Learn by listening
In fact, listening to a language is the key to learning and speaking it. If you think about it – a baby learns by using its ears, and so can you.
Listen to audio books
This links back to learning by listening. With the explosion of audio books, you can download MP3-books or get them from your bookstore. Play them on go on your iPod when you’re walking or when you’re driving. Audio books are a great way to learn English while being entertained at the same time.
Learn a word a day
The more words you have in your vocabulary, the easier and more natural it will be for you to command a presence in a conversation. At the beginning of each day, look up an English word in the dictionary. Write down your word on a note and carry it along. Practice your daily word throughout the day. Start at A, and work through the alphabet over the course of the month.
Check your accent
No matter where you are from in the world, you will likely bring along some of your native accent when learning to speak English. A good way to develop a desired accent, such as that of English or American English, is to observe the mouth movements of those who speak English, and try to imitate them.
Read aloud in English every day.
Experts agree that it takes approximately three months of daily vocal practice to develop strong mouth muscles for speaking a new language. Pick a book or magazine and read aloud for 15-20 minutes a day. Short stories are a great resource for good reading.
Record yourself
Ever heard yourself on tape and asked “Is THAT what I sound like? Really?” Recording yourself can be very revealing. Record your spoken English on your computer, play back and listen to your pronunciation and tone. Analyze where you need to improve.
Buy a dictionary
A dictionary is not only packed with words – it also contains the power of phonetic symbols that help you learn how to pronounce a word to exact specification. This is one of the best ways to learn pronouncing words that are hard to say.
Make a list of words you often use
Research has shown that we keep a bank of “word-favorites” that we use several times a day in our native tongue. What are your word-favorites? Write them down, have them translated and go to practice!
Don’t rush – slow down your speech if you’re not perfect
In native tongue conversation, most of us speak fast and without paying particular thought to grammar. If you’re still learning English, it will be easier for you to adjust or avoid mistakes “on the go” if you try to steady your pace. Don’t worry about your audience or listeners – the most important part is that you’re understood.
Avoid using idioms and slang
While it may sound cool (depending on how you look at it), many people struggle to understand idioms and slang can be extremely local. There is also a huge risk using slang in a business type environment.
Don’t give in to fear
Get over any fear you might have of making mistakes. You will make mistakes. Keep trying.
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