Exercises. Tongue twisters

Public speaking is an art that requires practice and skill to communicate effectively and persuasively. One of the most fun and challenging tools to improve our oral skills are tongue twisters. These word games help us train diction, speaking speed and clarity in pronunciation. In this session, we will explore the importance of tongue twisters as exercises to improve public speaking and present some didactic and creative ways to practice with them.

The importance of tongue twisters in public speaking: Tongue twisters are a valuable tool for developing oral skills, as they allow us to exercise different aspects of our verbal expression. By practicing them, we improve our diction, pronunciation, fluency and ability to adapt to complex linguistic structures. In addition, tongue twisters help us to overcome stage fright by getting used to speaking confidently and confidently in front of an audience.

Decomposition and pronunciation: A didactic way to practice with tongue twisters is to break them down into their smaller components. Start by identifying the syllables and consonants in each word. Then, pronounce each syllable slowly and loudly, paying attention to the correct articulation of the consonants. For example, if you have the tongue twister "Three sad tigers swallow wheat in a wheat field," focus on the pronunciation of each word and how the consonants come together as you move from word to word. As you become more comfortable, blend the syllables and gradually increase the speed of pronunciation. This technique will help you improve your ability to clearly articulate each word and avoid speaking errors.

Repetition and speed: Another effective way to practice with tongue twisters is through repetition. Choose a tongue twister and repeat it several times in a row, trying to gradually increase the speed. This technique will allow you to become familiar with the structure and sounds of the tongue twister, while developing fluency in your speech. You can use a stopwatch to measure your progress and set speed goals as you become more comfortable. For example, you can start by saying the tongue twister slowly and then try to say it in less time without compromising pronunciation and clarity.

Role-play and dramatization: A fun and dynamic way to practice with tongue twisters is through role-play and dramatization. Choose a tongue twister and assign different characters to your friends or study partners. Then, act out a scene or story in which each character has to pronounce his or her part of the tongue twister. This activity encourages creativity, interaction among participants, and confidence in speaking. In addition, dramatization helps to remember the tongue twister more effectively by relating it to a lived experience. You can even create costumes or scenarios that reinforce the tongue twister story and make it even more fun.

Recording and self-assessment: Recording and self-assessment are powerful tools for improving our speaking skills. Use your phone or any recording device to record your tongue twister practice. Then, listen carefully to the recording and evaluate your pronunciation, fluency and diction. Identify areas for improvement and work on them. You can repeat this process regularly to track your progress and note improvements over time. In addition, you can also share your recordings with a mentor or public speaking coach to receive personalized feedback and advice.