7 Powerful Immersion-based Methods to Improve Communication Skills in English

Learning English for years but still not fluent? Tired of English tuition classes that only teach basic grammar rules? Frustrated of getting stuck when speaking in English? We understand your frustrations! Learning English as an adult can be difficult, specially if you don’t get opportunities to practice with Native English speakers. In this post, we are going to discuss 7 powerful immersion-based methods that will help you to improve communication skills in English on your own!

Here are 7 powerful, immersion-based methods to improve communication skills in English on your own:

Talk to text’ feature on phone

This is a unique suggestion that can help you practice your English pronunciation skills. Many phones these days have a feature called, “talk to text”. This feature allows you to speak instead of type what you intend to say. Your phone’s microphone will pick up your words and then convert them to text. You will be able to see how your phone is interpreting your words.

This way, you can physically see how your accent may sound out loud. Using this feature will allow you to practice your pronunciation on your own. Keep using this feature to practice saying words your phone is misinterpreting, until your phone can correctly identify your words.

Find an English conversation partner

Have no one to practice English with? Live alone with only a dog? You can improve communication skills in English even on your own.

Finding an online English conversation partner is the absolute best way to improve your English communication skills. An English conversation partner not only allows you to have active and fluid conversations, but gives you the freedom to meet as often as you would like.

Want to try a session with a top notch English Conversation Partner?

If you want to improve communication skills in English fast, frequently meet with your conversation partner. Meeting often keeps you in the ‘English’ mindset of thinking and speaking. You will naturally begin thinking of words and phrases in English throughout your day. If you can not meet often, try to meet for a longer period of time. Many English learners find their skills improve significantly by remaining active with an English conversation partner.

Duolingo App

Duolingo is a free language learning app that can help you improve communication skills in English! Duolingo is simple in design and very user friendly. Duolingo will introduce you to new vocabulary words and help you build correct English sentences. This app is a great supplemental tool for days you do not meet with your English conversation partner. This app is text based and therefore not a substitute for an English conversation partner.

Duolingo will not help you with your English speaking skills as much as it helps with your English writing and reading skills. The lessons are short and fast-paced, so you can work on a lesson or two while waiting in the grocery store queue, riding the bus, or on a lunch break.

Watch Tv shows for idioms and slang

One of the most enjoyable, yet still practical ways to improve communication skills in English, is to watch American or British Tv shows and movies. Tv shows and movies provide a surprising amount of English idioms and slang in a context you can understand.

The best part is, the more you watch, the more natural these idioms and slang words will feel to you. The more natural you feel listening to them, the more natural you will be when using them in normal English conversation. If the speakers speak too fast for you to understand, you can always pause and play back as well. Netflix and Hulu are popular sources of English media. However, you can find many older TV shows on YoutTbe as well! A favorite show for many English learners is ‘Full House’ due to their simple vocabulary and plentiful use of idioms.

Travel solo

Traveling to English speaking countries is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the language and improve communication skills in English. Not only will you make great memories and take stunning photos, but you get the opportunity to practice and use your English skills all day long. No part of your day will pass without you enhancing and improving your English communication skills.

You will be able to read an English menu and order food in English, request train and bus times, ask tour guides questions, and speak with locals. Added bonus- traveling solo means you get to do and see all the things you want to do and none of the things you do not!

Read novels in English

Reading novels in English is slightly more advanced than listening to TV shows and movies in the English language. Reading requires a bit more understanding of the English language. You will be exposed to more advanced vocabulary and situations.

However, the language skills you will pick up from reading novels in English is outstanding! In fact, many native English speakers use novels as their primary means of learning new vocabulary.

Change your phone language to ‘English’

Immersion, immersion, immersion.  To improve communication skills in English you must immerse in English. Immersion does not mean you have to constantly be surrounded by native English speakers. You can immerse yourself in English all by yourself.

Changing your phone language setting to English is a sure way to switch your mind into ‘English’ mode on a daily basis. Every time you look at the weather or your clock app you will be reading and navigating your way around in English. Through constant immersion, soon you will be fluent in the small pockets of essential vocabulary you use everyday.

Enjoy the adventurous path to improving your English communication skills- solo!