Have you been studying English for a long time but are still unable to communicate effectively? The good news is that this is a common occurrence for most English learners. The most significant impediment to learning English is the adoption of ineffective, irrational methods by most English courses around the world — ways that will undermine your confidence! Here are some basic strategies for becoming fluent in English faster, smarter, and for free!
Take advantage of audiobooks
Audiobooks are a fantastic way to develop your English speaking skills. To begin, the quickest approach to improve your speaking skills is to increase your listening skills. Second, audiobooks provide an easy way to listen to the English language. If you have a long commute, for example, what better way to pass the time than by listening to an audiobook and improving your English?
Tip: Not sure where to begin? Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs is a good place to start.
Every day, learn 1-2 new words
This appears to be a no-brainer, doesn’t it? The key is to not be greedy; if you try to study and memorize a large number of words in a single day, you will not learn any. Instead, set a more modest goal for yourself, such as learning 1-2 new English words each day. Then, whether you’re dealing with a foreign-based customer or presenting to an audience, use these words.
Tip – The internet has a plethora of free “word of the day” apps/programs. This is a fantastic place to start.
Try to understand every word in a TV show
Language patterns can be learned by watching television. Watch several Jimmy Kimmel or Ellen shows if you want to master American English. BBC news is fantastic if you want to learn British English. Make it a goal to comprehend every word that is spoken. You may not understand every word, but attempting to do so will count as active English practice.
Tip – If you’re watching a movie, turn off the subtitles and concentrate on the dialogue. Train your ears to pick up on minor differences in English.
Make a recording of yourself reading aloud
Reading aloud is an important step in acclimating your voice to the demands of the English language. Every day, pick a book or a magazine and read a few paragraphs aloud. Make a recording of each of these sessions and evaluate where you can enhance your pronunciation. Compare your pronunciation to that of native English speakers on the internet or on the television.
Tip – Deliberate practice is the key to acquiring a language, or any skill for that matter. As a result, recording your voice and making modifications is critical. The good news is that you can do this right from your smartphone using a variety of free apps.
Practice with native English speakers
You can’t be proficient in English without practicing with native speakers, just like you can’t learn to swim without being in the pool or learn to ride a bike without getting on a bike. Having real discussions with fluent English speakers is a completely different and more effective experience than any other technique of learning English. By practicing English with native speakers, you will learn the proper pace to speak the English language, when to pause, which sounds to emphasize, what prepositions to use, and minor variances in pronunciation, among other things.
Tip: Look for a dedicated native English speaker to practice with 3-4 times a week in various voice chat apps.