How to get better at Everyday English Conversations
When you want to say something in English, do you:
– Hesitate and think how you are going to say it without making mistakes?
– Think, ‘Did I say that right?’ after you say something?
– Freeze when someone asks you something simple?
If so, this article will help you to become more fluent.
Speaking English fluently is a big goal but can also be a big challenge for many language learners. What does “being fluent” really mean? For everyday conversations, fluency means you can speak smoothly, understand others, and respond without hesitation. You don’t need perfect grammar, but you should feel confident using English in daily situations.
Here are some useful tips to gain more fluency and confidence when speaking.
Practice speaking every day
The more you speak, the better you get. Try to practise speaking English every day, even if it’s only for 10 minutes. Talk about your day, your plans, or your opinions out loud. You can speak to a language partner, teacher, or even yourself in front of a mirror.
It might feel strange at first, but this helps your brain get used to thinking in English. Here at Speak Up London, our classes are student-centered which means students are encouraged to speak, exchange ideas with their classmates and teacher, express their opinion and give presentations on their chosen topic.
Learn common phrases
Don’t focus only on grammar and vocabulary lists. Learn useful common phrases that people use in real life. For example, instead of learning just the word “hungry,” learn the full phrase: “I’m feeling hungry.” Ready-to-use phrases help you to form sentences quickly which in turn helps you to speak more naturally.
Listen and repeat
Listening is an important part of becoming fluent. Watch English movies, TV shows, YouTube videos or listen to podcasts like Six Minute English. Choose topics that are
interesting to you. After listening, repeat what you hear. Try to copy the way native
speakers speak — their pronunciation, rhythm, and tone. This is called ‘shadowing’, and it’s a great way to improve your speaking skills. In addition, have the subtitles on or read the transcript to help you highlight or underline useful phrases.
Think in English
Many learners think in their native language first and then translate into English. This can make you slow, unsure and hesitant to speak. Try to think directly in English. Start with simple thoughts like ‘I need to go to the store’ or ‘I’m washing my hands.’ Over time, this will help you respond faster in conversations.
Don’t be afraid of making mistakes
Making mistakes is part of learning. Don’t worry too much about speaking perfectly. Otherwise, it will hinder your progress. Focus on communicating your message. Most people will understand you, even if your grammar isn’t perfect. Be brave and keep practising!
Join conversation groups
Look for English conversation clubs or online speaking groups. Here at Speak Up London, we offer in person conversation clubs in addition to our General and Business English classes. We also offer social programme events like the pub crawl or visiting museums and other UK cities where you get to meet other people. These give you a chance to practise with other learners and native speakers. You can use apps like Meet Up where you agree to join people with similar interests at a chosen location. Speaking with different people helps you learn new accents, expressions, and ways of talking.
Record yourself
Making mistakes is part of learning. Don’t worry too much about speaking perfectly. Otherwise, it will hinder your progress. Focus on communicating your message. Most people will understand you, even if your grammar isn’t perfect. Be brave and keep practising!
Remember that gaining fluency for everyday conversations doesn’t happen overnight, but with daily practice, some patience and the right methods, you will improve. Don’t try to be perfect – fluency is about being comfortable and confident. Therefore, keep practising and enjoy the journey!
Author: Ebru, teacher at Speak Up London