If you have read my previous post, you should know that sounding like a native speaker of English doesn't necessarily have to be your goal. In fact, Spanish accent is regarded as sexy by some people (if you don't believe me, just Google it!).
Moving on, if you wish to improve your pronunciation, here are some tips to do it based on my experience:
First of all, when in doubt, you can check websites like WordReference, which tell you how to pronounce a word in different accents.
Listening. Oh, yeah, if you want to improve your pronunciation you should be paying close attention to everything and anything you hear in English. If necessary, pay attention to every sound in a word.
There are many more vocalic sounds in English than in Spanish, so you would do well in focusing on those - the first step is recognising them, and then you can move one to the next step. Don't forget about the consonants, they're similar to Spanish consonants, but not the same.
Another thing to pay attention to is linking, that is, how the end of a word affects the next one. A fluent speaker in any language does not speak word... for... word... like... this. No, theykindofsoundlikethis, like a string of connected sounds. So, for example, when a fluent speaker of English talks, it wouldn't sound like: this... afternoon, but like thisafternoon, the /s/ leaking into the next word.
Imitation & repetition. Listen to the way something sounds, imitate it and repeat (and repeat, and repeat...). It might sound a bit funny in the beginning, but soon enough it will sound natural, promise. It's a good idea to record yourself so you can spot specific things that don't sound how you'd like them to.
If you want to have more fun with it, throw in some impressions - this will help you get in character and relax. And who knows, maybe you'll get good at it and becomes your new party trick!
If you are having trouble with a specific sound, you could try tongue twisters to practice. And, if speed is not your thing and would like a challenge, you can always try the famous poem "The Chaos", a poem about English pronunciation written by Dutch teacher and writer Gerard Nolst Trenité.
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