How to improve speaking skills

Are you confident when you have to write an essay but struggle when it comes to speaking in your target language?

It is extremely important to recognize that good writing skills, rich vocabulary and impeccable grammar do not equal good speaking skills.

• Take your time speaking. I don’t know of any language exam where speaking fast is a requirement. Don’t force yourself to take up the speaking speed of native speakers from the very beginning.  Give yourself time to think about what you want to say and how you want to say it. Form your thoughts  and make sure it’s grammatically correct before you speak. Once you have already gotten used to the process you can gradually speed it up.

• Form your thoughts in the target language. Learning how to stop translating in your head  is essential in order to speak well and speak faster. Cut down on the time of the pauses between sentences by not wasting time and energy on translating.

• Don’t stress about words you don’t know. Every language learner gets frustrated when they forget a word, it is only natural. But if you stop trying to remember the word and explain it with other words instead, you will sound more fluent and natural.

• Find speaking partners Practice with native speakers!  In order to have good speaking skills, you have to practice speaking. Overcome the fear of talking to native speakers and challenge yourself. Yes, you might make a few mistakes here and there, or you might have to repeat yourself sometimes, but it’s all part of the journey.

• Take notes and rehearse before a situation or event where you know you’ll have to speak the language. Think about what you want to say before your first meeting with a native speaker. Imagine the conversation and rehearse speaking aloud. 

• Record yourself talking. Now, this might sound a little scary at first, but it is incredibly effective and such a great feedback. Listen to the recording and find things you did well and things you could improve. Maybe you used the same words a lot, but on the other hand you formed long and complex sentences, and your pronunciation was clear. To find a topic to talk about, check the exercise gallery below.

Don’t know how to get started? Try a few of these exercises to improve your speaking skills.

If you like these exercises check out the Facebook page for more!

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