Tips:

• Pronounce three distinct syllables and be sure not to eliminate, or forget to pronounce, the first syllable [ɪk̚].
• Pronounce the letter “x” as the consonant cluster /ks/. However, stop-but-do-not-explode the consonant “k” /k̚/ and release the air on
  /s/, which begins the second syllable [spɛn], which is stressed.
• Pronounce the initial letter “e” as the short vowel
  /ɪ/ —like the vowel in the word “sit.”
• Be sure to not omit the stopped “k” /k̚/ at the end of the first syllable.