Your Connected Speech Workout

Build these into your weekly routine:

• Shadow fast speakers — play 10 seconds, pause, imitate the exact flow, not just the words
• Drill the reductions — say "would have," then "would've," at full speed until the short form feels automatic
• Do daily dictation — five minutes of writing what you hear, then checking the transcript
• Learn linking patterns — consonant-to-vowel links, glottal stops, and intrusive R/W/Y sounds
• Slow recordings down with an app to hear each connection, then speed back up

Connected speech is the bridge between understanding textbook English and understanding real people.