How to Speak English like a Pro in 50 Days | Ansh Mehra

Summary

In this insightful video, Ansh Mehra addresses the misconception that a lack of English proficiency hinders career growth, asserting that being proficient in one's field is more crucial. He emphasizes the importance of clear written communication, recommending tools like Grammarly to improve writing skills. Mehra also discusses the significance of thinking in English for fluent verbal expression and suggests daily practices, such as reading aloud and engaging in public speaking, to enhance communication abilities. Lastly, he advises focusing on clarity over jargon and provides actionable steps for improving language skills, including setting aside time for writing and reading practice, and learning from common grammatical error resources.

Takeaways

• 😀 Not knowing English is not as big of a barrier to success as one might think, as many successful individuals are not fluent in English.
• 📚 English proficiency, especially in writing, is more important for career advancement than verbal fluency, as poor writing can limit opportunities.
• ✍️ Practicing writing well in English is essential, and using tools like Grammarly can help improve written communication skills.
• 🎥 Companies like Slack value written communication skills, as evidenced by their text-based interview process to assess clarity and conciseness in messaging.
• 📝 The importance of clear and structured written communication is highlighted by the speaker's experience of rejecting portfolios based on poor email structure.
• 🗣️ Reading books aloud is a recommended method to practice thinking and speaking in English, which helps in reducing the translation lag from one's native language to English.
• 📚 The speaker suggests using documentation tools like Notion for daily writing practice to clarify thought processes and improve written expression.
• 🎙️ For those who struggle with speaking English fluently, practicing aloud with books can help train the 'tongue muscle' for better speech flow.
• 🏆 The speaker emphasizes that good communication skills can lead to high returns even for those who are mediocre at their core tasks, underscoring the value of effective selling.
• 🎭 The importance of storytelling in communication is touched upon, with speeches being a powerful form to inspire action and demonstrate clear, compelling narratives.
• 🔑 The script concludes with advice to focus on impressing the right people and optimizing one's communication skills for impactful interactions.

Q & A

What is the main message of the video regarding the importance of English proficiency for job opportunities?

The video emphasizes that while English is a useful skill, not knowing it or having poor grammar is not a significant barrier to getting a job. Many successful individuals, including designers, can earn well without being fluent in English.

Why does the speaker mention Kapil Dev and the recurring joke in the movie?

The speaker uses Kapil Dev's example to illustrate that one can excel in their field without being fluent in English, just as Kapil Dev excelled in cricket despite struggling with English.

According to the video, what is more important than verbal fluency in English for professional success?

The video suggests that writing skills are more crucial than verbal fluency. Clear, concise, and correct written English can significantly impact one's professional opportunities.

What is the significance of the Slack interview example mentioned in the video?

The Slack interview example highlights the importance of being able to communicate effectively in writing, as it tests a candidate's ability to explain complicated problems through text-based communication.

What is the speaker's recommendation for improving written English skills?

The speaker recommends using a grammar check plugin like Grammarly Pro, which can help identify and correct small mistakes in writing, thus improving one's English skills over time.

Why does the speaker suggest writing thoughts for 10 to 15 minutes daily?

Daily writing helps in converting thoughts into words, which in turn clarifies thinking and improves the ability to express oneself clearly and effectively in writing.

What is the purpose of reading books aloud according to the video?

Reading books aloud helps in practicing English pronunciation and fluency, reducing the reliance on translation from one's native language to English during speech.

How does the speaker describe the importance of smooth and clear speech?

The speaker emphasizes that smooth and clear speech is crucial for effective communication, as it helps in conveying thoughts without stammering or getting stuck, which can be a result of not thinking in English.

What are the three components of speech that the speaker discusses?

The three components of speech discussed are grammar and vocabulary, pace and smoothness, and accent and tonality, with the first two being more important than the last.

Why does the speaker advise against focusing too much on accent and tonality?

The speaker advises that accent and tonality are the least important aspects of speech, as what matters most is the clarity and effectiveness of communication, regardless of accent differences.

What is the speaker's view on networking and how does it relate to communication skills?

The speaker views networking as a concept created by events to sell hope and does not believe in its effectiveness. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of consistently practicing communication skills to be prepared for impactful conversations with the right person at the right time.

What is the call to action suggested by the speaker for improving English communication skills?

The call to action is to set aside daily time for writing thoughts and reading aloud, watch YouTube videos on common grammatical errors, and to give oneself at least 15 days to assess progress in these areas.