Spoken English Tips

Spoken English Tips -Part-II

2011-05-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

Spoken English Tips -Part-II

Intonation: Every language has got it's own different intonation and you might find it difficult to make somebody understand if you are not using the proper intonation and accent leading to misunderstandings and sometimes make you a laughing stock. The intonation and accent are one of the most difficult features to learn in every language. You need to train your ear to be able to hear the nuances. You can find spoken English tips and information on intonation on many websites or use video lessons on YouTube.

Listening, Speaking & Grammar : Do not forget about any of them, do not train only one separate. Every single skill cannot be developed in isolation, because every language is of a complex structure and made up of uncountable small small elements. Every unit has its place and is connected with others. This is why, training only one skill and forgetting about others does not carry any significant value.

Find your English speaking buddy : You will get to talk about anything and everything and your tongue/mouth muscles would get habituated with the required movements to speak English. More you talk more you become fluent. Simple.

Grow your vocabulary: There are words that appear quite often in every type of conversation, connected with every sphere of our lives. It would be beneficial to learn them, so you can be sure that even in the most stressful situation you will be able to use them effortlessly. It is also good to learn work-specific vocabulary, connected with your job. You will need to use such words on everyday basis and knowing them by heart will reduce the level of stress during your conversations with others.But please do not go for memorizing the whole dictionary words. Only and only consult a dictionary while you come across an unknown word. Try to use that word in written English and while you speak to others. And whenever you work with a word, ensure you are analyzing that word right. You have to check whether it is a verb or a noun or an adjective and what would be its other forms and how can you form sentences with that very word. This is how you have to play with vocabulary.

Lot of spoken English tips are on the pipeline. Talk to you later folks.

Spoken English Tips : Part-I

2011-05-15T21:36:00.000-07:00

Let me give you some for you which would help you everytime you speak English.

Don't translate any more :
Try not to translate what you hear into your native language from the people you talk to. It is a very hard & bad habit to get rid of, but it slows down the process of communication and emphasizes concentrating on producing correct English sentences harder, because you are distracted by the rules and grammar of your own language that differ in many aspects from the English ones. It really takes too much time to construct an answer if you have two languages in your head and try to use them simultaneously. Plus, it makes you too hesitant. You need to listen, talk, think, write and even dream in English in order to speak like a fluent English speaker.

Speak Correct English not just fast :
Remember not to speak too fast. There is no point in speaking fast and incorrect English which will ruin your reputation and people will laugh at you at times. Of course, you need to speak in the natural rhythm of the native language, but if you speak too fast your conversation partners will not be able to understand you properly. Therefore, it is better to speak a little bit slower and be sure that you will be correctly understood.

Relax.
Try to relax when you speak. Not only try to get rid of the psychological side of your stress, but also of the physical one. When you are stressed out, all your muscles get tense, including the facial muscles and vocal chords, responsible for the correct pronunciation. That is why it may be hard for you to pronounce English words correctly during face-to-face conversation, although you were able to do it well alone at home.

Use Fillers
Do not worry too much if you forget a word; it happens to everyone. In such situation just act as natives do: use so-called “fillers” of the conversation, such as er, um and carry on as if nothing happened. Try also “beating around the bush”: if you can’t remember a given word, try to describe what you have on your mind using other words or definitions.
Short & sweet
Do not overuse complicated vocabulary if you can say the same thing in a fewer and simpler words. Also: do not build too long sentences. Firstly, they might be too difficult for your partners and secondly, you yourself can get lost in them and forget what you wanted to say. This would be quite embarrassing, so try to avoid such situations at all costs.
No slang please !
Do not use too much slang language or idioms. If you do not talk with a native, there is a high chance that you will not be understood. And even if you do talk with an Englishman, there is a possibility that you will misuse an idiom and will not be understood properly. The safest option is to use only the most common idioms, which meaning is clear to us.

Most important spoken english tip of all : Start Speaking

2011-04-19T22:38:00.000-07:00

Starting problem is the big problem

I have seen many Spoken English beginners trying to learn everything before they speak a single sentence. Because they fear of making mistakes while speaking to others. It's not at all an wise decision to not to speak even a word unless you learn every aspects of English grammar or all the conventional ways to speak it. Try to get started with what you already know. Surely you will be making mistakes.And you have to learn from your mistakes. It's better to start speaking with yourself and your near & dear ones who wouldn't mind your mistakes & rather point out your mistakes so as to enable you to correct it.

You need an Open Mind

You must be having an open mind to take the inputs. I have dealt with lot of English speaking aspirants who are having a lot of ego problems. A great barrier to success indeed.

Take it Easy

Do not emphasise on grammar first. Yes you need to know grammar in order to speak correct English. But I request you to just take a moment to think how you learned your mother tongue. You got lot of inputs from the seniors and the fluency came spontaneously and naturally. Here you can apply the same principle to speak english. To make it happen you need to collect positive inputs as much as possible from around. Inputs of how good English speakers speak. You have TV with you. Better watch movies with subtitles. Listen to friends very carefully while they speak and try applying those when situation comes. Listen to English songs. It may so happen you won't be able to understand the lyrics. Internet is there to help you find that. Read English novels of your choice and good conversations.Consult dictionary only when you are coming across unknown words.

Get Started

So the message I want to deliver here, Start Speaking, Learn from mistakes, Write in English,Think in English and dream in English if you can (ha ha). Get started. Success ahead.