Have you been practicing English for a while and still struggle to speak fluently? Do you find it difficult to communicate in English? Are you still hesitant to talk in English because you make grammatical errors? Is your strong accent makes it tough for native speakers to follow your speech?
For most non-native English speakers, improving their English speaking skills is a difficult task. Even English learners who can write fluently in the language have trouble communicating effectively while speaking. This is especially problematic if you are dealing with English-speaking clients or business partners, or if you are studying overseas as an international student.
How can I communicate in English like a native speaker?
How can you overcome this obstacle and learn to communicate in English as if you were a natural speaker? The good news is that you can learn to absorb English in the same manner you learned your first language by making a few changes to your learning process. Even if you are a grown-up, this is easily achievable. All you have to do now is to avoid doing these five things.
Do not purchase English-speaking software or applications
To begin with, most English learning software (or language learning software in general) is meant for novices rather than intermediate students. Second, because English is nearly everywhere, there are several opportunities to immerse oneself into the language. Listen to native English speakers for free on sites like TED Talks, NPR and others. Use Discord and other voice chat apps to make new pals. Participate in English conversation groups.
After you’ve learnt the first 50 words of a language, further use of learning software is useless. If you can learn English using software, iPhone apps, or newsletters, we should be able to learn to swim in the same way!
Stay away from English classes that focus primarily on grammar and texts
The majority of English courses primarily teach grammar and vocabulary. To get started, you’ll need a basic grasp of syntax and a vocabulary of roughly 200 words, but after that, it’s all about practice. Most language courses, on the other hand, still use inefficient teaching methods like role plays and flashcards.
When choosing an English course, look for one that provides plenty of opportunity for you to practice speaking with natives.
Don’t be deceived by the labels of sophisticated English courses
English for Working Professionals, English for Young Adults, English for the Workplace, Corporate English Training…
The list might go on forever.
Don’t be deceived by language courses’ fancy titles. The majority of learning programs are taught by the same experts and address the same subjects. Rather of wasting time deciding between them, enroll in an English school where you will have the opportunity to converse in English with native English speakers.
When speaking, stop translating in your head
Most non-native English speakers think in their original language before switching to English. This is why they talk slowly and appear nervous when conversing.
If you avoid this blunder, your English will greatly improve in a short period of time. Speaking English, like dancing or singing, is a natural process. You will not be able to speak naturally and fluently if you process grammatical rules in your thoughts while speaking.
How can you stop yourself from translating in your head while you speak? EVERY DAY, PRACTICE SPEAKING. That’s the only way you’ll be able to communicate naturally in English.
Spend as little time as you can on textbooks
Textbooks, such as phone applications and software, are useful while learning the fundamentals. However, after you’ve done that, textbooks are of little use. The majority of real-life English discussions do not take place in textbooks. Slang and idioms used by native speakers are not included in textbooks.
It’s not a terrible idea to use a dictionary or textbooks to learn English, but don’t make them your major source of information.
Because learning English takes a long time, it’s critical to spend most of it only on truly important things. These suggestions can help you make better use of your time and minimize irritation.
Good luck with your English studies!