Do you ever feel like your English sounds too “stiff” or unnatural, even though you know the words? That’s because connected speech—a key element of American English—is often overlooked by non-native speakers.

Connected speech is all about how native speakers blend words together smoothly, creating a natural flow instead of pausing between each word.

If you want your English to sound more fluid and confident, this is where you need to start.

What Exactly Is Connected Speech?

When native speakers talk, they don’t separate every word like a robot. They link words together using techniques like linking and blending. Think of it as the glue that holds your sentences together.

Mastering this flow not only makes your English sound more natural, but it also helps you connect with listeners in a more authentic way.

In the video, I’ll show you exactly how to incorporate connected speech into your conversations and presentations—because it’s a game-changer for fluency.

Why It’s Important for Your Pronunciation and Fluency

Imagine having the ability to speak English with the same rhythm and fluidity as native speakers. One of the best things about connected speech is that it helps your pronunciation sound more like a native speaker's.

Instead of sounding choppy or hesitant, you’ll create a smooth, flowing rhythm, which makes you easier to understand and helps you feel more confident when speaking.

Let’s take this phrase as an example:

When you say "goal is", instead of pausing between words, you can link the sounds together like this: "ɡoʊ-lɪz".

Doesn’t that sound smoother?

Boost Your Understanding of Native Speakers

Connected speech doesn’t just help you speak better—it also helps you understand native speakers more easily.

When you listen to native English, they’re likely blending words together, which can be tricky to follow if you’re not used to it.

By learning connected speech, you’ll find it much easier to “fill in the gaps” when listening, helping you follow along and engage in conversations with more confidence.

Ready to Start? Let’s Keep it Simple!

I get it—connected speech can feel overwhelming at first. That’s why I always recommend starting with two key techniques: linking and blending.

• Linking (Consonant + Vowel): This is when the last consonant sound of one word is connected to the first vowel sound of the next word. For example, “goal is” becomes “ɡoʊ-lɪz.”

• Blending (Consonant + Consonant): Here, two consonant sounds from different words blend together to make speech smoother. For instance, “phone number” becomes “fəʊ-nʌm-bər.”

These simple changes can take your speech from choppy to natural-sounding, making you sound more like a native speaker.

Keep Learning

Don’t stop here—learn how to pronounce the Unvoiced TH correctly. Click here to dive in!

Also, sign up for your free, advanced pronunciation masterclass here.

Want to Sound Fluent and Confident in English?

This is just the start of what connected speech can do for your fluency. In my American Pronunciation Accelerator, we dive deep into these techniques to transform how you communicate, making your English sound more fluent, natural, and polished.

• Get training designed for advanced learners: With this self-paced, 6-month online program, you'll get access to expert-led masterclass to strategically target specific pronunciation challenges, guiding you towards native-like fluency.

• Speak English naturally and confidently: Say goodbye to self-doubt. My proven strategies will transform you into a confident communicator.

• Get resources for advanced daily practice: You'll also get bonus practice tools you can study every day to make sure you feel comfortable and confident with B2-C2 level vocabulary and grammar. 

Unlock your full potential in English. Click the button below to start your journey today, and transform your pronunciation and communication skills with expert-led training and daily practice tools.