Why you are not fluent in English

Summary

In this engaging video, Keith from English Speaking Success addresses the common struggle of non-native English speakers to achieve fluency. He empathizes with learners' difficulties in speaking fluently despite understanding when listening or reading. Keith outlines six key reasons for this challenge, including the pressure of real-time speaking, trying too hard to impress, over-complicating speech, focusing excessively on accuracy, lacking vocabulary, and shyness. He also emphasizes the importance of practice, suggesting techniques like repeating sentences to enhance fluency. Keith concludes with practical advice on handling real-time pressure through breathing, smiling, and making eye contact, aiming to help viewers improve their speaking skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script addresses the common struggle of understanding English well but struggling to speak it fluently.
• 🎓 Keith, the speaker, empathizes with language learners, sharing his own experiences learning French, Spanish, and Chinese.
• 📢 He identifies 'pressure' as the primary reason for the difficulty in fluent speaking, distinguishing it from the more passive activities of listening and reading.
• 🗣️ Keith advises against trying too hard to impress, which often leads to speaking quickly and losing control over speech.
• 🔗 He suggests slowing down and speaking at one's own pace to maintain fluency.
• 💡 The script warns against over-complicating speech with complex vocabulary and structures, recommending simplicity for clearer communication.
• 📚 A focus on accuracy over fluency can hinder smooth speech; Keith recommends balancing the two.
• 📈 Lack of vocabulary is highlighted as a significant barrier to fluency, with the suggestion to build vocabulary gradually over time.
• 🤔 Shyness and introversion can affect fluency; Keith encourages leveraging these traits to build confidence in speaking.
• 💪 The importance of practice is emphasized, with a focus on repeating sentences to improve fluency and learning natural phrasing and intonation.
• 👁️ To handle real-time speaking pressure, Keith recommends breathing, smiling, and making eye contact to relax both the speaker and the listener.

Q & A

What is the main challenge faced by learners when speaking English?

The main challenge is the pressure and real-time expectation during speaking, which can cause learners to go blank and struggle to find the right words, despite being able to understand and read English well.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of not speaking too quickly?

Speaking too quickly can cause a loss of control over speech, leading to hesitations, pauses, and reduced fluency. The speaker suggests speaking at one's own pace to maintain fluency.

What is the advice given for learners who overcomplicate their speech with complex grammar and vocabulary?

The advice is to keep it simple, especially for beginners, and to avoid using fancy vocabulary and complex structures initially. As comfort and fluency increase, one can gradually incorporate more complexity.

How does focusing too much on accuracy affect one's speaking fluency?

Focusing too much on accuracy can lead to gaps in speech and a loss of coherence, as the speaker spends too much time thinking about tense and grammar instead of communicating ideas fluently.

What is the role of vocabulary in achieving speaking fluency according to the script?

Vocabulary is crucial for expressing ideas and maintaining fluency. A lack of vocabulary can cause speakers to hesitate or lose fluency, so building vocabulary is essential for improving fluency.

How does shyness or introversion impact one's ability to speak fluently in English?

Shyness or introversion can lead to mumbling, unclear speech, and a lack of confidence, which directly affects fluency. The speaker suggests that even shy people can build confidence and improve fluency.

What is the significance of practicing fluency as mentioned in the script?

Practicing fluency involves repeating sentences and ideas multiple times to improve the flow of speech. This targeted practice helps in developing the natural phrasing and intonation patterns of native speakers.

What are the three techniques suggested to handle real-time pressure while speaking?

The three techniques are to breathe, smile, and make eye contact. These actions help to relax both the speaker and the listener, creating a more comfortable environment for fluent speech.

How does the speaker describe the process of building vocabulary for better fluency?

The speaker compares building vocabulary to playing test cricket, emphasizing the need for a long-term, gradual approach. He advises using vocabulary just below one's level during practice for better fluency.

What is the purpose of the YouTube channel 'English Speaking Success' mentioned in the script?

The purpose of the channel is to help students develop their speaking skills in a fun and professional way through online courses, with a focus on overcoming the challenges discussed in the script.