How to Improve English Speaking Skills

How to Improve English Speaking Skills - Prospects preparing to appear for International English Language Tests like IELTS/TOEFL might need help to improve speaking skills in English. If English is not the first language, ELP tests IELTS or TOEFL seem pretty straightforward in testing a candidate’s abilities. In the ELP tests, candidates not only have to present themselves in English orally but also delve right into a popular topic and present their opinions in a confident manner. Speaking section also involves combined tasks i.e. candidates have to speak based on their listening and reading skills. All this requires adequate English communication improvement and planning.

Read the full article to know the important tips to improve English speaking skills and how to put them into practice.

7 Tips To Speak English Fluently

Watch English Movies

Start watching movies, documentaries, or shows in English to improve speaking skills in English. This is the first step among English speaking tips to start. The first advantage of watching movies is to hold one’s attention. Watching movies that interest us more, enables an easy way to understand language through context and meaning instead of direct words or sentences. It helps in getting used to the usage of colloquial English language as well as getting a feeling for conversation skills in English.

Expanding vocabulary is a key step of improving Speaking skills in english. Start picking new words and learn their meaning meanwhile to improve vocabulary. Watching movies, documentaries or Netflix shows provides a long duration of exposure to the English language which starts to set off thinking in English.

Watch English Language News and Watch More

This improves English communication skills by introducing many new English words. Popular news channels like BBC, CNN, or Fox News use a high standard English language in their broadcasts or News reporters when delivering news. Thisnot only improves new vocabulary and speaking skills in English, but exposes one to the global standard English language as well as creates an awareness of current events in the world. Compared to accents in English, news broadcasts offer an easy pronunciation as well.

Keep A Book for Vocabulary

It is said that lack of ideas is the main barrier to speaking good English. Also, expressing good ideas requires good vocabulary. So candidates aiming for international ELP tests must focus on adding more and more vocabulary, and learn ideas behind them every day as part of English communication improvement. Start applying them by using them in speaking sentences to completely internalise them. It helps with speaking skills in English in the actual test environment.

Get to Used to Having More Conversations in English

Start by speaking more and more in English to improve conversation skills in English. Speak to friends, family or acquaintances to improve spoken English on the ground. Join in English coaching classes to find fellow mates, join online discussion forums where people discuss, or join in subject discussions with fellow students and try to speak only in English. Never be afraid to make mistakes or speak incorrectly when learning speaking skills in English! Be free to make mistakes. The simple way is to focus on what is being said rather than how it is being said.

While it certainly helps having a fellow person to improve conversation skills in English, when it is not possible, do the self-practice by speaking in English and recording on personal phones or recorders. This way, it is also possible to rewind the recorded speech, reflect on it and improve speaking skills in English.

Practise, Practise and Practise More

Many candidates ignore practice by becoming complacent. Lack of continuous practice is one of the reasons that prevents good speaking skills in English. It is important to know that the actual exam environment is quite different, and might create pressure. So, don’t ignore practising speaking skills in English even after achieving a good standing in English. It is advised to go beyond the actual test syllabus and improve speaking skills in English as much as possible so that exam preparation becomes more and more easy.

Listen More

Understand that speaking is often a response to native English speakers. Get into their shoes and start listening more and more with an intention to reply rather than speak. This gradually makes one become more confident and feel natural in speaking English. Even better, listening provides a way to connect with people. Being good at listening naturally makes one good in conversation. It makes one comfortable to be in their own shoes and make English a part of their natural speaking abilities.

Make it Fun

Merely focusing on improving speaking skills in English can have the backlash of actually losing interest in the Language. Candidates must make sure it is fun and entertaining as well as expanding their horizons. The best way is to make new friends, play language games, discuss movies, participate in critical debates on interesting topics, etc.

While the above tips improve English speaking to a great extent, For candidates preparing for international ELP tests like IELTS, apart from personal speaking training, it is important to understand test patterns, attempt practice tests and mock tests as much as possible, take various courses to improve english speaking skills provided by them, and know the syllabus of the speaking sections. It is the most important and final step to ace IELTS or TOEFL.

Why is my English not Improving?

Many students complain of not showing good English Communication Improvement. Apart from having good resources, opportunities to speak and practise or join coaching classes, the possible reasons are:

1. Not spending enough time to improve speaking skills in English.

2. Not learning to apply English speaking tips in real life situations.

3. Too much focus and worry on grammar.

4. Not allowing themselves to make mistakes.

5. Lack of a good plan to follow regularly.

6. Lack of consistency in practice.

7. Practising too much based on native language.