Tips to improve your English! by Nse.CynGrin - English Coach

'Words are not easy'. You may have memorized a myriad of vocabulary lists, you know the grammar needed to hold a conversation and still find yourself lost when you want to express yourself. 

There are several reasons behind this phenomenon, some of them more obvious than others. In this article, I would like to give you some recommendations to help you overcome the difficulties you can experience, using some of the simplest methods to improve your communication skills in English.

1.   Slow down the speed when you speak

May be you are an eloquent speaker when it comes to your mother tongue, but expect the same standards when spoken in a foreign language may not be very realistic. To overcome this difficulty, it is best to reduce the speed when talking. Great speakers do the same to convey their message. Carefully select your words. Show that you are interested in the conversation. Let it be noticed that you are interested in giving the best possible answer.

2.   Give yourself time to think 

Sometimes it may seem that the one listening to you is impatient. Probably it is not true: people often prefer a well-thought-out response to the hasty. Another practical thing you can do is to have some fixed sentences that you can use when staying silent is not an option. The speaker earns a considerable amount of time to reflect simply by repeating the question and adding a few sentences. If you do the same, you will sound more fluid and you will not feel the pressure of having to say anything before you are ready. 

3.   Learn sentences, not just words

In a way, this will also eliminate the pressure. When you learn a new word, try to memorize a couple of sentences that contain it. It’ll come a time when you can use a particular sentence with little or no alteration.

4.   Learn to listen

When you speak in a foreign language, you can be so focused on whether what you say is right or not, that you forget to hear what others say. This is a big mistake because they might be using the exact words or grammar you'll need later. So pay attention to what is said around you, it is a very important resource when talking to someone.

5.   Practice your questions 

Ask questions! It not only shows you are interested, but also offers a dialogue to not end up being the one who has to talk all the time. 

Therefore, when you run out of ideas about what to say, remember: others might have something to add.

The questions will keep the conversation on, and will show your interest in other people's opinions.  Questions will also give you time to relax a bit and start having fun. Make sure you spend enough time learning the right ways to ask questions.

6.   Produce, produce, Produce

As I said at the beginning of this article, you may know something about the English language, but this knowledge is passive and must be activated in some way.

Your goal is to produce correct and fluent English; practice is undeniably the best way to learn and improve. Speaking is a spontaneous process and nothing prepares you better than begin to learn and practice. It will be a great experience!