21 Top Methods to Enhance Your English Speaking Skills

English serves as a global common language, connecting people from various linguistic backgrounds. It's used to some extent in 96 nations. This means that greater fluency in English leads to more engaging, stimulating, and perceptive conversations.

This article will guide you through 21 excellent strategies to boost your English speaking skills. We are confident you'll discover at least one new suggestion here.

1. Learn New Words and Phrases Every Day

Before focusing on aspects like pronunciation and accent, it's essential to have a solid understanding of the vocabulary and phrases commonly used in everyday dialogue.

After all, knowing which words you need to use makes it simpler to identify which parts of your pronunciation require practice.

Furthermore, you can decide to expand your vocabulary daily as you work on your speaking. This lets you accomplish two objectives at once.

You can:

• Set a daily target for learning new words. For instance, you might learn three or ten new words each day. Even learning just one new word daily adds up to 365 new words in a year. You can track your goal on your phone or with a study buddy who can monitor your progress.
• Sign up for an online dictionary's "Word of the Day" feature. Unsure which words to learn? Many online dictionaries offer a "Word of the Day" service. Simply subscribe for free via email to receive these words directly in your inbox.
• Pick up new words from your surroundings. Visit an English-speaking environment and listen attentively to native conversations. Jot down any unfamiliar words or phrases and look them up later. Apply the same technique to English songs you hear on the radio. Learning words in context helps with memory and accelerates vocabulary growth.
• Learn words within phrases. For example, beverages are often described as a glass of wine, a pint of beer, a cup of tea, or a pot of coffee. Again, contextual learning greatly improves recall.
• Learn related terms together. For instance, the moon goes through four phases each month: crescent, gibbous, waxing, and waning. Learning all four words simultaneously is more effective.

2. Improve Your Pronunciation Using Authentic English Audio and Videos

Knowing many words won't help if people can't understand your pronunciation. That would make the time spent learning them feel wasted, correct?

Therefore, you need to hear and watch English words and phrases as native speakers say them. Some resources for this include:

• Online dictionaries. These often have speaker icons next to words. Some, like the Cambridge Dictionary, provide separate audio for U.S. and U.K. pronunciations. Click the icon, listen carefully, and mimic the pronunciation.
• YouTube. Searching for a word's pronunciation often yields YouTube videos. They frequently repeat the word slowly several times, making it easier for you to practice.
• Podcasts. Podcasts such as English Pronunciation Pod and American English Pronunciation can instruct you on various aspects of American English pronunciation.

If pronouncing full words is challenging, you might start by practicing individual letters.

For example, when practicing English vowels, warm up your mouth by making the sounds A, E, I, O, and U.

Shape your mouth as you produce these sounds. Exaggerate the sounds and shapes—make them very pronounced and clear.

Practicing these fundamental sounds will make it easier to distinguish between similar words, like cat and cut.

Consonant pronunciation can be more complex and deserves its own detailed guide. Fortunately, we have a useful resource that covers how to pronounce English consonants!

3. Improvise Conversations

Improvisation means creating dialogue spontaneously.

Here are a few improvisation activities you can try alone:

• Select a common object (like a pen) and invent a story about it. Talk about its importance to you, how it helped you find a lost relative, or how it saved your life. Be as imaginative as you like!
• Pick a letter of the alphabet and speak for as long as you can, starting every sentence with that letter. Alternatively, begin with A and proceed through the alphabet as you talk. It's more difficult than it seems!
• Speak for two minutes. Set a timer for two minutes. Choose a random topic from sites like Conversation Starters or Writing Exercises. Then, talk about that topic for the full two minutes without pausing to think. The first minute might be tough, but you'll likely become more confident and comfortable in the second minute. Repeat this until you feel at ease from the start.

Practicing improv helps you feel more comfortable speaking with others because it trains you to speak without preparation.

4. Use Tongue Twisters

Tongue twisters are phrases that are challenging to say quickly. They're intended to test how fast you can speak them before your tongue gets tangled.

But saying them slowly is also beneficial! It's a fantastic method to work on your pronunciation and clarity. You can select one of these English tongue twisters, ensuring you pronounce each word correctly and distinctly.

Once you can say the words slowly and clearly, try speeding up, increasing your pace with each repetition. Even if you mess up some words (and trust me, even native speakers sometimes struggle with tongue twisters), you'll at least have a good laugh!

5. Learn the Natural Flow of English

Pronouncing individual words correctly is important, but the key to fluent English lies in the rhythm of your sentences.

When you read poetry, listen to a melodic song, or watch a funny sitcom, pay attention to:

• Linking. Observe how native speakers connect words. This involves blending two sounds, omitting a sound, or altering a sound for better flow.
• Contractions. Contractions are shortened versions of two words. For example: I + am = I’m; he + will = he’ll; they + have = they’ve; do + not = don’t.
• Stress. Certain syllables within words and certain words within sentences are stressed.
• Rhythm. Rhythm is the overall effect of stress, contractions, and linking. It's the melody, the musical quality of English. You can also think of it as the pace and tone of your speech.

Finding a comfortable speaking rhythm can significantly enhance your fluency. A good pace is easy for both you and the listener, keeps you focused, and allows you time to think about what you want to say.

Here’s how you can improve the flow of your spoken English:

• Find a short paragraph or a sentence at your reading level. You can locate many short reading passages for different levels here. Alternatively, open your favorite English book to a random page and pick a paragraph.
• Use a recorder or video camera. If your phone doesn't have a built-in recorder, you can download one for iOS or Android.
• Read the paragraph or sentence slowly, then again a bit faster, and again.
• Once you reach a speed that feels uncomfortable or too fast, slow down.
• Repeat this process several times, recording yourself each time.

Listen to the recordings. How do they sound? You should have noticed a difference while speaking. Speaking slowly helps with pronunciation and enunciation (clarity). Speaking faster helps with fluency, as you're not overthinking every word.

6. Shadow English Speech

Shadowing involves listening to a native speaker and repeating what they say, mimicking their style.

Here are some ways to practice shadowing:

• Choose a favorite subtitled video. Ensure it's something you enjoy watching; this is important for motivation.

• Listen to it multiple times. First, just listen. Then, read the subtitles to understand the general content and flow.

• Imitate the narrator sentence by sentence. Play a sentence. Listen. Pause. Speak. Record yourself if you wish. Copy the speech pattern as closely as possible.

With consistent shadowing, you'll naturally move closer to sounding like a native speaker. Just be sure to select videos that use the same English accent.

You can find many English videos with accurate subtitles on the language learning platform Lingflix.

7. Think in English

When you're learning English and conversing with a native speaker, your instinct might be to translate their speech into your native language, formulate a response in your native tongue, and then translate it back into English.

As you can imagine, this process is time-consuming. It can also make conversations feel slow or even frustrating for the other person.

Conversely, if you train yourself to think in English, you'll form responses more quickly and participate in conversations more easily. You skip the extra step of translating.

A good way to start thinking in English is to keep a diary where you write down your daily thoughts in English. It doesn't need to be perfect; the goal is to practice expressing your thoughts in English regularly.

8. Retell a Story in English

For example, you could start with a well-known story from your culture. Your retelling should communicate not just the literal meaning but also as much cultural subtlety as possible. You could also pick a short story or fairy tale that uses mostly familiar vocabulary.

Then, you can record your retelling or ask a native English speaker to listen and provide feedback.

Sometimes, your language has words that don't have direct English equivalents, and that's fine! You can try to explain them using different words, describing the feeling or concept to a native English speaker.

9. Use English Pronunciation Apps

If you've ever asked yourself if there's an app to help with English pronunciation, the answer is a definite "Yes." In fact, there are many.

For instance, ELSA Speak (available on iOS and Android) uses speech recognition technology to help correct your pronunciation. Lessons are organized by topic (e.g., travel, business). If you're preparing for exams like the IELTS, this app can be very helpful!

10. Participate in Public Speaking Events

Large universities, theaters, and cultural societies often host events like open debates, poetry readings, and impromptu storytelling sessions. These are venues where you can meet people with similar interests and practice speaking English.

Many cities hold TED Talks where you can register, take part, and share your innovative ideas. Check your local university's events page to see if such opportunities exist. It might be a nerve-wracking experience, but it would be excellent for your English skills!

But what if you lack confidence in speaking English? Don't worry; all language learners face this at some stage! A great way to build confidence is to get out there and practice.

The best approach is to try speaking English with strangers. The following video offers tips on avoiding common mistakes when starting an English conversation.

11. Go to Language Cafes

If the idea of public speaking frightens you, consider visiting language cafes instead. These are cafes that provide a friendly, relaxed setting for people to practice and exchange languages.

You can usually find language cafes through local universities or Meetup groups in your area. At the very least, they're wonderful places to meet friends who share your interests.

12. Use Formal or Informal English Appropriately

Depending on the situation, you may need to use either formal or informal English. But how can you tell which is appropriate?

Often, it's helpful to listen to how your conversation partner is speaking, consider your context and environment, and try to match the style of English being used.

For example, if you're at the office or school speaking with a superior or professor, it's safer to use formal English. If you're having coffee with a friend in a casual cafe, feel free to use slang.

If you're only learning standard English, don't be concerned. Most of the time, standard English works perfectly well for communication, regardless of the listener. Context is crucial!

13. Be Clear and to the Point

“Can you please elucidate to me what this means?” “Drink lots of dihydrogen monoxide every day!”

Imagine hearing these sentences unexpectedly. Your first thought would probably be, "What is this person saying? What do 'elucidate' and 'dihydrogen monoxide' mean?"

Even if you know the definitions, you might still think they could have simply said, "Can you please explain this?" or "Drink lots of water every day!"

You might feel tempted to use impressive-sounding words in everyday chat. But, unless it's necessary to convey your exact meaning, it's better to use the simplest words possible. You'll not only be understood more easily, but you'll also avoid seeming pretentious.

But how do you know which words are considered "simple" for English speakers? Again, this is where regularly listening to authentic conversations is invaluable. The more you hear native speakers in natural discussions, the more you'll recognize the common words they use to be understood.

14. Ask Questions

Communication is a two-way street. To ensure your listener is involved and comprehends you, ask questions.

The questions can be about anything you're curious about. If meeting someone for the first time, "What's your name?" is a classic opener. You can also use other introduction techniques in English.

Ask questions whenever the other person pauses and you want to know more. For instance, if you see a friend with an attractive car, you could say, "Wow, nice car! What kind is it?" The "compliment + question" approach works very well!

Whenever you don't fully understand what someone said, repeat it back in your own words. This gives them a chance to correct any misunderstanding or confirm you heard correctly.

You can use these phrases before paraphrasing:

• I want to make sure I understood that correctly, …
• So, if I'm following you, …
• You mean…
• If I'm getting this right, …
• Just to confirm, you're saying…
• Are you suggesting that… ?
• When you said…, did you mean… ?
• I'm not sure I'm following completely. Did you say…

If you're concerned this might make you seem slow or impolite, don't be! Most people will understand that English isn't your first language. They would prefer to clarify than have a misunderstanding.

15. Use Filler Phrases

Filler phrases are words that act as placeholders in conversation. They fill pauses so your speech flows continuously and give you a moment to gather your thoughts.

Some common filler phrases are:

• Um, uh…
• You know…
• Actually…
• To be honest…
• I mean…
• Well…
• So…
• Anyway…

You'll hear these frequently in conversations with native English speakers. To understand their usage better, you'll want to—you guessed it—practice them regularly.

However, as with anything, don't overdo it! Too many filler phrases can be as distracting as too many pauses. A good guideline is to try not to use more than one filler for every few sentences you speak.

16. Don’t Be Afraid to Repeat Yourself

Since you're still practicing English, you might not always be sure if people truly grasp your meaning.

In that case, just ask! Often, you can confirm understanding by asking the other person to repeat what you said.

For example, after giving instructions, directions, or information in English, use one of these phrases:

• I want to be sure you understood. Could you repeat it back?
• I'm not sure I expressed that clearly. Can you please repeat it?
• Can you please tell me what you heard, so I know we're aligned?
• I'd like to ensure I'm being clear. Could you please summarize what I just said so I know we're on the same page?

17. Watch Your Body Language

There's an English saying: "Actions speak louder than words."

Your posture, hand gestures, and eye contact can all reinforce or change the meaning of your words. The most important thing is to stay relaxed.

However, not all body language and gestures mean the same thing across cultures. Here are some points to remember when speaking English:

• Avoid certain hand gestures. Showing just the middle finger is considered offensive. In the U.K., making a V sign with your index and middle finger is also rude (in the U.S., it often means "peace").
• Do use your hands when speaking. Hand gestures can express many emotions. A fist slammed into an open palm shows determination. A fist or open hand hitting a table can indicate anger. Keeping your arms crossed might make you seem closed off or uninterested.
• Fingers can communicate too. For example, making an "O" with your index finger and thumb signifies "okay."
• Crossed legs can convey different messages. Crossing your legs toward the speaker shows engagement. Crossing them away might suggest disinterest or distraction.

Pay attention to the situation and the speaker's mood when they use specific gestures. Observing body language in real life helps you understand its meaning better.

You can also try this exercise:

• Sit or stand in front of a mirror and speak.
• Pretend you're talking to your reflection. What are your hands doing? What does your posture communicate?
• Move around, try different gestures, and see how they alter the meaning of your words.

18. Improve Your Speaking by Writing

This might seem like odd advice for improving speaking skills. What does writing have to do with talking?

Quite a lot, actually. When you learn the most natural way to phrase something in written English, it often carries over to how you express yourself verbally.

Practice writing in English. Take time to organize your thoughts. Consider starting an English blog to sharpen your writing skills.

Follow these steps to begin blogging:

• Choose a platform. WordPress is a popular choice for blogging. You can create an account, select a theme, and choose a domain (e.g., imlearningenglish.wordpress.com). Other platforms like Wix, Ghost, and Squarespace are also good options. If you prefer a simple writing interface, check out Medium.
• Pick a topic. You can write about anything you like. But since the goal is consistent practice, choose a subject you're passionate about.
• Set a schedule and stick to it. Decide how often you'll write—daily, twice a week, or bi-weekly. Be realistic but committed.
• Start writing! A blank page can be daunting. To begin, set a timer for one or two minutes. Think about your topic, then write non-stop until the timer rings. Don't worry about vocabulary, grammar, or spelling initially. The goal is to express ideas without overthinking, much like in spontaneous conversation!

19. Make Friends Online

Do you feel too shy to meet people face-to-face?

Fortunately, you don't need to leave home to find conversation partners. You can visit language exchange websites like:

• italki. italki operates like a tutoring platform where you can find native English speakers to teach you their language.
• Polyglot Club. A polyglot is someone who speaks multiple languages. As the name implies, this website is a community of people passionate about learning languages.
• HelloTalk. On HelloTalk, you can connect with English speakers via text, voice, or video chat.
• Tandem. Similar to HelloTalk, Tandem allows you to contact English speakers worldwide. It has a social media-like feel.

20. Brush Up on Your Cultural References and Political Knowledge

Native English speakers often use cultural references in conversation. These are ideas, sayings, or jokes related to popular media. For example, the meme "Brace yourselves, winter is coming" is a quote from Ned Stark in "Game of Thrones."

There are countless cultural references, making it hard to know them all, even for pop culture enthusiasts! However, you can understand most by watching plenty of English TV shows and movies.

Besides pop culture, it's wise to read about the politics, values, and social norms of the English-speaking country you're interested in. This helps you avoid saying something insensitive or politically incorrect. You can find this information in newspapers and magazines, which are also great sources for learning idioms and common expressions.

21. Visit an English-speaking Country

If your budget allows for travel and accommodation, consider visiting an English-speaking country. Traveling lets you experience the culture firsthand—the food, the drinks, the shops, and more. You can practice chatting with locals, test your accent, and see how well people understand you.

So, get started! Select your preferred methods from the list above to enhance your English speaking skills. Expand your vocabulary, refine your pronunciation, and improve your spoken English with the tips that suit you best. Remember to practice as often as you can!