How To Improve English Speaking

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30-day spoken English learning plan?

How to improve English Speaking

To speak fluent English, just talk in English. You’ll make mistake sometimes but that’s okay – people will correct you. Watch English movies, pay attention to how people talk, and practice saying words right.

Learning spoken English can be an exciting journey! These 30-day learning plan tailored for beginners like you to help you improve your spoken English skills:

Week 1: Building Foundations

Days 1-5: Basic Vocabulary and Pronunciation”
Day 1: Learn common greetings and introductions (Hello, Hi, How are you? What’s your name?)
Day 2: Practice pronunciation of vowel and consonant sounds.
Day 3: Learn basic vocabulary for everyday objects (table, chair, pen, etc.).
Day 4: Practice speaking numbers and basic math vocabulary.
Day 5: Review days of the week, months, and telling time.

Week 2: Developing Conversational Skills

Days 6-10: Simple Sentences and Expressions”
Day 6: Learn to describe people (tall, short, happy, sad, etc.).
Day 7: Practice forming simple sentences (subject + verb + object).
Day 8: Learn common verbs and their conjugations (to be, to have, to go, etc.).
Day 9: Role-play common daily scenarios (ordering food, asking for directions).
Day 10: Practice listening to and following simple instructions.

Week 3: Expanding Vocabulary and Fluency

Days 11-15: Intermediate Vocabulary and Phrases”
Day 11: Learn vocabulary related to hobbies and interests.
Day 12: Practice describing routines and daily activities.
Day 13: Expand your conversational skills with expressions for agreement/disagreement.
Day 14: Learn common idioms and expressions used in everyday conversation.
Day 15: Engage in short conversations with a language partner or tutor.

Week 4: Improving Fluency and Confidence

Days 16-20: Advanced Vocabulary and Practical Scenarios”
Day 16: Learn vocabulary related to work and professions.
Day 17: Practice discussing past experiences using past tense verbs.
Day 18: Role-play scenarios involving making plans and arrangements.
Day 19: Practice giving opinions and expressing preferences.
Day 20: Engage in longer conversations on topics of interest.
Days 21-25: Review and Reinforcement”
Day 21: Review vocabulary and grammar concepts covered so far.
Day 22: Practice listening to English podcasts or watching videos with subtitles.
Day 23: Complete language exercises and quizzes to reinforce learning.
Day 24: Work on pronunciation drills and speaking exercises.
Day 25: Engage in conversations with native speakers online or in person.
Days 26-30: Consolidation and Application”
Day 26: Focus on areas of weakness and seek clarification or additional practice.
Day 27: Watch English movies or TV shows without subtitles and try to understand dialogue.
Day 28: Write short essays or journal entries in English to practice writing skills.
Day 29: Continue conversing with native speakers and seek feedback on your language skills.
Day 30: Reflect on your progress and set goals for further improvement.

Spoken English into engaging stories and metaphors

Let’s turn the key lessons of spoken English into engaging stories and metaphors:

Spoken English into engaging stories

Basic Vocabulary – The Garden of Words:

Imagine your English vocabulary as a garden. Each word you learn is like a seed planted in the soil. With care and attention, these seeds grow into beautiful flowers representing different words. Just as a gardener tends to their garden, you nurture your vocabulary by watering it with practice and sunlight of exposure to English conversations.

Pronunciation – The Symphony of Sounds:

Think of English pronunciation as conducting a symphony. Each vowel and consonant is like a musical note. Just as a conductor guides musicians to produce harmonious melodies, you orchestrate your speech by mastering the pronunciation of each sound, ensuring they blend together seamlessly like notes in a symphony.

Grammar Basics – Building Blocks of Storytelling:

Consider grammar as the scaffolding that supports a grand storytelling structure. Just as a builder constructs a sturdy foundation before crafting a magnificent building, you lay the groundwork of grammar to tell your stories effectively. With each sentence, you assemble these grammar blocks to create narratives that captivate and engage your audience.

Common Phrases and Expressions – The Tapestry of Conversations:

Imagine spoken English as a vibrant tapestry woven from threads of common phrases and expressions. Each phrase is like a colorful thread contributing to the rich fabric of conversation. As you learn these phrases, you add more hues to your tapestry, creating a masterpiece of communication that reflects the beauty of shared language.

Listening Skills – The Symphony Audience:

Picture yourself as an audience member at a symphony concert. Just as you listen attentively to the music, you tune your ears to the rhythms and melodies of spoken English. With each word spoken, you become more attuned to the nuances of language, enriching your comprehension like an eager listener captivated by the symphony’s performance.

Speaking Practice – The Dance of Dialogue:

Envision spoken English as a graceful dance between two partners. Just as dancers move in harmony with each other’s steps, you engage in conversation, exchanging words and ideas with fluidity and grace. Through practice, you refine your movements, becoming a skilled dancer of dialogue, effortlessly gliding through conversations with confidence.

Everyday Scenarios – The Journey of Exploration:

Picture learning spoken English as embarking on a journey of exploration. Each day presents new landscapes of language, from bustling marketplaces to serene parks. As you navigate these everyday scenarios, you encounter opportunities to practice and apply your English skills, transforming your journey into a vibrant adventure of discovery.

Fluency Building – The Flowing River:

Think of fluency in spoken English as a flowing river. Just as a river meanders through the landscape, your speech flows smoothly from one word to the next. With each conversation, you navigate the twists and turns of language, honing your ability to express yourself with ease, like a river flowing effortlessly towards its destination.

Vocabulary Expansion – The Library of Words:

Imagine your mind as a vast library filled with books of words. Each new word you learn is like a precious volume added to your collection. As you explore the shelves of this library, you discover a treasure trove of vocabulary, expanding your knowledge and understanding of spoken English with each book you open.

Idioms and Expressions – The Secret Code:

Consider idioms and expressions as the secret code of spoken English. Like hidden messages waiting to be decoded, these phrases add depth and color to conversations. As you unravel the mysteries of these idiomatic expressions, you unlock new layers of meaning, transforming your spoken English into a rich tapestry of language.

By weaving these engaging stories and metaphors into your language learning journey, you’ll not only enhance your memorization but also deepen your understanding and appreciation of spoken English.

80/20 principle to learn faster Spoken English

Test your knowledge

Focusing on the most important aspects of spoken English will help you understand a significant portion of the language. Here are the key elements:

Basic Vocabulary:

Learn essential words for everyday communication such as greetings, common objects, numbers, days of the week, and months.

Pronunciation:

Master the pronunciation of vowel and consonant sounds, as well as stress patterns in words and sentences.

Grammar Basics:

Understand simple sentence structures including subject-verb-object order, verb conjugation, and basic tenses (present simple, past simple, and future simple).

Common Phrases and Expressions:

Familiarize yourself with commonly used phrases for greetings, introductions, expressing emotions, giving directions, and making requests.

Listening Skills:

Practice listening to spoken English in various contexts to improve comprehension and familiarize yourself with natural speech patterns.

Speaking Practice:

Engage in regular speaking practice, even if it’s just repeating phrases or having simple conversations with language partners.

Everyday Scenarios:

Focus on learning language relevant to everyday situations like shopping, ordering food, asking for directions, and making small talk.

Fluency Building:

Work on fluency by gradually increasing the length and complexity of your spoken sentences and conversations.

Vocabulary Expansion:

Continuously expand your vocabulary with words related to common topics such as family, work, hobbies, and interests.

Idioms and Expressions:

Learn some common idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms to understand informal spoken English better.

By mastering these key elements, you’ll have a solid foundation in spoken English that will enable you to understand and communicate effectively in many everyday situations.

Test your knowledge of spoken English with a series of questions

Learning plan

Can you give examples of common greetings in spoken English?

Certainly! Common greetings in spoken English include:

“Hello!”
“Hi there!”
“Hey!”
“Good morning!”
“Good afternoon!”
“Good evening!”
“How are you?”
“What’s up?”
“How’s it going?”
“Hey, what’s going on?”

These greetings are often accompanied by a smile or a nod to convey friendliness and warmth in social interactions.

How would you pronounce the word “schedule” in American English?

In American English, the word “schedule” is typically pronounced as “sked-juhl.” The stress is on the first syllable, “sked,” and the “ch” sound at the end is pronounced like “j.” So, it sounds like “SKED-jool.”

What’s the difference between “I go” and “I am going” in terms of tense and usage?

The difference between “I go” and “I am going” lies in their tense and usage:

“I go”:

Tense: Present simple tense.
Usage: “I go” is used to describe habitual actions or routines, general truths, or scheduled events.
Example: “I go to the gym every morning.” (habitual action)

“She goes to school by bus.” (scheduled event)

“Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.” (general truth)

“I am going”:

Tense: Present continuous tense.
Usage: “I am going” is used to describe actions that are happening at the moment of speaking or planned future actions.
Example: “I am going to the store right now.” (action happening at the moment)

“We are going to watch a movie tonight.” (planned future action)

So, “I go” indicates a regular or habitual action, while “I am going” indicates an action that is happening now or a planned future action.

Can you provide a few examples of common phrases used for making requests in spoken English?

Absolutely! Here are some common phrases used for making requests in spoken English:

“Could you please…?”

Example: “Could you please pass me the salt?”

“Can you…?”

Example: “Can you help me with this problem?”

“Would you mind…?”

Example: “Would you mind closing the window?”

“Do you think you could…?”

Example: “Do you think you could lend me your pen?”

“I was wondering if you could…?”

Example: “I was wondering if you could give me a ride home.”

“Would it be possible to…?”

Example: “Would it be possible to reschedule the meeting?”

“Is there any chance you could…?”

Example: “Is there any chance you could cover for me this afternoon?”

“Can I ask you to…?”

Example: “Can I ask you to hold the door for me?”

“I need your help with…?”

Example: “I need your help with this heavy box.”

“Could you spare a moment to…?”

Example: “Could you spare a moment to listen to my presentation?”

These phrases are polite and respectful ways to ask for assistance or favors in various situations.

How do you typically improve your listening skills in English?

Improving listening skills in English can be achieved through various methods. Here are some effective strategies:

**Listen to English regularly**: Make listening to English a daily habit. You can listen to podcasts, audiobooks, radio shows, or English music during your commute, while exercising, or during any free time.

**Watch English movies and TV shows**: Choose movies or TV shows with clear speech and subtitles in English. Initially, you can use subtitles in your native language, then gradually switch to English subtitles, and eventually watch without subtitles to challenge yourself.

**Listen to English news and broadcasts**: Tune in to English news channels, radio stations, or podcasts to expose yourself to different accents, vocabulary, and speaking styles.

**Engage in conversations with native speakers**: Practice speaking and listening by conversing with native English speakers. This could be through language exchange programs, online language forums, or joining conversation groups in your community.

**Use language learning apps**: Utilize language learning apps and platforms that offer listening exercises and activities. These apps often provide content tailored to different proficiency levels, allowing you to gradually improve your listening skills.

**Transcribe and repeat**: Choose short audio clips or dialogues and transcribe them word for word. Then, listen again and repeat what you hear, focusing on mimicking the pronunciation and intonation of the speakers.

**Focus on specific listening skills**: Work on specific listening skills such as identifying main ideas, understanding details, recognizing context, and inferring meaning from tone and intonation.

**Take listening comprehension tests**: Practice taking listening comprehension tests or quizzes to assess your understanding of spoken English and identify areas for improvement.

**Seek feedback**: Ask for feedback from teachers, language partners, or native speakers on your listening skills. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

**Be patient and persistent**: Improving listening skills takes time and consistent effort. Be patient with yourself and continue practicing regularly, gradually increasing the difficulty level as you progress.

By incorporating these strategies into your language learning routine, you can effectively enhance your listening skills in English over time.

Describe a scenario where you might use the expression “break a leg” in spoken English.

Certainly! The expression “break a leg” is commonly used in spoken English to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance or presentation. Here’s a scenario where you might use this expression:

Imagine you’re at a theater, and your friend is about to go on stage to perform in a play. As they nervously wait backstage, you approach them to offer some words of encouragement. You might say:

“Hey, Sarah! You’ve worked so hard for this moment, and I know you’re going to be amazing out there. Break a leg!”

In this scenario, by saying “break a leg,” you’re conveying your support and wishing your friend good luck for their performance. It’s a common and lighthearted way to offer encouragement in such situations.

Explain the concept of fluency in spoken English and how it differs from accuracy.

Certainly! Let’s break down the concepts of fluency and accuracy in spoken English:

Fluency:

Fluency refers to the ability to speak smoothly and confidently in a language, without frequent pauses or hesitations.
A fluent speaker can maintain a continuous flow of speech, expressing their thoughts and ideas with ease and naturalness.
Fluency is about how smoothly and effortlessly someone can communicate in real-time conversations, focusing more on the speed and fluidity of speech rather than perfect grammar or vocabulary.
Fluent speakers often demonstrate a good grasp of pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm, which contribute to the overall coherence and understandability of their speech.

Accuracy:

Accuracy, on the other hand, refers to the correctness of language use in terms of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and syntax.
An accurate speaker pays attention to using the language correctly, avoiding grammatical errors, choosing appropriate words, and pronouncing them accurately.
Accuracy is more concerned with precision and correctness in language production, ensuring that the message conveyed is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning accurately.
While fluency focuses on the flow and speed of speech, accuracy emphasizes the correctness and precision of language usage.

Difference:

The main difference between fluency and accuracy is in their focus and priority. Fluency prioritizes the ability to communicate smoothly and confidently, even if there are minor errors or hesitations in language use. Accuracy, on the other hand, prioritizes the correctness and precision of language, ensuring that language use is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning accurately.
Fluency allows for more natural and spontaneous communication, while accuracy ensures that the language used is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning accurately.
In language learning, both fluency and accuracy are important goals. However, fluency often takes precedence in the early stages of learning as it facilitates communication and builds confidence, while accuracy becomes increasingly important as learners progress and aim for more advanced proficiency levels.

In summary, fluency focuses on the smoothness and confidence of communication, while accuracy emphasizes the correctness and precision of language use in spoken English. Both fluency and accuracy are essential aspects of effective communication and language proficiency.

What are some everyday situations where you might use the past tense in English?

Using the past tense in English is common when describing actions or events that occurred in the past. Here are some everyday situations where you might use the past tense:

**Narrating Past Events**: When recounting what happened in the past, such as describing yesterday’s activities, narrating a story, or sharing past experiences.

Example: “I went to the park yesterday.”

“She told me an interesting story last week.”

“We traveled to Europe for our vacation last summer.”

**Talking about Completed Actions**: When discussing actions or tasks that have already been completed.

Example: “I finished my homework before dinner.”

“He cooked dinner for us last night.”

“They cleaned the house over the weekend.”

**Reporting Past Conversations**: When reporting what was said or discussed in a conversation that took place in the past.

Example: “She said she would call me later.”

“He told me he had already seen the movie.”

“They asked if we wanted to join them for dinner.”

**Describing Past Habits or Routines**: When talking about habitual actions or routines that occurred in the past but may no longer be relevant.

Example: “I used to play soccer every weekend when I was younger.”

“She always went for a run before breakfast.”

“They would visit their grandparents every summer.”

**Referring to Historical Events**: When discussing historical events, past achievements, or significant moments in history.

Example: “The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.”

“The Titanic sank in 1912.”

“Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech in 1963.”

**Expressing Regrets or Wishes**: When expressing regrets about past actions or stating wishes about how things could have been different.

Example: “I wish I had studied harder for the exam.”

“He regrets not telling her how he felt.”

“They wish they had traveled more when they were younger.”

**Discussing Past Conditions or States**: When describing past conditions, states of being, or situations that were true in the past but may have changed.

Example: “She was happy when she received the news.”

“I used to live in New York.”

“They were tired after a long day of work.”

These are just a few examples of everyday situations where the past tense is commonly used in English to describe actions, events, or conditions that occurred in the past.

Can you think of a few idiomatic expressions related to weather commonly used in spoken English?

Certainly! Here are some idiomatic expressions related to weather commonly used in spoken English:

**Under the weather**: Feeling unwell or sick.

Example: “I can’t come to work today; I’m feeling a bit under the weather.”

**Weather the storm**: To endure a difficult or challenging situation.

Example: “It’s been tough, but we’ve managed to weather the storm.”

**Rain or shine**: Regardless of the weather conditions; in any circumstances.

Example: “The event will go on, rain or shine.”

**Bite the bullet**: To endure a difficult situation with courage.

Example: “We’ll have to bite the bullet and go out in this storm to get supplies.”

**Take a rain check**: To decline an invitation or offer but suggest the possibility of accepting it at a later time.

Example: “I’m too busy tonight, but can I take a rain check and join you next time?”

**A storm in a teacup**: A situation where there is a lot of anger or worry about something that is not important.

Example: “Don’t worry about it; it’s just a storm in a teacup.”

**Every cloud has a silver lining**: A positive aspect in a seemingly negative situation.

Example: “I know you didn’t get the job, but maybe it’s for the best. Every cloud has a silver lining.”

**Head in the clouds**: To be unaware or unrealistic about the situation.

Example: “She’s always got her head in the clouds; she doesn’t know what’s going on.”

**Fair-weather friend**: A person who is only a friend in good times and abandons you during difficult times.

Example: “I thought he was my friend, but he disappeared when I needed him. Turns out he’s just a fair-weather friend.”

**In the eye of the storm**: In the calmest part of a dangerous or difficult situation.

Example: “Despite the chaos around her, she remained calm and focused, like she was in the eye of the storm.”

These idiomatic expressions related to weather add color and vividness to spoken English, allowing speakers to convey meanings in a more creative and engaging way.

How do you usually expand your vocabulary in spoken English?

Expanding your vocabulary in spoken English can be an enriching and rewarding experience. Here are some effective strategies to help you do so:

**Read Regularly**: Reading books, newspapers, magazines, and online articles in English exposes you to a wide range of vocabulary in different contexts. Pay attention to new words and their meanings as you encounter them.

**Keep a Vocabulary Journal**: Maintain a notebook or digital document where you jot down new words along with their definitions, example sentences, and any relevant notes. Review and revise your vocabulary regularly.

**Use Flashcards**: Create flashcards with new words on one side and their meanings on the other. Review the flashcards regularly to reinforce your memory of the words.

**Contextual Learning**: Focus on understanding how new words are used in context. Pay attention to the surrounding words, phrases, and sentences to grasp the meaning and usage of unfamiliar vocabulary.

**Engage in Conversations**: Participate in conversations with native speakers or language partners. Use new words and expressions you’ve learned in your conversations to practice and reinforce your understanding.

**Listen Actively**: Listen to English podcasts, radio shows, audiobooks, and conversations. Pay attention to the vocabulary used and try to infer the meanings of unfamiliar words from the context.

**Watch English Content**: Watch movies, TV shows, documentaries, and YouTube videos in English. Subtitles can help you understand unfamiliar words, and you can pause and look up definitions as needed.

**Use Language Learning Apps**: Explore language learning apps and websites that offer vocabulary-building exercises, games, and quizzes. Many of these resources provide interactive ways to learn and practice new words.

**Join Vocabulary Groups**: Join online forums, discussion groups, or social media communities focused on language learning. Engage with other learners and native speakers to exchange vocabulary tips, resources, and recommendations.

**Review and Practice Regularly**: Set aside time each day to review and practice new vocabulary. Incorporate the words into your writing, speaking, and listening activities to reinforce your learning.

**Word of the Day**: Follow a “Word of the Day” feature in dictionaries or language-learning apps. Challenge yourself to use the word in conversations or writing throughout the day.

**Experiment with Word Games**: Play word games such as crossword puzzles, Scrabble, or word association games to have fun while expanding your vocabulary.

By incorporating these strategies into your language learning routine, you can gradually build and expand your vocabulary in spoken English, enhancing your communication skills and confidence over time.

Links: Spoken English

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