*Note before you read this newsletter: I would like to reminder you that there are online and in-person conversation practice events taking place this weekend and next weekend. Practicing your speaking regularly is important, so don’t forget to RSVP!
Two Tips to Improve Fluency
Slow Down When You Speak
Many language learners feel nervous when speaking. As a result, they speed up and don’t pronounce their words very well. Here’s a general rule of thumb I recommend: speak twice as slow as you feel is necessary. Doing this not only allows you to articulate yourself more clearly, but it also gives you more time to formulate your thoughts before you open your mouth to speak.
Allow the Brain to Move Faster Than Your Mouth
If you find yourself stuttering or having “false starts” when speaking another language (or maybe even in your first language) one possible reason is that you start to talk before you have a clear idea of what you would like to say. In other words, your mouth is moving faster than your brain instead of the other way around.
Before saying anything, pause for a few moments to ensure you know what message you would like to express. Don’t excessively use filler words such as, ‘um’ or ‘like’ to buy you time to think. Pause and be silent instead. Trust me, pausing for five seconds to collect your thoughts is a much better alternative to stuttering clumsily.
Thanks for reading this newsletter and don’t forget to sign up for one of this week or next week’s conversation practice events. If you have any questions or comments, reply to this email :)