Speaking. It’s what it’s all about. We say, “I’d like to speak a foreign language,” But never, “I’d like to listen or read in a foreign language.” That’s surely because when we envisage using a foreign language, we imagine ourselves speaking, probably laughing at a trendy party with a glass of wine much like the stock images we see on the internet every day.
Speaking is how we represent ourselves. It’s how we present ourselves to the world and the people we meet, and anyone who has spent any time living in a foreign country will know how frustrating it can be not being able to show the real 'you'. I love the line from Gloria in Modern Family:
How can we improve?
Let's think about speaking through the eyes of an examiner. When an examiner is listening to your spoken English, they really don’t care about the content; that’s your business. What they are concentrating on are four key-areas and by focusing on these ourselves, we can get some great tips to help improve our spoken English for an exam, for work, or for a trendy wine party.
The four pillars of spoken English, and how to improve them.
1. Fluency.
What does it mean?
Fluency is your ability to communicate your ideas easily. It’s not about perfect grammar or amazing vocabulary (although these undoubtedly help) it’s about your ability to communicate your message easily.
Why is it important?
Language, for me, is communication. Ease of communication (fluency) is the skill that allows you to work, to represent yourself, to have relationships, to speak your mind, to participate in meetings and discussions, to participate in life.
How can we improve it?
Practice. There’s a reason that you can fluently tell someone your name, what you do and where you are from. It’s because you’ve done it a hundred times before. Like shooting a basketball, do it 1000 times and you can do it without thinking. The more you speak, the more language will come to you quickly. So speak with friends, speak alone, speak to your dog. Describe your actions to yourself as you go about your daily business. And try to concentrate on communication, give your grammar or vocabulary head a break for now, just try to say what you're trying to say. Another tip: Remember that a lot of communication is non-verbal. Smile, keep eye-contact and use your hands as much a necessary to get your point across.
2. Vocabulary.
What does it mean?
We can think of this on two levels. On a basic level, you need enough vocabulary to be able to avoid a breakdown in communication. On a more advanced level, we are introducing subtlety and nuance, precision and feeling to our message.
Why is it important?
On a basic level, it’s about simple communication. If you don’t know the word for water, you’re going to be thirsty. On a more advanced level, examiners, clients and employers are impressed by a range of vocabulary and not only on a superficial level. They know that a broad vocabulary range will allow you to navigate problems and unfamiliar situations more easily.
How can we improve it?
There are many ways to improve vocabulary. Memorising lists, using vocabulary in context, etc. For readers of this blog, I would suggest that the main thing is to expand your vocabulary by forcing yourself to talk about different topics. We are all familiar and comfortable with the subjects we talk about every day, but strong speakers will be able to deal with a range of topics. This is also an expectation in an exam.
Force yourself to speak about different vocabulary areas. IELTS Liz has a range of topics typically used in the IELTS exam. As above, you can do this alone or in a group, but speak! And this time, when you find a word you don’t have, look it up. Reading and listening, of course, also help a great deal.
3. Grammar.
What does it mean?
Examiners talk about Range and Accuracy, i.e., Being able to use structures correctly, but also having a range of structures you can use flexibly. This also relates to your ability to use tricky things like prepositions and articles.
Why is it important?
It gets confusing if you can only speak in the present tense, no matter how lavish your use of time-markers: Last year I go to work, next year I go to work. In a work context, good grammar gives us an air of professionality, and it’s essential for passing exams; grammar mistakes are very noticeable and often confusing.
How can we improve it?
This is where a teacher earns their salt. A good teacher will help you identify specific problems and help you resolve them. We often learn to avoid using grammar we feel uncomfortable with and a certain amount of fluency allows us to navigate around tricky grammar, like avoiding a puddle. But this won't allow us to improve. We need to confront out weaknesses, so seek out the difficult grammar, understand it and practise.
4. Pronunciation.
What does it mean?
The main thing is clarity. You don’t need to speak like the Queen, you just need to be understood. Accents are okay, good even, they give us our individuality. Pronunciation is only a problem if other people don't understand what you are saying. Additionally, rhythm, stress and intonation are also important in order to add emotion and feeling to language.
Why is it important?
On a basic level, clear pronunciation allows people to understand what you are trying to say. On a more advanced level, I think my colleague Pan (something of specialist in pronunciation) says it best: Remember that people judge the value of your ideas based on how well you communicate them.
How can we improve it?
Again, this is where a teacher can really help. It’s hard to hear yourself and to identify the areas you need to improve, but a good teacher will do this for you. Another trick is to record yourself. Listen to the way you stress words and sentences and compare this to speech you hear on the television, in podcasts or from friends. With a bit pf practice you will start to notice speaking patterns more and become more conscious of how to improve your own.
The keyword is, of course, practice. People learn to speak more quickly when they live abroad because they have to use the language. They have to speak. The more you can practise, the more your spoken English will improve in all four of the areas mentioned.
If you're interested in improving your English, get in touch. I'm happy to chat, free of charge, and discuss how I can help.
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