Speaking English fluently has become crucial because it is a widely spoken language and a medium for almost everything. And by fluent, we refer to the stage where you do not have to think about a language’s words or grammar. However, many English learners do not believe it is possible due to the effort and time required to reach this level.
Nonetheless, many people reach a level of fluency in the English language, so why can’t you? All you need is the right determination, and you will certainly be there! So while some may begin to speak fluent English in just a month by conversing with a friend all day, others might require longer periods to attain fluency.
Different methods work for different people since every learner differs from another based on several factors, like environmental settings and the ability to grasp.
We have compiled 11 practical tips to help you speak English fluently. When you begin using these tips, you’ll realize which ones work the best for you.
So, without delaying any further, let us get started!
Best Tips To Speak English Fluently
Here are the 12 best ways to speak English fluently :
1. Use Technology
Technology can help you with many tasks in the digital age, including speaking English fluently. If you are wondering how your mobile phone or laptop can teach you a language, there are several ways. Some of these incorporate the following.
- Consider hiring an online tutor who can teach on a platform like Skype.
- Download an application for learning English and perform all the daily tasks on time to ensure consistency.
- Subscribe to YouTube channels that you find helpful. Then fix the number of hours you will be dedicated to watching these videos.
2. Avoid Too Much Focus On Grammar
When your entire focus is on the grammar of the English language, you will not be able to become fluent. Instead, it is only when you rather focus on your thoughts and the words that you can deliver your speech properly.
Even native English speakers are not well-versed in the grammatical rules. They tend to follow the rules while speaking without even realizing the same. So it’s best to allow the language to come to you naturally. Later, you can think about grammar as well when you are fluent.
3. Plan Your Talks To Boost Confidence
Planning a conversation is entirely the opposite of gaining fluency in speaking a language, so why would this be a tip? If you still need help speaking fluently, consider planning your talks. For instance, if you are headed to a party where you will have to make small talk with several people, you must think about all the topics you will be talking about. This will boost your confidence and make you feel in control of the conversation.
4. Try Indulging English Majorly Into Your Life
By suggesting you try indulging the language majorly in your life, we ask you to make an incredible lifestyle transformation. Even though the best idea would be to move to an English-speaking nation, we will keep you from telling you to do that. There are several other ways you can do this, including the following.
- Fix places or hours for speaking English with any of your household members, irrespective of whether they are learners or fluent speakers.
- Indulge in an activity or hobby that requires you to speak English.
Taking this step is crucial to learning English mainly because speaking your mother tongue all the time will keep you away from learning the language at a fluent level.
5. Focus On Phrases
When your focus is on learning words, you are likely to translate phrases from your native language to the English language every time you try to speak. Since every language has a different way of sentence construction, it is possible that you need to frame the sentence correctly, and it thus loses its meaning. This is why your focus must be on learning phrases.
By doing so, you will also relieve yourself from all the hesitation, not to mention you will also get to learn the grammar without paying special attention to it.
6. Concentrate And Pronunciation
Pronunciation plays a significant role in acquiring speaking skills – without pronouncing a word right, you will make it difficult for the listener to comprehend you. In other cases, they might even mistake your word for another word, making the sentence lose meaning. So what good will your English language knowledge be without the ability to make the proper pronunciations?
Some English learners find it difficult to pronounce certain sounds in the language, mainly due to the difference in their pronunciation of the native language. However, one can learn to roll the tongue and move the mouth in a new manner with time.
7. Listen To English Songs
By allowing yourself to interact with the English language daily, you will become fluent in speaking it in no time. One of how you can do this is by listening to English songs. When you listen to artists from different world regions, you will also begin to understand the differences between accents and pronunciations.
When you start grasping various articulations, you will naturally know the correct sound of a letter or word, which will significantly help you when you speak.
8. Change Your Phone’s Language Settings
You must focus on your vocabulary if you are incredibly determined to speak English fluently. If you do not know the right words, you will not be able to convey your idea or message and, thus, lack fluency.
One way to enhance vocabulary is to change your phone’s language settings to English. Since you already know where your applications are, reading these names in English will make you learn better.
9. Hire A Private Tutor
Learning the English language alone can be difficult, so taking language classes can be helpful. However, when you attend classes with a higher strength of learners, you might need help to keep up with the class lessons because the tutor might be teaching faster.
In such a scenario, it is best to hire a private tutor. He will teach you based on your learning pace and correct you whenever you mispronounce a word or frame an incorrect sentence. You will also have a fixed learning schedule and feel comfortable while learning.
10. Find A Partner To Talk To
The more you speak English, the more fluent you will become. So the best way to become fluent will be to find a partner you can always talk to in English. Whether it is a friend, family member, roommate, or even a student in your language class, conversing will make you realize the words you do not know the English terms for, the phrases you cannot make, and much more.
If you cannot find someone to talk to in your personal life, consider downloading an app for language exchange. Here, you can make a buddy and decide timings with them to speak.
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11. Watch Movies And TV Shows In English
To speak English fluently, gaining as much exposure as possible is crucial. If you love watching TV shows and movies, consider committing to watching at least half of these in English. In this way, you can entertain yourself while learning the language. This language immersion technique will also help you learn new sounds and phrases.
12. Record Your Mistake
One of the best ways to become fluent in English is to record yourself speaking it. Listen to your recording and note any mistakes you made – pronunciation errors, grammar blunders, or vocabulary slips. Write down these errors and make a point of addressing them in the next English practice session. Doing this will help you build on what you have been practicing, accelerate your fluency and give you the confidence to use English confidently
If you struggle with a particular sound or word, take time out of each day over the next few weeks to practice these sounds or words until they become second nature. Joining an online language exchange community is also a great way to perfect conversational English.
Benefits Of Being Fluent In English
Being fluent in English offers a multitude of benefits. For one, it opens up a new world of personal and professional growth possibilities.
English is the most widely spoken language in the world, making it an essential tool for communication in various fields such as business, education, and even international relations. Fluency in English also enhances social interactions and enables a better exchange of ideas and opinions.
Additionally, communicating effectively in English fosters cultural awareness and understanding, which is particularly important in a globalized world.
It can also lead to better job opportunities, as many companies require English fluency for domestic and international positions. Ultimately, being fluent in English offers numerous advantages for individuals seeking personal and professional success.
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Summary: Conversation Practice Is The Key To Fluency
When you wish to acquire fluency in English, you must understand that you can only become fluent after some time – consistency is the key. So the best way to remain consistent is to add speaking the language to your daily tasks.
Also, since you can only speak properly if you listen carefully, it is crucial to become an active listener. This, as discussed above, can be attained by listening to English songs, watching TV shows in English, and communicating with people in this language.
The tips shared in this article will help you speak English fluently. If you follow some of these correctly, you will become a fluent speaker quickly. Also, if you ever feel less confident about your speaking skills, remember that every English speaker is always a learner – only one has mastered the language entirely.
Anuj is a renowned linguist and grammarian with over 3 years of experience in teaching and researching the English language. He holds a PhD in English Language and Linguistics from Delhi University, and is the author of several highly acclaimed books on grammar and usage.