Listen for reductions
Notice how common question words can be shortened and pushed together in casual speech.
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Speak Fast in English
Train your ear for fast casual American English by practicing reductions and connected question forms.
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Listen with a purpose
Notice the useful language in “Speak Fast in English”.
Practice everyday questions
Listen for “What are you doing?” and “What do you think?” in natural conversation.
Adjust to the setting
Remember that reductions are common with friends but may be used less in formal presentations.
Cultural note
The context makes the phrase land.
Fast speech is often connected speech, not a completely different vocabulary. Learning the reduced sound helps learners participate without forcing themselves to speak unnaturally fast.
Try it
Practice the situation.
Record yourself saying three everyday questions slowly, then once again with natural connected speech. Say your response aloud before checking the examples below.
“What are you doing?” and “What do you think?” sound smoother when the words connect in casual speech.
Expression cards · 10 from the transcript
These cards were extracted from the transcript and grouped by the kind of language learners can practice.
Showing 10 of 10 cards.
Are you tired of…?
Ask whether someone is frustrated or bored with something.
Example sentence
“Are you tired of speaking slowly?”
What are you doing?
Ask what someone is doing now or plans to do.
Example sentence
“What are you doing after work?”
What do you think?
Ask for someone’s opinion.
Example sentence
“What do you think of this movie?”
The main idea
The most important point in a lesson or conversation.
Example sentence
“The main idea of this lesson is how people communicate in social & small talk situations.”
In other words
A phrase used to explain the same idea more simply.
Example sentence
“In other words, the speaker is showing a natural way to handle this situation.”
For example
A phrase used to introduce a specific supporting detail.
Example sentence
“For example, you can use this phrase when talking about social & small talk.”
In this situation
A phrase that connects language to a particular context.
Example sentence
“In this situation, a short and clear answer is often the most helpful.”
A useful phrase
A practical expression worth remembering and reusing.
Example sentence
“That is a useful phrase to remember for social & small talk conversations.”
Try it yourself
An invitation to practise a phrase by making your own sentence.
Example sentence
“Now try it yourself by making one sentence about Speak Fast in English.”
One step at a time
A phrase that encourages steady progress through a process.
Example sentence
“You can learn this topic one step at a time.”
Check your understanding
What does “Are you tired of…?” communicate?
RTB commentary
Practice understanding fast everyday questions by noticing reductions and connected words. Compare casual speech with the clearer style used in presentations and interviews.