Speaking English is what it is all about! Communicating with others; Sharing stories and
plans; Making friends; all of these things start with speaking. As a teacher, I find that what most of my students want to do is speak English. What they find is that it can be difficult. Here are some tips I give my students to help them improve their speaking skill.
Tip 1: Take the basics seriously. Make sure you understand the basics of English grammar, and vocabulary. This will not only help you have a better understanding of English but also make you feel more confident when they’re speaking. And when it comes to speaking English, confidence is very important.
Tip 2: Avoid translation. When speaking English, it's important to avoid directly translating words from the native language into English. You don’t want to be in conversation and suddenly stop to look up a word. Instead, try using synonyms and explanations. It will be worth the work.
Tip 3: Listen and read. Having English conversations with friends, watching movies, and reading books are all great ways to boost listening and reading skills in English. Reading out loud helps you get used to using your voice in English. You can practice by yourself and become a better speaker with others.
Tip 4: Practice, practice, practice! Repetition is key when it comes to becoming a better English speaker. Try to put aside a certain amount of time each day. One way to practice
is to watch your favorite English TV show and repeat what you hear them say.
Tip 5: Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are inevitable. I like to tell the story of my high school music teacher. He told me once, “Chris, you have to sing louder.” I told him I was afraid of making mistakes. Then he said, “Chris, you will make mistakes. If you make loud mistakes I can help you fix them. If you make quiet mistakes you will make the same mistakes forever.” The advice he gave me, I give to you: make LOUD mistakes.
These 5 tips are sure to help you become awesome English speakers. But don’t forget the most important part: practice is key. Implement these tips and you will be fluent English speakers in no time!