[noobhacker]

I'd love to learn phonetics, but with written materials like this it feels like learning to ride a bike by reading a book. I'm still at a loss with regards to how to actually make the sound. Without a teacher, I don't think I even realize my own mistakes.

How did you learn to physically make the sound? How much time did you spend practicing daily?

Thanks so much for the advice. I too hope to do stand up one day.

[senthil_rajasek]

You are right. Language is a living thing and the spoken language needs to be practiced in real life.

For some aspects of phonetics I found this book helpful,

https://www.google.com/books/edition/American_Accent_Trainin...

Also, I had help from friends in the comedy world sometimes. I would ask them if I am saying a word right before going on stage.

It took many years but that's because I had to learn it without any books. I was willing to become a child and look like an idiot for a long time.

If I had to do it all over again I would invest time in learning phonetics.