Mark’s Pronunciation Post :Understanding Word Building
Pronunciation is really just another kind of coordination. I’m a drummer, so coordination is something I know a lot about. When people struggle to pronounce a new word, the biggest mistake they make is trying to do everything at once.
It’s the same with drumming. If I try to play a new rhythm without first breaking it down into smaller, easy-to-control pieces, I’ll stumble. The secret is simple: “Don’t try to run before you can walk.”
The Step-by-Step Method
Let’s practice together!
Example 1: Potato
We’ll start with something simple.
Po – Say just “Po” several times until it feels smooth and easy.
Ta – Say “Ta” with a long “a” sound, and again, repeat it until it’s comfortable.
Po-Ta – Now connect the first two. Start slowly, then speed up—but never rush. If it doesn’t feel relaxed, you’re going too fast.
To – Practice “To” until it’s smooth and effortless.
Po-Ta-To – Finally, put it all together!
Like this:
Po… Po… Po… Po…
Ta… Ta… Ta… Ta…
To… To… To… To…
Po-Ta… Po-Ta… Po-Ta…
Po-Ta-To… Po-Ta-To… Po-Ta-To…
This is what I call “beat building” in drumming. In English, let’s call it “word building.”
Example 2: Hippopotamus
Hip
Hip-po (long o)
Hip-po-po (short o)
Hip-po-po-ta
Hip-po-po-ta-mus
Hippopotamus!
Example 3: Extraordinary
Ex
Ex-tra
Ex-tra-or
Ex-tra-or-din
Ex-tra-or-din-ary
Extraordinary!
The Key Rule
Don’t move on to the next syllable until the one you’re practicing feels natural and relaxed. If your mouth feels stiff or tight, slow down, loosen up, and give that syllable more attention.
Want to Improve Faster?
Practice this method on words you find difficult.
Record yourself and listen for smoothness.
Pretend you’re “playing the word” like an instrument—keep it light, fun, and rhythmic!