ERICA HILL -- Interview a Broadcaster! -- American English Pronunciation

The video features an interview with Erica Hill, co-anchor of NBC's Weekend Today Show, discussing her background, accent, and techniques for script preparation. It covers the use of contractions and reductions in American English, focusing on the word 'can'. Erica shares her approach to handling difficult pronunciations and highlights the importance of clear communication in broadcasting. The video concludes with recommendations for further learning and resources for improving American English pronunciation.

What is another term for the standard American accent?

• Broadcaster English

• Newscaster English

• Global English

• American Standard

Where did Erica Hill grow up, and how did it influence her accent?

• California, with a strong West Coast influence

• Texas, with a Southern drawl

• Connecticut, between New York and Boston

• Florida, with a mix of Southern and Northern accents

What is a key consideration when writing scripts for broadcasting?

• Focusing on personal opinions

• Including as many details as possible

• Writing to match the visuals

• Using complex vocabulary

Why do some students avoid using contractions in speech?

• Contractions are not used in formal writing

• Contractions are difficult to pronounce

• They think contractions are less clear

• They believe contractions are informal

What is the reduction of the word 'can' in fast speech?

• It is pronounced as 'ken'

• It is reduced to 'can'

• It remains the same

• It is reduced to 'cn'

What phrase does Erica Hill find difficult to pronounce?

• World of wonders

• War of words

• Word of mouth

• Peace of mind

What word does Erica Hill particularly enjoy hearing from her children?

• Mom

• Mama

• Mommy

• Mother