Learning how to speak a new language isn’t easy. You may be able to read the words and understand the meaning, but trying to articulate the words or phrases for yourself, can be a challenging skill that takes students years to master.
To effectively speak English, you’ll need practice and dedication. You’ll need to push yourself out of your comfort zone and always take every opportunity as a learning opportunity.
Here are five ways you can improve your spoken English:
1. Never stop learning
It will take a while to master the skills and understand all the words. When class isn’t in session, don’t forget to read books, magazines, and blogs in English. Watch TV, listen to music, or get into a podcast. The more English you add to your life, the more likely you’ll feel more comfortable speaking the language over time.
2. Speak as much as you can
Never stop speaking! You may experience some uncomfortable situations from time to time, but that’s all part of the learning experience. Don’t be afraid to communicate with classmates, employees at a coffee shop, or any native speakers in your community. Every conversation you have will get you closer to your goals.
3. Take notes
Did you hear a new word you want to learn more about later? Write it down! Do you need a cheat sheet to remember important expressions or phrases when you go to dinner with friends? Write it down! Writing notes on your phone or a piece of paper is a great way to keep English top of mind and always be learning more about the worlds you hear.
4. Focus on phrases
It can be easy to get caught up in always learning specific words. This is a great way to expand your vocabulary and knowledge of the language. However, if you want to improve your spoken English, you’ll want to focus on phrases. Phrases are a group of words within a sentence. Instead of saying “Goodbye.” Try saying “It was great seeing you!” or “See you later!”
5. Learn from your mistakes
It can be easy to feel discouraged after an encounter. However, every opportunity is a learning opportunity. Reflect on how that conversation went, and write down words you want to remember: so you can always be pushing yourself forward. Slowly but surely, you’ll be speaking English like a pro.