English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and undoubtedly, it enjoys a position of special repute in a country like India.
Being good at spoken English, not just opens doors of opportunities by improving job prospects but also does wonders to an individual’s self confidence and social image.
Why should I improve my spoken English?
In these competitive times, one constantly needs to upskill oneself. Good communication skills, specifically English speaking, is definitely one of the most important skills to master for one’s progress.
English speaking:
• Helps build confidence
• Improves communication ability
• Is important for academic needs
• Is a must for job interviews
• Is a step forward towards global citizenship
How can I improve my spoken English?
English speaking is like swimming or driving, the more you practice, the better you become at it. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to improving spoken English. Many factors affect one’s language ability. The academic level, the topographical influences, the native language and the immediate social milieu, determine a person’s language. However, anyone and everyone, with the right guidance and approach, can become fluent in the Queen’s language.
Simple useful tips to improve spoken English
- Converse in English: Yes! Try to converse in English as much as possible, with good speakers of the language. Don’t shy away from making mistakes. In fact, ask your mentor to point out your mistakes and try to improve upon them.
- Think in English: Now, you would think, what’s that! But believe me, you can actually improve your verbal expression if you start thinking in English, instead of your native language, before speaking.
- Read, read and read: There is no substitute for this. Reading good books, newspapers, journals, magazines,articles etc in English, would not only enhance your vocabulary but also help improve your expression. So pick up some good literature and mind you, variety is the key! The more topics you read about, the more vast will be your range of vocabulary.
- Watch English Programs: An extremely useful, yet highly interesting activity, is to watch English movies or web series with subtitles. The subtitles are a great tool in helping relate words to their correct pronunciation. Watch English news channels of different countries, listen to good podcasts or subscribe to interesting YouTube channels in English. You would be picking up the nuances of English speaking without even realizing.
- Download Dictionary App: Always check the pronunciation of different words. Cambridge dictionary offers both US and UK audio pronunciations, along with usages in sentences. It’s a great handy app.
Speaking English is no rocket science. Don’t be afraid of committing mistakes. Do not fear being ridiculed. Just focus on improving your skills and trust me, you shall have the last laugh one day!