New Ways in Teaching Connected Speech

Connected speech is based on a set of rules used to modify pronunciations so that words connect and flow more smoothly in natural speech (hafta versus have to). Native speakers of English tend to feel that connected speech is friendlier, more natural, more sympathetic, and more personal. Is there any reason why learners of English would prefer to be viewed as unfriendly, unnatural, unsympathetic, and impersonal? The great news is that such rules can (and should) be explained and taught. Thi...