Session Details

🟢 SESSION 3 — PRONUNCIATION, STRESS, & INTELLIGIBILITY

Be understood immediately.

Focus

• Clarity over accent
• Improving intelligibility

Core Elements

• English stress vs French rhythm
• Key pronunciation patterns in dentistry vocabulary
• Recording, playback, and targeted correction

Language Integration

• Stress correction (e.g., deVELop vs développer)
• Rhythm, emphasis, and pacing

EMI Principles in Action

• Clarity over complexity
• Strategic use of language

Outcome

• Personalized pronunciation correction plan
• Increased clarity and listener comprehension

🟢 SESSION 3 DETAILS — PRONUNCIATION, STRESS & INTELLIGIBILITY

Be understood immediately.

A. Main Objective

By the end of this session, you will be able to improve intelligibility in English by applying clearer pronunciation, word stress, rhythm, pacing, and emphasis in real teaching situations.

The goal is not to eliminate your accent. The goal is to be understood immediately.

This session focuses on clarity over accent, especially for French-speaking EMI instructors who need to pronounce key academic vocabulary clearly and confidently.

B. Agenda

1. Advance Organizer — Bridging Old and New Knowledge (8 min)

1.1. Reviewing last session content

1.2. Exploring this session content

(+ Core EMI Principles)

2. Oral Practice — Pronunciation, Stress & Intelligibility (83+ min)

2.1. Weekly speaking reflection

2.2. Homework review

2.3. TED Talk reflection

2.4. Word Stress & Intelligibility Practice

2.5. Rhythm, Emphasis & Pacing Practice

2.6. Video-Based Pronunciation & Intelligibility Practice

3. EMI Principles in Action (3 min)

4. Recap (2 min)

HW + TED Talk (2 min)

C. Core (Session Content & Activities)

1. Advance Organizer — Bridging Old and New Knowledge (8 min)

1.1. Reviewing Last Session (4 min)

Work with a partner.

👉 Briefly discuss:

• What helped you speak more fluently last session?
• What still makes you hesitate when speaking English?
• When you speak clearly, what helps the listener understand you?

👉 Key points: (Do you agree?)

• shorter sentences
• less translation
• more confidence
• better flow
• clearer pronunciation

1.2. Exploring This Session (3 min)

In this session, you will learn how to:

• pronounce key words more clearly
• place stress on the correct syllable
• use rhythm and pacing to improve clarity
• make your speech easier to understand immediately

👉 Key shift: From speaking with more flow → to being understood immediately

(+ Core EMI Principles — 1 min)

1. 1. Clarity over complexity
   2. Structured delivery
   3. Scaffolding for understanding
   4. Comprehension checking
   5. Strategic use of language
   6. Student engagement
   7. Psychological safety

We will apply:

• Clarity over complexity
• Strategic use of language

👉 Focus on making your speech clear, not accent-free.

2. Oral Practice — Pronunciation, Stress & Intelligibility (83+ min)

2.1. Weekly Speaking Reflection (8 min MAX)

Step 1 — Quick Individual Reflection (1 min)

Think about your week:

• Did you speak or teach in English?
• Did anyone ask you to repeat something?
• Which words were difficult to pronounce?
• Did pronunciation affect your confidence?

👉 Focus on ONE situation.

Step 2 — Pair Sharing (3 min)

Work with a partner.

Each person shares in 1 min only:

• one teaching situation
• one pronunciation difficulty
• one word or phrase that was difficult

⏱️ Keep it fast and focused.

Step 3 — Whole-Class Snapshot (3 min)

Each pair shares ONLY ONE point:

• one difficult word
  OR
• one pronunciation challenge
  OR
• one strategy that helped clarity

Step 4 — Quick Coaching (1 min)

As a class, briefly identify:

1. one common pronunciation difficulty
2. one useful correction strategy
3. one word to pronounce more clearly

👉 Focus on clarity and listener comprehension.

2.2. Homework Review (8 min)

Work with a partner.

Step 1 — Listen (2 min)

Listen to your partner’s recording.

Focus on:

• pronunciation
• stress
• pacing
• clarity

Step 2 — Reflection (3 min)

Briefly discuss:

• Which words were clear?
• Which words were difficult to understand?
• Was the pace too fast, too slow, or clear?

Step 3 — Feedback (3 min)

Your partner gives:

• 1 pronunciation strength
• 1 pronunciation improvement

👉 Focus on improvement, not perfection.

2.3. TED Talk Reflection (6-7 min)

TED Talk:

“How to speak so that people want to listen” — Julian Treasure

 Work with a partner.

💡 Key Ideas from the Talk

Good speakers use:

• clear voice
• appropriate pace
• emphasis
• pauses
• variation in tone
• listener awareness

👉 Step 1 — Pair Discussion (5 min)

Discuss with your partner:

• How does the speaker use his voice?
• How does pacing affect understanding?
• How does emphasis make ideas clearer?
• What should you start doing when speaking?
• What should you stop doing?

👉 Step 2 — Whole-Class Discussion (2 min)

Be ready to share:

• one speaking technique you noticed
• one thing you want to improve in your own delivery

2.4. Word Stress & Intelligibility Practice (42 min)

👉 Focus

In English, stressed syllables are stronger and clearer.

French speakers often pronounce syllables more evenly, but English relies heavily on stress patterns to create meaning and clarity.

Misplaced stress can make even correct vocabulary difficult to understand.

Part A — Core EMI Pronunciation Challenge (22 min)

Exercise 1A — First Pronunciation Attempt (Pairs)

👉 Try to pronounce the following words naturally.

1. academic
2. analysis
3. application
4. communicate
5. communication
6. comprehension
7. develop
8. development
9. diagnosis
10. education
11. evaluate
12. evaluation
13. interaction
14. interpretation
15. methodology
16. motivation
17. participation
18. precision
19. preparation
20. presentation
21. prevention
22. procedure
23. professional
24. pronunciation
25. research
26. responsible
27. second
28. specific
29. technology
30. treatment
31. understand
32. understanding

Step 1

Partner A reads 5–6 words aloud.

Step 2

Partner B listens and notes:

• words that sounded unclear
• words that may have incorrect stress

Step 3

Switch roles.

👉 Do NOT correct yet.

Exercise 2A — Stress Discovery & Correction (Pairs)

Now compare your pronunciation with the correct stress patterns.

Step 1 — Compare

Identify:

• Which words did you pronounce correctly?
• Which words had incorrect stress?
• Which corrections surprised you?

Step 2 — Repeat

Repeat the corrected words aloud.

👉 Focus on:

• which syllable is stressed
• how the stressed syllable sounds stronger
• how correct stress improves intelligibility (the degree to which speech is understood clearly and easily by a listener)

👉 Notice how clearer stress immediately improves listener understanding.

Exercise 3A — Stress Contrast Practice

👉 Compare the likely French-influenced pronunciation with the English stress pattern.

Examples

❌ de-ve-LOP
✅ de-VEL-op

❌ com-mu-ni-CATE
✅ com-MU-ni-cate

❌ pro-ce-DURE
✅ pro-CE-dure

❌ tech-no-lo-GY
✅ tech-NOL-o-gy

❌ pre-sen-ta-TION
✅ pre-sen-TA-tion

❌ me-tho-do-lo-GY
✅ me-tho-DO-lo-gy

❌ se-GOND
✅ SEC-ond

Discussion

• Which version sounds more natural in English?
• Which version is easier to understand immediately?

👉 Focus on listener comprehension.

Exercise 4A — Teaching Sentence Practice: Core EMI Vocabulary (Pairs)

Use the corrected pronunciation in short teaching sentences.

Step 1

Partner A reads the sentence.

Step 2

Partner B listens for:

• word stress
• pacing
• clarity

Step 3

Partner B gives quick feedback:

• “Clear”
• “Stress”
• “Repeat”

👉 Then switch roles.

Sentences

1. “The diagnosis must be confirmed before treatment.”
2. “We need to evaluate the results carefully.”
3. “This procedure requires precision and attention.”
4. “Technology improves communication with patients.”
5. “The presentation should be clear and organized.”
6. “Prevention is essential in professional practice.”
7. “Good communication improves student understanding.”
8. “The methodology must be explained clearly.”
9. “Academic research requires careful analysis.”
10. “The patient needs additional evaluation.”
11. “It is essential that she communicate clearly with her patients.”
12. “This application helps students practice pronunciation.”
13. “Professional communication improves classroom interaction.”
14. “Education should develop critical thinking skills.”
15. “The presentation included a detailed interpretation of the results.”
16. “Participation increases comprehension and engagement.”
17. “The procedure was successful because the preparation was precise.”
18. “Please submit the second assignment before Friday.”
19. “The professor encouraged students to understand the concept deeply.”
20. “Responsible use of technology improves learning outcomes.”

Part B — Advanced Academic & Professional Pronunciation Challenge (17 min)

Exercise 1B — First Pronunciation Attempt (Pairs)

👉 Try to pronounce the following words naturally.

1. anesthesia
2. autonomy
3. categories
4. characteristics
5. collaboration
6. colleague
7. consequences
8. context
9. correlation
10. criteria
11. curiosity
12. curriculum
13. diagnostic
14. dimensions
15. excellence
16. expertise
17. hygiene
18. identity
19. inflammation
20. infection
21. introduce
22. investigation
23. orthodontics
24. pedagogy
25. periodontal
26. precision
27. preparation
28. psychological
29. relevant
30. sustainability

Step 1

Partner A reads 5–6 words aloud.

Step 2

Partner B listens and notes:

• words that sounded unclear
• words that may have incorrect stress

Step 3

Switch roles.

👉 Do NOT correct yet.

Exercise 2B — Stress Discovery & Correction (Pairs)

Now compare your pronunciation with the correct stress patterns.

Step 1 — Compare

Identify:

• Which words did you pronounce correctly?
• Which words had incorrect stress?
• Which corrections surprised you?

Step 2 — Repeat

Repeat the corrected words aloud.

👉 Focus on:

• which syllable is stressed
• how the stressed syllable sounds stronger
• how correct stress improves intelligibility

👉 Notice how clearer stress immediately improves listener understanding.

Exercise 3B — Stress Contrast Practice

👉 Compare the likely French-influenced pronunciation with the English stress pattern.

Examples

❌ au-to-no-MY
✅ au-TON-o-my

❌ psy-CHO-lo-gi-cal
✅ psy-cho-LOG-i-cal

❌ pe-da-go-GY
✅ ped-a-GO-gy

❌ cri-ter-I-A
✅ cri-TE-ri-a

Discussion

• Which version sounds more natural in English?
• Which version is easier to understand immediately?

👉 Focus on listener comprehension.

Exercise 4B — Intelligibility Breakdown Challenge

Advanced Academic & Professional Vocabulary

👉 Goal

Identify how incorrect word stress can reduce intelligibility in EMI teaching.

Focus on:

• stress placement
• listener comprehension
• intelligibility

Step 1

One participant reads approximately 5 sentences aloud naturally and continuously.

👉 The participant intentionally mis-stresses 3–4 key words while reading.

Sentences

1. “The curriculum requires regular revision and evaluation.”
2. “The professor discussed the psychological dimensions of leadership.”
3. “Collaboration improves innovation and problem-solving.”
4. “The committee analyzed the consequences of the policy.”
5. “The colleague presented an excellent overview of the project.”
6. “The speaker emphasized the importance of sustainability.”
7. “The article explored cultural identity and autonomy.”
8. “The conference examined modern pedagogy in higher education.”
9. “The participants compared several categories of responses.”
10. “The study focused on the correlation between stress and motivation.”
11. “The researcher clarified the criteria for participation.”
12. “Professional expertise develops through experience and reflection.”
13. “The facilitator encouraged curiosity and active discussion.”
14. “The presentation examined the historical context carefully.”
15. “The investigation revealed several important variables.”
16. “The university promotes academic excellence and responsibility.”
17. “Inflammation and infection can affect overall health.”
18. “Orthodontics requires precision and long-term preparation.”
19. “The patient received anesthesia before the procedure.”
20. “Relevant examples improve comprehension and engagement.”

Step 2

The class listens and identifies:

1. Which words sounded incorrect immediately?
2. Which stress patterns reduced intelligibility?
3. Which words sounded French-influenced?
4. Which words created confusion or processing difficulty?

👉 The class may stop the speaker when intelligibility drops significantly.

Step 3

As a class, correct the problematic stress patterns together.

Then discuss:

1. Did the rest of the sentence become clearer after correcting the stress?
2. Which sentence became easier to process immediately?
3. How did one incorrectly stressed word affect understanding of the whole sentence?

Then the participant repeats the sentence with corrected stress.

Examples:

❌ autoNOmy
✅ auTONomy

❌ sustaiNABility
✅ sustainaBILity

Step 4

A new participant reads the NEXT 5 sentences using the same process.

Continue until all sentences have been completed.

Final Reflection

Discuss briefly:

1. Which stress mistakes affected comprehension most?
2. Which words would be most problematic in EMI teaching?
3. Why can one incorrectly stressed word reduce understanding of an entire explanation?

👉 Focus on intelligibility, not accent perfection.

Part C — Recording & Playback Challenge (4 min)

Step 1 — Record

Record yourself saying:

• 5 key words
• 2 short teaching sentences

Step 2 — Listen

Listen to your own pronunciation.

Ask yourself:

• Did I stress the correct syllable?
• Was my pacing clear?
• Which words were unclear?

Step 3 — Re-record

Repeat the recording with corrected pronunciation.

👉 Notice the difference between the first and second attempt.

2.5. Rhythm, Emphasis & Pacing Practice (8 min)

👉 Focus

Clear English is not only about pronunciation.

It also depends on:

• rhythm
• pauses
• pacing
• emphasis

These help listeners process meaning more easily.

Together...

• “The KEY idea is prevention.”
• “This procedure is VERY important.”
• “FIRST, we examine the patient.”
• “Let me REPEAT the main point.”

Practice Activity (Pairs)

Partner A reads a sentence.

Partner B identifies:

• the emphasized word
• whether the pacing was clear
• whether pauses helped understanding

Then switch roles.

Sentences

1. “The MAIN objective is clear communication.”
2. “We must ALWAYS confirm the diagnosis first.”
3. “The MOST important point is prevention.”
4. “Please FOCUS on the methodology section.”
5. “The results were VERY different from expectations.”
6. “Let me EXPLAIN the process step by step.”
7. “This is NOT the final version of the report.”
8. “The SECOND example is easier to understand.”
9. “We should PAUSE before introducing a new idea.”
10. “The KEY concept is student engagement.”

Mini-Challenge

Say the same sentence:

• too fast
• too flat
• clearly with emphasis and pauses

👉 Discuss which version was easiest to understand.

2.6. Video-Based Pronunciation & Intelligibility Practice (12 min) 

Last session, we focused on speaking more fluently.
This session, we focus on being understood immediately.

Video

 Task

Work with a partner.

After watching the first 4–5 minutes of the TED Talk above (How Great Leaders Inspire Action by Simon Sinek), you will:

analyze how the speaker uses the following to improve listener understanding:

• pronunciation
• stress
• pacing
• pauses
• emphasis

You will also reflect briefly on the speaker’s:

• WHY
• HOW
• WHAT

communication structure.

Step 1 — Quick Listening (2 min)

Think:

• Was the speaker easy to understand?
• Which words were emphasized clearly?
• How did pacing affect comprehension?
• Which pauses helped you process meaning?
• How did the speaker stress key ideas?

Step 2 — Strong Observation Prompts After the Video (3–4 min)

Pronunciation

Discuss:

• Which words sounded especially clear?
• How did the speaker pronounce key words?
• Did pronunciation improve comprehension?

Stress & Emphasis

Discuss:

• Which words did the speaker stress?
• How did emphasis guide attention?
• How did stress improve understanding?

Examples:

• “People don’t buy WHAT you do.”
• “They buy WHY you do it.”

EMI Communication

Discuss:

• How did pacing affect comprehension?
• How did pauses help understanding?
• What made the speech clear and easy to follow?
• How did short idea units improve intelligibility?

👉 Focus on communication techniques you can apply in your own EMI teaching.

Step 3 — Pronunciation Practice (5–6 min)

Choose 3–5 important words from your discipline.

Say each word clearly.

Then use each word in a short teaching sentence.

👉 Focus on:

• stress
• pacing
• intelligibility
• clarity

Step 4 — Partner Feedback (3–4 min)

Your partner gives:

• 1 pronunciation strength
• 1 word to improve
• 1 pacing suggestion

👉 Focus on intelligibility, not accent perfection.

3. EMI Principles in Action (3 min)

3.1. Clarity over Complexity (1 min)

Clear pronunciation improves understanding immediately.

Focus on:

• stress
• pacing
• key words
• pauses

3.2. Strategic Use of Language (2 min)

Use pronunciation support phrases:

• “Let me repeat the key word.”
• “Notice the stress here.”
• “I will say it more slowly.”
• “Please repeat after me.”

4. Recap (2 min)

✔ Intelligibility matters more than accent
✔ Stress improves understanding
✔ Pacing and pauses support comprehension
✔ Key vocabulary must be pronounced clearly
✔ EMI teaching requires clear delivery, not perfection

HW & TED Talk (2 min)

2-Minute Pronunciation & Intelligibility Recording

Choose ONE:

• Explain a concept
• Explain a procedure
• Present a short part of your course

Requirements

• pronounce 5 key terms clearly
• use correct word stress
• speak with clear pacing
• use at least 2 intentional pauses
• emphasize at least 2 key words

Reflection

After recording, reflect briefly:

• Which words were difficult to pronounce?
• Did I speak too fast?
• Did I stress the key ideas clearly?
• Was my message immediately understandable?

TED Talk Reflection

Watch the full TED Talk:

Simon Sinek — How Great Leaders Inspire Action

Then reflect briefly:

• What is your WHY as an educator?
• HOW do you try to teach?
• WHAT do you teach?

👉 Pay attention to how the speaker uses:

• pauses
• pacing
• emphasis
• stress
• clear idea organization

to improve listener understanding.

Key Idea

👉 In EMI teaching, pronunciation is not about sounding native. It is about being understood immediately.

“Teaching begins with believing in every learner’s potential.”
--Nada Salem Abisamra

• The Pygmalion Effect / Teacher Expectancy Theory
• Growth Mindset Theory

Extra: Closing Reflection — Teaching with Belief & Humanity (3–4 min)

🎵  Song Reflection

"Have It All" by Jason Mraz

Listen to selected lines from the song:

“May you get a gold star on your next test…”
“May your troubles be less and your blessings be more…”
“May you have compassion to guide you…”
“May you know that you lack nothing…”
“May you get a gold star on your next test…”

Brief Reflection

Discuss briefly:

• Which message in the song connects most strongly to teaching?
• How can communication influence student confidence and motivation?
• Why is it important for teachers to believe in students’ potential?

👉 Great teaching is not only about transmitting information.

It is also about:

• clarity,
• encouragement,
• human connection,
• and belief in learners’ potential.

Session Handout

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