There are many things you can do to improve your spoken English. Here are some quick tips that will help you speak confidently and correctly:
Slow Your Speech Down
Every language has its own rhythm and intonation. If you speak too quickly and use the wrong intonation and rhythm, native speakers will struggle to understand you. There is a strong tendency for speakers of English as a second language to import the music and rhythm of their primary language into their use of English. Immersing yourself in the sound of English will help you to avoid this.
Immerse Yourself in Spoken English
Listen to audio books in English while driving or completing household chores. Use the internet or radio to listen to daily news in English. Listen to English pop songs and sing along to the lyrics, or enjoy a movie in English if singing is not your thing. The important thing, though, is to regularly surround yourself with the sound of English – you’ll find many free resources on the internet.
Use the Internet
The internet is full of quality resources that can help you improve your spoken English. You can use resources such as Skype to speak to English-speaking friends, or you can use the free resources and thousands of audio files contained on different language sites to hone your speaking ability.
Be Careful with Pronunciation
If you struggle with pronouncing certain words, get a native English speaker to record them for you and try repeating the sounds you hear. Make sure you pronounce the ending of each word, paying special attention to ‘-s’ and ‘-ed’ endings. Read aloud from a book and record yourself – you can compare your own pronunciation with that of the official audio book.
Keep Talking
There is nothing better than actual conversational practice to improve your spoken English. Malvern House is an English school in London that offers you the chance to improve your English while being surrounded by English speakers in England’s capital. If you can’t visit the UK, seek opportunities to have English conversations as often as possible – many people are happy to take part in a language exchange where they learn your language as you benefit from their English.
The more you use, listen to and familiarise yourself with English the better your spoken English will become – so keep talking!
This is a guest post by Ivana Vitali, content co-ordinator at Content Lobby.com.
If you would like to submit a guest post to English Conversation Online please use the contact form on this page.
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