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.
Common questions you may have asked yourself about!
Can I improve my listening skills?
Yes, improving listening skills may help with pronunciation and speaking out loud! Some ideas for this would be to work on understanding what is being said by focusing on the accent. This means not only learning how natives speak but also mimicking their words as well (using a hand mirror or phone!). Did you know that listening is a skill?
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.
Can I improve my writing skills?
Yes, writing out words will train the muscles to use the correct pronunciation of each word. It comes with practice! Make sure you can read what you’ve written, and only say it aloud once or twice until your muscles are strong enough to speak without having mistakes.
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.
Are apps help in learning?
Yes, apps help in learning. We recommend using Hillman, “A Handbook of English Pronunciation” to learn how the accent is said and for a descriptive lexicon that shows words with normal pronunciations and multiple interpretations where appropriate.
Is planning helpful in learning?
Yes, planning is very helpful. First of all, it allows you to know what are your goals for learning so that you have a plan to work towards them specifically. This way the person knows where they are going and how long it will take them there! Additionally- we recommend reading up on sources like the National Standards and Common Core State Standards as well as researching which areas your child needs help with before deciding on specific strategies or tactics (beyond general comprehension) in order to make sure these teachings meet their needs and understanding level.
Is traveling useful in learning?
No, traveling is not helpful in learning. It can be a great educational and personal experience for students because it exposes them to different cultures and people, but there isn’t any benefit that will directly translate into academic success or fluency. An example would be something like visiting a private school as part of the application process. Although this may provide insight on how well your child might do at their new school, what they decide to personally teach themselves from traveling outside of the country doesn’t really transfer over to English class.
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.