The InFluency Podcast

The fear of speaking in a second language or in public can be crippling. That knot that pushes your words further down into your chest. Do you know it? We often think about these things as if they are OUR OWN issues. OUR problems, OUR English. But what if English is just a manifestation of something bigger that prevents us from speaking? What if our tendency to mute ourselves is not just English but something generational, that unless we break the chain, we will keep passing it onward? In this podcast I share with you some of the struggles I’ve been facing recently around creating content during uncertain times, and how I found inspiration in an unexpected place – My ancestors. I recorded this podcast, after listening to Amanda Gorman’s Ted talk called Using Your Voice is a Political Choice. Watch it here: https://bit.ly/3bcuKbz Share your story on my website: https://hadarshemesh.com/podcast/103/ Send me a DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hadar.accentsway/ If you want to improve your accent and understand spoken English better, download my free American Accent audio crash course: https://theaccentsway.com/audio-accent-course/ You can also download an interactive list of 50 of the most mispronounced words in English and master the pronunciation of those tricky words: https://theaccentsway.com/mispro-signup/ Join our Facebook community to connect with non-native English learners from all over the world: https://theaccentsway.com/influency-community/

English words can be really confusing sometimes. In these how-to-pronounce episodes published on Fridays, I’ll help you with the pronunciation of confusing words. This week we’re going to talk about how to say 'Happy Valentine’s Day'. To say “Happy Valentine’s Day” you need to learn 2 important things: 1. How to pronounce the /a/ as in ‘cat’, and 2. Learn the difference between B and V (to all you Spanish speakers out there). Happy Valentine’s Day! Here’s a loose transcription of the words as explained in the episode: Happy: ha-pee [IPA: ˈhæpi] Valentine’s Day: va-l'n-tainz dey [IPA:ˈvæl.ən.taɪnz ˌdeɪ] If you want to improve your accent and understand spoken English better, download my free American Accent audio crash course: https://hadarshemesh.com/audio-accent-course/ You can also download an interactive list of 50 of the most mispronounced words in English and master the pronunciation of those tricky words: https://hadarshemesh.com/50-most-mispronounced-words/ Join our Facebook community to connect with non-native English learners from all over the world: https://hadarshemesh.com/influency-community/

English sounds can be really confusing sometimes. In these how-to-pronounce episodes published on Fridays, I’ll help you with the pronunciation of confusing words or sounds. This week we’re going to talk about the flap T and D, as in pairs like writer-rider, metal-medal, Adam-atom, or wedding-wetting? Have you ever noticed that these words sound the same? Listen to the episode to learn how to say the T and D in American English when they are in the middle of the word! Don’t forget to grab a free practice sheet with audio! https://theaccentsway.com/t-d-freebie/ Here’s a loose transcription of the words as explained in the episode: writing / riding: ˈrai-ding [IPA: ˈraɪɾɪŋ] president: pre-zuh-d’nt [IPA: ˈprezɪɾənt ] bidding: bi-ding [IPA: ˈbɪɾɪŋ] Betty: be-dee [IPA: ˈbeɾi] hotter: haa-d’r [IPA: hɑːɾər] about it: uh-bau-dit [IPA: əˈbaʊɾɪt] it is: i-dis [IPA: ɪɾɪz] Wetting / wedding: we-ding [IPA: ˈweɾɪŋ] If you want to improve your accent and understand spoken English better, download my free American Accent audio crash course: https://theaccentsway.com/audio-accent-course/ You can also download an interactive list of 50 of the most mispronounced words in English and master the pronunciation of those tricky words: https://theaccentsway.com/mispro-signup/ Join our Facebook community to connect with non-native English learners from all over the world: https://theaccentsway.com/influency-community/

What do you do when people criticize your English? Not in a good, loving way, but in a demeaning and patronizing way? When I get negative comments and criticism (and I do, a lot) I usually don’t respond. But there was something about a comment I received on YouTube recently that triggered me, so I decided to respond. I wanted to do that so you’ll see that I, too, receive negative feedback, and I don’t let it get to me – and neither should you. But also, I wanted to show you what Native Speakerism is – the assumption that a select group of people (or teachers) with a certain linguistic background is superior to other groups who don’t share the same background. I think it’s important that we identify it when we see it – as it takes on many forms – and call people out on it. If you feel like sharing a negative comment you received – write it in the comments, and add your response after listening to this episode! The video there the comment appeared https://youtu.be/pM1srOv9Mds More episodes to educate yourself about English and native speakerism: DON’T ASK me about my ACCENT https://theaccentsway.com/dont-ask-about-my-accent/ Accent Bias episode https://hadarshemesh.com/podcast/44/ Speak English Like A Native Speaker – THE MYTH https://theaccentsway.com/speak-english-like-a-native-speaker-myth/ How To Talk About Social Justice In English https://theaccentsway.com/social-justice-vocabulary/ Equality in English | The Live English Show https://youtu.be/gvCEtLdPLAA If you want to improve your accent and understand spoken English better, download my free American Accent audio crash course: https://theaccentsway.com/audio-accent-course/ You can also download an interactive list of 50 of the most mispronounced words in English and master the pronunciation of those tricky words: https://theaccentsway.com/mispro-signup/ Join our Facebook community to connect with non-native English learners from all over the world: https://theaccentsway.com/influency-community/

English words can be really confusing sometimes. In these how-to-pronounce episodes published on Fridays, I’ll help you with the pronunciation of confusing words. This week we’re going to talk about the OW diphthong, as in the word ‘GO’. Here’s a loose transcription of the words as explained in the episode: Go: gow [IPA: goʊ] Know: now [IPA: noʊ] Only: own-lee [IPA: oʊnli] Lonely: lown-lee [IPA: loʊnli] Don’t: downt [IPA: doʊnt] Won’t: wownt [IPA: woʊnt] Cold: kowld [IPA: koʊld] Scroll: skrowl [IPA: skroʊl] Hotel: how-tel [IPA: hoʊtel] Download free practice sheet and audio: https://theaccentsway.com/ow-as-in-go/ Another useful episode – WANT vs WON’T: https://theaccentsway.com/want-wont/ If you want to improve your accent and understand spoken English better, download my free American Accent audio crash course: https://theaccentsway.com/audio-accent-course/ You can also download an interactive list of 50 of the most mispronounced words in English and master the pronunciation of those tricky words: https://theaccentsway.com/mispro-signup/ Join our Facebook community to connect with non-native English learners from all over the world: https://theaccentsway.com/influency-community/

Clubhouse is a new social platform based on audio interactions, that can significantly boost your communication skills and fluency. In this episode I’m going to tell you how it works, and why I think it’s such an incredible platform to improve your communication skills, especially if you want to improve your English fluency. Clubhouse is based on audio only. So no video, and no chat! It might sound challenging and maybe a little scary at first, but it’s very useful and definitely worth a try. Currently you can only use the app on iPhone or iPad, and it’s by invite only, but you can join the app and choose a username, and at some point you’ll probably get an invitation to join! Clubhouse website/app link: https://www.joinclubhouse.com/ Join the InFluency community: https://goo.gl/68pqeF More useful videos on English communications skills and fluency: How to Make Everyone Want to Talk to You: https://theaccentsway.com/conversation-partner/ Why Perfectionism Will KILL Your Fluency: https://hadarshemesh.com/podcast/62/ How to get fluent in English? Identify your fluency needs FIRST! https://theaccentsway.com/fluent-english-wheel/ 10 ways to DESTROY your English Fluency: https://theaccentsway.com/speak-english-fluently/ How To Get Over The Fear Of Being Judged When Speaking English: https://theaccentsway.com/speaking-with-confidence/

English words can be really confusing sometimes. In these how-to-pronounce episodes published on Fridays, I’ll help you with the pronunciation of confusing words. This week we’re going to talk about some of the most difficult words in tech for non-native speakers. Missed the first part? Check it out! https://hadarshemesh.com/podcast/95/ Here’s a loose transcription of the words as explained in the episode: Data: dey-duh [IPA: ˈdeɪɾə] Silicon Valley: si-li-kaan va-lee [IPA: ˈsɪlɪkɑn ˈvæli] Engineer: en-djuh-nir [IPA: ˌendʒəˈnɪɹ] Product: praa-d’kt [IPA: ˈpɹɑːdəkt] User experience (UX): yuw-z’r ik-spi-ri-y’ns [IPA: ˈjuːzəɹ ɪkˈspɪɹiəns] Third party: th’rd paar-dee [IPA: θɜːɹd ˈpɑːɹɾi] Application: ap-luh-key-sh’n [IPA: ˌæpləˈkeɪʃən] Interface: in-t’r-feys [IPA: ˈɪntəɹfeɪs] or i-ner-feys [IPA: ˈɪnəɹfeɪs] Model: maa-d’l [IPA: ˈmɑːdəl] Module: maa-djuwl [IPA: ˈmɑːdʒuːl] Security: suh-kyu-ruh-dee [IPA: səˈkjʊrəɾi] If you want to improve your accent and understand spoken English better, download my free American Accent audio crash course: https://hadarshemesh.com/audio-accent-course/ You can also download an interactive list of 50 of the most mispronounced words in English and master the pronunciation of those tricky words: https://hadarshemesh.com/50-most-mispronounced-words/ Join our Facebook community to connect with non-native English learners from all over the world: https://hadarshemesh.com/influency-community/

Did you know that there’s almost NO DIFFERENCE between intonation of a statement and a question?? No wonder it’s hard to understand native speakers! In this episode you’ll learn the difference between the intonation of statements, YES/NO questions, and WH questions, and you’ll also get to practice it, so you can make it your own! Download the practice sheet and audio to practice intonation of questions: https://bit.ly/3bU3mBs Understanding the difference between statements and questions can really help you understand native speakers better, and more importantly to communicate clearly and effectively in English. Want to hear my student’s story on how he faced communication challenges with his American colleagues because of intonation? You can read all about it in my blogpost: https://bit.ly/38UFkEn And don’t forget to download the practice sheet+audio: https://bit.ly/3bU3mBs You can also subscribe to my newsletter to get my stories and video lessons every Tuesday: https://theaccentsway.com/ More episodes related to intonation: American INTONATION – What They Don’t Teach You in School https://theaccentsway.com/american-intonation/ How to Practice Your Intonation In English [Podcast] – https://hadarshemesh.com/podcast/13/ How to sound like Reese Witherspoon https://theaccentsway.com/rhythm/ American Intonation and Public Speaking with Shonda Rhimes https://theaccentsway.com/shonda-rhimes-speech/ What makes a voice sound natural?? https://theaccentsway.com/natural-voice/

English words can be really confusing sometimes. In these how-to-pronounce episodes published on Fridays, I’ll help you with the pronunciation of confusing words. This week we’re going to talk about some of the most difficult words in tech for non-native speakers. To get the free pronunciation cheat-sheet and audio go to the magazine post here: https://hadarshemesh.com/magazine/top-10-tech/ Here’s a loose transcription of the words as explained in the episode: Algorithm: al-guh-ri-th’m [IPA: ˈælɡəˌɹɪðəm] Developer: duh-ve-luh-p’r [IPA: dəˈveləpəɹ] Editor: e-duh-d’r [IPA: ˈedəɾəɹ] Automation: aa-duh-mey-sh’n [IPA: ˌɑːɾəˈmeɪʃən] or o-duh-mey-sh’n [IPA: ˌɔːɾəˈmeɪʃən] Architecture: ar-ki-tek-ch’r [IPA: ˈɑːɹkɪtektʃəɹ] Firewall: fai-y’r-waal [IPA: ˈfaɪəɹwɑːl] or fai-y’r-wol [IPA: ˈfaɪəɹwɔːl] Hardware: haard-wer [IPA: ˈhɑːɹd weɹ] Software: saaft-wer [ˈsɑːft weɹ] or soft-wer [ˈsɔːftweɹ] Framework: freym-w’rk [IPA: ˈfreɪm wɜːɹk] Server: s’r-v’r [IPA: ˈsɜːɹvəɹ] Infrastructure: in-fruh-struk-ch’r [IPA: ˈɪnfɹəˌstrʌktʃəɹ] If you want to improve your accent and understand spoken English better, download my free American Accent audio crash course: https://hadarshemesh.com/audio-accent-course/ You can also download an interactive list of 50 of the most mispronounced words in English and master the pronunciation of those tricky words: https://hadarshemesh.com/50-most-mispronounced-words/ Join our Facebook community to connect with non-native English learners from all over the world: https://hadarshemesh.com/influency-community/

Gal Gadot’s name pronunciation with an Israeli accent is quite different from how most English speakers pronounce it. And now that Wonder Woman 1984 is OUT, let’s talk about how to pronounce Gal Gadot’s name correctly. As an Israeli, I can’t ignore the fact that the way English speakers pronounce her name is quite different than how we pronounce it in Hebrew. So today I’ll teach you how to speak with an ISRAELI ACCENT But I’ll also mention why I think Gal is so awesome when it comes to English. Also, a few fun facts about Gal: Her first name means ‘wave’ and her last name means ‘riverbanks’ Gal Gadot is her REAL name When she was 18 she was ‘Miss Israel’ When she lived in Tel Aviv we lived 10 minutes away from each other Samara Bay, a good friend and a guest on my channel was Gal Gadot’s dialect coach on WW1984 I have yet to find someone who does a really good impression of Gal and her pronunciation. For example, this doesn’t sound like an Israeli Accent to me: https://youtu.be/7Nv1KoqM6vc In general I haven’t found anyone pulling off a REALLY good Israeli accent. If you know of someone, let me know in the comments. Even though I coached most of Gal’s Israel actor-friends, I never got to personally work with Gal To watch the video version of the episode and check out the full clips shown in the video, go here: https://hadarshemesh.com/magazine/how-to-pronounce-gal-gadots-name/ More useful episodes:? The TRUTH About How We TALK And How We Get HEARD With Samara Bay: https://hadarshemesh.com/magazine/how-we-talk-with-samara-bay/ Speak English Like A Native Speaker – THE MYTH: https://hadarshemesh.com/magazine/speak-english-like-a-native-speaker-myth/ DON’T ASK me about my ACCENT: https://hadarshemesh.com/magazine/dont-ask-about-my-accent/ This Really Helped Me Become Fluent: https://hadarshemesh.com/magazine/this-helped-me-become-fluent/