1. "Sz" sound: This is a unique Polish sound that doesn't exist in English. It's like a hissing "sh" sound, but with the tongue further back in the mouth. Imagine saying "she" but with the tongue close to the roof of your mouth, as if you're about to say "ch."
2. "Cz" sound: Similar to the "sz," the "cz" is also a unique Polish sound. It's pronounced like a "ch" sound, as in "church," but with the tongue more forward in the mouth.
3. Other sounds: The "e" sounds like the "e" in "bed," the "p" is like the English "p," the "k" is like the English "k," and the "o" is like the "o" in "go."
Putting it together:
* Szczepkowski: SH-chep-kow-skee
Practice: You can try to mimic the sounds by watching videos of Polish speakers pronouncing the name. You can also use online pronunciation tools like Forvo, which offers recordings from native speakers.
Remember: Pronunciation can be a bit challenging, and it's okay if you don't get it perfectly right away. The most important thing is to try your best and be respectful when addressing someone by their name.