One area that non-native speakers of English frequently struggle with at all levels is pronouncing "-ed" endings in past tense verbs (such as "worked," "lived" and "needed"). This can be challenging because despite only having one spelling, these endings can be pronounced three different ways:

• with a t sound (after voiceless consonants)
• with a d sound (after voiced consonants and vowels)
• with an ed sound in an extra syllable (after the letters "t" and "d")

Accent coach Steven Nelson breaks it down for us in this episode with practice words, sentences, and a new practice passage:

"Last year, I worked on several projects and learned new skills. I joined a new team, attended meetings, and completed tasks on time. At first, it felt challenging, but I stayed focused and finished everything I started.”

The Accent Journey Podcast is brought to you by AccentFirst Speech Communication Services. Find us online at accentfirst.com.

We'd love to hear your feedback. Visit us and leave a message at accentfirst.com/contact

Music: Vendredi - Hypnosis ( Free Download & Free Copyright ) by Vendredi is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

What are "voiced" and "voiceless" sounds, and what do they mean for our accent? Accent coach Steven Nelson breaks down this topic for us today, and we learn the secret behind making the final -s sound, such as why it sounds different in words like "cats" and "news."

This week's practice passage: “She works with international clients and manages several projects. She believes clear communication matters and takes time to explain details. Her coworkers respect her ideas, ask questions, and trust her decisions because she speaks clearly and confidently.”

The Accent Journey Podcast is brought to you by AccentFirst Speech Communication Services. Find us online at accentfirst.com.

We'd love to hear your feedback. Visit us and leave a message at accentfirst.com/contact

Music: Vendredi - Hypnosis ( Free Download & Free Copyright ) by Vendredi is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Host Steven Nelson discusses the "schwa" sound in American English, and why it's so important to everyday, natural speech. Listen and practice this sound with example words and sentences.

This week's practice passage: “When I speak English, I want to sound clear and confident. I know I don’t need to sound like a native speaker, but I do want people to understand me easily. Accent change takes time, and that’s okay.”

The Accent Journey Podcast is brought to you by AccentFirst Speech Communication Services. Find us online at accentfirst.com.

We'd love to hear your feedback. Visit us and leave a message at accentfirst.com/contact

Music: Vendredi - Hypnosis ( Free Download & Free Copyright ) by Vendredi is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

In this episode we talk to Sam Rowan, an online salesperson and personal trainer originally from India, about why he chose to undergo accent modification training and how it has helped him in his work and life.

After the interview, host Steven Nelson gives Sam some feedback on how his accent can sound even more natural to speakers of American English.

The Accent Journey Podcast is brought to you by AccentFirst Speech Communication Services. Find us online at accentfirst.com.

We'd love to hear your feedback. Visit us and leave a message at accentfirst.com/contact

Music: Vendredi - Hypnosis ( Free Download & Free Copyright ) by Vendredi is licensed under a Creative Commons License.