3 Tricks to Sound More Confident When Speaking in English
English is a challenging language to learn. It is often listed as one of the most complex languages due to its roots in German, French, Afrikkan, and many others. You can do something to make it a bit easier on yourself by following these three tricks that will make you sound more confident when speaking in English.
Slow down
Speaking in English slower will make you seem more confident and fluent. English learners sometimes tend to get nervous when speaking in English and start speaking faster than people can understand. Remember, it is completely fine to slow down while speaking in English. In fact, slowing down will usually make you sound more confident.
Even native speakers in English vary greatly in the speed. When speaking in English, don’t feel pressured to speak at the same pace that native English speakers talk. Focus more on clarity and speak at a pace that you are conformable in.
Subscribe to English podcasts
Podcasts are a fun way to improve your English fluency skills. No matter what you enjoy and find interesting, you can find a podcast that speaks about it. Not only does this allow you to further build your vernacular, you can learn a wide range of new information about subjects you enjoy. In addition, you are able to have more fun while learning the language, a factor that has been proven to support learning and maintain your attention. You may initially have trouble discerning the accent to understand the words, but as you persist, you will begin to recognize phrases, vocabulary, and more through the podcasts.
Sign up for a Trial Lesson with a Native English Teacher
Practice vowel sounds
One important tip for new English speakers that can be used both for the development of a strong foundation for pronouncing English correctly, and, for more literate individuals who struggle with a native accent: work on the length and value of American English vowel sounds.
Many languages are so-called “pure” languages in that, in part, the length of individual syllables is as nearly identical as possible. English is not a pure language in this way. Correct English pronunciation, especially American English requires wildly differing lengths of syllables. In actual practice, this means that the vowel sounds in English are usually much longer in duration than English learners expect. This elaborate and complex structure of quantitative differences in vowel sounds applies both to accented and unaccented syllables.
Want to learn more about different sounds of English pronunciation? Here is a great resource we have created.
It’s all about getting the practice you need in order to improve by immersing yourself in situations that may be just slightly out of your comfort zone. You may be surprised at how quickly you will adapt when you put aside your fears of making mistakes. Good luck and above all have fun while you continue learning!
