Difference & Take the Quiz
Long U vs. Horseshoe U (ʊ) | Hear the Difference & Take the Quiz In this video, you’ll learn the difference between the Long U sound (/uː/ as in blue or room) and the Horseshoe U sound (/ʊ/ as in book or put) in Standard American English. Then, you’ll take a reading quiz to practice saying them...
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Pitch, Tone & Prosody – Part 1 | Practice Prosody Using Pitch and Tone
Pitch, Tone & Prosody – Part 1 | Practice Prosody Using Pitch and Tone In this video, we’ll begin practicing prosody — the natural rhythm and melody of speech — by focusing on pitch and tone. Mastering prosody is one of the most important steps to sounding fluent and natural in American English.…
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Commonly Mispronounced Words in American English | Real Client Review #33
Commonly Mispronounced Words in American English | Real Client Review #33 In this video, we’re reviewing real client pronunciation challenges—featuring words that are commonly mispronounced in Standard American English. These examples come directly from an accent coaching session and are perfect...
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Patterns of Syllable Stress in American English – Part 3 | Three-Syllable Words
Patterns of Syllable Stress in American English – Part 3 | Three-Syllable Words In this video, we’ll explore how to identify and use the correct syllable stress in three-syllable words in American English. Getting the stress right is essential for sounding natural and being clearly understood. ✔️...
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TR Blends Practice Video | Why “TR” Sounds Like “CH” in American English
TR Blends Practice Video | Why “TR” Sounds Like “CH” in American English In Standard American English, the “TR” blend is often pronounced more like a “CH” sound. In this video, we’ll practice this common pronunciation pattern using real words and sentences to help you sound more natural and…
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Commonly Mispronounced Words in American English | Real Client Review #32
Commonly Mispronounced Words in American English | Real Client Review #32 In this video, we’re reviewing real client pronunciation challenges—featuring words that are commonly mispronounced in Standard American English. These examples come directly from an accent coaching session and are perfect...
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Patterns of Syllable Stress in American English – Part 2 | Two-Syllable Verbs
Patterns of Syllable Stress in American English – Part 2 | Two-Syllable Verbs In this video, we’ll focus on how syllable stress works in two-syllable verbs in American English. Verbs often follow different stress patterns than nouns and adjectives, and using the wrong stress can affect how well...
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How to Reduce a Slovakian Accent | Speak with a Standard American English Accent
How to Reduce a Slovakian Accent | Speak with a Standard American English Accent In this video, you’ll listen to a Slovakian accent sample and learn how to adjust specific sounds, rhythm, and intonation to move closer to a Standard American English accent. We’ll break down the key pronunciation...
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Commonly Mispronounced Words in American English | Real Client Review #31
Commonly Mispronounced Words in American English | Real Client Review #31 In this video, we’re reviewing real client pronunciation challenges—featuring words that are commonly mispronounced in Standard American English. These examples come directly from an accent coaching session and are perfect...
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Patterns of Syllable Stress in American English – Part 1 | One- and Two-Syllable Nouns & Adjectives
Patterns of Syllable Stress in American English – Part 1 | One- and Two-Syllable Nouns & Adjectives In this video, we’ll explore how syllable stress works in one- and two-syllable nouns and adjectives in American English. Knowing which syllable to stress can help you sound more fluent,...
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How to Pronounce the OY Diphthong in Standard American English | Practice with Words and Sentences
How to Pronounce the OY Diphthong in Standard American English | Practice with Words and SEntences In this video, we’ll practice how to pronounce the OY diphthong in Standard American English — a combination of two vowel sounds that glide together smoothly. You’ll hear this sound in words like...
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How to Say “It’d,” “They’d,” “She’d”: Contractions with Would and Had | Accent Training Tips
How to Say “It’d,” “They’d,” “She’d”: Contractions with Would and Had | Accent Training Tips In this video, we’ll break down how native English speakers naturally use and pronounce contractions with 'would' and 'had' in everyday speech. ✔️ Learn the difference between “she’d gone” (had) and…
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Commonly Mispronounced Words in American English | Real Client Review #30
Commonly Mispronounced Words in American English | Real Client Review #30 In this video, we’re reviewing real client pronunciation challenges—featuring words that are commonly mispronounced in Standard American English. These examples come directly from an accent coaching session and are perfect...
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How to Use “FROM” Correctly in American English | Common Phrases & Examples
How to Use “FROM” Correctly in American English | Common Phrases & Examples Confused about when to use the preposition “from” in American English? In this video, we’ll go over real examples of how native speakers use “from” in everyday phrases and sentences. Using the wrong preposition can…
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How to Pronounce All American Consonants | Full Chart with Examples
How to Pronounce All American Consonants | Full Chart with Examples Learn how to pronounce all American English consonants using a clear, color-coded chart. We’ll walk through each consonant sound with example words so you can hear and practice accurate pronunciation. ✔️ Master every consonant in...
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Talk To vs Speak With vs Chat With | What’s the Difference in American English?
Talk To vs Speak With vs Chat With | What’s the Difference in American English? When should you say “talk to” vs “speak with” vs “chat with”? In this video, we’ll break down how these phrases are used in Standard American English and explain the subtle differences between them. ✔️ Learn the...
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Practice Pronouncing the ‘OR’ Sound in Standard American English | Professional Examples
Practice Pronouncing the ‘OR’ Sound in Standard American English | Professional Examples In this video, we’ll practice pronouncing the vocalic “OR” sound in Standard American English, using words and sentences common to various professional settings. ✔️ Master the “OR” sound in words like “work,”...
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Commonly Misused Expressions in American English | Test Yourself!
Commonly Misused Expressions in American English | Test Yourself! Using American expressions appropriately can help you fit in socially and be better understood by others. In this video, we’ll go over common expressions that English learners often misuse—and how to say them the right way. ✔️…
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Practice Pronouncing the ‘EAR’ Sound in Standard American English | Professional Examples
Practice Pronouncing the ‘EAR’ Sound in Standard American English | Professional Examples In this video, we’ll practice pronouncing the vocalic “EAR” sound in Standard American English, using words and sentences common to various professional settings. ✔️ Master the “EAR” sound in words like...
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Practice Pronouncing the ‘IRE’ Sound in Standard American English | Professional Examples
Practice Pronouncing the ‘IRE’ Sound in Standard American English | Professional Examples In this video, we’ll practice pronouncing the vocalic “IRE” sound in Standard American English, using words and sentences common to various professional settings. ✔️ Master the “IRE” sound in words like...
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Using Pitch to Sound American While Speaking – Part 2 | Master Intonation & Tone
Using Pitch to Sound American While Speaking – Part 2 | Master Intonation & Tone It’s not always what you say — but how you say it! In this video, we’ll focus on how to use pitch and intonation to sound more natural and expressive in American English. ✔️ Learn how pitch changes meaning and…
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How to Use the Preposition ‘TO’ in American English | Common Phrases & Usage Tips
How to Use the Preposition ‘TO’ in American English | Common Phrases & Usage Tips In this video, we’ll explore how to use the preposition “to” in American English, focusing on common phrases and sentence structures. Using the wrong preposition can confuse your listener—so let’s make sure you’re...
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Using Pitch to Sound American While Speaking – Part 1 | Master Intonation & Tone
Using Pitch to Sound American While Speaking – Part 1 | Master Intonation & Tone It’s not always what you say — but how you say it! In this video, we’ll focus on how to use pitch and intonation to sound more natural and expressive in American English. ✔️ Learn how pitch changes meaning and…
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3 Ways to Pronounce ‘Y’ as a Vowel – Part 2 | American English Pronunciation
3 Ways to Pronounce ‘Y’ as a Vowel – Part 2 | American English Pronunciation In this video, we’ll explore three common ways the letter “Y” is pronounced as a vowel in American English. Understanding these patterns will help you read, pronounce, and spell more confidently. ✔️ Learn how “Y” sounds...
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How to Use the Preposition ‘WITH’ in American English | Common Phrases & Speaking Tips
How to Use the Preposition ‘WITH’ in American English | Common Phrases & Speaking Tips In this video, we’ll look at how to use the preposition “with” in everyday American English. You’ll learn how it’s used in common phrases and how choosing the right preposition helps your listener understand…
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3 Ways to Pronounce ‘Y’ as a Vowel – Part 1 | American English Pronunciation
3 Ways to Pronounce ‘Y’ as a Vowel – Part 1 | American English Pronunciation In this video, we’ll explore three common ways the letter “Y” is pronounced as a vowel in American English. Understanding these patterns will help you read, pronounce, and spell more confidently. ✔️ Learn how “Y” sounds...
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How to Use the Preposition ‘ON’ in American English | Common Expressions & Examples
How to Use the Preposition ‘ON’ in American English | Common Expressions & Examples In this video, we’ll explore how to use the preposition “on” in Standard American English. You’ll learn common phrases and sentence patterns that use “on” and how to avoid common preposition mistakes. ✔️ Learn how...
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Practice Pronouncing the ‘AIR’ Sound in Standard American English | Professional Examples
Practice Pronouncing the ‘AIR’ Sound in Standard American English | Professional Examples In this video, we’ll practice pronouncing the vocalic “AIR” sound in Standard American English, using words and sentences common in professional and social settings. ✔️ Master the “AIR” sound in words like...
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How to Sound American by Linking Words for Smoother Prosody – Part 4 | Speak More Naturally
How to Sound American by Linking Words for Smoother Prosody – Part 4 | Speak More Naturally In this video, we’ll focus on how to link words together in speech to sound more fluent and natural in American English. Mastering this technique helps improve your prosody and makes your spoken English...
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How to Use the Preposition ‘OF’ in American English | Common Phrases & Grammar Tips
How to Use the Preposition ‘OF’ in American English | Common Phrases & Grammar Tips In this video, we’ll look at how to use the preposition “of” in Standard American English. You’ll learn common expressions and sentence patterns where “of” is used, and how to avoid making mistakes that can…
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How to Sound American by Linking Words for Smoother Prosody – Part 3 | Speak More Naturally
How to Sound American by Linking Words for Smoother Prosody – Part 3 | Speak More Naturally In this video, we’ll focus on how to link words together in speech to sound more fluent and natural in American English. Mastering this technique helps improve your prosody and makes your spoken English...
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Practice Pronouncing the ‘AR’ Sound in Standard American English | Professional Examples
Practice Pronouncing the ‘AR’ Sound in Standard American English | Professional Examples In this video, we’ll practice pronouncing the vocalic “AR” sound in Standard American English, using words and sentences that are common in professional and social conversations. ✔️ Master the “AR” sound in...
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How to Sound American by Linking Words for Smoother Prosody – Part 2 | Speak More Naturally
How to Sound American by Linking Words for Smoother Prosody – Part 2 | Speak More Naturally In this video, we’ll focus on how to link words together in speech to sound more fluent and natural in American English. Mastering this technique helps improve your prosody and makes your spoken English...
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How to Sound American by Linking Words for Smoother Prosody – Part 1 | Speak More Naturally
How to Sound American by Linking Words for Smoother Prosody – Part 1 | Speak More Naturally In this video, we’ll focus on how to link words together in speech to sound more fluent and natural in American English. Mastering this technique helps improve your prosody and makes your spoken English...
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How to Sound American Using Word Stress | Speak with Natural Emphasis
How to Sound American Using Word Stress | Speak with Natural Emphasis In this video, we’ll explore how to use word stress to sound more natural and fluent in American English. Knowing which syllable to emphasize can completely change the way you’re understood. ✔️ Learn how stress patterns affect...
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Practice Sentences for the 'OR' Sound in American English
Practice Sentences for the 'OR' Sound in American English Listen to some practice sentences for the 'OR' sound, and follow along reading the sentences below. Then try to repeat the sentences yourself, using the same pronunciation, prosody, and syllable stress. I saw a wild boar. I ate two…
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Practice Sentences for Reducing the Unwanted Schwa Sound in American English
Practice Sentences for Reducing the Unwanted Schwa Sound in American English Listen to some practice sentences for reducing the unwanted schwa sound, and follow along reading the sentences below. Then try to repeat the sentences yourself, using the same pronunciation, prosody, and syllable…
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Learn the Four Ways the 'OR' Sound is Spelled in American English -- Pronounce Them All the Same
Learn the Four Ways the 'OR' Sound is Spelled in American English -- Pronounce Them All the Same For, Door, Pour, Wore... are you saying these words correctly? Learn how to speak using the Standard American English (SAE) dialect to be better understood in work and social settings. For more...
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How to Use the Preposition ‘FOR’ in American English | Common Expressions & Grammar Tips
How to Use the Preposition ‘FOR’ in American English | Common Expressions & Grammar Tips In this video, we’ll go over how to use the preposition “for” in American English. You’ll learn common phrases and sentence patterns where “for” is used—and how to avoid common mistakes that could confuse…
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How to Use the Preposition ‘BY’ in American English | Common Phrases & Usage Tips
How to Use the Preposition ‘BY’ in American English | Common Phrases & Usage Tips In this video, we’ll cover how to use the preposition “by” in American English. You’ll learn common phrases and sentence structures that include “by,” and how to avoid confusion when using it in conversation. ✔️...
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How to Use the Preposition ‘AT’ in American English | Common Phrases & Speaking Tips
How to Use the Preposition ‘AT’ in American English | Common Phrases & Speaking Tips In this video, we’ll explore how to use the preposition “at” in American English. You’ll learn which phrases and sentence patterns typically use “at” — and how to avoid confusing your listener by choosing the…
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Commonly Mispronounced Words in Standard American English -- Client Review 29
Commonly Mispronounced Words in American English | Real Client Review #29 In this video, we’re reviewing real client pronunciation challenges—featuring words that are commonly mispronounced in Standard American English. These examples come directly from an accent coaching session and are perfect...
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Commonly Mispronounced Words in Standard American English -- Client Review 28
Commonly Mispronounced Words in American English | Real Client Review #28 In this video, we’re reviewing real client pronunciation challenges—featuring words that are commonly mispronounced in Standard American English. These examples come directly from an accent coaching session and are perfect...
About this show
A speech-language pathologist teaches you how to speak with a Standard American Accent. Learn how to say things in a way that will help you be understood by your friends, co-workers and clients. Commonly mispronounced words and tricky English spellings are covered. Tips for how to pronounce vowels and consonants, as well as how to speak with an American prosody are shared.
Hosted by
Carol Edgel, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
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