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HOW GREAT DOES IT FEEL TO SPEAK YOUR CHOSEN LANGUAGE FLUENTLY?

Most people learn a language for a practical purpose.
 
This could be to go and work in a foreign country or because of a relationship.  Or it may be passion for a particular culture or people.
 
Whatever your aim, the primary goal is often to communicate verbally in the language rather than read and write perfectly in it. 
 
Good news!  It is often much easier to speak a language fluently.  This is because the vocabulary used in everyday speech is relatively small.  Scroll down for some practical help.
 
With some languages, learning to speak phonetically is a lot easier than learning to understand its written script e.g. Japanese.
 
There is an argument that everyone should start by speaking and only later progress to other elements like grammar, once confidence is sky-high.
 
This webpage provides some short cuts for learning to speak any language fluently in the minimum time.  Scroll down and see.

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1.  Target words and phrases used in everyday speech
 
If you've downloaded and read our booklet from here and our tips from here, here and here, you're well aware that only a few words cover most everyday language, especially spoken language.
 
As an example we've created a list of the most commonly used words in spoken English for you to download and adapt:
 
2.  Listen well to pronounce correctly
 
The components of pronunciation are stress/emphasis, rhythm, pitch and intonation.  These aspects are more important than just "getting the accent" which often has regional variations.  Notice the different elements and mimic it as closely as possible to a native speaker.
 
3.  Get your feet wet
 
The main difference between people who speak a language fluently and those who struggle is not innate ability but attitude.  People who are not afraid to speak at every opportunity (knowing full well they are making mistakes) always become fluent faster.
 
A few slips of pronunciation or the odd grammar mistake will not destroy meaning.  Just make yourself understood and keep trying.  Mistakes are the gateway to improvement and spoken fluency.
 
4.  Fluency in your native tongue
 
How confident are you in your own language?  How well does your range of vocabulary compare with the average?  Do you feel masterfully agile in expressing yourself?
 
The better you speak your own language the easier you'll find it to be confident in another. 
 
It's definitely a worthwhile investment to broaden your vocabulary in your own language.  This could be simply by playing word games or doing crosswords.  Public speaking is another fantastic opportunity.
 
5.  Paraphrase
 
Are you conversant in idioms in your target language?  Do you have enough vocabulary to find "alternative" solutions? 
 
By paraphrasing you massively expand your ability to communicate confidently.  Instead of getting stuck on a word you don't know, find a way around it.  The important thing is just to get your point across!
 
6.  Body language
 
It is said that over 80% of communication is non-verbal.  Do you know the customs and body language of your target language? 
 
Learn it and your ability to communicate (and your confidence) will increase exponentially.
 
7.  Apply your favoured learning style
 
Do you know Your Learning Style?  Apply the method that best suits you.  Meet with native speakers in your town or via the internet. 
 
Download videos in the language from youtube.  Immerse yourself totally in the language for a set minimum amount of time each week.