5 things to practice every day to improve your English speaking skills

Summary

In this video, Marina shares practical tips for improving English speaking skills. She emphasizes the importance of speaking with native speakers, using cheat sheets with common phrases, and practicing with tools like Siri, Alexa, and the Elsa Speak app for real-time pronunciation feedback. Marina also suggests talking to yourself in English, imitating media, and thinking in English to boost fluency. With consistent practice and immersion, learners can overcome the fear of speaking and master the language. Whether you're preparing for exams or casual conversations, these strategies will help you speak English more confidently and effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Talk to native speakers every day to improve your speaking skills, even if you're scared at first.
• 😀 Use cheat sheets with common English phrases to make conversation easier and smoother.
• 😀 Familiarize yourself with conversation templates for smoother communication, especially for exams like TOEFL or IELTS.
• 😀 Practice speaking with digital assistants like Siri or Alexa to get instant feedback on your pronunciation.
• 😀 Use pronunciation apps like Elsa Speak to receive AI-based feedback and improve your English sounds.
• 😀 Speak to yourself in English daily, even if it's just thinking in English or saying things out loud at home.
• 😀 The imitation technique can help by watching videos and mimicking phrases with the same intonation and tone.
• 😀 Exaggerate when mimicking native speakers to train your brain to sound more natural.
• 😀 Focus on thinking in English as much as possible; the more you practice, the easier it becomes.
• 😀 When you can switch between thinking in English and your native language, you're approaching an advanced level of fluency.
• 😀 For an even deeper immersion, consider specialized courses like the American English pronunciation course to refine your accent.

Q & A

Why is it important to speak with native speakers every day?

Speaking with native speakers every day helps you improve your fluency and reduces the fear of making mistakes. It provides real-life practice, which is essential for language acquisition, especially when trying to sound natural and confident in conversations.

What is the advantage of learning phrases instead of individual words when studying English?

Learning phrases is more effective because it allows you to communicate in complete, natural expressions. Instead of thinking about individual words, you can focus on how to structure a sentence and convey meaning more smoothly.

How can using a cheat sheet help you in conversations?

A cheat sheet with common phrases provides quick reference for everyday interactions, reducing the mental effort of coming up with words on the spot. It also helps you sound more confident and organized, especially in stressful situations like exams or speaking with native speakers.

Why is practicing with Siri or Alexa useful for improving pronunciation?

Practicing with virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa gives you instant feedback on your pronunciation. If the assistant doesn’t understand you, it means you need to work on your pronunciation. This feedback helps you identify and correct pronunciation errors in real time.

What is the role of technology in improving English pronunciation?

Technology, such as pronunciation apps like Elsa Speak, allows learners to receive personalized feedback on their pronunciation. These apps compare your speech to native speakers and give specific tips on improving individual sounds, helping you master accurate pronunciation more efficiently.

What is the benefit of talking to yourself in English?

Talking to yourself in English helps you think in the language, improving fluency and making it easier to express thoughts. It also trains your mind to recall words and structures more quickly, reducing hesitation when speaking with others.

How does the imitation technique help improve speaking skills?

The imitation technique helps you practice natural intonation, rhythm, and vocabulary by mimicking native speakers. It improves your listening skills and ensures that you understand the context and meaning of phrases, which makes your speech sound more authentic.

What should you do if you catch yourself thinking in your native language instead of English?

If you notice you're thinking in your native language, simply acknowledge it and switch back to English. The key is to keep practicing and surrounding yourself with English content so that over time, thinking in English becomes more natural.

Can you think in English without living in an English-speaking country?

Yes, it is possible to think in English without living in an English-speaking country. By practicing daily, using techniques like speaking with natives, watching content in English, and using language apps, you can train your brain to switch to English and eventually think in the language.

What does it mean to be at the 'advanced level' in language learning?

At the advanced level, you can switch between languages effortlessly, use the correct accent, and speak fluently without hesitation. You also start incorporating vocabulary from both languages into your speech, though it's important to avoid mixing them too much.