P-ESL Method – Institute of Language & Phonology

Conceptual staircase illustrating the four stages of pronunciation learning: Awareness, Controlled Production, Automatic Retrieval, and Generalization

Teaching for Carryover: Helping Learners Use New Speech Patterns Naturally

One of the most frustrating moments for any pronunciation instructor is hearing a client produce a target sound perfectly during drills, only to lose it completely during spontaneous conversation. New instructors are sometimes surprised when they begin working with a new client on new targets, and the client masterfully produces the target sounds in drill exercises even though the client had mispronounced the target repeatedly during their assessment. This happens because speaking automatically requires a different level of motor learning and planning than repeating isolated words. Key Takeaway: Success during drills does not mean the learner has mastered the target. It simply means they have reached one stage of the… Read More

Certified P-ESL Instructor digital badge

50 Years of the Institute of Language & Phonology | The Legacy of Dr. Arthur J. Compton

Joe Comeau, M.S.Ed, CCC-SLPNo Comments

On July 21, 1976, Dr. Arthur J. Compton founded the Institute of Language & Phonology with a vision that transformed pronunciation instruction. Discover the story behind the Institute, the development of the P-ESL Method, and why its research-based approach remains more relevant than ever in today’s global workplace.

Why Some Sounds Don’t Appear in the Audio Lab (And What to Do About It)

Joe Comeau, M.S.Ed, CCC-SLPNo Comments

Not every English sound appears in the Audio Lab—and that’s by design. The P-ESL system prioritizes high-impact pronunciation targets based on research into which errors most affect intelligibility across language backgrounds. But what happens when a client presents with a sound that isn’t listed? This article explains the rationale behind target selection, why sounds like the schwa /ə/ may not be included, and how to apply the same structured teaching framework to any pronunciation pattern that shows up in your assessment.

Being Real About Client Progress Expectations

Joe Comeau, M.S.Ed, CCC-SLPNo Comments

Clients want to know two things: what improvement looks like and how fast it happens. Real progress in American English pronunciation is built on motor learning, auditory discrimination, and measurable feedback — and it applies not only to individual sounds, but also to stress, rhythm, pausing, and intonation. With the right system, clients become easier to understand within weeks, sound-accurate in single words quickly, and conversation-fluid within a few months. The accent stays, the friction goes, and clarity becomes the new default.