7 English Speaking Tips You Must Know

Here are 7 English speaking tips you must know to become a more confident English speaker.

1. Listen first

One of the best English speaking tips is to listen carefully to understandable English EVERY DAY. Most people turn to textbooks to study English grammar rules, but you cannot learn the correct English pronunciation of the words by just mere reading them.

Instead, listen to how native English speakers enunciate their words and observe their mouth movements. Try to imitate the intonation and rhythm of their speech. Also watch English shows and movies to build on your English accent and improve your vocabulary.

2. Do not be too conscious on the grammar

Yes, it is important to learn the basic grammar rules in English. However, you do not need to learn grammar in detail because this can distract you from speaking English fluently. Most people tend to concentrate more on not committing any grammatical errors while talking, so oftentimes, their accents become stilted. Grammar rules make you think about English when what you want to do is to speak better English naturally without sounding too forced.

3. Practice makes perfect

The cardinal rule in English speaking – practice, practice, practice! Studies show that you’ll probably spend three months of practice everyday in order to have strong mouth muscles and get the hang of in speaking a new language. Read aloud in English for 15 to 20 minutes a day in front of the mirror. Try the articulation exercises which help in accent reduction or neutralization in order for you to improve your English communication skills.
Also, practice with your friends and family. Talking with a good English speaker can help improvise your usage of words and formation of sentences.

4. Think in English

One of the most effective English speaking tips is to think in English. What most English learners do in the early stages of learning is that they think of what they have to say in their native language, translate and then tell it in English. This can be mentally exhausting and time consuming. And oftentimes, the English sentences that are constructed are flawed.

If your goal is to speak English fluently, you need to learn “thinking “in English. Construct the sentences in English as you think about them before saying them. With practice, you will be able to respond automatically in English.

5. Be more confident

All these English speaking tips will be in vain if you are not that confident on your English speaking skills. It is quite natural to commit errors when learning a new language. Even native English speakers commit grammatical errors every now and then. Do not be too hesitant when speaking because this can make you stammer or make the conversation sound stilted and too forced. But, do not also speak too fast because it will be difficult for people to understand you.
Try to relax if you’re speaking in English. When you speak at a normal speed, you’ll discover that you will be able to pronounce the words correctly and automatically. And if ever you did make a mistake, do not dwell on it so much. Most of the time, the person you are talking to is not even aware of your errors.

6. Find English lessons online

Some people like to invest their money in tutorials and other English courses, but you can learn how to speak English fluently from the comforts of your own home! Learn English online by signing up with schools that offer online tutorials or just download English books for self-study purposes. Online English lessons will allow you to learn English at your own pace. Plus, the prices are generally far lower than an in-person course.

7. Just remember to be patient

Learning English does not happen overnight. It takes a lot of time, effort and practice. Don’t get too frustrated and never give up. Follow these English speaking tips and practice daily. Soon, you would learn to speak English fluently as if it is your own dialect.