If you’re starting out with singing, chances are you’re focusing on pitch, breath control, maybe even vibrato. But here’s one thing that often gets ignored: how clearly you say and pronounce your words. That’s where diction and pronunciation come in—and they’re super important if you want people to actually feel the lyrics you’re singing.

Let’s break both down in a beginner-friendly way and go through some easy tips to improve them.

What’s the Difference?

• Diction is about how clearly you say your words—your clarity, articulation, and sharpness.
• Pronunciation is about how correctly you say them—especially in terms of accent, vowel shape, and stress.

In short: diction = clarity, pronunciation = accuracy.

Why They Matter

Imagine you’re singing a beautiful song, but the listener can’t tell if you said “love” or “laugh.” Or you mispronounce a word slightly and it throws off the emotion. Even with great pitch and expression, unclear or incorrect words can disconnect your audience from the story.

Good diction makes lyrics land. Good pronunciation makes them believable.

1. Slow it Down and Speak the Lyrics

Before singing anything, try speaking the lyrics slowly. Notice how you naturally pronounce the words. Is there a certain word you’re mumbling or mispronouncing? Fix that while speaking—it’ll carry over into your singing.

2. Practice Common Vowel Sounds

In singing, vowels matter more than consonants. Most of your vocal tone lives in vowels like “ah,” “ee,” “oh,” “oo.” But these vary by language and accent.

Try this: Sing each vowel sound on a long note and notice how your mouth shapes change. Keep the shape consistent and relaxed.

If you’re singing in English and it’s not your first language, watch native speakers and mimic how they pronounce certain tricky words. YouTube and pronunciation dictionaries can help here.

3. Tongue Twisters for Diction

Tongue twisters sharpen your articulation and help with clarity. Say them slowly, then increase your speed without getting messy.

Some good ones:

• Red lorry, yellow lorry
• Toy boat (5 times fast)
• Unique New York

You can even try singing tongue twisters on a simple melody for fun!

4. Record Yourself & Check for Both

When you record your singing, don’t just listen for pitch. Pay attention to:

• Are the words clear?
• Did you pronounce everything correctly?
• Did any syllables get swallowed or cut off?

5. Mouth & Jaw Warm-Ups

Sometimes unclear singing is just tight muscles! Try a few silly warm-ups:

• Yawn-stretch your face
• Do “ma ma ma” or “ba ba ba” slowly and clearly
• Massage your jaw to loosen it up

Final Tip: Don’t Overthink the Accent

If you’re singing in English or another language, aim for clarity over imitation. You don’t need to fake a Western accent. Just get the pronunciation right and say every word like you mean it. That’s what really connects.

Conclusion

Great singing isn’t just about how you sound—it’s about how you communicate. When you combine solid diction with good pronunciation, every word hits harder and means more. Take it slow, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to sound silly during practice. It all pays off when you're on stage (or behind the mic) delivering a song that truly lands. To learn more, book a free trial class today and follow us on Instagram!

Vishal Agarwal
Western Vocal Trainer