Unless you’re a native English speaker, the thought of communicating in the language can send chills down your spine. It’s one thing to read textbooks to memorize different words and their meanings.
But speaking fluent English isn’t simply about vocabulary and grammar. You must develop the confidence to communicate in a language that doesn’t come naturally to you.
The great thing is that learning the art of spoken English has become easier than ever. Today, you’ll find a variety of reliable and affordable platforms that enable you to learn English online.
Apart from learning new English phrases, idioms, and sentence structures, these platforms also connect you with a community of learners. That makes it easier for you to practice English speaking without worrying about embarrassing yourself.
While joining an online English class is one of the most effective ways to learn the language, there are plenty of other tactics to improve your speaking skills.
In this blog, we’ll discuss a few simple tips to help you speak English with aplomb. Let’s jump right in.
1. Find a Private Tutor
Of course, you can join an online English course to learn the language. But if you’re a beginner, you’ll have a hard time finding your footing among other students in the class. That, in turn, could undermine your self-esteem and make it difficult for you to develop fluency in spoken English.
A wiser approach is to find a private English tutor who will create a personalized study plan based on your existing knowledge of the language. If you’re living in a non-native English-speaking country, you could still join one-on-one classes with an online English tutor.
Make sure you find a certified tutor, preferably a native English speaker. Also, talk to them before joining the class to understand whether they’re making you feel comfortable.
The right online English tutor will handhold you as you uncover the nuances and complexities of the language. Also, they’ll give you ample opportunities to practice speaking English with them.
The best part is that they’ll provide you with practical tips and insights to improve your pronunciation and fluency. That, in turn, will help you gain enough confidence to talk to other native English speakers.
2. Practice Whenever You Can
A great understanding of English grammar and vocabulary will only take you so far. If you want to develop fluency, you need to start speaking in English every chance you get.
If you’ve decided to learn English online, find a platform that lets you join a community of learners. Interacting with other students who are at a similar language level will help you overcome the initial fear of embarrassment.
Apart from practicing with other learners, you should also try speaking in English with your family members and coworkers. If that isn’t feasible, connect with other non-native English speakers on various online forums.
If you’ve reached an intermediate level, try joining webinars and virtual conferences that are conducted in English. Alternatively, you could sublet a part of your home to foreign travelers. It’s a great way to interact with people from English-speaking countries.
Another lesser-known way is to sing karaoke. Start with simple English songs that help you understand the grammar and context of different phrases.
3. Prioritize Listening
Being a good English speaker isn’t all about fluency. You must develop the ability to communicate and hold lengthy conversations using the language.
Unless you can understand and analyze the other person’s words, you’ll struggle to communicate with them. That, in turn, emphasizes the importance of polishing your listening skills as well.
Apart from talking to other people, you can use to following techniques:
- Listening to audiobooks and podcasts in English
- Turning on the English audio track and subtitles while watching movies and web shows
- Listening to English songs
- Tuning your radio to an English station
- Changing your phone and social media settings to English
The idea is to expose yourself to as much spoken English as possible.
4. Focus on Phrases
Instead of obsessing over your vocabulary, you should try to learn English phrases and expressions. For instance, instead of memorizing the word “tomorrow”, learn the phrase “tomorrow, I will…”.
It’ll help you understand the context in which different words are used. That, in turn, will help your brain associate each word with relevant situations, making it easier for you to communicate in English.
Lastly, remember that you’re going to make mistakes as you make your way through different idioms, words, and expressions. Don’t worry about making a fool of yourself. Instead, try to develop your confidence by learning from each mistake.