5 Smart Ways to Improve your English Speaking Skills

Summary

In this informative video, Keith from the Keith Speaking Academy offers five practical tips to enhance spoken English skills, specifically for ESL learners aiming to excel in the IELTS speaking test. He emphasizes learning through listening to native speakers, automating vocabulary with 'repeat and juggle' techniques, increasing fluency by mastering language chunks, gaining confidence by stepping out of one's comfort zone, and choosing tools that immerse learners in natural spoken English. The summary also highlights the importance of daily practice and persistence in improving English proficiency.

Takeaways

• 😀 **Speak by Listening**: Learning spoken English should start with listening to native or proficient speakers, as speaking and writing are two different systems.
• 📚 **History of Language**: Spoken language predates written language, emphasizing the importance of learning through listening rather than solely through reading.
• 🔊 **Utilize Modern Resources**: Access to native speaker audio and video content is abundant, and should be leveraged to improve spoken English.
• 🔄 **Automate Vocabulary**: Repeating and juggling with vocabulary helps to automate its use, making it more natural and less effortful in speech.
• 🎲 **Repeat and Juggle Method**: Actively repeating phrases and altering them to practice different words or tenses can enhance fluency.
• 📈 **Increase Fluency with Chunks**: Learning language in chunks or collocations speeds up fluency by reducing the cognitive load during conversation.
• 🤝 **Push Your Comfort Zone**: To gain confidence, intentionally engage in activities that make you uncomfortable, such as speaking with strangers or recording your voice.
• 🛠️ **Choose the Right Tools**: Select tools that allow immersion in natural spoken English, not just those designed for language learners.
• 🌐 **Immerse in Real English**: Engage with a variety of English content, including news, interviews, and TED talks, to experience the natural rhythm and usage of the language.
• 📱 **Use Apps for Learning**: Tools like the Woodpecker Learning app can provide access to a wide range of audio and video content to facilitate language learning.
• 🔄 **Daily Practice**: Consistent daily practice is essential for improving overall English proficiency and should be combined with the tips provided for best results.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to provide five tips to help improve spoken English and assist viewers in getting unstuck from their current English proficiency level.

Who is Keith and what does he do?

Keith is the person running the Keith Speaking Academy, which helps individuals speak better English, give better answers, and achieve higher scores on the IELTS speaking test.

What is the first tip Keith suggests for learning spoken English?

The first tip Keith suggests is to learn speaking by listening, emphasizing the importance of natural spoken English over learning from books.

Why does Keith believe that learning by listening is more effective than learning from books?

Keith believes that learning by listening is more effective because it helps learners acquire natural spoken English, pronunciation, and context, which are essential for real-life communication.

What is the historical context Keith mentions to support the idea of learning by listening?

Keith mentions that humans have been speaking for over 10,000 years, but writing was only developed around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago, suggesting that speaking came first and writing was created to capture speech.

What does Keith mean by 'automate your vocabulary'?

To 'automate your vocabulary' means to make the use of vocabulary automatic, or without conscious thought, through the method of repeating and juggling words or phrases.

What is the 'repeat and juggle' technique Keith introduces for vocabulary learning?

The 'repeat and juggle' technique involves listening to a word or phrase, repeating it, and then changing it in some way, such as substituting a word or altering the tense, to practice using the vocabulary more fluently.

What is the purpose of focusing on 'chunks' when trying to increase fluency in English?

Focusing on 'chunks' helps to increase fluency by allowing learners to use pieces of language that naturally go together without having to think about each individual word, thus speeding up speech and making it more natural.

How does Keith suggest gaining confidence in speaking English?

Keith suggests gaining confidence by pushing one's comfort zone, engaging in activities that may feel uncomfortable at first, such as recording one's voice, finding speaking partners, or joining classes.

What is the importance of immersing oneself in natural spoken English according to Keith?

Immersing oneself in natural spoken English is important because it exposes learners to the language as it is used by native speakers in real-life situations, which can be different from the controlled environment of a classroom.

What tool does Keith recommend for immersing in both ESL and real-world English?

Keith recommends the Woodpecker Learning app, which provides access to a wide range of ESL materials as well as real-world English content, allowing learners to immerse themselves in natural English language.

What is the final advice Keith gives to the viewers about practicing English?

Keith's final advice is to practice English day by day with patience and persistence, emphasizing that consistent practice is key to improving one's overall level of English.