How to say PARTY and WATER

Today’s question is about the American way to pronounce “water” and “party”.  This is confusing for many ESL speakers since depending on the English accent, these words can be pronounced different ways.  In American, we say a “D” sound, or flap T when a T is between a vowel and an ER sound.  Following this rule, Americans say:

WATER:

WA-DER

Start with puckered lips for the W sound.  Really open your mouth wide for the A in the first syllable. And say a D sound not a T in the second syllable.  End with an ER sound.

PARTY:

PAR-DEE

Start with a P sound by pressing your lips together.  Open your mouth wide then move to rounded lips for the ARE vowel.   Add the D sound.  Finish with the long E vowel.