6 Things to Consider when Picking a Skype English Partner
Learning to speak with a native English speaker is a great way to improve your spoken English. Decide whether you want to improve your conversation with a British English or American English partner. By speaking with a native English speaker, you will gain in confidence and talk about many topics which in turn will help you communicate with other English speakers whether socially or in a business setting. Skype allows you to use the internet to converse on a one to one basis wherever you and your English partner live. Here are 6 things to consider when picking a Skype English partner to help you:
Choose either a British English or American English partner
Where do you live? Are you going to work in either Britain or America? If you are going to work in Europe you perhaps will find speaking with a British English partner advantageous whereas if you live in South America or for example Japan, you may prefer an American English partner. Are you using English for business? If so are you going to work for a British or American firm, then this may determine which English you choose to learn. Are you having business conversations worldwide with English speakers? If so a British native partner or an American native partner could be a great advantage so you can learn their English and this will help with accents together with pronunciation.
Time difference and number of lessons per week
One of the great advantages of using Skype is that the time difference does not matter. It is very easy to find a mutually convenient time to suit both yourself and your Skype English partner. You and your English partner only need a computer/laptop and a good WIFI connection. You can choose two to three lessons per week to suit both of you which will give you plenty of practice improving your English.
Know what you want to talk about in these sessions
Understand what you would like to learn from these English-speaking sessions. Are you wanting to improve your English in specific areas? Decide on topics you want to discuss and you can do some preparation in advance and your English-speaking partner will be able to help you with each of these topics. Choose a Skype English partner who may have experience in these areas you want to practise speaking. Maybe you just want to practise general English and this can easily be incorporated into the sessions. Each session can be planned around your goals.
One to one sessions
Each session is on a one to one basis so you do not need to be embarrassed about making mistakes. The Skype English partners have plenty of experience helping people improve their English on a one to one basis. You will make plenty of progress in these tailored made sessions.
Review the chat box in Skype during and after the sessions
Review the notes in the chat box via Skype to practise any points raised or any suggestions made by the Skype English partner during each session. Reread these notes after each lesson to ensure you understand everything that is or was discussed.
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Sending links in advance for discussion
Web links and discussion documents can be sent via the chat box in Skype to be used in the lessons. This also helps when you have specific topics or areas you want to discuss. In this way, your Skype English partner can review the documents in advance of the sessions so comes prepared.
A Skype English partner will help motivate you to improve your spoken English. He or she will help keep you focussed on why you want to learn English. You will then be able to visit an English-speaking country and converse confidently with English natives. You will be able to understand what they are saying, together with getting involved in English culture, ask for directions and get involved in daily life in these countries. Using Skype is an ideal way to improve your spoken English.
