English pronunciation: stage 1
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Choose a start date
- Course Code: DVE103
- Dates: 26/04/24 - 28/06/24
- Time: 18:30 - 20:30
- Taught: Fri, Evening
- Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 weeks)
- Location: Online
- Tutor: David John Gwillim
Course Code: DVE103
Choose a start date
Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Communicating in English more clearly and confidently in work and social situations. A high level of commitment is essential. This course will be online.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
Detailed study of the articulation of the simple vowel sounds and consonant sounds of Standard English.
Repetition of exercises to help you articulate these sounds more easily.
Learning the phonetic symbols from the International Phonetic Alphabet which represent the sounds studied.
The use of the neutral sound in unstressed syllables.
Strong form/weak form of some commonly used words, and correct usage.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Articulate correctly the simple vowel and consonant sounds of standard English.
Differentiate clearly between the relative lengths of the various simple vowel sounds.
Identify accurately the appropriate sounds and understand how English spelling and sound can differ.
Recognise the phonetic symbols which represent all the sounds studied – and apply this knowledge when using an English pronunciation (phonetic) dictionary.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Students should be able to demonstrate a ready understanding of spoken English, and be able to communicate competently in English.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Speak English fluently.
• Communicate in group situations.
• Give and receive constructive feedback.
• Read and respond to a range of texts.
• Take course notes for your own use.
If you are new to voice classes please take a moment to read our
full sequence of voice and speech classes at City Lit (click here) before choosing.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The articulation process of each sound is explained and demonstrated by the tutor.
All simple vowel and consonant sounds are practised through repetition – both group and individual work.
Repetition of words containing these sounds.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please have a small hand-mirror; a pen/pencil and note-book/sheets of A4 paper. It is suggested- but not imperative- that you purchase or borrow from the library Work on Your Accent by Helen Ashton and Sarah Shepherd.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You can progress to English Pronunciation Stage 2, if you and your tutor feel you are ready.
Please refer to our
full sequence of voice and speech classes at City Lit (click here) as you consider which area you would like to study next.
David Gwillim graduated in 2002 from the Central School of Speech and Drama with an MA in Voice Studies. Before this he had been a successful actor for thirty years in television, films and theatre, working for the BBC and ITV, in Hollywood and the West End, and for the Royal Sharkespeare Company. After graduation he taught at RADA, ALRA and other London drama schools. In 2006 he began teaching at City Lit, where he now specialises in English pronunciation for speakers of foreign languages. He has the Certificate for Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.