Teaching English Pronunciation
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In this episode of the Language on the Move podcast, host Hannah Torsch interviews Lindsay McMahon, founder of the All Ears English podcast and app, about her innovative approach to teaching English pronunciation. Drawing from her global teaching experience and the challenges faced by adult learners, McMahon emphasizes a philosophy of 'connection, not perfection'—prioritizing meaningful human interaction over native-like accent imitation. She critiques traditional pronunciation teaching for focusing on specific regional accents and instead champions 'clear speech' for global English, grounded in the stress-timed rhythm of the language. The discussion highlights how intelligibility, rather than accent accuracy, is key in real-world communication, especially in multicultural, digital environments like Zoom meetings. McMahon's new pronunciation course integrates authentic, unscripted conversations with diverse speakers, fostering resilience and adaptability. The episode also explores the role of AI in pronunciation feedback, acknowledging current limitations with non-American accents but expressing optimism about future advancements. Ultimately, the conversation reframes pronunciation as a tool for inclusion, emotional safety, and global connection.
Prioritize 'clear speech' over native-like accents to enhance intelligibility in global English communication.
Use authentic, unscripted conversations with diverse speakers to build listening and speaking skills in real-world contexts.
Focus on rhythm and stress timing—core features of English—as more critical than individual sound accuracy.
Leverage AI tools for pronunciation feedback, but ensure they are guided by human expertise and inclusive of non-standard accents.
Teach learners to embrace disfluency and recognize that communication breakdowns are often due to the listener’s lack of accommodation, not the speaker’s failure.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Audience Survey Announcement
The episode begins with a brief call to action for listeners to participate in the 2026 NewBooks Network audience survey, which aims to gather insights on listener demographics, interests, and future content directions. Participants are offered a chance to win a $100 gift card to bookshop.org.
Introduction to Lindsay McMahon and All Ears English
Hannah Torsch introduces Lindsay McMahon, founder of the All Ears English podcast and app, highlighting her 15+ years of teaching experience across Japan, Argentina, Guatemala, and New York City. The origin story of the podcast—started in 2012 with a simple mic and a friend—is shared, emphasizing the accessibility of podcasting for educators.
The 'Cinderella' of Language Teaching: Pronunciation
Hannah frames the episode’s focus on pronunciation, describing it as the 'Cinderella of language teaching'—often neglected in TESOL programs despite its critical role in learner confidence and communication. She shares her own academic research on negative language learning experiences in Australian classrooms.
Philosophy of 'Connection, Not Perfection'
“If we can remember that, if our students can remember that on a day-to-day basis, it will be transformational.”
From Accent Imitation to Clear Speech for Global English
“Our goal is to actually take human connection as the ultimate goal into pronunciation.”
“Our goal is to actually take human connection as the ultimate goal into pronunciation.”
“It's not all your responsibility to make yourself understood. It's also the other person you're talking to.”
“You know, it's not all your responsibility to make yourself understood. It's also the other person you're talking to.”
Host
Guest
Lindsay McMahon
person
All Ears English
organization
Hannah Torsch
person
Australia
place
New Books Network
organization
Jennifer Jenkins
person
Macquarie University
organization
United States
place
Zoom
organization
Microsoft Office
organization
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