Photo by Shubham Sharan on Unsplash

Learning English can be a challenge – especially if you are not surrounded by regular English speakers. On top of that, individuals learn differently. Part of the trick is figuring out what works best for you. However despite these challenges, there are a few practices that are tried and tested – reading, writing and listening. Here are a few tips that suggest opportunities for that.

How to Improve your Spoken English Fluency

Remember to set some goals and be consistent! Even if your goal is small – listening for 10 minutes everyday it doesn’t matter! Small, regular steps will still get you there!

1. When you’re in your host country, avoid the temptation to revert back to your native tongue. Speak English as much as possible! Speak English whenever you can, by participating in classroom conversation, interacting with local English-speaking students and locals, and sticking to English with your fellow international students.
2. Do not worry about making mistakes. Let native speakers know you welcome their corrections if you do make a mistake. One thing you’ll soon see when learning English is how each person’s accent is different, each persons vocabulary is different – this should encourage you. The way you speak English will be particular to you!
3. Join an English conversation club. Nothing more needs to be said here – the more opportunities you have to practice the better!
4. Use TED talks or Podcasts to listen to English. These are not only interesting to listen to, they are also covering many different topics that will extend your vocabulary.  Use subtitles if you want to check your comprehension.  Listen to the way the language is spoken.
5. Keep a journal. Even if you start by writing about your day that is fine. Think and express ideas in English. When you can’t think of a word to describe someone, look up equivalents in your own language, then look up synonyms of the word to find exactly the word you want. This way you will train your brain to express yourself and clearly in English.
6. Learn the local lingo and slang. As you will quickly become aware, there are many when it comes to common phrases, idioms, and American English sayings, and understanding their meaning will help you to speak the living language better.
7. Try not to rely on just memorizing vocabulary. Instead rely on the process of regularly listening to the spoken language, writing it with the intention of expressing yourself clearly, and speaking it to be understood.
8. Build your vocabulary words in a methodical and practical way, by starting with the words you need to get by in your environment, and then expanding gradually, by reading, listening, going to movies, listening to podcasts, writing a journal till you get to the point of being able to express abstract thoughts
9. Use the many resources available to learn English: apps, learning English websites like BBC Learning English, podcasts and online courses in learning English as a Second Language.
10. Be strategic with your learning process. Select activities, events, clubs that will further your fluency skills.

Bonus Tip : Don’t be shy!

Don’t be shy! One of the reasons English is such an important language in our times is precisely because it is so versatile. You can speak English imperfectly and still be understood. You can speak English with an accent and still make it your own. So, don’t be shy!