Hyper Reading and Speaking in the English Language Part 1: Linking

There are four essential aspects in delivery that when properly executed can prove useful and stress-free for all people. Ever tried talking to a large group of audience, at the end of the day seems to be ‘losing voice?’ The problem is not about the amount of talking or reading done, but the execution or delivery of the things presented, discussed, or spoken of. I have spent almost two decades in the academe with some part-time radio on-air presentations and at times emcee/hosting jobs. The toll on my vocal cords and voice box can be really taxing at times but I am lucky not to have any sore throat problems except when I was flu-stricken. For this purpose, I would like to share my simple yet highly effective methods in making sure that when you have to read, talk, teach, or present in front of a large crowd often demanding speaking loudly, and with very little (or perhaps nothing at all) rest, you will get home without asking for a ginger tea or a pack of Strepsils. These ways are beneficial for people who may want to read faster and deliver lines in a better accent (presentation).

The Art of Linking

For most non-native speakers of the English language, perhaps the greatest problem would be the inability to read written texts without the ‘regional tongue.’ Little did people know that all languages follow the same pattern of linking that if readers become conscious of using the same pattern in their native tongue to an English text, the result can be dramatically great! Examples are presented below for your exhibit as to what I want you to use as bases. Note that there are four languages used in order to prove the point:

TAGALOG/FILIPINO SENTENCE EXAMPLE

"Ano ang pangalan mo?"

KAPAMPANGAN SENTENCE EXAMPLE

"Nanu ya ing lagyu mu?"

ENGLISH SENTENCE EXAMPLE

"What is your name?

KOREAN SENTENCE EXAMPLE

"Idimi moye yo?"

Observe the Difference

Notice that the problem with reading or delivering these lines is based on the idea that each word must be pronounced clearly making the delivery difficult. However, should one meet someone who is not good at any of the languages presented above, only the word ‘name’ is impressed and the listener will have an idea of what is being asked? This is the first step to be learned in reading and speaking especially in active conversation.

“What is your name?” should be read as “Wachur NAME?” or “Watsyur NAME?” Notice that only the word “NAME” is emphasized since it is the only word that should be mentioned clearly during a conversation. The same rule applies to all other given sentences in other languages.

“Ano ang pangalan mo?” should be read as “Nong NGALAN mo?”

“Nanu ya ing lagyu mu?” should be read as “Nang LAGYU mu?”

“Idimi moye yo” should be read as “idimiMOYEyo?”

The trick is to take note of the ending and beginning letters of each word. Take the case of the following examples below:

* With the extension now withheld, Alvin knows someone should do the project fast.

Observe that 'with' ends with the letters TH and the second word 'the" begins with the first two letters TH. The trick is to read the two words as one: "with the" become "witha" since the TH are overlapping to the second word. Similarly, the word "the' ends with the letter E while the third-word Extension begins with the letter E. linking then allows a seamless and smooth flow of reading by linking the ends and beginning of words which are either the same, vowel to consonant, or consonant to vowel. Also, this can also be applied when a word may have a consonant sound such as university or universe.

Going back to the topic sentence earlier, it should now be seen and read as: (Withextensionowithheld) for the first five words of the sentence. notice also that the word 'knows' has a silent letter K sound thus it will be linked to Alvin making it (Alvinowsomeone...)

* With the extension now withheld, Alvin knows someone should do the project fast.

If all readers see words as such, they will begin to slowly develop a hyper-skill in reading and speaking. For non-native speakers of the English language, practice makes it perfect, and constantly reading and speaking while using the process of linking will eventually make someone sound like a native speaker sooner than expected. The only key is constant practice especially if one has a great speaking partner who can help him/her improve her skill more and more.

Take the Linking Test

Below are some sentences which will require your linking skills. Your task is to identify the number of words and the number of chunks to be read. A sample is given.

SAMPLE:

If you have a problem, say it to my face. (10 words // 2 chunks only)

(IfUhavaproblem, sayittoomaiface)

THE LINKING TEST BEGINS HERE:

1. Why would I leave you here alone?

2. Can you please pass the salt to me?

3. I really do not know what to do with him.

4. You may opt to buy a pair of pants soon.

5. When it all comes down to nothing, count on me.

Teaser On:

If you think that you have acquired the LINKING skill, be ready for the second skill to be added to your abilities so that you will eventually become a good reader and speaker of the English language.