Want to Improve Spoken English in a Month? Follow This Plan
While most teachers would have you study long lists of vocabulary and grammar theory, there are actually far better ways to improve Spoken English. Today we are going to focus on a game plan that will allow you to improve Spoken English fluency within a month.
Forget Grammar
If you want to improve Spoken English within a month, forget grammar. English learners (and English schools) are obsessed about learning and teaching grammar. However, if you want to learn Spoken English fast, you must make a mindset change and forget grammar.
Small children learning a language don´t study grammar and then speak! They just naturally babble and point to things and get the message across as best they can. This is what you need to do to learn English. No babies/toddlers went to kindergarten and learned English there -rather they just pointed to things and gradually learned the names of the basic things and then added to that as they grew until they learned to speak.
We know this sounds silly because you are an adult in an adult world trying to explain something. But look around, see what communicators do, they point to things, make diagrams, gesticulate… and get their message across. Six months later, they are using halting language they have learned to communicate and about a year later, they are fluent. This is because they have focused on communicating rather than learning grammar. This principle is true for learning any language.
Aim for fluency first. Them improve grammar skills. This method will allow you to improve Spoken English without loosing confidence.
Expand your vocabulary
Once you are able to get your message across in English more or less correctly, the second tip for learning English is to expand your vocabulary and for this a good idea is to read in English about your favorite subject, the thing that you desperately want to talk about in English. This can be done by reading with a dictionary and lots of patience because during the first ten pages or so, you will be looking up words all the time but don´t worry because as you progress, most of those words will stick in your mind.
It is a good idea to choose something you really are passionate about and read about that. Be aware of the fact that you will need lots of patience to keep on looking up the same old words over and over again as they become ingrained in your mind. The easy words are nouns and those you hang onto sooner, the harder words are things like “therefore, so on, nevertheless,” and similar grammatical constructions that are used in literature above all.
There are 3 areas of English vocabulary that are critical to improve Spoken English:
1.) Slang English – See this great free resource on slang
2.) Phrasal verbs – See this post on top phrasal verbs used in English
3.) Idioms – Here are some of the most commonly used English idioms
If you make a mistake or two, IT IS FINE
The third tip is to not be afraid of making mistakes when speaking in English. Go right ahead, they know you don´t speak the language and they will help you along. Don´t get nervous, just relax and open your mouth and speak! It is as simple as that! Use the few words you already know and add to them. Try to use them back as soon as you can, repeat them to yourself and to your speaker so he or she realizes that you are attempting to learn and make sure you have plenty of time to listen to the other person. Slow down if you get nervous. Of course this approach works better if you know at least 300-400 word in English.
Insert the words you do know into the conversation and do your best to pronounce them as best as you can. In a short time you will have enough of a vocabulary and understanding of the way the language is used in order to express yourself. Don´t worry about having an extensive vocabulary, focus on communication. Perfection will come with time and practice.
Want to try our unique Conversational method that applies these 3 principles? Sign up for trial lesson and see how our lessons improve Spoken English skills
