GCAS Strategies 8 Smooth speech

ice dancers in circle

Use linking for smooth speech

Image Credit
vagueonthehow via Wikimedia Commons

This lesson will build on past lessons by helping you use connected speech to sound more fluent.

Introduction

Say these phrases.

  1. "Nice to meet you."
  2. "That's a really good question."

  3. "I was born and raised in [hometown]."

Warm Up

Let's discuss those three phrases.

  1. How's your fluency for each one?
  2. Is one easier to say than the others? If so, why?
Language

A. Set phrases 

Say these phrases fluently. Each phrase is one chunk of connected speech. 

  1. First of all...
  2. In my opinion... 
  3. To be honest...
  4. As a matter of fact... 

Which parts of those phrases are stressed?

Go back. Say each phrase slowly, with as much word stress as you can. Then say it again at a natural pace, using the correct word stress.

B. Your phrases

For each topic, think of other phrases you like to use. Your teacher can help you. When you think of a good phrase, say it 5 times.

Topics:

  • Describing your job.
  • Giving a strong opinion.
  • Giving a weak opinion.
Practice

Now, practice answering some questions. Focus on using a smooth rhythm of speech.