Tips to Improve Pronunciation for TOEFL iBT® Speaking Section

Mastering pronunciation is key to performing well in the TOEFL Speaking section. By focusing on stress, intonation, and commonly mispronounced words, you can improve clarity and sound more natural. With consistent practice and the right techniques, you’ll enhance fluency and boost your confidence. These tips to improve pronunciation for the TOEFL Speaking section will not only help in the exam but also in real-life communication.

Tips to Improve Pronunciation for TOEFL Speaking Section

Here are some effective tips to improve pronunciation for the TOEFL Speaking section that will help you speak clearly, sound more natural, and boost your fluency: 

1. Practice with Everyday Words

Start by getting comfortable with the pronunciation of the words you use every day. Regularly practising common words will boost your confidence. Focus on simple sentences and repeat them until you feel at ease. This will enhance your fluency and clarity in speaking, making it easier for you to communicate during the TOEFL exam.

For instance, words like “opportunity,” “environment,” “development,” or “communication” are frequently used in both professional and academic settings.
Focus on simple sentences like “This is a great opportunity,” “The environment is changing,” or “Effective communication is essential,” and repeat them until you feel at ease. 

Check out - Essential Words for TOEFL iBT® Test

2. Focus on Stress and Intonation

In English, words often have stressed syllables, and altering the tone can change the meaning of a sentence. A syllable is a sound unit in a word, and emphasising certain syllables can influence the rhythm and emphasis of the sentence. Practising stress and intonation will make your speech sound more natural and fluent, helping you avoid sounding robotic or monotonous.

For example, the word “record” can be pronounced with stress on the first syllable (RE-cord) when referring to a noun (e.g., “I have a record of the event”), but with stress on the second syllable (re-CORD) when referring to a verb (e.g., “I will record the meeting”). 

3. Listen and Mimic Native Speakers

Dedicate time to listening to podcasts, interviews, or shows in English. Notice how native speakers pronounce words, their rhythm, and tone. Imitating their speech will enhance both your listening and speaking abilities. This will also help you sound more authentic and confident when speaking in English.

4. Break Words into Syllables

When you come across complex words, break them down into smaller parts (syllables) to simplify pronunciation. This technique will help you tackle difficult words that might otherwise feel daunting. Practice each syllable slowly, then combine them to pronounce the full word smoothly. This approach will boost your confidence in your speech. 

For example, the word “unbelievable” can be broken down into un-be-liev-a-ble, with each syllable pronounced slowly before combining them for smoother pronunciation.

Check out - TOEFL Speaking Templates for All Speaking Tasks

5. Record Yourself Speaking

Recording your spoken responses is an excellent way to assess your pronunciation. By listening to your recordings, you can pinpoint any mispronunciations or areas that need improvement. This practice allows you to track your progress and make necessary adjustments to your pronunciation.

6. Use Tongue Twisters

Tongue twisters are a fun and effective method for enhancing your pronunciation, particularly with challenging sounds. Regularly practising tongue twisters can boost your articulation and clarity. This exercise will also help you become more comfortable with difficult sounds that may come up in the TOEFL exam.

For example, practice saying:

• “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?”

7. Slow Down While Speaking

Speaking too quickly can lead to mumbling or slurring your words. Take your time to ensure you pronounce each word clearly. Maintaining a steady pace will help you sound more precise and ensure that your listener understands you. Taking your time is essential for clearer pronunciation and better communication.

8. Learn Commonly Mispronounced Words

Some words are frequently mispronounced, even by advanced English speakers. Create a list of these words and practice their correct pronunciation regularly. By mastering these challenging words, you'll sound more polished and avoid common errors, which will help you speak more confidently in the TOEFL exam. Here are a few examples of commonly mispronounced words:

• Mischievous (pronounced: MISS-chuh-vuhs, not MISS-chee-vee-uhs)

• Entrepreneur (pronounced: ahn-truh-pruh-NUR, not ahn-truh-pruh-NOOR)

• February (pronounced: FEB-roo-air-ee, not FEB-yoo-air-ee)

Also Check: Top 5 Tips to Master English Vocabulary for TOEFL iBT®

9. Practice Speaking Aloud with Passion

Speaking with enthusiasm can significantly enhance how you express your thoughts. Try reading or discussing topics you love, and concentrate on delivering your words with energy and clarity. Speaking passionately not only makes your ideas more engaging but also helps improve your pronunciation, as it encourages you to pay attention to how each word sounds.

10. Get Feedback from Friends or Mentors

Seek out someone fluent in English to listen to your speaking practice and provide feedback. Constructive criticism is invaluable for correcting any mispronunciations or mistakes you may not have noticed. This feedback is crucial for improving your pronunciation and boosting your confidence in speaking.

By applying these tips to improve pronunciation for the TOEFL Speaking section, you’ll refine your speech clarity and fluency. Consistent practice and attention to detail will help you speak more naturally and confidently during the exam.

Also Read:

• TOEFL iBT® Speaking Score Calculation: Marking Criteria, Score Interpretation
• 10 Common TOEFL Mistakes You Must Avoid
• TOEFL Test Day: What to Expect and How to Prepare
• Essential Grammar Rules and Tips for TOEFL iBT® Exam
• 10 Tips to Balance TOEFL iBT® Exam Preparation with a Full-Time Job