Speak... Buddy Speak!

 

“The ability to express an idea is well nigh as important as the idea itself.”
                                                                                               

                                                                     -  Bernard Baruch   

... And what better way to express an idea than speaking about it?

As an English Language Trainer, one of the queries I face often is, “Ma’am, how do I improve my Spoken English?” In reality, there is no one-stop solution for this. Each of us is different and, therefore, the difficulties faced by us are different as well. Some may have issues in pronunciation, some may have difficulty in vocabulary, while some may simply be afraid to speak. Actually, the last is the most common barrier to fluent speaking. You may have all the resources you need, but still while speaking, you suddenly become conscious and stumble. But, all is not lost - for a good trainer would be able to help you improve your speaking skills. In the meantime, there are a few simple tips you may follow to work by yourself and make progress in the way you speak.

The first thing you should do is stop getting worked-up!! It is absolutely okay to make mistakes. We all fumble at times but this is no reason why you should get de-motivated. In fact, this should spur you on. Take it up as a challenge and try not to repeat the make mistakes again. However, if you do it again – no problem – try a third time! I am going to share with you some of the strategies I advice my students to take to improve their speaking skills.

Strategy – I

Slow Down Your Speed of Speaking

You may be a fluent speaker in your mother tongue, but that may not be the case while attempting to speak in English. Though it is true that getting across your point is more important than perfect speaking, yet one has to keep in mind that making a good impression on the audience is also important. It is completely acceptable, if you speak more slowly and more clearly. It would help you not only in pronunciation but also in word selection.

Strategy – II

Speak, Speak, Speak

It is said that practice makes a man (woman) perfect. Therefore, there is no better way to improve spoken skills than speaking as much as possible. Do not be shy. Be confident and speak as much as possible to as many people as you can! Don’t feel conscious if you make mistakes. The more you practice, the more you improve your pronunciation and achieve fluency.

Strategy – III

Be A Good Listener Too

Listen for what to say and how to say. Sometimes, when speaking a foreign language, we are so focussed on what we are saying and whether it’s correct or not, that we forget to listen to what is being said by others. It’s important that we pay attention when others speak so that we are able to pick up words and grammar, which we may use later. Listening is actually a great resource for speaking. Listen to news bulletins or songs to improve pronunciation.

Strategy – IV

Try to Read Aloud

I am sure you love to listen to the sound of your own voice. So, why not use this to improve your speaking? Take a book, a magazine or a newspaper and read aloud to yourself. This is an excellent way to improve pronunciation as you only focus on the words you speak without bothering about grammatical structure. Note down any new words you come across and find out what it means. This adds to your vocabulary.

Strategy – V

Use Technology

Technology is literally available at our fingertips now. Your smartphone can be a very useful tool for learning a language. Use it to record yourself speak and play it back to hear how your English sounds to others. Try to find your mistakes and work on rectifying them.

Strategy – VI

Do Some Activity in English Everyday

Try and set aside at least 1 hour each day to do something purely in English. Take a cooking lesson or join a Book Club. No matter what you do, make sure that you communicate only in English while doing it. More importantly, enjoy what you do!

Strategy – VII

Watch Good Movies Regularly

Watching movies regularly will serve two purposes. It will keep you entertained as well as help you improve pronunciation and vocabulary. Imitate the way your favourite stars say their dialogues and have fun while learning!

Strategy – VIII

Make English Speaking Friends

Make friends with people who are English speakers or who are learning to speak. Converse with them in English and compare notes. Pick up topics for discussions and debates. Try to use a wide range of vocabulary while speaking.

Strategy – IX

Learn Sentence, Not Only Words

One of the most common problems I have come across is that sometimes people know a lot of words but have little idea of how to use them. So, whenever you come across a new word, try to make a couple of sentences with it, so that when you actually speak, you will know exactly where and how to place the words. Try to practice speaking in chunks and not in single words.

Strategy – X

Use A Mirror

Whenever possible, spend 2-3 minutes facing a mirror and speak. Choose a topic you find interesting and just talk. Watch your mouth, face and hands and observe your kinesics (body language). Remember, non-verbal communication is as important as speaking. Don’t stop speaking even if you have mispronounced a word or made a mistake in grammar. You can always correct it later. Just focus on fluency and how many inaccuracies are occurring during the time you have set for speaking.

Always remember that there is absolutely no reason why you cannot speak English fluently. Keep on practicing and I am sure that you would become a fine orator one day. I hope you find my strategies useful. Feel free to contact me, if you have and questions, I am here to help you learn.

Written by Kusumika

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