Speaking - 7 Simple and Effective Ways to Be a Smooth Talker

I believe that one of the best ways to connect with people and build quality relationships is through making conversation. Although most people can hold a conversation, only a few are smooth and charismatic when they talk. 

Working as a communication coach, I have explored and tested many techniques for improving conversation skills. I have discovered 7 simple and effective ways to be a smooth talker. Here they are:

1. Talk slowly

Typically, good talkers don’t rush into a conversation. They take their time when they reflect on something and when they say it out loud. They act as if they have all the time in the world. This makes them come off as centered and collected. Model this way of talking and you will create the same effect.

2. Hold more eye contact

Most people keep eye contact about 2/3 of the time or less when they talk. In my experience, it’s a very good idea to hold eye contact just a bit more than that. This will convey confidence and interest in interacting with them.

3. Notice the details

People with good conversation skills tend to notice the kind of things that the average person doesn’t notice, and to bring such details into the conversation. They may notice and point out an interesting ring on the other person’s hand, a certain foreign accent, or a certain voice tone they use when saying a name. Thus, such individuals impress people in a very elegant manner.

4. Give unique compliments

Anybody can pay a generic compliment to try and get another person’s appreciation. Charismatic people on the other hand are able to really pay attention to others, to look beyond the facade and thus, pay unique compliments. Do the same and besides wooing others, you may even help them find out things about themselves they didn’t know.

5. Express your emotions

It’s very rare to meet a person who is comfortable talking about their emotions and how certain things make them feel, especially with strangers. Yet this way of talking is a real virtue. Don’t just present the facts, you’re not a newspaper. Express your feelings about those facts. Keep in mind that it is at the emotional level that people connect best.

6. Offer interesting insights

Anybody can talk about the news or express basic opinions. But good talkers can frequently tell you things you didn’t know and that you’ll find fascinating. This is why it’s good to have knowledge into fields such as psychology or sociology, and bring such knowledge out at the right moments in a conversation.

7. Use the best words

The ability to talk smoothly has a lot to do with choosing the precise words to convey your precise feelings or thoughts. Constantly develop your vocabulary and practice communicating as accurately as possible. It will help you develop a way with words and allow you to express yourself more easily.

http://www.lifeoptimizer.org/2011/04/01/improve-conversation-skills/ 

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Speaking - Greeting (Interactive Practice)

Greeting - Interactive Practice

 A: "Hi, how are you doing?"
 B: "I'm doing great. How about you?"
 A: "Not too bad."
 B: "Do you come to this restaurant often?"
 A: "I've been here a couple of times, but I don't come on a regular basis. What have you been up to?"
 B: "I'm pretty busy at work these days, but otherwise, everything is great."
 A: "Well, have a good evening."
 B: "You too."

 A: "It's nice to meet you. My name is Jack."
 B: "I'm Steve. It's a pleasure to meet you."
 A: "What was your name again?"
 B: "Steve."
 A: "So Steve, What do you do for a living?"
 B: "I work at the public library. How about you?"
 A: "I'm a University student."
 B: "That's great. It was nice meeting you."
 A: "Yeah. It was a pleasure meeting you."

 A: "Hey Jack, it's good to see you."
 B: "Wow. How long has it been? It seems like more than a year. I'm doing pretty well. How about you?"
 A: "Not too bad."
 B: "What movie did you come to see?"
 A: "I came here to see Matrix Revolution. How about you?"
 B: "I'm going to watch Finding Nemo."

www.talkenglish.com/LessonPractice.aspx?ALID=550

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Speaking - Greeting (Basic)

Greeting - Basic

There are many ways to greet someone.  We'll learn about the most common way to greet someone in this lesson.  I'll give a variety of example sentences.

 Greeting someone you never met:
 "Hi, my name is Steve.  It's nice to meet you."
 You can respond to this by saying,
 "It's a pleasure to meet you.  I'm Jack."

 Another common question to ask is

 "What do you do for a living?"

 You can respond to this by saying,

 "I work at a restaurant."
 "I work at a bank."
 "I work in a software company."
 "I'm a dentist."

 Usually, you will not need to ask for a name.  It is implied that each person should say their name.  But in case they don't, you can ask,

 "What is your name?"

 Many times, I don't hear the name.  If you would like for them to repeat their name, you can say,

 "What was that again?"
 "Excuse me?"
 "Pardon me?"

http://www.talkenglish.com/LessonDetails.aspx?ALID=520

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Speaking - Greeting (Example Conversations)

Greeting - Example Conversations

Let's look at several example conversations.  Then we can move on to the practice section.

 Person A: "Hi, my name is Steve.  It's nice to meet you."
 Person B: "I'm Jack.  It's a pleasure to meet you, Steve."
 Person A: "What do you do for a living Jack?"
 Person B: "I work at the bank."

 Person A: "What is your name?"
 Person B:  "Jackson."
 Person A: "What was that again?"

 Person A: "Hey John, how have you been?"
 Person B: "What a surprise.  I haven't seen you in a long time.  How have you been?"
 Person A: "I'm doing very well.  How about you?"
 Person B: "I finally have some free time.  I just finished taking a big examination, and I'm so relieved that I'm done with it."

 Person A: "Hi Nancy, what have you been up to?"
 Person B: "The same ole same ole."  Or, "The same as usual.  How about you?"
 Person A: "I'm pretty busy at work these days, but otherwise, everything is great."

 Person A: "Andy, it's been a long time, how are you man?"
 Person B: "What a surprise.  I haven't seen you in a long time.  How have you been?"
 Person A: "Do you come to this restaurant often?"
 Person B: "I've been here a couple of times, but I don't come on a regular basis."

 The next lesson is the interactive practice section.  If you would like to repeat this lesson or previous lessons, feel free to go back and study as many times as you need.  When you are ready, go to the practice section.

http://www.talkenglish.com/LessonDetails.aspx?ALID=522

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Speaking - Greeting Someone you Know

Greeting Someone you Know

"Hey John, how have you been?"
 "Hi Bob, how are you?"
 "Hi Nancy, what have you been up to?"
 "Andy, it's been a long time, how are you man?"

 If you meet someone unexpectedly, you can say,
 "Hey Jack, it's good to see you.  What are you doing here?"
 or
 "What a surprise.  I haven't seen you in a long time.  How have you been?"

 If you see the person at a restaurant, you can say, "Do you come to this restaurant often?"
 Or at the movie theatre, "What movie did you come to see?"

 Appropriate responses:

 "Hi Steve, my name is Mike.  It is nice to meet you as well."

 "I heard a lot about you from John.  He had a lot of good things to say."

 "Wow.  How long has it been?  It seems like more than a year.  I'm doing pretty well.  How about you?"

 A typical response to this type of greeting is simple.

 "Not too bad."

 If asked what you have been up to, you can respond with, "Same ole same ole."  Or, "The same as usual."

 Here are some other example responses.

 "I'm pretty busy at work these days, but otherwise, everything is great."
 "I'm doing very well."
 "I finally have some free time.  I just finished taking a big examination, and I'm so relieved that I'm done with it."

 Restaurant Responses

 "I've been here a couple of times, but I don't come on a regular basis."
 "I come pretty often.  This is my favorite restaurant."
 "I can't believe we haven't seen each other before.  I come here at least twice a week."

 Movie Response

 "I came here to see Matrix Revolution.  How about you?" 

http://www.talkenglish.com/LessonDetails.aspx?ALID=521

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Speaking - How to Develop Fluency in English

How to Develop Fluency in English

Learning the basics of a new language is certainly a challenge, but mastering true fluency in a new language is even more difficult. It is, however, possible to develop fluency in a language that is not your native language with the appropriate learning and a lot of practice. Developing fluency in English can be done with determination and hard work.

Method 1 of 4: Becoming Comfortable with English 

1. Take a class. If you are just beginning to learn English, it is best to begin by taking a class. A qualified teacher can guide you through the basics of English and help you understand the way the language system works.
   • If you cannot take a class, try to find an online language acquisition program.
2. Get a translation dictionary. Find a dictionary that offers translations of words from your native language to English and from English to your native language. This can help you in the early stages of learning English as you master your vocabulary acquisition.
3. Expand your vocabulary. Once you have a basic understanding of the way that English works, spend some time expanding your vocabulary. You may want to find English flashcards in your language.
   • If you feel that you have a mastery of everyday vocabulary words but wish to learn more, try finding some advanced vocabulary flashcards, such as those used by American students studying for the GRE, an exam required for entrance into graduate school.
   • Reading in English and circling words that you’re unfamiliar with, then looking up the words and making an effort incorporate them into your vocabulary is a great way to increase your vocabulary.
4. Check your local library for books or classes. Many public libraries offer resources for English Language Learners. They may even host free classes for community members who wish to improve their language fluency. This is more common in areas with a large community of language learners. The library also may have books or audio books that you can check out for free.
5. Find an IPA dictionary. The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) can help you learn how to pronounce words that you see in writing but don’t know how to say. The book should provide a guide to interpreting the IPA symbols, but you can also find videos online that tell you how to say each of the IPA letter sounds.
6. Read different types of English writing. Try to find a mix of more and less formal writing, so you can get a sense of both formal and conversational English.
   • If there is an English newspaper available in your area, pick one up every day and read through it. This will give you a source for learning new words and common sentence structures on a daily basis.
   • Also try reading novels in English. If you find that novels are challenging, try finding books meant for children or young adults, then build up to more complex works.
   • Circle words that are unfamiliar, look them up, and write the definition in the margins of the paper or book. Then try to use a few of the new words in English conversation.
7. Watch a diverse array of English programming. English news reports are a great way to begin exposing yourself to English because reporters frequently speak clearly without any significant accent. However, diversifying the types of English videos you watch can help you develop fluency in conversational English so that you do not sound overly formal or stiff in your speech.
   • Watch movies. Movies that are directed towards children or teens may have less complex vocabulary and sentence structures and may be easier if you are just developing proficiency.
   • TV shows may be a good option as well because they are shorter than movies and can give you a sense of comic timing and humor, which can be part of fluency as well.
   • Turn on subtitles for anything you watch if they are available. Watching the words while you hear them can improve your pronunciation and vocabulary.
8. 
   
   8
   View videos online. YouTube and other video streaming sites have a nearly endless supply of videos in English. If you wish to improve your work-related English fluency, be sure to watch videos in your specific field so that you can master the vocabulary and details unique to your professional needs.
9. Find an English learning buddy. You need to practice speaking English to build fluency, so having a friend who is also learning English will give you both the opportunity to learn and practice together.
   • Alternatively, you could try to find a native English speaker who wishes to learn your native language and work out an exchange deal (see below).
10. Get a quality English Dictionary. Having access to a dictionary that offers clear definitions of unfamiliar words can help you understand words and figure out how to use them in the appropriate context.
    • Most dictionaries will provide the word, a pronunciation guide, a definition, and the plural form of the word, which can usually be made by adding an –s, but can also take on unusual form such as –es, -en, or changing the vowel from –us to –a, depending upon the origin of the word.

Method 2 of 4: Practicing Fluency

1. Speak in English. Developing fluency requires constant and consistent practice speaking aloud. It is best if you can speak with native English speakers, but if you cannot, speak with whoever is available to you. You can even talk to yourself aloud in English.
   • Immersing yourself fully in English is the best way to become fluent.
2. Repeat what you hear native speakers say. Repeat sentences of native speakers, focusing on pronunciation, cadence, and rhythm. Record yourself speaking and play it back to give yourself the opportunity to evaluate whether your repetition sounds the same as the original.
   • Remember to think about both what words the native speaker chooses and how they use the language.
3. Use a conversation exchange website. A conversation exchange website is like a matchmaking service for language learners. The website will match you with a native English speaker who is seeking to learn your native language. Through video or audio chats, you can have conversations in each language and give each other immediate feedback and tips.
   • This type of exchange is best when done on a regular schedule, as frequently as possible. Find someone who has a similar schedule to yours and who is similarly committed to developing fluency.
4. Listen to other people speaking English. Particularly if you are living in an area with English speakers, listening to other people’s public conversations can frequently be a good way to practice your English comprehension and fluency.
   • Notice things such as the rhythm of their speech, cues for when one speaker is finished talking and the other begins, and how questions and answers are posed.
5. Think in English. This may be tricky, but practicing forming thoughts in English can help you almost as much as speaking in English. Try narrating your day in English. For example, you may think to yourself, “I am walking out of my door. I see a stray cat on the street. I need to get on the correct bus and go to work now” in English rather than your native language.

Method 3 of 4: Developing Fluency through Immersion

1. Travel to an English speaking area. While a country whose primary language is English is ideal, there are English-speaking communities in other countries as well. Find such a community or country and stay there for an extended period of time; the longer you stay, the more proficient your language fluency will become.
2. Speak only English. Even when you are unsure of exactly what to say all of the time, find a way to communicate only in English. Not giving yourself the option to “fall back” on your native language will help you become proficient in English more quickly and understand the system of the language more fully.
3. Ask people to refrain from speaking other languages. If you are attempting an English immersion in a country that is not primarily English speaking, ask those around you to speak to you in English whenever possible.
   • This can be tricky if you are attempting language immersion at home, but your family may benefit from the immersion experience as well; try to make it a fun learning experience for everyone!
4. Be confident. If you let go of your fear of “messing up” the language and focus instead on just communicating and getting to know people, you’re more likely to be successful

Method 4 of 4: Avoiding Common Mistakes in English

1. Use the correct article. There are two types of articles in the English language: definite and indefinite. "The" is a definite article and refers to one specific thing. "A" and "an" are indefinite articles and refer to a general noun.
   • If you are referring to any dog at all, say "a dog." If you are referring to one particular dog, say "the dog."
   • Use "an" instead of "a" if the noun that follows begins with a vowel sound, as with "I would like an apple" or "I will be there in an hour."
2. Pay attention to prepositions. One mark of a non-native speaker is the incorrect use of prepositions (words such as on, to, in, among, and around). If you wish to speak as fluently as a native speaker, pay careful attention to how these short words are used by native speakers
   • Unfortunately, the rules about when to use a particular preposition are inconsistent. For example, it is common to say either “I’m waiting for the train” or “I’m waiting on the train,” but you cannot always exchange “on” and “for,” as with “I have a meeting on Monday.”
3. Choose the correct adjective order. Not all adjectives are treated equally in English, and native speakers tend to place adjectives in a certain order before the noun they modify.
   • The typical arrangement is: article, judgement, size, shape, age, color, nationality, material. (However, it is best to limit the number of adjectives for a single noun to 2-3).
   • For example, you would say "I have an old brown dog" or "I drive a rusty, box-shaped, 20-year-old American truck."
4. Resist the thesaurus. A thesaurus can be tempting if you feel that your vocabulary is limited, but often synonyms listed in a thesaurus may relate to an alternative form of the word you are replacing.
   • If you must use a thesaurus, be sure to look up the word you select in a quality dictionary to be sure that it is an acceptable substitute for your original word.
5. Memorize irregular verbs. In English, the regular verbs are relatively easy to master, but the irregular verb forms are much more difficult. It is best to simply memorize these verb conjugations.Searching for lists of common irregular verbs and making lists or flashcards for yourself may help you master their forms.
   
   http://www.wikihow.com/Develop-Fluency-in-English

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Speaking - How to Speak English Well

How to Speak English Well: 1

Simple Tips to Extraordinary Fluency

Accept That English is a Weird Language

Sometimes you can find patterns in English grammar, but other times English doesn’t make sense at all. For example, why are “read” (reed) and “read” (red) the same word, but pronounced differently depending on whether you’re speaking in the past or present tense? Or why is “mice” the plural of “mouse”, but “houses” is the plural of “house”? Unfortunately, there are just as many exceptions as there are rules in English. It’s easy to get stuck on learning how to speak English properly, if you try to find a reason for everything.  Sometimes English is weird and unexplainable, so instead the best thing to do is just memorize the strange exceptions and move on.

Dive into the Deep End

Studying English for an hour once a week isn’t usually enough to make any real progress. The best way to quickly improve your English is to spend at least a few minutes practicing every day. Immerse yourself as much as possible every time you study, and challenge yourself to listen to, read, and even say things in English that you think might be too difficult for you. If you want to speak English fluently, you need to make it an essential part of your everyday life.

Stop Being a Student

The right attitude can make the difference between failure and success. Stop thinking of yourself as someone who is learning English, and start thinking of yourself as someone who speaks English. It’s a small change, but it will make you feel more confident and help you to use the English you already know more effectively. This also means you need to start thinking in English. If you want to say the word “apple” in English, for example, right now you probably think of the word in your native language first, and then try to think of the correct word in English. Instead, try imagining a picture of an apple, and then just think the English word “apple”. Real fluency happens when you stop mentally translating conversations.

The Answer is in the Question

Listen carefully when someone asks you a question in English and you’ll answer perfectly every time. English questions are like mirrors:

           Does he…..?                       Yes, he does.

           Can she….?                         Yes, she can.

           Is it….?                                  Yes, it is.

If someone asks you a question and you’re not sure how to answer, start by thinking about the words used in the question.  The person has already said most of the words you need to make your answer. Instead of just memorizing English grammar, start to look for patterns like this one. There are a lot of simple ways to “cheat” and make it easier to remember the right words.

Get More Out of Listening

When most students listen to a native English-speaker, they focus on understanding what all the words mean. This is definitely important, but there is a lot more you can learn from listening. Try listening not just to what the words mean, but to how the person says them. Notice which words the person links together in a sentence, or when they say “ya” instead of “you”. Try to remember these details the next time you speak and your English will begin to sound more natural.

Easier said than done, right? When you listen to native English speakers, it can be hard to understand every single word that is spoken. They might use many words you don’t know, talk too fast or have a strong accent.

A fantastic way to practice careful, active listening is to start using FluentU. FluentU has a huge collection of real world English videos, so you can hear the English that people speak every day.

FluentU App Browse Screen

The more you listen to this authentic English, the better you will understand how to speak English naturally. As you watch your chosen videos, FluentU’s subtitles let you view the definition of any word that is spoken.

2014 10 09 21.20.33 576x1024 How to Speak English Well: 10 Simple Tips for Extraordinary Fluency

FluentU App Browse Screen

You can even save all the words you learned and keep track of your progress. Keep practicing with these videos, and you will see great improvement in your ability to understand and speak native level English.

Use It or Lose It

There’s an expression in English: “Use it or lose it”, which basically means if you don’t practice an ability, you might forget it. This idea can be used to help you remember new English vocabulary. The best way to remember a new word is to use it right away so it will stay in your memory.  When you learn a new word, try to say it in sentences a few times over the next week and you’ll never forget it.

Learn and Study Phrases

Speaking English fluently means being able to express your thoughts, feelings and ideas. Your goal is to speak English in full sentences, so why not learn it in full sentences? You’ll find that English is more useful in your everyday life if you study whole phrases, rather than just vocabulary and verbs. Start by thinking about phrases that you use frequently in your native language, and then learn how to say them in English.

Don’t Study Grammar Too Much

The key to learning a language is finding a balance between studying and practicing. Speaking English fluently isn’t the same as knowing perfect English grammar – even native English-speakers make grammar mistakes! Fluency is about being able to communicate. That’s why sometimes it’s important to put the grammar textbook away, so you can go out and practice those writing, reading, listening and speaking skills in the real world.

Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes

Sometimes it can be difficult to put all those rules and words together into a simple sentence. Don’t let the fear of saying something wrong stop you from speaking at all. Even if you think you’re making a mistake, keep speaking anyway. Most of the time, people will understand what you’re trying to say, even if you make a mistake. Plus, the more you speak, the easier it gets, and the more quickly the right words will come to mind.

Learn from Everyone

You don’t have to only learn English from textbooks and teachers – anyone who speaks English can help you practice. Imagine how you would feel if someone asked you, in your native language, how to pronounce something? Would you be angry? No! You’d probably be happy to help, just like most English-speakers are happy to help you. If you know any English-speakers, whether it’s a friend or co-worker, take advantage of the opportunity to practice and learn from them.

Other Resources for Learning to Speak English Fluently

How to Speak English Well … It’s *NOT* what you think: “Don’t think, just speak” – a great, motivational video that explains well the rationale behind focusing on speaking rather than thinking.

http://www.fluentu.com/english/blog/how-to-speak-english-well-fluently/

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Speaking - 5 Speaking Rules you need to know

5 Speaking Rules you need to know!

1. Don't study grammar too much

This rule might sound strange to many ESL students, but it is one of the most important rules. If you want to pass examinations, then study grammar. However, if you want to become fluent in English, then you should try to learn English without studying the grammar.

Studying grammar will only slow you down and confuse you. You will think about the rules when creating sentences instead of naturally saying a sentence like a native. Remember that only a small fraction of English speakers know more than 20% of all the grammar rules. Many ESL students know more grammar than native speakers. I can confidently say this with experience. I am a native English speaker, majored in English Literature, and have been teaching English for more than 10 years. However, many of my students know more details about English grammar than I do. I can easily look up the definition and apply it, but I don't know it off the top of my head.

I often ask my native English friends some grammar questions, and only a few of them know the correct answer. However, they are fluent in English and can read, speak, listen, and communicate effectively.

Do you want to be able to recite the definition of a causative verb, or do you want to be able to speak English fluently?

2. Learn and study phrases

Many students learn vocabulary and try to put many words together to create a proper sentence. It amazes me how many words some of my students know, but they cannot create a proper sentence. The reason is because they didn't study phrases. When children learn a language, they learn both words and phrases together. Likewise, you need to study and learn phrases.

If you know 1000 words, you might not be able to say one correct sentence. But if you know 1 phrase, you can make hundreds of correct sentences. If you know 100 phrases, you will be surprised at how many correct sentences you will be able to say. Finally, when you know only a 1000 phrases, you will be almost a fluent English speaker.

The English Speaking Basics section is a great example of making numerous sentences with a single phrase. So don't spend hours and hours learning many different words. Use that time to study phrases instead and you will be closer to English fluency.

Don't translate

When you want to create an English sentence, do not translate the words from your Mother tongue. The order of words is probably completely different and you will be both slow and incorrect by doing this. Instead, learn phrases and sentences so you don't have to think about the words you are saying. It should be automatic.

Another problem with translating is that you will be trying to incorporate grammar rules that you have learned. Translating and thinking about the grammar to create English sentences is incorrect and should be avoided.

3. Reading and Listening is NOT enough. Practice Speaking what you hear!

Reading, listening, and speaking are the most important aspects of any language. The same is true for English. However, speaking is the only requirement to be fluent. It is normal for babies and children to learn speaking first, become fluent, then start reading, then writing. So the natural order is listening, speaking, reading, then writing.

First Problem

Isn't it strange that schools across the world teach reading first, then writing, then listening, and finally speaking? Although it is different, the main reason is because when you learn a second language, you need to read material to understand and learn it. So even though the natural order is listening, speaking, reading, then writing, the order for ESL students is reading, listening, speaking, then writing.

Second Problem

The reason many people can read and listen is because that's all they practice. But in order to speak English fluently, you need to practice speaking. Don't stop at the listening portion, and when you study, don't just listen. Speak out loud the material you are listening to and practice what you hear. Practice speaking out loud until your mouth and brain can do it without any effort. By doing so, you will be able to speak English fluently.

4. Submerge yourself

Being able to speak a language is not related to how smart you are. Anyone can learn how to speak any language. This is a proven fact by everyone in the world. Everyone can speak at least one language. Whether you are intelligent, or lacking some brain power, you are able to speak one language.

This was achieved by being around that language at all times. In your country, you hear and speak your language constantly. You will notice that many people who are good English speakers are the ones who studied in an English speaking school. They can speak English not because they went to an English speaking school, but because they had an environment where they can be around English speaking people constantly.

There are also some people who study abroad and learn very little. That is because they went to an English speaking school, but found friends from their own country and didn't practice English.

You don't have to go anywhere to become a fluent English speaker. You only need to surround yourself with English. You can do this by making rules with your existing friends that you will only speak English. You can also carry around an iPod and constantly listen to English sentences. As you can see, you can achieve results by changing what your surroundings are. Submerge yourself in English and you will learn several times faster.

5. Study correct material

A common phrase that is incorrect is, "Practice makes perfect." This is far from the truth. Practice only makes what you are practicing permanent. If you practice the incorrect sentence, you will have perfected saying the sentence incorrectly. Therefore, it is important that you study material that is commonly used by most people.

Another problem I see is that many students study the news. However, the language they speak is more formal and the content they use is more political and not used in regular life. It is important to understand what they are saying, but this is more of an advanced lesson that should be studied after learning the fundamental basics of English.

Studying English with a friend who is not a native English speaker is both good and bad. You should be aware of the pros and cons of speaking with a non native speaking friend. Practicing with a non native person will give you practice. You can also motivate each other and point out basic mistakes. But you might pick up bad habits from one another if you are not sure about what are correct and incorrect sentences. So use these practice times as a time period to practice the correct material you studied. Not to learn how to say a sentence.

In short, study English material that you can trust, that is commonly used, and that is correct.

Summary

These are the rules that will help you achieve your goal of speaking English fluently. All the teachings and lessons on TalkEnglish.com follow this method so you have the tools you need to achieve your goal right here on TalkEnglish.com

http://www.talkenglish.com/ExtraLessons/SpeakingRules.aspx

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Speaking - Six Types of Oral Communication Activitie

Six Types of Oral Communication Activities

There are six broad types of oral communication activities that might be incorporated into curricula in many fields of study. Most are conducive to either formal or informal assignments. Some are realistically possible only in smaller classes or recitation sections, while others are appropriate for large lectures as well.

On their own, any of them can help students learn course materials or ways of thinking (speaking to learn). Incorporated more systematically into a broader curriculum or major, they can together help move students to become more proficient speakers by the time they graduate (learning to speak).

1. One-on-One Speaking (Student-Student or Student-Teacher): Can range from moments punctuating a lecture, where students are asked to discuss or explain some question or problem with the person next to them, to formal student conferences with their instructor.

2. Small-Group or Team-Based Oral Work: Smaller-scale settings for discussion, deliberation, and problem solving. Appropriate for both large lectures and smaller classes and allows levels of participation not possible in larger groups.

3. Full-Class Discussions (Teacher- or Student-Led): Typically less agonistic, argument-based, and competitive than debate and deliberation but still dialogic in character. Often times has the quality of creating an atmosphere of collective, out-loud thinking about some question, idea, problem, text, event, or artifact. Like deliberation and debate, a good way to encourage active learning.

4. In-Class Debates and Deliberations: A structured consideration of some issue from two or more points of view. Debates typically involve participants who argue one side throughout, while deliberation allows for movement by individuals within the process. Both feature reason-giving argument. Can be applied to issues of many kinds, from disputed scientific facts to theories, policy questions, the meaning of a text, or the quality of an artistic production. Can range from two participants to a lecture hall.

5. Speeches and Presentations: Classically, the stand-up, podium speech delivered by an individual from an outline or script. Also includes group presentations or impromptu speaking. A strong element of monologue, but dialogue can be built in with question and answer or discussion with the audience afterward.

6. Oral Examinations: Can take place in the instructor’s office, in small groups, or before a whole class. Range from one oral question on an otherwise written exam to an oral defense of a written answer or paper to an entirely oral quiz or examination. Difficult with very large groups, but an excellent way to determine the depth and range of student knowledge and to stimulate high levels of preparation.

http://www.speaking.pitt.edu/about/oral-comm.html

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Speaking - Top 10 Tips For Improving Your Spoken English

Top 10 Tips For Improving Your Spoken English

There are so many exciting ways to learn English and make the learning process fun!

Luke: Hi John, can you advise me on some good ways to practice English? Will you help me?

John: Sure, Luke! I have a list of things you can do to improve your speaking skills! Let's begin!

1. Speak, Speak, Speak

Be confident and speak as often as possible to as many people as you possibly can! Do not be shy to make mistakes! The more you practice the better and more confident you will become in your pronunciation and vocabulary.

2. Use Google Translate

When you are unsure of a word or a pronunciation of a word, ask google! It's easy to use! Enter the word in Google Translate and listen to the correct pronunciation by clicking on the audio button.

3. Listen

Listen to news bulletins and songs in English to listen to the pronunciation of words. You can also learn new words and expressions this way. The more you listen, the more you learn!

4. Read Out Loud

Read the newspaper or a magazine out to yourself. Hearing yourself read will help you spot your mistakes better.

5. Learn A New Word Everyday

Choose a word you would like to work on and use practice it in different sentences. Use the word until you have learnt it and keep using it regularly.

6. Watch Films

Watch movies in English and pay attention to new vocabulary and pronunciation. Imitate the actors and have fun with it.

7. Make Friends

Make friends with English speakers or others learning to speak English and compare notes. Talk about things that you have learnt and exchange ideas.

8. Do Interesting Activities in English

Take a cooking course in English or join a book club! Anything you enjoy doing, make sure you do it and communicate it in English.

9. Have a Debate

Debate all the topics that interest you with friends in English. Try to use as much vocabulary as you can to get your point across.

10. Use a Dictionary

The dictionary has millions of words to choose from! Look up different words and their synonyms and alternate how and when you use them in sentences.

http://www.englishtown.com/community/Channels/article.aspx?articleName=spokenenglish

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