English Study Tip: Record Yourself Speaking English

August 8, 2016 by Melanie

I receive a lot of messages from English learners like you. Many, many English learners
like you feel the same frustration: you want to speak English better.

There are three main parts to speaking English: knowing the right words (vocabulary),
putting the words in the right order (grammar), and saying the words properly
(pronunciation).

Speaking is the hardest skill for English learners to improve because you need to find
someone who can correct your mistakes and tell you how to improve. It would be great if
every English learner had their own native speaker to practice with, but that’s not going to
happen!

You need to be your own teacher. You need to correct your own mistakes.

One of the most powerful and effective things you can do right now to improve your
pronunciation is record yourself speaking English.

It’s strange and uncomfortable at first, and you will think that you sound funny, but it is the
best and fastest way to improve your pronunciation.

 Reasons Why You Should Record Yourself

1. Do you know what you sound like when you speak English? Have you ever heard
yourself speaking English? How can you improve your pronunciation if you don’t know
what you sound like? What are you going to improve?

People say you need to learn from your mistakes, but how do you know what mistakes
you are making?

2. You bring the sounds from your native language with you when you start speaking
English. This is normal. Everyone does this when they learn a new language. That’s why
you speak with an accent.

How do you know what those sounds are? How are you going to reduce your accent if you
don’t know what your accent is?

3. It is much more powerful to hear yourself and hear your own mistakes than to have
someone tell you what your mistakes are.
You are not going to improve your pronunciation by reading out loud every day. You will
just keep repeating your mistakes without ever correcting them.

If you record yourself speaking, you can hear your mistakes and correct them.

How to Record Yourself

1. Find a video or other recording of a native speaker you want to sound like.

Look for a video or recording with a transcript or subtitles. (A transcript is a copy of the
words that have been spoken. Subtitles are the words you see on a TV screen or in a
video.) This important. You must be able to read the words!

Start with a short sentence. Later, as you practice more, read longer paragraphs.

Here are some resources:

The English Teacher Melanie Podcast (Hey, that’s me!)
Ted Talks
NPR (National Public Radio) podcasts
BBC 6 Minute English (British accent)
BBC Words in the News (British accent)

2. Record yourself reading the same words.

See below for a list of apps, software, and websites you can use to record yourself.

3. Listen to the recording.

Compare how you sound to how the native speaker sounds. What are you doing right?
What do you need to improve?

4. Practice making the sounds that you hear.

Mimic. Imitate. Copy. All these words mean the same thing: try to make the sounds you
hear.

Remember, you have to hear an English word to know how to say it. Don’t try to guess the
pronunciation from seeing the word.
Do you ever make fun of someone speaking your language with an accent? Do you ever
copy the way they speak?

That’s what you need to do in English.

5. Continue recording yourself until you are happy.

Find a new recording of a native speaker and repeat steps 1-5.

Apps, Software, and Websites

iPhone
1. Voice Memos
This is a native Apple app that is already on your phone. (On my phone it’s in the Utilities
group.)

It’s very simple and straightforward. You tap the big red button and start recording.
Remember, the microphone on your phone is at the bottom. You can save your file on
your phone, use iTunes to sync and transfer to your desktop, or upload it to Dropbox.

You can also use the microphone that comes with the ear buds.

2. Camera and video

Use the video function in the camera app on your phone to make a video of yourself
speaking. You can see your mouth and hear yourself at the same time.

Do you use your iPhone to record yourself? Leave a comment below with the name of the
app you use!

Desktop and Laptop Software

You can use the built-in microphone on your computer, but the sound is clearer and you
can hear yourself better if you use an external microphone, like a microphone attached to
a headset.

1. GarageBand (on a Mac)

GarageBand is the recording and editing software that comes with your Mac. Look for the
red circle! That’s the record button. Here is information how to save a recording in
GarageBand as an .mp3 file.
2. Sound Recorder
Sound Recorder is the Microsoft software that comes with all versions of Windows. Here
is an article on how to use Sound Recorder.

3. Audacity
Audacity is a free recording and editing program you can download. I think Audacity is
confusing, but I know a lot of people like and enjoy using it. Here are some instructions on
how to use Audacity.

On the Internet
1. Vocaroo
This is the easiest way to record yourself. You click record, allow Vocaroo access to your
microphone and camera, and then you speak. However, you cannot save any of your
recordings. You can only record yourself and listen. When you record something new, you
lose your previous recording.

2. SoundCloud
You need to create an account, but if you have an account, use this link to record
yourself. Here are some instructions on how to record yourself using SoundCloud and
how to upload your recordings.
Why You Should Record Yourself Speaking Your Target LanguageER 19, 2016   • SHANNON KENNEDY

When we first make the transition from a ‘beginning’ language learner to an ‘intermediate’ or ‘advanced’
language learner, maintaining our learning curve can present a real challenge. We tend to hit a plateau, feeling
like we’re making little, if any, progress.

But the truth is, you are making progress. The steps forward are just a bit smaller, and therefore, harder to
notice.

That, and when we start out, there is just so much of the language that is new to us that any step is a step forward.
At the intermediate stage, however, it can be difficult to figure out what to do next.

And when you’re learning on your own, you can feel a bit lost without having someone or something there to tell
you what to do next to get better.

How do you find the direction you need to continue improving?

One of the easiest ways to get a bit of direction whenever you feel as though learning a language is a struggle is
to get with a good language teacher . A good instructor can offer you that feedback or direction you need.

But what if you’re not able to take lessons, for whatever reason?

Record Yourself Speaking Your Target Language

If you aren’t able to take lessons, there’s something that you can do to find that direction you need.  Record
yourself speaking your target language.

You can do this when you’re chatting with native speakers, when you’re working through a lesson and speaking
aloud, reading a chapter of a book out loud or even record yourself improvising or reading a monologue that
you’ve written.

Why do this?

Because in listening back to that recording (or in watching it if you’ve made a video recording), you will pick up
on things you weren’t aware of – both good and bad – in real time.

Video VS Audio Recordings

While you might argue that you really only need to record the audio to review where you’re at with your
speaking, I’d counter it why I think you’ll get more out of recording yourself on video.

With video you can also evaluate your body language. Do you look comfortable speaking the language? Perhaps
you made a face at a certain point that indicated you weren’t sure of something, so you can go back and review
whatever it was that made you hesitate. Do you look engaged in the conversation or monologue in a way that’s
culturally appropriate to the language you’re learning? Remember, that communicating in a language isn’t just
about words and grammar!

And what about the movement of your mouth? Have you ever noticed that people who speak different languages
sometimes move their mouths differently when they speak? That’s because the way you position your lips and
tongue determines the sounds your mouth produces. Some languages require the mouth to form certain shapes in
order to properly pronounce different sounds. Watch the way your mouth moves when you speak your target
language and then watch the way a native speaker’s mouth moves. How do they compare? Perhaps that French
‘u’ sound you’ve been struggling with might be remedied by completing this exercise.

Make the Good Better and the Bad… Well, Less Bad
When it comes to improving at language learning, there are two things you can do. You can make the good great
and the bad better. It’s all about whether you want to refine the things you can already do or work on something
you can’t yet do.

Recording yourself gives you the reference point for both.

Learn from the Bad

Start recording yourself as you practice speaking your target language or when you’re engaged in conversations
with native speakers and other learners. As I mentioned before, audio is great, but video is even better.

The next step is the hardest one.

Watch it.

For some, watching a video of themselves or listening to themselves speaking can be an awkward (or even
frustrating) experience. I, for one, don’t like to watch videos of myself or even listen to myself speak.

So if it helps you feel better, I’ll share a video of one of the first times I ever spoke Mandarin Chinese. Just
thinking about it makes my cheeks burn! Tones? What are tones?

But how am I going to improve my ability in a language if I don’t watch the videos or listen to the recordings of
myself speaking?

If I don’t take the time to evaluate what I’m doing and where I’m at, there are likely things that I’ll miss. Perhaps
I believe I’m more dynamic when I speak or that I’m pronouncing things better than I really am. Perhaps I don’t
realize that I’m constantly butchering that one grammar rule or using the wrong tense to describe something that
happened in the past.

The only way I’m really going to catch all of those little things that can truly amp up my speaking ability (if I
work on them, of course) is by analyzing past performances in the language.

I need to look at the ‘bad’ things that I’m doing, the mistakes that I’m making, and iron them out.

But it’s not just ‘your bad’ that you can learn from.

You can also learn from the mistakes native speakers of your target language make when speaking your native
language. By paying attention to the mistakes native speakers make, you’ll pick up on patterns. And those
patterns often translate into hints about your target language. I could talk about this more, but Gabby
Wallace already did an amazing job of it over on Fluent in 3 Months.

Whatever it is and whatever the origin is (you or someone else), learn from it.

Learn from the Good

While watching the videos or listening to the recordings of you speaking your target language, don’t just pay
attention to the things that you are doing poorly. Trust me this is actually kind of hard. But also keep track of the
things that you’re doing well.

And then keep doing them.

These are your go-to’s and starting points for future chats in your target language and they are a launch pad for
you build upon.

You can also learn from the good of other speakers. Listen to recordings and watch videos of native speakers of
your target language. Listen and watch for things that may seem unfamiliar or surprising to you.

Then learn how to use those things yourself. If it’s a grammar rule you’re not getting (‘why did she use that tense
there?’), sit down and study it. If it’s vocabulary you didn’t understand, try to write down the words the best you
can based on what you hear and stick them in Google (sometimes they fix the spelling for you and then you not
only learn how to spell the word but what it means!).

Listen to native speakers talk about things that are relevant to you. If you have an exchange partner, try to get
them to talk about your interests (they shouldn’t be hard if you have a fair exchange set up). If you don’t, try to
find videos on YouTube or podcast recordings that cover subjects that interest you in your target language.

Take Action
Remember – filming or recording yourself speaking your target language isn’t enough.

You need to take the time to watch the video or listen to the recording and evaluate what you’re doing well and
what you’re not doing so well.

This is why I constantly talk about keeping a language learning journal . You can take notes on your observations
while listening/watching yourself speak and then use those notes as a reference point for your future studies.
Whenever you feel uncertain about the next step, you can always pop open your learning journal and look at your
notes to get some direction for your learning.

You can learn a lot from recording yourself, whether you’re learning from the good or the bad. It’s up to you to
use what you gain from the experience of going through this exercise to improve as a speaker and learner of your
language. Collect what you can from these experiences and put it to work for you.

What about you?

What are some techniques you use once you hit that intermediate/advanced stage to avoid hitting a plateau?

Do you ever record yourself speaking? If you do, do you actually go back and listen to/watch the recording or do
you have a hard time getting around to that step?

I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

 Free Tools To Do It
Want To Improve Your English Pronunciation? Here Are 7 Free Tools
To Do ItUse these free online tools to improve your English pronunciation
05/06/2017Juliano responses

Knowing the International Phonetic Alphabet  (IPA) can be very useful. But don’t worry if you don’t
know the Phonetic Alphabet yet. You can use these free pronunciation websites and apps to practice
and improve your pronunciation.
Practicing the correct pronunciation is key in becoming a confident and understandable English
speaker.
Luckily, there are some great, free tools you can use online to train your English pronunciation. Read
on for my selection of free pronunciation apps and websites and how you can use them.

1. Online dictionary

Why should you use it?  One of my favorite online English dictionaries is the Cambridge Learner’s

Dictionary because it is easy to use, it gives you an easy definition in English and you can click on
the button to hear a very clear pronunciation audio sample. You can choose between American
English and British English pronunciation, which is useful.
 
How do you use it? Simply search for a word on the website and click on the “Listen” button next to the
word. Repeat the pronunciation and do this a couple of times. Because it pronounces short words
and phrases, you can listen and repeat it yourself many, many times until you feel confident.

2. Speechling

Why should you use it? I recently discovered this new pronunciation tool. Speechling helps you
improve your pronunciation by recording yourself and getting feedback on your pronunciation. With
the “coaching” concept you get personal feedback from real English speakers. It can be hard to listen
to yourself while you are speaking, so recording yourself is a great way to notice sounds. Getting
human feedback on your pronunciation is even better. I like the focus on feedback and progress,
which will motivate you to improve your English pronunciation.
How do you use it? Unlike Forvo, Speechling has high-quality examples of pronunciations, so you can
listen to them and compare your pronunciation to how native speakers pronounce phrases. Listen to
the native pronunciation. Record yourself and compare your pronunciation to the native
pronunciation. What are the differences? Then, try again. Submit your recording and a coach will give
you feedback on your pronunciation. After some time, you can go back to your old recordings and see
how much progress you have made.

3. Rhinospike
Why should you use it?  This website is easy to use, free and gives you real input by native speakers. It
lets you request audio recordings of a text by native speakers. This way, you learn the real
pronunciation of a native speaker. I especially like this platform, because it is based on sharing. You
are also welcome to help other learners by pronouncing something in your native language in return.
How do you use it?  Submit a text you would like to know how to pronounce. Then, a native speaker
will read the text and send you a recording of the pronunciation. You can then download the audio
file, listen to it, repeat, and try to imitate the pronunciation yourself! Another way to use this website is
to listen to existing audio files that have been submitted by other users in the past.

5. Pronunciation Power App

Why should you use it? Believe it or not, pronunciation is actually a physical activity.

The Pronunciation Power App shows you how to pronounce sounds in English. Especially, as an

adult learner, these lessons and exercises will be very helpful because there are many sounds you
might be unfamiliar with in English.
How do you use it? The app is available for download on the iTunes App Store and Google

Play  Watch the video instructions to see how to move your tongue, mouth, and lips. You can
switch between the front view and side view of the mouth movements. Then, practice the sounds by
repeating the movements yourself. There are lessons and also many exercises and sample words for
you to practice the English pronunciation.

6. Aksent App
Why should you use it? This app is great and I find it almost addicting. I use it for any language and it is

so much fun to use because it is like a game. The Aksent App uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to give
you a score for your pronunciation of a word, so you can improve your pronunciation. Also, the app
teaches you the English pronunciation in many different English accents. For example, you can
choose Australian English, Irish English, and much more.
How do you use it?  Listen, repeat and get feedback. You can download the app on the iTunes App
Store. Select the English accent, type the (difficult) English word and the app will let you listen to the
pronunciation. Then, you have to record your pronunciation and the app tells you how well you
pronounced the word by giving you a score out of 100. Repeat this with the same word until you get a
score of 100.

7. Forvo
Why should you use it? This website is a great resource based on a community which uploads
pronunciations by native speakers. The website has a large collection of pronunciations of difficult
English words in its dictionary. Its mission is to pronounce all the words in the world.
English Pronunciation dictionary
How should you use it? On the website, choose the English language. Then, you can either see the
most recent pronunciations or search for a specific word to hear how it is pronounced. What is special
is that the website offers pronunciations of both words and phrases. Give it a try!
Pronunciation of ‘ubiquitous’
Record yourself speak and then listen
to the results
16 December 2017Language Tips

Hands up if you like hearing the sound of your voice when it has
been recorded? Not me.
Not many people in fact. It’s strange how we feel our voices don’t sound like we believe them to when we hear them
recorded.
Why you should record yourself speaking
Recording your voice and then listening back to it has lots of benefits though when working on improving your
speaking. It’s only when we can listen back to something we have said that we get a real understanding of our
fluency, accuracy and naturalness.
While speaking, we may be aware of little grammatical mistakes we make or that we feel more fluent in some parts
of the conversation we are having than at others. We won’t be aware of more than this though because speaking and
thinking what to say next takes up most of our brain’s capacity.
Use your smartphone
It’s really easy to record yourself using a smartphone these days. You can also ask your friends and colleagues if
they are happy for you to record some of the conversations you have. The recordings can be a short 1-2 mins. or
longer. You probably don’t want to record much more than 5 minutes though as more than this is too much for you
to analyse realistically. If you are recording a conversation, it’s best if you can both forget about the device to keep
the speaking sounding as natural as possible.
What to listen out for
Once you have the recording, here are some things you can do with it:
• Listen to the speed at which you spoke. Was it appropriate for the situation? Was it similar to the speed of the
person you were talking to?
• How many times did you say um, er or other hesitation phrases? [It’s OK to use these sometimes, everyone does,
but it’s best not to use them too often] • Did you frequently self-correct yourself? This can be quite confusing to
listen to. It’s better to say it as you started and then correct at the end of the sentence or if your listener asks for
clarification.
• Does your intonation match the emotion of your vocabulary? For example, if you are describing something good
does your intonation sound positive? Or, if you are trying to show empathy, does your intonation sound concerned?
• Did you respond appropriately to the other person in the conversation? If they asked you a question, did you
answer it? If they told you some new information, did you use an appropriate phrase in response? What responses
did the other person give you?
• Were you giving the other person chance to share their opinions and ideas or, alternatively, were you simply
responding to what the other person said rather than making any of your own suggestions?
• Listen to the vocabulary you used. Was it appropriate for the situation and person you were talking to? Was it
varied or could you have included some more interesting words?
The possibilities are endless but should be directed by what you already know to be your speaking weaknesses.
A little pain leads to a lot of gain
If you are happy to, you could also ask the person you recorded with or a teacher to listen to the recording too and
give you their feedback on your strengths and weaknesses.
It may not be nice to listen to yourself but it is worth it to check on your performance and then focus on the problems
you identify.