Do you get tongue-tied when you try
to talk in English? Want to know how to get more speaking confidence? Even the
best English speakers had to start somewhere, so read on to learn the secrets
of their success.
Putting
the pieces together
To speak English well, a number of
different elements need to work together: knowing (and choosing) suitable
vocabulary, using the right grammar and sentence patterns, and producing the
correct sounds, stress patterns, rhythm and intonation. You have to work on
these individual elements if you want to see improvements.
Two-way
process
Speaking is about interacting with
another person, and involves listening as well as talking. Check that the other
person is following, by using conversation strategies like emphasizing key words,
rephrasing, or using expressions like You know what I mean? or Don't
you agree?
It's
not just what you say...
Non-verbal communication is very
important for effective speaking, even for native English speakers. Use
gestures, body language and facial expressions for explanation or emphasis, and
try to read what the other person's body language is saying.
Sing
a song!
Music is a great way to improve your
speaking skills, practice the rhythm of the language and learn some useful
expressions. Look up the lyrics (song words) to your favorite songs on
the Internet, and then practicing singing aloud.
Take
a chance!
You need the right attitude to
improve your English. Look for every opportunity to practice speaking, like
talking to people at parties, approaching a foreigner who looks lost, or just
putting up your hand when your teacher asks a question.
Think
in English every day.
This is a great way to improve your
spoken English, and you can do it anywhere, anytime. At home, you can talk to
yourself while doing everyday tasks like preparing a meal. If you are on the
train or bus, then describe the people around you (in your head, not aloud!),
and when you go to sleep, go over the day's events in English.
Listen
to the sound of your own voice.
Even though you might not like
hearing your own voice, this is a very useful way to find out what's wrong with
your spoken English. Record yourself speaking and then listen to the tape, or
ask a native speaker for some advice.
Keep
a talking journal.
Record your thoughts in English
before you go to sleep at night. You can play the tape at the end of the year
to look back on important events, as well as monitor your English progress.
Take
extra classes.
If you feel you need extra practice
and want to interact with other English learners, why not join a language
class? There are plenty of language schools around, or even online courses.
Don't think you can learn to speak on the Internet? In Englishtown's
teacher-led classes, all you need is a headset and microphone to talk to the
world!
Find
English-speaking friends.
If you are really serious about
becoming a good English speaker, you need to meet people you can speak to in
English. This does NOT only mean native-speakers, though. English is spoken by
many more people as a second language than as a native language, and being able
to understand different accents is very important.
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