How to pronounce petit

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p	A French 'p' is generally pronounced in a similar way to an English 'p' in "spit", "sport" etc. In other words, it is not usually followed by a "strong burst of air" (aspiration) as in the 'p' sound of English "pit", "port" etc. If you are a native English speaker, put your hand in front of your mouth while you say "port" then "sport"; you'll feel a stronger breath of air with the first of these words. When you pronounce a French 'p' sound, you do so as in the second of these words, so that you don't hear or feel the strong breath of air.
ə	The 'schwa' or 'neutral e' is pronounced with the tongue in a "central, relaxed" position and the mouth also in a 'half open, relaxed' position. Note that many French speakers actually tend to pronounce this vowel as a 'close eu' vowel (as occurs at the end of words ending in -euse), or at least with some rounding of the lips.
t	The French 't' is pronounced like an English 't' after a 'th' sound (as in "with two"). Your tongue touches the back of the teeth. Also try to avoid a "strong burst of air" (aspiration) as in English. If you are a native English speaker, repeat the word "tool" then "stool" with your hand in front of your mouth. In "tool", you'll feel a stronger burst of air than in "stool". In French, pronounce the 't' as in English "stool", without the strong burst of air.	In this particular case, before a 'i' vowel, a French 't' sound may actually be pronounced with some aspiration.
i	The French 'i' vowel is pronounced with the tongue almost as far forward and close to the roof of the mouth as it will go and with the lips spread. Aim to "tense" your lips for a moment as you pronounce it.