By Olga Smith
There are more exceptions from rules than rules when it comes to the English grammar. If you think too much about grammar you might end up thinking a lot instead of speaking. It might even create a barrier to speaking fluently. Therefore I recommend paying more attention to practising speaking rather than learning grammar. Below are a few practical tips that will help you to speak fluently in English fast:
Speak every day for 10–30 minutes preferably to native speakers of English, or non-native speakers with good English. This will help you to overcome the barrier to speak. Don’t think about the grammar when speaking, think of the free flow of your speech. Memorise phrases, rather than separate words.
Listen to an audiobook several times. When you listen to the book for the first time, you just get the main ideas; the second time write down words you don’t know; the third time and repeat a small section at a time after the audiobook. This way you will also learn new vocabulary. I like the books in the series Get Rid of your Accent as they help to learn new words and expressions quickly and with the correct pronunciation.
Write a few sentences about yourself, choose topics that you talk most about: your name, education, work, study, hobbies and interest. Write down a list of your professional vocabulary and practice it out loud. Then record yourself, listen to your recording and make a note of your mistakes. Correct them and then Record yourself again. Do these recording exercises for each topic.
The English tend to speak in phrases, often linking the words together. To sound fluent in English, liaise words that belong together in a phrase gliding from one word to another, almost pronouncing them as one word.
Practise common English phrases, sentences and verses with correct pronunciation with the app Elocution Lessons.