HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR ENGLISH SPEAKING SKILLS
Whether you are learning English for business or social purposes (or both), these are some of the most commonly asked questions in terms of studying the language:
- How can I learn to speak better English?
- How can I improve my speaking in English?
- How can I speak English more fluently and confidently?
Here are some practical tips to help you to achieve this ambition:
Speak English to improve
This may sound like an obvious suggestion, but the most important thing to do is speak the language. So, take the opportunity to speak with anyone, and speak with everyone, whether that is face-to-face or online. Everything will help you.
Don't focus on your mistakes
The fear of making any mistake often keeps people silent. However, remember that making mistakes can be a good thing. Making mistakes is how we learn everything. If you can cook now, I’m sure you didn’t make the perfect dish the first time even though I couldn't. It’s important to remember that every learning process is a journey. So, make mistakes: it’s all part of the process. Just remember to learn from those mistakes.
Build a strong foundation
To express yourself eloquently in English, you need a wide variety of vocabulary and correct pronunciation.
Expand your vocabulary
Learn new words every day. Commit to a suitable target: it can be three daily words or it can be ten daily words. Even if you only have time to learn one new word per day, it is still worth trying. By learning one word every day, after one year you will have learned 365 new English words.
Improve your pronunciation
You might know a lot of words, but if you fail to say them correctly, you will not be understood. That seems like a waste of the time spent on remembering words, right? That's why there are English pronunciation tutorials on YouTube or podcasts like English Pronunciation Pod or American English Pronunciation to teach you the many aspects of American English pronunciation.
Learn the natural flow of English
Being able to say individual words correctly is great, but the secret of speaking fluently in English lies in the flow of sentences. For example -
I + am = I’m
he + will = he’ll
do + not = don’t
Speech shadowing
This is about imitation. You listen to how a native speaker says something and try to copy it. Pick your favorite video with subtitles. Make sure that it is something you enjoy watching because you will listen to it many times. Listen to the video once and read the subtitles to grasp the general content and flow. While you are playing it again, complete the next step.
Imitate the native speakers' sentence by sentence
This is a very effective way to improve your speaking and listening vocabulary, and grammar skills. It works like this -
Listen – Start by listening to a sentence in English
Repeat – Pause the audio and repeat a sentence or phrase
Record – While repeating the words or sentences, record yourself. Now, no one particularly enjoys listening to themselves speak, but this is an incredibly useful activity for you to follow to understand better how you pronounce your words.
Compare – This is the last part of this method. Listen to the original audio, then listen to your recording and compare the two. Here, you’ll be able to notice what you need to improve; what you’re able to say and understand accurately and the changes you need to make.
Stay Consistent (Practice Every Day)
Do a little every day. This means that even if you’re tired or really busy you still have to commit. Everyone can find 10 minutes a day to commit to something specific. You can do as much as you can, but make sure to do this every day. Remember, consistency is key in learning a complex skill, like the ability to speak English at a high level and with confidence.
So, off you go! Choose your preferred method to expand your vocabulary, correct your pronunciation, and boost your English speaking with the methods that are right for you. Do not forget to practice as much as possible.