#77 Speak Smarter, Not Harder: Your Audience Deserves It

Have you ever felt that your best ideas aren't reaching your audience?

For many non-native English speakers, pronunciation challenges can distract listeners from the message. But with one simple technique—sound connection—you can transform how your words flow and keep your audience focused on what matters.

Sound connection is the way fluent speakers blend words together, creating a smooth, natural flow. Instead of separating each word distinctly, the ending sound of one word connects with the beginning sound of the next. This subtle shift often “moves” or “shifts” sounds into a new position, making spoken English feel effortless and cohesive.

In my experience helping Spanish-speaking professionals preparing for English presentations, small adjustments in pronunciation—like sound connection—often lead to significant improvements in confidence and listener engagement.

1-Minute Tip ?

When sounds connect naturally:

1. Your speech becomes easier to understand, conserving your listener’s attention and energy.
2. You sound more fluent and professional, helping you make a stronger impact in meetings, presentations, and casual conversations.

Here’s how sound connection works in practice:

• a rise in sales: “a rise in sales” becomes → "ari_seinsales" /?ra?_z?nse?lz/
• looking ahead: “looking ahead” becomes → "looki_ngahead" /?l?k?_???h?d/

Notice how this smooths the rhythm of the speech and reduces distractions.

Remember: here the '___' underscore marks the place of sound placement shift; in speech this happens so fast that we hear no separation.

Next time you speak, try linking words in common phrases. Focus on letting the final consonant of one word glide into the next word’s vowel. The goal isn’t to speak faster but to connect sounds naturally.

It’s simple, but effective. Mastering this technique can transform your communication—whether in meetings, presentations, or casual conversations.

Now a question for you: Have you ever felt that your listeners struggle to keep up with your pronunciation? Share your thoughts in the comments below. ??

In these weekly articles you'll find tips based on my 25+ years of professional experience working with hundreds of professionals and corporate managers who initially struggled with their English pronunciation.

My English pronunciation exercises for Spanish speakers were published in 'Speak Up', Spain's leading English learning magazine.

Connect | Gábor Légrádi | MA, RSA/CTEFLA

Ready to Sound Smarter?

Download your free copy of my English Fluency Secrets PDF guide for a practical, easy-to-follow explanation of a related technique that will help you sound more connected in your speech.

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