English can be difficult to learn, but don't give up! By continuing to practice and using the right learning resources, you can start speaking English with confidence.
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Part 1 of 3: Improving Spoken English
Step 1. Take an English class or discussion group
One more way to add English conversation to your weekly routine is to sign up for a discussion group class.
- Taking English classes is a great way to focus on some of the more formal aspects of English. Classes will teach you how to speak grammatically -- covering correct sentence structure and verb conjugation and will generally provide a very structured approach to language learning.
- Joining a discussion group is a more informal and relaxed way to learn English, the emphasis is more on communication and relationship building than speaking English "properly". Speaking English in this setting can help you become more comfortable speaking in front of other people.
- Both of these language learning environments have their pluses and minuses, so it's better to do both if you can!
Step 2. Speak English a little bit every day
The absolute best way to learn a new language is to just speak it. It doesn't matter if you know only five words in English or if you're practically fluent -- speaking English with other people is the quickest, most effective way to improve.
- Don't wait until you "feel more comfortable" with English -- you may still have a long way to go at that level, so push yourself outside your comfort zone and start speaking English right now. You will be amazed how quickly your language skills get better.
- Find a native English speaker who is willing to spend time in English with you -- you may be able to offer them a language exchange, they spend 30 minutes speaking English with you and you spend 30 minutes in your native language with them.
- If you live in an English-speaking country, you can practice starting simple conversations with people you meet, whether that's saying "hello" to a shopkeeper or asking a stranger for directions.
Step 3. Practice your pronunciation
Even if you have a decent grasp of English, with good grammar and an extensive vocabulary, native English speakers can have a hard time understanding if you don't practice your pronunciation.
- Correct and clear pronunciation is important if you really want to improve your English level. Listen carefully to how native English speakers pronounce certain words and sounds and do your best to imitate them.
- Pay special attention to sounds you don't recognize or don't have in your native language. For example, some people have trouble pronouncing the "r" sound because it's not in their native language, while others have trouble with certain consonant clusters, such as the "th" sound.
- Be careful with the pronunciation of certain English words which vary widely depending on where they are spoken. For example, American English is very different from British English. If you intend to travel to or live in an English-speaking country, this is something you should take into account when learning how to pronounce certain words.
Step 4. Expand your vocabulary and use idiomatic expressions
The wider your vocabulary and the more English phrases you learn, the easier it will be to speak English.
- Again, spending time with native English speakers will help you absorb common vocabulary and expressions naturally. While reading, watching English TV and listening to the news is also beneficial.
- After you learn a new word or phrase, you should try to use it in sentences -- this is the best way to bind it to memory.
- Another easy way to tie new words to memory is to put labels on everyday household items and stick them all over your house or apartment. Then every time you use the kettle or look in the mirror, you'll see the English word for these things that you're dealing with.
- You should also start a notebook of idiomatic expressions that English speakers often use. Some examples include "it's raining cats and dogs " (heavy rain), "to be on cloud nine" (feeling very happy) or saying that something is a "piece of cake" (when something is very easy). Sprinkling phrases like these into your conversations will significantly improve your English level.
Step 5. Bring a dictionary
Carrying an English dictionary with you at all times (whether it's a book or a mobile app) can be very useful.
- Having a dictionary means you'll never get stuck with words. It can save you from embarrassment if you're having a conversation with an English speaker and forget a word in the middle of a sentence -- you just have to look for it for a moment!
- Apart from avoiding awkwardness, finding the word you need and then using it right away in a sentence will really help you remember this new vocabulary.
- It's also useful to have a dictionary to use throughout the day, in private moments, such as when riding a train, waiting for signs to cross the road or just drinking coffee. You can get an additional 20 to 30 new English words every day using this technique!
- As a beginner, you should start with an English dictionary that provides definitions in your native language. However, as your language proficiency improves, you should replace it with an English-English dictionary that provides definitions of English using English.
- If you're just going to the store and think carrying a large dictionary would be too time-consuming, try using a translator app on your phone or tablet!
Part 2 of 3: Improve Your Writing, Reading, Listening Skills
Step 1. Listen to English radio or podcasts
One of the best ways to improve your English listening comprehension is by downloading an English podcast or radio app on your mobile phone or on your MP3 player.
- You should try to listen to the podcast or radio show for at least 30 minutes per day. Do it in the gym, on the way to work, or while sitting at the computer.
- Really try to “understand” what is being said, don't let the English pass you by. Even if you find it too fast, try picking up key words and phrases to get a general idea of the conversation.
- If you can, make a note of any words or phrases you don't understand and see the translation later. Then listen to the podcast or show again to hear the new word or phrase in context.
Step 2. Watch English movies and TV shows
Another fun way to improve your listening comprehension is watching English movies and TV shows.
- Try choosing movies and TV shows that you'll enjoy -- this will make the practice less overwhelming. If you can, choose a movie or show you're already familiar with, such as a children's cartoon or blockbuster. If you already know the basic story you will find the language easier to absorb.
- But you should avoid watching movies or TV shows with subtitles in your native language -- it will distract you and make you less willing to focus on understanding English which is the purpose of doing this.
Step 3. Read books, newspapers or magazines in English
Reading is an essential part of learning a new language, so don't forget to practice!
- Find something you're really interested in -- be it a famous English novel, The New York Times or a fashion magazine and start training yourself with it. If you find the content boring, you will be less interested in doing it.
- Again, be actively trying to really understand your reading, don't be skimmed. Underline words or phrases you don't understand, then look them up in the dictionary.
- If you are alone, you can also read it aloud – this will allow you to improve your reading comprehension as well as improve your pronunciation.
Step 4. Write a diary (diary) in English
Apart from taking care of your reading comprehension, you should also spend time improving your English writing.
- This can be the most difficult aspect of language learning, but it is still important. Writing in English will help you improve your sentence structure, grammar and spelling.
- Try writing a diary in English every day, even if it's just a few sentences. You don't need to get too deep into yourself -- you can write about the weather, your meal for dinner or your plans for the day.
- If you're comfortable with this, ask a native speaker to check what you've written and find faults. This will help you avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Step 5. Find an English speaking pen pal
Once your written language skills improve, you might consider finding an English-speaking pen pal!
- Having an English-speaking pen pal combines your English writing practice with the fun of receiving letters or emails!
- Your pen pal could be someone who is learning English like yourself, or it could be a native English speaker who wants to practice their foreign language skills by writing in your native language.
- Having a pen pal from an English-speaking country (such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa, for example) will also allow you to learn more about the culture and how to live that part of the world.
Part 3 of 3: Commit to Your New Language
Step 1. Stay motivated
When learning any new language, it's important to stay motivated and not give up on your goal of becoming fluent.
- Stay committed to your language learning goal by reminding yourself how strongly you want to achieve it. Think of all the amazing experiences and opportunities that will be available to you once you master the English language.
- You will be able to converse with English speakers from all over the world and develop new and exciting relationships, you will be able to relate more to English-speaking cultures than ever before and have the potential to advance your career as a result of your new language skills.
Step 2. Exercise every day
If you want to be fluent fast, you need to commit to practice every day.
- Learning a new language is based on repetition, so if you pause too long between study sessions, you'll forget everything you've learned before and have to start all over again, wasting valuable time.
- However, you shouldn't study so much that you're sick of English -- try to keep it interesting by completing different tasks each day – one day reading, one day listening comprehension, one day writing practice, one day studying grammar, etc..
- But don't miss the opportunity to practice speaking English, because it is the most important way to achieve fluency.
Step 3. Train yourself to think in English
One way to transition from very good in English to be fluent it trains your brain to think in English.
- Always translating from your mother tongue to English and vice versa in your head it consumes time and energy. Each language has its own details and characteristics, which make accurate translation from one language to another impossible in some circumstances.
- As a result, your spoken and written English will glide more naturally and more smoothly if you can train your brain to think in English. Think of it like a switch – when it's time to communicate in English, you need to turn on your English brain and turn off your native language brain!
Step 4. Make friends with English speakers
One of the greatest tests of a person's fluency in their second language is placing them in a room filled with all native speakers and seeing if that person can join in and contribute to the conversation.
- The best way to achieve this level of fluency is to make friends with some English speakers and socialize with them, such as in a cafe or bar.
- This way, you'll be forced to use English if you want to interact with your friends, but it won't feel like work or study because you'll have a lot of fun!
Step 5. Don't be afraid to be wrong
The biggest obstacle holding you back from learning a new language is the fear of making mistakes.
- This fear is useless -- it is simply an obstacle that keeps you from reaching your goal of fluency.
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes and don't be shy! Of course no one can use a new language perfectly at first. Try to express yourself even if it's still difficult.
- Remember that everyone can make mistakes when learning a new language – it has to be passed. You'll almost certainly have awkward or embarrassing moments when you accidentally say something rude or untrue, but this all contributes to the fun.
- Also remember that you don't aim for perfection when learning English, you aim for progress. Making mistakes is part of the learning process, it will help you get better, so accept it!
Tips
- Learn the phonetic alphabet (speech symbols). This can help you pronounce correctly, and it's necessary to speak with the correct intonation if you want to make friends with native English speakers. This is important business for non-native English speakers.
- Dictation is a great way to improve your listening and spelling skills. Have a friend read a few paragraphs from a book or newspaper. Write down what you want to hear. Compare what you wrote with the original text.
- Learn about the culture of English-speaking countries.
- Look for native people who not only speak English, but can teach it too. Learn grammar and vocabulary through visual, auditory and verbal means. Tweak the cycle so it doesn't get saturated.
- Learn all tenses and moods in English. A quick search on the internet will lead you to it. It is also important that you learn the correct subject-verb relationship. If you conjugate a verb incorrectly, it sounds sloppy, because native speakers rarely get it wrong. If you conjugate it correctly, it's actually impressive for native English speakers.
- If your destination is in the US, look for literacy programs in your area – they are generally free, learn a certain skill and try your best to make English-speaking friends. Americans love people with an "I can do it!" mentality. In the UK, useful skills as well as politeness take precedence.
- Take an ESL (English as a Second Language) class at a local public campus (if you live in the US.) Classes are free!
