3 Tips to Improve Your Speaking Skills in Another Language
Azren's Top Language Learning Tips: 2 of 12
Note before you read this article: Everyone has their own take on effective ways to learn a language. Because of this, last summer I decided to try distilling fundamental truths about language learning that all, or at least most, language learning experts would agree on.
This is the second lesson. You can watch the video here, listen on Spotify here, or keep scrolling down to read a summary. You can see all 12 lessons by clicking here.
Feel free to contact me at https://azrenthelanguagenerd.com/contact if you have any questions about language learning or if you’d like to inquire about taking private/small-group lessons.
Tip #1: Get lots of input (i.e., reading and listening)
Input refers to listening and reading. Listening and reading drive spoken fluency. It increases your vocabulary, exposes you to how people naturally communicate, and provides models to imitate. Make sure the reading and listening material you use is at your level (i.e., not so hard you are getting frustrated and not so easy that you’re getting bored.)
I will talk more about this in a future lesson.
Tip #2: Speak regularly
A lot of you don't talk to anyone in the language they're learning. Instead, you spend all your time using textbooks, apps, and other self-study methods. Speaking regularly is important. Speak with a native speaker at least twice a month for 30 to 60 minutes. More is better. Doing so will help you apply your communication skills in real-life scenarios. It is acceptable to temporarily avoid speaking, but at some point has to become a part of your language learning strategy.
Tip #3: Challenge yourself when conversing with someone
This is particularly important for learners at an intermediate level who feel stuck. One possible reason for hitting a plateau is that you keep using the same resources and keep having similar conversations. You’re not challenging yourself enough.
To break through this plateau, challenge yourself. Discuss unfamiliar topics. Try to articulate yourself more precisely. Stop avoiding words and phrases you don't know how to say. Push yourself to learn. Intentionally incorporate new vocabulary and phrasing into your speech.
Bonus tip for people with an intermediate or advanced level: Challenge yourself with listening and reading, not only with speaking. Find harder materials to consume in different genres.
To summarize, the three essential components for improving your speaking skills are:
Listen and read a lot. Use materials that are not so hard that you feel frustrated and not so easy that you feel bored.
Speak in the target language at least twice a month for 30-60 minutes each time. More is better.
Challenge yourself
As an aside, for those of you wondering how to find someone to practice speaking with, consider these options:
Speak with friends or family who are proficient in the language you're learning.
Attend in-person or virtual activites on Meetup.com, Facebook events, Eventbrite, or other event/activity websites in your region. You may need to do some Googling to find out what sites exist in your area.
Use italki.com, a reliable platform where you can find affordable language tutors who are willing to engage in conversation practice.
Hire a Calgary Language Nerds instructor. We’re at 95% capacity now as I’m writing this, but if we can’t make space for you we’d be happy to put you on a waitlist.
If you have any questions/comments or if you’d like to inquire about taking private/semi-private lessons, contact me here.