How to improve your English speaking skills?

I have often noticed that people find it easier to write in English than to speak the language. People often tell me that when it comes to replying to a simple question asked in English, it becomes a rocket science challenge for their brain cells. The same is the case with you? Worry not dear! I have come up with ways that will bring a positive response in your English speaking skills.

Implement Fluent Reading Habits

Make a habit of reading everyday. You will be required to consciously put effort and give at least half an hour to reading. Reading doesn’t mean looking at your digital devices and scrolling down on someone’s Facebook post! It has to be done with a physical book, keeping your digital devices far out of your reach during the reading time. There are two ways that you need to implement to get a firm grip over the language.

Read Out Loud

You need to grab a book or newspaper or a magazine and sit comfortably (or even stand if you are a standing desk fan) and start reading loudly. Your voice should be heard by you loud and clear. This will help you to understand the voice of your tone which will later be a source for the next step. Note the tone well. Start from reading this way for only 10 minutes a day.

Read Silently

Keep a fixed time for reading silently. It could be just before going to bed or during the evening or any convenient time. Do remember to read at a fixed time for 21 days then automatically your mind will want to read more. You need to keep reading for 20 minutes continuously without any break. While reading, underline the unfamiliar words but don’t stop to find their meanings. Keep reading. I will tell you what to do with the underlined unfamiliar words ahead in the article. So, keep reading this too.

Listen ONLY in English

You might be in love with the songs in your mother tongue or the most spoken language in your circle but remember, you want to improve your hold on English speaking. For this you need to switch to English completely.

• Listen to the news in English
• Switch the sports channel to English language
• Make a English only Spotify playlist
• Listen to Ted talks in English
• Don’t turn the language to Hindi while watching your favourite web series. Instead, turn on the subtitles in English itself and listen and read in English only. It will be like killing two birds with the same arrow!

These little changes will help you improve the quality of your language.

Do you remember I told you to ‘listen to the voice of your tone’? That’s going to come handy now! You need to adjust the voice of your tone according to the tone you want it to be. How? Keep reading!.

Speak like you own the language

Everybody grabs the language but only a handful of people use it as if they themselves have built it. You can also speak English like you own the language if you adjust the voice of your tone accordingly.

When you switch all your listening aids to English language, your brain will automatically catch the tone and gestures of the voice that has impressed you as a listener.

As a little child, you used to copy the tones and gestures of the teacher you were impressed by the most. You never copied that with an intention but because you were impressed with the personality the brain reacts accordingly. The same will happen subconsciously when you speak English. The tone, gestures and words that have impressed you will be added to your brain’s bank without additional efforts.

Ensure that you speak to yourself only in English. Use the language wherever possible. If you make mistakes, it’s amazing! Don’t be surprised! If you are making mistakes that means you are becoming better at the language. Keep going.

Use phrases and idioms

Let me take you back to the 20 minutes reading rule. I promised you to tell you what to do with the underlined unfamiliar words. Here it is!

Make a notebook where you can write the words, phrases and idioms that you didn’t understand while reading. Find out their meanings and write them in the notebook. Revice these words, phrases and idioms on a weekly basis, trying to remember where they were used in the sentences. Sounds interesting right? I’m sure you’ll enjoy doing this!

Use the phrases and idioms that you have learnt into your daily routine. This will help you make a good impression on people acting as a self-booster of your self-confidence.

I’m sure by following these tips, you will definitely get a good grip over the language. Since you have been a good reader, here’s a bonus tip for you!

Record your voice and listen to it after 1 day. This will help you find your pronunciation and intonation errors. You can improve upon them and make the necessary changes. This was a self discovered method that has worked wonders and is still working with my English speaking skills. So, go ahead and Speak! Speak! Speak!