17 February 2012
If you came from a family whose main language is English, you’re certain to acquire good spoken English. However, if you’re from another country wherein English is not the native language, you might have a hard time learning or speaking English. Some people may also have native accents which can cause pronunciation lapses or mistakes while trying to speak the language, making English learning somewhat impossible. If you need to learn English for your job, if you’re travelling or just want to learn English as a second language, here are 7 useful tips to help you improve your spoken English skills.
Tip #1: Watch and listen to native English speakers
One very basic tip which will be your introduction to spoken English is to continuously listen at native English speakers. American television shows, movies and radio programs are just about some of the avenues you can listen to English and be able to get a feel of American English pronunciation. When you regularly expose yourself to listening English speakers, chances are you will be able to acquire the intonation and speaking pattern and minimize any native accent you may have.
Tip #2: Study English basics
It is important that you know the basics of speaking the English language. Important points include English grammar rules, tenses, parts of a sentence, types of sentence, and other rules of spoken English. You can opt to invest on English learning books which teach you these English essentials. You can also try enrolling in English speaking classes to help you out. If you don’t have the luxury to go to formal schooling, you can opt to learn English online. There are lots of online English courses and materials available in the world wide web for spoken English lessons. These online English classes usually provide handouts and audio materials for you to effectively learn spoken English effortlessly. What’s best about these on line English courses is that you can learn English at the comfort of your own home, in your most convenient time.
Tip #3: Read English aloud
When you have more or less listened to native English speakers for quite some time, it is time for you to try out if you have, more or less, familiarized yourself with the English language. Reading aloud is a good way for you to start practicing your spoken English. If you’re unsure about how to pronounce an English word, you’d want to get an English dictionary and learn the proper English pronunciation. There are dictionaries available online wherein you actually hear how a word should be pronounced. Give yourself around 15 to 20 minutes reading English aloud as it helps strengthen your muscles on your mouth area, making you pronounce words better and clearer.
Tip #4: Develop English writing skills
While this may sound tricky, honing your written English could also help you develop your spoken English skills. Learning how to write in English can also help you in constructing grammatically correct and sensible sentences that English speakers will understand. A good way to practice your English writing skills would be to maintain a journal, whether written or online. Writing will also develop your spelling and widen your vocabulary.
Tip #5: Converse with other people using the English language
Initially, find a person who is a native English speaker or someone who is already speaking English fluently. Read aloud or speak do a dyad with this person and have a series of English conversation lessons. Have the person assess your current English capabilities and don’t be afraid to make mistakes during your first few sessions. Once you feel that you’re comfortable speaking English, find other people who are also learning English and have good conversation with English as your preferred language. Joining an English club that has regular meetings can certainly help you in improving your spoken English. Engaging in conversational English will help you improve your English language capabilities.
Tip #6: Widen your vocabulary
Once you learn basic English words that are usually said during English conversation, it is also wise if you learn new words which could add to your vocabulary enrichment. Make the English dictionary as one of your best friends as it will help you find the meaning of words that you are not familiar with and use them in future conversations.
Tip #7: Be patient
Your pacing in learning the English language is entirely dependent on your determination and openness to studying it. You may find yourself feeling frustration or disappointment when trying to learn English. Improving spoken English doesn’t happen overnight. You’ll need hard work, commitment and a lot of studying to be able to master English speaking. By practicing conversing using spoken English and continuously learning new words, you’ll be able to handle speaking in English fluently in no time.
Once you have followed all 7 tips and feel quite confident that you know how to improve spoken English skills, you can go to places wherein English is the major spoken language and test whatever you have learned there. Don’t put too much pressure on sounding like a native American at the beginning of your journey. As long as your spoken English is understandable and follows the rules of spoken English, you’re doing fine.