Diction is an act of speaking in a distinctive way, the choice of
picking words, pronouncing correctly, and the level of articulation.
Speaking in the right diction and pronouncing each word according to its
sound helps in improving your diction.
A diction instructor, Drew Company Concept, Mr. Andrew Bini highlights ways to improving your diction.
1. Don’t speak local dialect more than English
There is every tendency that if you speak too much of your local
dialect and less of English language, it is necessary that the first
language be spoken often and also when pronouncing certain words that
are dialect based, if care is not taken, the way we pronounce our
dialect based words are the same way we will transfer it to the words
that are of English background. So it is necessary we speak less of our
dialect and try to change words you are used to pronouncing in your
dialect to English.
2. Focus on what you speak and don’t be distracted
Most times people tend to make jest of others that pronounce words
better than they do or in a different way or sound differently from the
normal tradition. So whoever wants to work on his diction should not be
bothered about what people say, as they would make jest or laugh at you
but if you must attain what you want, you should not consider what they
say rather what is right.
3. Constantly use a pronouncing dictionary
It is important to know that when you are conversant with your
dictionary, you can always look up words, get the meaning and
pronunciation. If you are able to use it frequently or check up words
apart from the fact that it will build the level of your lexicon, it
will also help to pronounce words correctly with the transcription given
against each word.
The pronouncing dictionary is a type of dictionary that helps the
user pronounce given words. So, the English pronouncing dictionary is
one that helps the way you pronounce words correctly with the correct
stress pattern. Certain words in Nigeria are not pronounced correctly
but with a pronouncing dictionary you will be able to tell where the
stress is placed.
4. Work on your rise and fall intonation
The intonation is also another part that helps you to correctly say
words the way they should be. A question should fall at the beginning
and rise at the end. For instance:
Are you going?
Fall rise
Working on your intonation doesn’t only help you to be a better speaker but helps to also convey your message correctly.
5. Working on your /ei/ sounds
This has to do with working with words usually called ‘a’ as
Nigerians when it should be /ei/. Getting good intonation starts from
working on your basic /ei/ sounds. The sound is paramount because that
is one of the easiest ways a person will know if your diction is
improved or not. For starters, pronounce words that end with ‘ay’ with
the /ei/ sound. Play /pleI/, Stay /steI/, Day /deI/ e.t.c.
6. Never copy others
Never copy others in word pronunciation; sometimes individuals may
have difficulty in pronunciations. Other people ignorantly pronounce the
‘ph’ in the word ‘shepherd’, as /f/ instead of /p/. That an individual
speaks with a foreign diction or pronounces words in a different way
does not necessarily mean that the person is correct. You may not need
to copy others and if need be, then, you need to confirm from your
dictionary first to be sure you are copying the right pronunciation.
7. Practice what you’ve learnt
This is very important. Note that if you learn something and don’t
use it, there is every tendency of forgetting or not even knowing it
anymore. Whatever you’ve learnt put it into practice. When you do, it
will stick or become a part of your sub-conscious mind that even when
you are woken up at the middle of the night, you would always speak
correctly. Continuous practice they say makes perfect.
8. Attend trainings and seminars
This is a necessity as it enables you know the basics and
fundamentals of speaking good English and becoming a good speaker. From
the greetings, letters of the alphabet, the vowel and consonant sounds,
place and manner of articulation for each sound, training helps in
providing the foundation for diction. At the training, participants have
the opportunity to record whatever the speaker says so as to enhance
good learning.
To enroll your child/ward at Lagooz Schools (Creche, Nursery, Primary, College);
Visit
us at Plot 11/12, Omotoye Estate Road, Mulero Bus/Stop, Near NYSC Camp
Iyana-Ipaja, Orile Agege, Lagos or 31, Coker Street, Funmilayo Bus Stop,
Orile Agege, Lagos.
Call: +2348033205357, +2348023852010
Email: lagoozcollege@lagooz.com, lagooz@yahoo.com
Official Website: www.lagooz.com
