Do you struggle to speak English? We all do. Even those of us who’ve been studying it for years. As we grow up, we pick up new words and phrases that we use daily. However, as we get older and more comfortable in our own skin, the English language starts to slow down.
How to speak better English?
Follow the next steps:
1) Imitate others
We often imitate the speech patterns of those with whom we speak. People around us may talk a high-energy, fast way and this is what our brain starts to mimic. This helps reduce stammering when speaking languages that are similar or having interrupted conversations in general. Don’t worry about pronouncing words clearly because studies show that imitation is one of the best ways to improve pronunciation.
2) Keep in mind speaking with a partner or in front of the mirror
A great way to improve pronunciation is by speaking out loud and clearly. Most people find it difficult to speak well when they are separated from those whose speech patterns they’re attempting to mimic, so performance improvements can be made by standing in front of a magnifying mirror or talking into your phone as you listen for feedback from someone else. Don’t worry about stammering as this technique will drastically reduce it if done correctly!
3) Learn full expressions not words only
Think of new expressions as a unit that you can’t separate and use them to decorate your speech. For example, “I’m just not feeling this anymore” sounds better than saying, “I don’t want this anymore”. EDUCATE YOURSELF!
4) Do not delay using what have you learned
Once you have learned these words, vocabulary, grammar, keep them in mind for everyday conversations. As a learner, you have to work harder and remember more than the native speaker. See more how to speak English like a native.
5) Enjoy it
Just keep in mind that learning how to stammer is just the beginning. As you continue, don’t forget to find enjoyment in speaking your language with confidence and fluency! Engage with others Whenever possible, participate in social situations where stammering might occur. Talking to new people is the key to reducing or eliminating your speech impediment!
6) listening equals speaking
To be fluent you have to listen as much as you speak. When you speak, just listen to your voice in the mirror or talk into your phone. Giving feedback to yourself will help you learn new ways of speaking and developing a product better than the one originally used.
7) Talk with native speakers face to face
Often it is easier to improve your pronunciation by talking out loud and then watching yourself in a mirror or phone. Talking into the phone forces you to listen so you can speak clearly. It also helps for hearing feedback on what you are saying!
8) Behave as an actor and be yourself a teacher
To speak well, it is important to learn how other natives speak. It is also encouraged to try and change your accent/dialect for a more native-like speech pattern. Always have that “being yourself” teacher within you going any time you are speaking!
9) Less tense at the mouth
Remember not to be too worried about voicing every letter in each word because stammering may happen but let them go! Relax and choose a smooth way of saying something rather than stressing over pronouncing words correctly with perfect enunciation.
But keep in Mind!
Since each learner has a skill so focus on your skill. You have been here before and know what your goal is. Remember that it’s not just about speaking out loud, but rather in front of a mirror or phone! Choose the options below to help you work on specific skills:
- Listen and repeat – this method allows pronunciation practice without talking aloud.
- Mouth compresses with tongue placement exercises – these skills will train muscles to release when they dart in too quickly.
- Other methods like clucking sounds, lip-smacking for long vowels, etc.
- Write down words (such as “hate,” “cat,” “apron”), then try saying them over and over again until each time becomes effortless.
FAQ
How can I improve my English speaking skills?
Improving your English speaking skills requires consistent practice and dedication. Here are some tips to help you enhance your speaking abilities:
Practice Regularly: Make speaking English a daily habit. Set aside time each day to practice speaking, even if it’s just for a few minutes. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.
Find a Speaking Partner: Practice speaking with a language exchange partner, friend, family member, or tutor who is fluent in English. Engage in conversations on a variety of topics to improve your fluency and vocabulary.
Shadowing: Listen to English audio recordings or videos and try to mimic the speaker’s pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm. This technique, known as shadowing, can help improve your speaking fluency and accent.
Record Yourself: Record yourself speaking in English and listen to the recordings. Pay attention to your pronunciation, intonation, and fluency, and identify areas for improvement.
Join Conversation Groups: Join conversation groups or language clubs where you can practice speaking English with other learners or native speakers. Participating in group discussions can help build your confidence and improve your speaking skills in a supportive environment.
Focus on Pronunciation: Pay attention to English pronunciation patterns and practice difficult sounds or words regularly. Use pronunciation guides, online resources, or language learning apps to improve your pronunciation skills.
Expand Your Vocabulary: Work on expanding your vocabulary by learning new words and phrases every day. Use flashcards, vocabulary apps, or language learning websites to build your vocabulary and incorporate new words into your speaking practice.
Speak Slowly and Clearly: Focus on speaking slowly and clearly, especially if you’re still learning English. Take your time to articulate each word and phrase, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if needed.
Actively Listen: Actively listen to native speakers and pay attention to how they structure their sentences, use idiomatic expressions, and engage in conversations. Learning from native speakers can help improve your speaking skills and language fluency.
Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes: Remember that making mistakes is a natural part of language learning. Don’t be afraid to take risks and speak English as much as possible, even if you’re not perfect. Learning from your mistakes will help you improve over time.
By incorporating these tips into your daily routine and staying committed to your language learning goals, you can make significant strides in improving your English speaking skills. Remember to be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress along the way.
How can I speak English very good?
To speak English very well, you need to focus on improving various aspects of your language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, fluency, and confidence. Here are some strategies to help you achieve proficiency in spoken English:
Immerse Yourself in English: Surround yourself with English as much as possible. Listen to English music, watch English movies and TV shows, read English books and articles, and engage with English-speaking communities online or in person.
Practice Regularly: Make speaking English a daily habit. Set aside time each day to practice speaking, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Practice with a language partner, friend, family member, or tutor who can provide feedback and support.
Focus on Pronunciation: Pay attention to English pronunciation patterns and practice difficult sounds or words regularly. Use pronunciation guides, online resources, or language learning apps to improve your pronunciation skills.
Expand Your Vocabulary: Work on expanding your vocabulary by learning new words and phrases every day. Use flashcards, vocabulary apps, or language learning websites to build your vocabulary and incorporate new words into your speaking practice.
Study Grammar: Review English grammar rules and structures to improve your sentence construction and fluency. Practice using different grammatical forms in context to reinforce your understanding.
Listen Actively: Actively listen to native speakers and pay attention to how they structure their sentences, use idiomatic expressions, and engage in conversations. Learning from native speakers can help improve your speaking skills and language fluency.
Practice Speaking in Different Situations: Practice speaking English in a variety of situations, such as ordering food at a restaurant, making phone calls, giving presentations, or participating in group discussions. This will help you become comfortable speaking English in different contexts.
Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from native speakers, teachers, tutors, or language exchange partners to identify areas for improvement and receive guidance on how to progress. Constructive feedback can help you address weaknesses and refine your language skills more effectively.
Be Confident: Believe in yourself and your ability to learn and improve your English speaking skills. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or take risks when speaking English. Confidence is key to becoming a proficient English speaker.
Be Patient and Persistent: Learning a language takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself and stay committed to your language learning goals. Celebrate your progress along the way and keep pushing yourself to improve.
By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine and staying dedicated to your language learning journey, you can become a confident and proficient English speaker over time. Remember that consistent practice, exposure, and willingness to learn are essential for success.
Can I improve my pronunciation?
Yes, it’s good practice to make your voice sound like a native speaker. It will let you hear yourself saying the word correctly so that when talking aloud you can correct mistakes! Try going into an enclosed space where there are no distractions and practicing raising your voice just slightly above a conversational level while repeating each word five times in quick succession.
Is it normal to make mistakes?
It’s common to make mistakes when talking! English is a language full of tongue twisters like “to” and “two.” There are also many words that sound similar but have different meanings.
Are idioms useful?
Idioms are phrases that do not need to be translated and tend to have a figurative meaning. Idioms depend on words, their usual expression implies about things in common with the idiomatic part of speech and it often doesn’t make sense without the preposition “to.”
This is one:
Idiom = saying something while I’m saying another thing altogether.
In short, learners have to work hard and love what they do during their better speaking English process in order to be totally successful in it. When they feel like it’s hard work, or if their motivation isn’t there, this can make it difficult to enjoy the process of learning- especially when they don’t know what else is out there.