5 easy ways to improve your spoken english

1. SLOW DOWN!

Don’t try to speak as fast as you do in French.

Nobody will hold it against you if you speak more slowly and clearly. Great speakers (including Barack Obama!) do the same to get their message across. In addition, choosing your words carefully can be seen as a sign of respect towards those listening. It shows that you want to give them the clearest answer possible.

2. TAKE TIME TO THINK

Conversation is not always like a fast game of ping-pong ! Take your time before responding. Relax and allow yourself time to think!

An easy way of gaining time to think is to repeat the question and use fixed phrases like “That’s a good question!” or “I haven’t really thought about that before.”

3. LISTEN TO WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

When speaking in a foreign language, you can sometimes be so focused on what you are saying and whether it’s correct or not, that you forget to listen to what others are saying.

This is a big mistake as they might be using the exact words or grammar you’ll be needing later on. So pay attention to what’s being said around you, it’s your most important resource at the time of speaking to someone.

4. USE QUESTIONS TO KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING

We sometimes get so involved trying to speak well, that we forget to include others in the conversation! This is not only rude, it is like digging your own hole, because you could end up being the one who does all the talking! So remember to involve others. This can easily be done by asking questions like:

• What is your opinion on that?
• How about you?
• What do you think?

Questions like these will keep the conversation going and will show your interest in other people’s opinion. They will also give you time to relax a little and start enjoying yourself.

5. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

There is no way around it… If you want to improve your fluency, you have to practice, practice, practice ! So, find people you can practise with. Review your vocabulary, learn fixed phrases, and new ways of asking questions. Repeat them several times out loud by yourself, then test them with others.

Join a conversation group – like the Café-Débats conversation sessions at the American Center.  These weekly debates are easy to follow, fun, and a sure way to make English-speaking a part of your routine! Our teachers help you prepare with vocabulary lists, questions and links to different websites…