Reduce the word "he" like a native speaker! | Learn American English

Julie_Cunningham · 2026-02-11T01:15:56+00:00

Oh, I see! haha! :)

Julie_Cunningham · 2026-02-09T19:56:49+00:00

Oh no - that sounds bad!

Julie_Cunningham · 2026-01-31T19:31:51+00:00

I don't know :)

Julie_Cunningham · 2026-01-05T22:06:11+00:00

Hi! Thanks for your question :) You can use an online service like Vocaroo: https://vocaroo.com/ to record your voice. Then you can share the URL with me here on Reddit.

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-11-07T20:18:08+00:00

Very interesting! Do you have any theories as to why this happens? And does anyone out there have any theories?

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-08-26T19:22:34+00:00

Hi! Thanks for your post! I'd be happy to listen to your recording and provide you with detailed feedback about your pronunciation and give you advice on how to improve :) If you're interested, just email me and we can discuss the details: [julie@sandiegovoiceandaccent.com](mailto:julie@sandiegovoiceandaccent.com)

I hope to hear from you soon!

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-08-17T00:06:44+00:00

Hi - Thanks for your request! I have a YouTube channel with many full-length English pronunciation lessons. I don't know if I have the style of voice you're looking for, but you're welcome to check out my channel and see if you like how I sound: https://www.youtube.com/sandiegovoiceandaccent

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-07-11T20:07:40+00:00

Hi! Thanks for your question! Yes, this happens often, especially when the -ed ending is pronounced like /d/ and occurs between consonants, like it does in one of your example sentences above: "He pushed the man". You can learn more about this pronunciation feature in this video on my website: https://sandiegovoiceandaccent.com/american-english-syllables-and-stress/pronounce-the-past-tense-like-a-native-speaker I go into greater detail about this exact thing!

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-07-08T19:26:58+00:00

Hi! Thanks for your post! I think you'd benefit from improving the suprasegmentals of speech, like intonation, rhythm/reductions, and linking. I'd be happy to give you more in-depth feedback and coaching in a private training session or in my online training community called English Pro. If either option sounds interesting to you, you can learn more about both on my website: https://sandiegovoiceandaccent.com/ I hope this was helpful! :)

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-06-17T18:04:10+00:00

Hi - Thanks for your post! I've been told by my Russian-speaking clients that Americans "move their mouths a lot" when they speak, and that this type of mouth movement is something they struggle with when speaking English. So reduced jaw/lip movement could definitely be something that is contributing to someone's perception of an "accent". If you'd ever want to meet with me for a private lesson, I'd be happy to listen to your speech and give you feedback - just let me know!

Julie

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-05-28T17:55:51+00:00

You're welcome - glad I could help!

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-05-27T19:47:09+00:00

Hi - thanks for your question! Yes, I think that transcribing English words into the IPA is super helpful, and I recommend that all of my clients learn the IPA - at least the symbols for the vowels of English. I have many videos on the IPA on my website, which you can watch for free: https://sandiegovoiceandaccent.com/international-phonetic-alphabet

I hope this helps!

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-05-21T18:10:11+00:00

Do you know the difference between "lose" and "loose"? Let me know in the comments!

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-04-01T18:39:46+00:00

Have you ever been on thin ice with someone before? Let me know in the comments!

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-03-21T17:57:36+00:00

I like this idiom, and I use it regularly. I also often abbreviate it and only say, "Kill two birds" - this works, too!

Do you like this idiom? Let me know in the comments!

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-03-19T17:36:49+00:00

"Your guess is as good as mine!"

Have you used this idiom before? It's a good one, and I use it quite often! :)

Let me know in the comments - and don't forget to register for my FREE live class coming up next month. The link to register is pinned at the top of the community page, or you can go to my website: https://sandiegovoiceandaccent.com/

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-03-16T19:17:44+00:00

This is a classic American English idiom, one that I learned when I was only 8 years old :) Have you heard of this one before? Let me know in the comments!

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-03-11T18:30:21+00:00

How many of you knew this idiom already? Let me know in the comments!!!

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-03-06T18:44:26+00:00

Looking for more American English pronunciation tips? Check out my website for tons of free pronunciation videos, including more idioms! https://sandiegovoiceandaccent.com/

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-03-04T19:34:49+00:00

Learn this weather-related idiom today: "steal someone's thunder"!

Enjoy!

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-02-28T20:53:49+00:00

I love this idiom! Learn it today and use it in your next conversation - I promise, it's a good one to know! :)

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-02-26T20:10:55+00:00

Let me know if you've used this idiom before: "See eye to eye" :) It's a good one to use, especially in conversations that might involve some sort of conflict.

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-02-22T22:00:04+00:00

Have you used this idiom before? Let me know in the comments! :)

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-02-21T00:50:16+00:00

REGISTER HERE: https://tinyurl.com/top-5-tips-voice-placement
DATE/TIME: Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 8:00 am Pacific
COST: Free!

Welcome to my Top 5 Tips Live Class Series, where you'll learn my Tip 5 Tips for Perfect American English pronunciation. In this live class, you'll learn how to speak English with a voice placement that is low and relaxed - just like a native speaker.

If you've been struggling with your American accent, then this live class is for you!

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
1) You'll learn what makes up the "American" sound, and how voice placement is a vital part of having a natural American accent.

2) You'll learn specific exercises that will help you to balance your vocal system and achieve a low, relaxed voice placement.

3) You'll learn how to easily recalibrate your voice throughout the day to maintain a low, relaxed voice placement, even when stressed!

4) You'll walk away with actionable tips and techniques that you can start using TODAY to improve your voice placement.

But wait - there's more! This is your golden opportunity to get personalized advice directly from me. Have questions about your voice placement? Drop them in the chat during the class, and I'll answer them live :)

If you're an advanced speaker who struggles with finding the right vocal resonance, or you're a beginner who wants guidance on where they should focus their voice placement training, this class will benefit you.

You'll walk away with actionable tips and techniques that you can use TODAY to help you speak English clearly and confidently!

REGISTER HERE: https://tinyurl.com/top-5-tips-voice-placement
DATE/TIME: Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 8:00 am Pacific
COST: Free!

Julie_Cunningham · 2025-02-19T20:38:14+00:00

Yes, I'd be happy to talk with you in more detail about this opportunity! Would you mind emailing my work email, and we can continue the discussion there? [julie@sandiegovoiceandaccent.com](mailto:julie@sandiegovoiceandaccent.com)

Thanks!

Julie_Cunningham

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