How to Pronounce Honest and Honour

How to improve English pronunciation: In this episode of Word of the Week, I will go over how to pronounce honest and honour. These words can be tricky as they start with a silent letter “H”. Yes! The pronunciation of English consonants can be a challenge. Honest is a word to describe a person who consistently tells the truth. And honour is a word to describe someone you hold in great respect. 

In this video, you will learn to pronounce honest and honour, the sounds in each syllable, and how to use them in a sentence.  

Not only is knowing how to pronounce English words correctly empowering, but it also means your listeners understand you first time and they can focus on your messages and not on understanding your words. Accent reduction is not necessary, but clarity of your speech is.

Enjoy learning!

Transcription:

Hi, my name's Melanie Hussell, and I have two words of the week for you today. Both with the same silent consonant, honest and honour. Let's look at the word. Honest how many syllables? (Hon) On (est) ist, two syllables? Let's have a look at the sounds in those syllables. First syllable, silent H, o-, n. On, second syllable, i short, vowel, s, t. ist.

Now let's put them together. Honest. Where's the stress in this word? Honest. Yes, it's at the beginning now. Let's look at the second word, honour, honour. Two syllables. Let's break it down again. Firstly. (Hon) o-, short vowel, n,  on just like in honest. Second syllable, (our) uh short file unstressed. Let's put them together.

Honour. Where is the stress honour? Yes, it's at the beginning again, let's put these two words into a sample sentence, to be honest with you, we must honour this agreement.

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If you are looking to discuss your company’s Business English communication needs (including Pronunciation support) or Presentation skills, I offer free 30-minute consultations through my site. I’d love to meet you.
Have a lovely day.

Melanie Hussell empowers business professionals to present with confidence, share their great ideas and make bigger impact on their organisations. 

She has over 16 years of European corporate experience in several sectors across Europe. Melanie virtually coaches clients on their Business English all over the world including but not limited to companies in Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and the United States. Melanie’s passion in linguistics, pronunciation, and presentation skills allows her to help professionals to become more effective when they communicate. As a remote coach, Melanie is always nearby to assist you and your team.    

Melanie can help and guide you, step by step, with her expertise and enthusiasm to refine your communication skills. Given that 4 out of 5 English speakers are non-native, she trains her clients on the 4 pillars of communication - Language, Pronunciation, Presentation, and Voice and Body. Through Melanie’s coaching, you will be ready for 'the new future' and help you make the difference you want, both for yourself and your organisation.