495. Speaking monotone can lower your IELTS score. Here's what to do

495. Speaking monotone can lower your IELTS score. Here's what to do

Author: Hadar Shemesh January 13, 2026 Duration: 32:17

Do you ever feel like you speak monotone in English?

In this episode, Aubrey from the amazing All Ears English podcast is here to talk about how monotone speech can affect your IELTS speaking score (and the other ways it can impact you!)

In this conversation, we talk about:

  • Why sounding monotone can lower your IELTS pronunciation score
  • What examiners actually listen for in the speaking test
  • Why monotone speech makes people tune out in real conversations
  • How nerves and overthinking affect your voice
  • Why feeling "fake" when you change your intonation is normal
  • How to practice sounding more expressive 

Whether you are preparing for IELTS or simply want to sound more confident and expressive in English, this episode will help you understand how to work on it!

Find Aubrey and the All Ears English podcast here! https://www.allearsenglish.com/


Hadar Shemesh hosts The InFluency Podcast, drawing from her own journey from an intermediate English speaker to a recognized pronunciation expert and fluency coach. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a practical, empathetic guide for anyone who feels stuck in their language learning. Hadar's conversations and solo episodes delve into the tangible strategies that actually work for acquiring an American accent, building unshakeable confidence, and moving beyond textbook English to authentic, fluid speech. You'll hear a blend of mindset shifts, technical pronunciation breakdowns, and stories from a global community of learners. The focus is always on the human side of fluency-how it connects to identity, courage, and communication. Each episode of this podcast feels like a direct coaching session, offering actionable steps that address the real frustrations and aspirations of students and teachers alike. Hadar's approach demystifies the process, making the path to speaking English with assurance feel not only possible but deeply personal. Tune in for a resource that understands the journey because the host has lived it, creating a space where progress is celebrated over perfection.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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