There is no doubt that English is a lingua franca, and it has been adopted as an official language in 59 countries. Over 1.75 billion people worldwide speak English at a functional level. [1]. English is used in almost every field one can think of – global businesses, communications, diplomacy, education, science, technology, and many others. Learning spoken English offers various benefits, and thereby we have compiled a list of tips for mastering spoken English.

Top Tips for Mastering Spoken English

Read, read and read!

Reading is essential when it comes to brushing up on your spoken English. It is advisable to read works of fiction – From ”To Kill a Mockingbird'' to ”Harry Potter'' – read whatever book keeps you engrossed and polishes your spoken English. If not fiction, then occupy yourself with reading non-fiction – devour books of choice, whether history, politics, philosophy, or science.

Listen to podcasts and audiobooks

Podcasts and audiobooks are an excellent medium for improving your spoken English skills. Podcasts and audiobooks are primarily available in either the native British accent or American accent; hence listening to them will better equip you to comprehend the pronunciation of words. You can listen to podcasts about history, politics, sports, technology, or audiobooks of English Literature masterpieces such as War & Peace, Pride & Prejudice, or Les Miserables.

Watch movies

Movies not just entertain but can also be immensely educational. You can enhance your vocabulary, accent, and inflection too. Watch movies that can enhance your spoken English skills and enrich your mind with knowledge – How about the Indiana Jone_s series or _Dunkirk?

Use idioms, expressions, and phrases

Try to memorize a few common idioms, expressions, and phrases and incorporate them into your daily conversations. It will also boost your vocabulary, and once your vocabulary expands, it will augment your spoken English skills.

Don’t fret about grammar

Though appropriate grammar is vital to learning English, it should not be your priority initially. You will still be able to communicate in English even though your grammar is not flawless, and you can embellish your grammar later.

Debate with your friends

Make a habit of using English when communicating with your friends. Engage in any kind of debate that interests you – fun, personal, business, politics, or any other topic. It will polish your spoken English and help you overcome any confidence issues about spoken English.

Don’t hesitate to speak English

Build up confidence gradually and do not hesitate to speak English. Don’t worry if you hit a snag, and do not be put off by making mistakes. You will master the skill of spoken English with practice and continuous learning.

Use English learning apps

Our lives are embedded in technology, and hence we must get the best out of it. YouTube is an invaluable resource where you can watch and listen to hundreds of lectures and tutorials. Similarly, you can take advantage of various incredible apps available for English learning in the Android store, such as Duolingo, BBC Learning English, 6000 words, and many others.

Hire a personal tutor

There could be no better way to strengthen your grasp of English than to seek the assistance of a personal tutor. A personal tutor will be able to offer one-on-one classes where you can accelerate your learning progress. Moreover, you will be able to ask questions and receive valuable feedback. A teacher is crucial in teaching and motivating you to attain your goal.

Conclusion

Learning to speak English fluently is not a trivial task. It would help if you practiced regularly and applied the aforementioned tips to make your spoken English learning process a rewarding and enjoyable journey.

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References:

[1] “Global Business Speaks English.” Harvard Business Review.