The ummute blog
Speak English clearly
Practical guides to pronunciation, intonation, word stress, pace and fluency: the things that decide whether you are understood out loud. When you want to practise, ummute is waiting on WhatsApp.
Why Spanish Speakers Struggle With English Rhythm — and How to Fix It
The biggest rhythm mistake Spanish speakers make in English isn't an accent problem — it's a timing problem. Here's how to hear it, understand it, and correct it.
30 October 2026 · 6 min read
Speaking techniqueThe PREP method: how to answer a question you didn't see coming
An um fills the gap while you work out what comes next. PREP tells you what comes next: your point, one reason, one example, then your point again.
29 October 2026 · 6 min read
Business EnglishHow to Open and Close a Business Meeting in English Professionally
The way you open and close a business meeting sets the tone for everything in between. This guide gives you the specific language and techniques to do both with clarity and authority.
27 October 2026 · 7 min read
PronunciationAssimilation in Spoken English: Why 'Good Boy' Sounds Like 'Goob Boy'
Assimilation is the process by which a sound changes to resemble its neighbour in natural speech. Understanding it helps you listen more accurately and speak more naturally.
23 October 2026 · 6 min read
Exam speakingWhat to Do When You Don't Know the Answer in an English Speaking Exam
A sudden blank in a speaking exam doesn't have to cost you marks. These concrete techniques help you buy thinking time, recover smoothly, and keep the conversation moving.
20 October 2026 · 7 min read
Business EnglishHow to Deliver Feedback in English Without Sounding Harsh or Rude
Giving feedback in English without sounding harsh comes down to specific word choices, sentence patterns, and the way your voice moves. This guide covers all three.
2 October 2026 · 7 min read
PronunciationWhat Are Diphthongs and How to Pronounce Them Correctly in English
Diphthongs are vowel sounds that move — and mispronouncing them is one of the most common reasons English speech sounds unclear. This guide shows you exactly where each one starts and ends.
29 September 2026 · 6 min read
Public speakingSpeak Louder, Speak Softer: How Volume Variation Keeps Any Audience Hooked
A flat, consistent volume is one of the quietest ways to lose an audience. This guide shows you exactly how to use volume variation to hold attention, signal emphasis, and make your words land.
25 September 2026 · 7 min read
PronunciationIrregular Plurals in English: How to Pronounce Words Like 'Criteria' and 'Phenomena'
Words like 'criteria' and 'phenomena' follow Latin and Greek plural rules that trip up even fluent speakers. This guide shows you exactly how to pronounce them and when to use them correctly.
22 September 2026 · 6 min read
FluencyHow to Break Long Sentences Into Chunks So Listeners Can Follow You
Chunking — breaking a long sentence into smaller spoken phrases — is one of the most effective ways to make your English easier to follow. This article shows you exactly how to do it.
18 September 2026 · 6 min read
PronunciationThe NG Sound: How to Pronounce '-ing' Endings Without Saying 'K'
The NG sound trips up many learners, often turning 'singing' into 'singking'. Here's how to place it correctly and make your -ing endings clean and natural.
15 September 2026 · 7 min read
PronunciationH Sound in English: When to Pronounce It and When to Drop It
The H sound trips up learners and native speakers alike. This guide shows you exactly when to pronounce it, when to drop it, and how to practise the difference.
11 September 2026 · 7 min read