Why You Can UNDERSTAND English But You STRUGGLE TO SPEAK In English

Summary

In this video, Teacher Tiffany addresses a common challenge faced by English learners: understanding the language well but struggling to speak it. She shares personal experiences and offers five practical solutions: 1) Use an equal ratio of speaking to listening; 2) Learn and use one new word daily; 3) Summarize your day in English; 4) Review and read your notes aloud; 5) Practice reading out loud and shadowing. She emphasizes the importance of overcoming nerves and actively practicing speaking, sharing a personal story about overcoming nervousness while delivering a sermon, highlighting the power of pushing through fear to communicate effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Public speaking can be daunting, but it is important to push through nervousness to deliver your message.
• 😀 Nerves can manifest physically, as in the case of the speaker's stomach pains before giving the sermon.
• 😀 Thorough preparation can help alleviate nervousness, but it's also important to recognize when nerves are still present.
• 😀 Overcoming nervousness is essential because your message could be vital to someone who needs to hear it.
• 😀 Sometimes, stepping into a role of speaking or leading can feel uncomfortable, but the impact of your message is what matters most.
• 😀 The experience of delivering a sermon successfully, despite nerves, helped the speaker realize the importance of perseverance.
• 😀 Feedback from others, such as praise for a sermon, can validate the importance of speaking up even when it's difficult.
• 😀 Acknowledging your nervousness but continuing to speak can help you connect with others and make a positive impact.
• 😀 Public speaking is a skill that requires practice and belief in yourself, even if you're initially uncertain.
• 😀 The ability to understand English is a powerful indicator of intelligence, and with practice, speaking in English becomes more achievable.

Q & A

Why do many students find it easier to understand English than to speak it?

Many students can understand English well because they have been exposed to it through listening or watching media. However, speaking is harder because it requires actively retrieving words and structuring sentences, which involves different skills that are not always practiced as much as listening or reading.

What is the 'equal ratio' method for improving English speaking skills?

The 'equal ratio' method involves speaking for the same amount of time that you listen to or watch English content. For example, if you watch a 10-minute video, you should then speak for 10 minutes, summarizing what you saw and giving your opinion about it. This ensures balanced practice between input (listening/reading) and output (speaking).

What is the importance of using new words in daily conversations?

Learning new words is not enough if they are not actively used. To make the new vocabulary stick, it's crucial to apply the words in real-life conversations. Practicing daily helps students internalize the words, making them more accessible when speaking.

How can summarizing your day help improve speaking skills?

Summarizing your day in English helps organize your thoughts and reinforces the language you’ve learned. By doing this regularly, you train your brain to think in English, which strengthens your ability to speak without relying on your native language.

What is the benefit of reading your notes out loud?

Reading notes out loud helps improve both pronunciation and fluency. It allows students to actively engage with the material they’ve learned and practice speaking, which reinforces the language and makes it easier to recall when needed.

What role does 'shadowing' play in learning English?

Shadowing involves repeating what you hear immediately after hearing it. This technique helps improve pronunciation, intonation, and speaking fluency by mimicking native speakers and getting used to the rhythm and flow of the language.

Why is consistency important when learning new words?

Consistency is key to mastering a language. By learning and using one new word every day, you create a habit that builds over time. This regular practice prevents information overload and ensures that new vocabulary becomes part of your active vocabulary.

How can a person overcome nervousness when speaking in English?

Nervousness is common when speaking a foreign language. The best way to overcome it is by practicing in real-life situations, gradually pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, and focusing on the message you want to communicate rather than perfection.

What did Tiffany learn from her experience of giving a sermon despite feeling nervous?

Tiffany learned that overcoming nervousness and pushing through challenges is crucial because others may need to hear your message. Despite her nerves, delivering the sermon helped her realize the importance of speaking up, especially when the message can benefit others.

How does processing your thoughts in English improve speaking ability?

Processing thoughts in English helps students think in the target language rather than translating from their native language. This makes speaking more fluid and natural, as it eliminates the need for mental translation and speeds up the ability to communicate.