Connected Speech is the key to gaining a natural, smooth-flowing
style of speech. People do not speak in separate words, they speak
in logical connected groups of words. Even native speakers
sometimes "stumble over their words" because they are unaware of
the "little tricks" for avoiding the pitfalls. Trained actors, of
course, are able to deliver lengthy, complex, and even "tongue-twisting"
passages flawlessly. This is not a gift. They have simply learned
the "rules" for linking one word into another with intention. When
you've finished this tape, you'll know the rules, too; and with
practice you'll become a fluent, polished speaker.
Direct
Linking
Linking
Final Consonants Directly into Vowels
Play
and Link
Linking
Final Consonants Fully Played
and Linked to Fully Played Non-related Consonants
Prepare
and Link
Prepare
for the Final Consonant,
and execute Related Consonant
that it is linking into.
Weak
Forms
A
lot of the very small connecting words in speech are so de-emphasized,
or unstressed, that they often take on a Weak Form.
Contractions
We
use these words so much that, we usually contract them together.
Word
Endings and Contractions
Common
Word Endings (Suffixes).
These are mostly unstressed, and should be treated like weak forms.
Dialogues
Practicing Word Endings and Contractions
These
dialogues have a double emphasis.
Practicing both Word Endings and Contractions
within a context.
Contents of Tape 6
Linking
and Phrasing
Weak Forms
Contractions
Dialogues Practicing
Word Endings and
Contractions
