Omitting Syllables in Running Speech

Some three syllable words that have stress on the first syllable lose the second syllable or vowel sound in running speech. Say these words and notice how the second syllable is omitted:

chocolate, evening, conference, business, several, family, diamond, general, interest, and average.

Some longer words also lose a syllable: vegetable, laboratory, temperature and directory.

Pronouncing these words with the omission of these syllables actually aids in the natural flow of speech. It is not considered "sloppy speech" to omit them. However, the choice to omit the syllables depends largely upon the region where you live.