This is my first post. Can anybody help me to speak English in a fluent way? I lack confidence when speaking in front of someone, but I can speak with anyone during a telephonic conversation. Please, guys, help me out with this problem. I hope you guys will fully assist.
From India, Delhi
From India, Delhi
Dear Sujeet,
First and foremost, I must appreciate you for identifying your weaknesses and being willing to take corrective action. Not many individuals are inclined to do so. The quality of posts in this forum speaks volumes about the mindset of young or upcoming professionals.
This query often arises for discussion time and again. About five years ago, I provided a response on how to improve written communication skills, which also applies to verbal communication. Mastering verbal communication is slightly easier than written communication. You can refer to the following link to read my previous response from almost five years ago: https://www.citehr.com/118064-how-im...tml#post489101
All the best!
Dinesh V Divekar
+91
From India, Bangalore
First and foremost, I must appreciate you for identifying your weaknesses and being willing to take corrective action. Not many individuals are inclined to do so. The quality of posts in this forum speaks volumes about the mindset of young or upcoming professionals.
This query often arises for discussion time and again. About five years ago, I provided a response on how to improve written communication skills, which also applies to verbal communication. Mastering verbal communication is slightly easier than written communication. You can refer to the following link to read my previous response from almost five years ago: https://www.citehr.com/118064-how-im...tml#post489101
All the best!
Dinesh V Divekar
+91
From India, Bangalore
Hi,
At the outset let me tell you that the problem you have shared is quite commonly encountered by many people. However, very few people take proactive steps, like you have done to make an effort to tackle the problem by seeking help. Since you are able to speak fluently when on the telephone, I assume that your English language skills are fairly good.
Your inability to articulate fluently in front of people or an audience could possibly be an out come of your introvert nature, your fear of committing errors, your inability to make eye contact freely, being distracted by the physical presence of others etc. It is therefore essential that you try and identify the specific situations/ reasons that trigger this condition of being tongue tied in front of people. The best solution to the problem can be found out if you identify the problem correctly.
It is also essential to remember that for anything you do in life, a clear goal /vision, adequate motivation / enthusiasm, hard work / discipline and the ability to take risks/ challenges are critical attributes. What you also require are the key attributes called 'discipline' and 'enthusiasm' with which you can achieve anything you want.
Your enthusiasm is the reason you wrote in to the forum.The next test is to be disciplined and follow the suggestions given here.
1. My first suggestion is to read aloud as much as possible in English ALOUD. A standard daily English Newspaper and the Readers Digest have very good reading material. If possible record your voice and listen to it to know the areas the sounds, words and alphabets that give you trouble and on which you need to work. If possible read aloud to a friend who can give you his/ her feedback based on which you can work on improving your pronunciation as well as articulation.
2. The mother tongue influence is a problem for many considering that very few of us are native English speakers. To reduce that, make more English speaking friends and make a determined effort to speak only in English, even if you keep forgetting words, or tend to stammer or your friends tend to laugh at you. This will require a lot of will power but believe me you will soon improve. If someone corrects your pronunciation don’t take offense, instead be grateful that he/ she is helping you correct yourself.
3. I would also suggest you try to learn at least 3 -5 new words and look up the meaning in a dictionary. then try and use these words in your daily work and in your communication to improve your vocabulary. Find synonyms for words that give you trouble and use the synonyms where ever possible.
4. If you still feel that professional help is needed to further improve your conversational skills in English, then you will have to attend English speaking classes
5. Finally, if you can, do visit my blogs listed below regularly and try to learn the new words in it and also be inspired by it. Try to read the blog content aloud and you can be sure it will be worthwhile since the blogs have a good response from the readers.
www.actspot.wordpress.com
www.poweract.blogspot.com
Best Wishes
From India, Mumbai
At the outset let me tell you that the problem you have shared is quite commonly encountered by many people. However, very few people take proactive steps, like you have done to make an effort to tackle the problem by seeking help. Since you are able to speak fluently when on the telephone, I assume that your English language skills are fairly good.
Your inability to articulate fluently in front of people or an audience could possibly be an out come of your introvert nature, your fear of committing errors, your inability to make eye contact freely, being distracted by the physical presence of others etc. It is therefore essential that you try and identify the specific situations/ reasons that trigger this condition of being tongue tied in front of people. The best solution to the problem can be found out if you identify the problem correctly.
It is also essential to remember that for anything you do in life, a clear goal /vision, adequate motivation / enthusiasm, hard work / discipline and the ability to take risks/ challenges are critical attributes. What you also require are the key attributes called 'discipline' and 'enthusiasm' with which you can achieve anything you want.
Your enthusiasm is the reason you wrote in to the forum.The next test is to be disciplined and follow the suggestions given here.
1. My first suggestion is to read aloud as much as possible in English ALOUD. A standard daily English Newspaper and the Readers Digest have very good reading material. If possible record your voice and listen to it to know the areas the sounds, words and alphabets that give you trouble and on which you need to work. If possible read aloud to a friend who can give you his/ her feedback based on which you can work on improving your pronunciation as well as articulation.
2. The mother tongue influence is a problem for many considering that very few of us are native English speakers. To reduce that, make more English speaking friends and make a determined effort to speak only in English, even if you keep forgetting words, or tend to stammer or your friends tend to laugh at you. This will require a lot of will power but believe me you will soon improve. If someone corrects your pronunciation don’t take offense, instead be grateful that he/ she is helping you correct yourself.
3. I would also suggest you try to learn at least 3 -5 new words and look up the meaning in a dictionary. then try and use these words in your daily work and in your communication to improve your vocabulary. Find synonyms for words that give you trouble and use the synonyms where ever possible.
4. If you still feel that professional help is needed to further improve your conversational skills in English, then you will have to attend English speaking classes
5. Finally, if you can, do visit my blogs listed below regularly and try to learn the new words in it and also be inspired by it. Try to read the blog content aloud and you can be sure it will be worthwhile since the blogs have a good response from the readers.
www.actspot.wordpress.com
www.poweract.blogspot.com
Best Wishes
From India, Mumbai
Dear Sujeet,
It is very commendable that you have openly expressed your weakness. Mr. Dinesh has provided some ways to improve your English fluency. I have a few suggestions. You just lack confidence in speaking directly with others. You can practice speaking to yourself in front of a mirror.
All of us keep thinking of something in our minds. Usually, we think in the language we know best. Start thinking in English.
S. Karunakaran Head - Human Resource Autoneum
From India, Madras
It is very commendable that you have openly expressed your weakness. Mr. Dinesh has provided some ways to improve your English fluency. I have a few suggestions. You just lack confidence in speaking directly with others. You can practice speaking to yourself in front of a mirror.
All of us keep thinking of something in our minds. Usually, we think in the language we know best. Start thinking in English.
S. Karunakaran Head - Human Resource Autoneum
From India, Madras
Dear Sujeet,
Upon seeing this, I am reminded of my college life, where I underwent the same feelings that you are experiencing today. It was fear that held me back. Despite having all the abilities to fulfill the given tasks, I couldn't due to the fear I harbored. Therefore, I suggest that you overcome this fear in order to achieve success. Once you begin practicing standing in front of an audience, you will gain confidence. I hope you do well.
Best regards, [Your Name]
From India, Coimbatore
Upon seeing this, I am reminded of my college life, where I underwent the same feelings that you are experiencing today. It was fear that held me back. Despite having all the abilities to fulfill the given tasks, I couldn't due to the fear I harbored. Therefore, I suggest that you overcome this fear in order to achieve success. Once you begin practicing standing in front of an audience, you will gain confidence. I hope you do well.
Best regards, [Your Name]
From India, Coimbatore
Hello Sujeet,
Some very useful posts have been shared above. This is a common request that arises time and time again. Please type your query in the box labeled "FIND INFORMATION," which is part of the TITLE BAR. Say, "How to speak good English." Then press "RESEARCH." You will find plenty of useful material. Additionally, you can browse the old popular postings that are visible on the right side of these messages.
V. Raghunathan
From India
Some very useful posts have been shared above. This is a common request that arises time and time again. Please type your query in the box labeled "FIND INFORMATION," which is part of the TITLE BAR. Say, "How to speak good English." Then press "RESEARCH." You will find plenty of useful material. Additionally, you can browse the old popular postings that are visible on the right side of these messages.
V. Raghunathan
From India
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