So today I messed up big time during a video call. Meant to say “collection” when talking about my stamp albums, but it came out sounding like “cuh-lek-shun” instead of the smooth “kuh-lek-shun”. My buddy instantly interrupted like, “Dude, that’s not how you say it!” Felt super awkward since I’d been butchering this word for ages without realizing. Figured I’d finally fix this properly with three simple steps.
Step 1: Record and Compare
Grabbed my phone, hit record, and said “collection” ten times. Played it back while listening to Google Translate’s robot voice saying it right. Felt like facepalming – every single try started with that lazy “cuh” instead of the crisp “k” sound. My tongue was slapping the roof of my mouth too late. Seriously embarrassing, but admitting the problem was half the battle.
Step 2: Slow Motion Practice
Next I broke it down stupid slow:
- Practiced just the “k” sound alone – “k-k-k-k” like a chicken clucking
- Then glued it to “uh” so it became “kuh” without any “c” breathiness
- Finally added “lek-shun” real gradual, stretching it to 5 seconds per syllable
Did this circus act for 15 minutes straight while walking my dog. Pretty sure neighbors thought I’d lost it, but who cares?
Step 3: Burn It into Muscle Memory
Put the word everywhere:
- Changed my Wi-Fi password to “Kuhlek-shun22!”
- Set phone alarms labeled “SAY IT RIGHT” every hour
- Replaced “stuff” or “things” with “collection” in normal sentences all day
By dinner time, I caught myself humming “kuh-lek-shun” while making pasta. Mission accomplished – the tongue finally remembered its job!
Honestly thought pronunciation fixes were boring before this. Turns out it’s like relearning how to walk without tripping. Never letting three letters make me sound dumb again.
