Many consonant sounds come in pairs. For example, P and B are produced in the same place in the mouth with the tongue in the same position. The only difference is that P is an unvoiced sound (no vibration of the vocal cords) while B is a voiced sound (vocal cords vibrate). Put your hand on your throat as you say the pairs below to feel the difference. (Explanation from - http://www.elearnenglishlanguage.com/esl/pronunciation/consonantsvoiced-unvoiced.html)
Certain pairs of consonants can be problematic for some learners. In some cases, the main difference between the pair is whether the consonant is voiced or unvoiced, that is, whether or not the vocal chords vibrate when making this sound.
* This discovery activity can be used to help learners notice the difference between voiced and unvoiced consonants. Begin by asking learners what noise a bee makes. As they make a buzzing noise, do the same and put your fingers on your throat, indicating that they should do likewise. This will allow them to feel the vibrations of the vocal chords that occur with voiced consonant sounds. Ask them if they can feel the vibrations.
* Then focus on a voiced / unvoiced pair such as s and z. Make the sounds with your fingers on your throat, indicating that the learners should do the same. You can help learners with this by getting them to make the 'bee' sounds for z, and the sound a snake is supposed to make for s. Ask them when they feel the vocal chords vibrate - with s or z? (The answer should be z). Tell them that this is the main difference between the two sounds, and that z is voiced while s is unvoiced. (From - http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/try/resources/pronunciation/voiced-unvoiced-consonants)
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