Speaking English is one of the most important skills or talents a person should have. Known to be the universal language in the world; when you travel any place in the world. There will be at least one person who can speak English.
Communication is a very tricky topic to cover, we are taught that there are many different ways to communicate, but at some point in time learning a language to be able to express oneself is not an easy task. As an English Teacher here in the Philippines I must speak well in this language. My students can mimic my bad habits of speaking, which they might use in situations that will place them at a disadvantage. I make the point that before I open my mouth I think before I speak.
At this point in my life, I have guided myself in ways to further improve my English speaking ability, and with this post, I hope to share the different ways and techniques I have used to improve.
1. Fluency in English
Living in a country like the Philippines, speaking my own native tongue can be quite difficult. The Philippine national language is an adaptation of different languages, majorly due to our country's reach colonial history. In that sense, fluency is hard to achieve, but I found that constant usage, widening my vocabulary, and applying it in real-life situations are important. If given a chance to speak English with someone or a crowd I take that opportunity to speak. Do not be afraid of mistakes, fluency is not a talent we can have in an instance. It grows over time as long as consistency is applied.
2. Listening and Reading are Key
Watching English movies & television series, listening to English songs, and reading books in English are ways to widen your perspective in the usage of the language. Unfamiliar vocabulary will be present and it is a chance for you to find its origin, meaning, and usage. Nowadays subtitles are present in any form of media and it is easy to translate and speak foreign languages, but it is still vital to listen and read materials for mastery and retention is the key to speaking English.
3. Expound Vocabulary
Learning new words can be overwhelming. Sometimes we are just contented on the vocabulary words we know and use them repeatedly, but over time we need to realize that these words are not enough to convey what we really want to say. Expanding your vocabulary is important, this promotes fluency, clarity, and a coherent way of using the English language. When you encounter a new word, pick up a dictionary and learn it.
4. Look for Weak Spots
One main reason why people avoid speaking in English, in general, is the fear of mistakes. The notion that when you say it, it is out there is really never wreaking. But even the greatest public speaker has mistakes, a persons' weak spots are room for improvement. That is why knowing what you lack and what is your weak spot in speaking is vital, we can overcome it.
5. Practice and Converse
You can never master a skill without practical application. The same goes for speaking English. Living in a country like the Philippines, we can speak the language but in terms of fluency, correctness, and coherence it is another type of skill that we need to master. Speaking English should not only entails you speaking out your head idea without thinking of proper vocabulary, word associations, organization, and much more. The key to proper mastery is to apply it, speak the language and ensure that you can hear yourself, take note of mistakes, address them, and change.
6. Think in English
People love to daydream or as a manner of speaking, we held an inner pep-talk or inner monologue to ourselves. Try doing that in English, in that way or sense you can be able to practice speaking English without opening your mouth, use your writing skills as well. If you are more comfortable in writing on paper what you think, much better to check for errors and corrections than play it to yourself. Overall speaking English is a manner of mindset.
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