Perfect Pronunciation
A guide for trainers and self-help students
by Alison Kimble-Fry
What it is about
This book offers an entirely fresh approach on how to improve the clarity and quality of English pronunciation. Written by a speech pathologist, rather than a language specialist, it provides a quite different perspective to any other book on the market. It is therefore genuinely new and different.
The book outlines a total training model based on principles and techniques developed independently by the author over many years. The approach is holistic, or multi-sensory, in nature. It recognises that changing a sound pattern, or accent, involves not only analytical mental processes but also more primitive, intuitive parts of the brain. The learning of new sound patterns is greatly enhanced if these ‘other’ areas in the brain are tapped.
The training approach is called the ClearSpeak Method and is based on the ClearSpeak Model of Pronunciation Change©. The book covers all stages of the training process from the assessment of sounds that require change, to the drawing up of a training plan, to a series of 33 Sound Guides for training each sound (a total of 620 pages with over 240 illustrations). Around 85 detailed techniques are provided. Background information on phonetics and speech melody has been deliberately simplified for non-expert readers. However, even those working in the pronunciation field may appreciate this no-frills explanation of these potentially complex subjects.
Each Sound Guide includes TROUBLE SHOOTER tips on how to change the speaker from typical error postures to the correct posture. You simply identify the nature of the error and follow the corrective instructions. There are shaded boxes called TECHNICAL TALK spread throughout the text, aimed mainly at trainers. These give further insights into the topic being discussed and can be ignored by readers if they wish. The book also gives comments on hot chestnuts like ‘Am I too old to change accent?’ and ‘Should I focus on speech melody or on changing individual sounds?’, ‘Which sounds do I change if I want to improve clarity but not change accent?’. Arguments are provided and opinions offered.
All training techniques are aimed at producing Standard Neutral English which, as the name implies, does not represent any particular, identifiable accent. It is the variety most speakers would regard as ‘good English’ anywhere in the world. Self-help students will find it the most neutral model against which to train; whereas trainers working within a native English speaking country will have no difficulty in adjusting the techniques to suit local accent. Guidance is provided on major English varieties for this purpose (‘Queen’s English’, General American, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and South African English).
The book is sold with a DVD of audio sound exercises. This DVD is designed on a ‘listen and repeat’ basis. It allows the student to compare their sound production with that of the coach across words, phrases and sentences. There is a separate set of exercises for each of the 33 Sound Guides. The voice coach is Alison Kimble-Fry and the variety of English used is Standard Neutral English. The DVD plays on a standard DVD player or a computer with suitable DVD player software.
Who it is for
The book is written in simple language and deliberately avoids the use of technical terms and jargon. Descriptions are kept simple to provide essential information and there is no unnecessary detail. The layout is clear with many headings, illustrations and short paragraphs. Techniques have been given catchy names so they can be remembered easily e.g. Divide-and-conquer, Say-it-again-Sam, Smile-awhile.
The book’s easy-to-use writing style makes it accessible to a wide audience but this in no way reduces the value of its innovative techniques for even the most experienced teachers and trainers. Those who will benefit are:
- Any person who wishes to improve their own English pronunciation, in particular those who speak English as their second language (ESL). The audio DVD is aimed at such self-help students.
- ESL language and pronunciation teachers as well as teachers of the severely hearing impaired.
- Speech trainers, drama specialists and speech pathologists aiming to bring about high-level accent/pronunciation change.
The book will be invaluable for student teachers, speech pathologists and trainers as it provides comprehensive coverage of the entire training process.
Product details
The book is 620 pages in length and is printed in black print on high quality paper. It is produced in plastic coated soft cover and is of larger than average size. The book dimensions are 196mm by 267mm by 36mm. The book contains over 240 line illustrations.
The book includes a three hour DVD of audio exercises. This DVD is not available for separate sale.
Published in 2001 by ClearSpeak Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia.
The ISBN is 0 9577970 0 1.
Note: As at January 2012, the book is out of stock pending publication of the second edition. The publishers expect to make delivery of the new stock in about 8 weeks time. Please Contact Us if you wish to be placed on back order for the new book. These orders will receive priority.
Book outline
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