Fluency is the stage of language learning when everything just “clicks.” Many people do not believe this level is achievable because it requires a significant amount of time and effort.
Thousands of people achieve English language fluency each year, and you can too if you work hard enough! We asked Multilingua expert language tutors for their best tips and advice to assist you. Continue reading to find out what they had to say.
How to Speak English Fluently? 11 Best Tips
1. Begin speaking English as frequently as possible.
The one thing you must do if you want to speak English fluently is to practice speaking. Almost all advice on how to improve your fluency will eventually boil down to this. Nothing else you can do will be as effective or as significant.
Finding opportunities to practice English can be difficult if you live in a country where English is not widely spoken. Try some of the following methods:
- Join forces with an English speaker who is learning your native tongue. Try downloading a language exchange app if you don’t know anyone.
- Schedule 1-on-1 online English tutoring sessions to receive expert advice on your English speaking abilities.
- Use English learning apps in conjunction with speech recognition software. In online group classes, you can connect with a small group of international students.
- Attend webinars or live events once you’ve reached the intermediate level.
- In English, describe your own life. Check out YouTuber Bob the Canadian’s advice on how to do this for a more detailed explanation.
Things will “click” faster than you think if you can find some creative ways to fit regular English-speaking opportunities into your life.
2. Hire a private tutor
Invest in a personal language tutor if you are serious about becoming fluent in English. Even talking to an expert English tutor once a week can significantly improve your progress.
You will be able to ask questions about English on a regular basis, discuss new words relevant to your own life, and receive real-time feedback on your English conversation skills. When you feel accountable to and comfortable with someone, it is much easier to stick to a regular learning routine. If you study English with a teacher, you will have your own personal language coach.
3. Immerse yourself in English every day.
It is critical to gain as much English exposure as possible if you want to speak fluently. Even if you’re not actively studying, you should be doing something in English every day. Simple changes to your environment can help you become more exposed to English:
- Set your phone/social media/tablet to English.
- Play English music.
- Read the English news.
- Commit to watching English-language TV shows and movies.
- Keep an English language journal.
This method is known as “language immersion.” It’s an excellent way to become acquainted with the sounds and text of a new language and to reinforce what you’ve learned.
4. Take advantage of technology
How many English-learning apps do you have on your phone right now? Almost certainly one! The digital age has transformed language learning, and it’s easy to overlook how fortunate we are.
There is a plethora of study technology available, so choose wisely. Check that you’re using the most effective resources for your own study habits and that you’re not relying too heavily on game-like apps.
5. Make use of resources tailored to your level.
If you’re determined to achieve fluency, it can be tempting to bypass resources designed for intermediate-level English learners and instead focus on content designed for fluent English speakers.
Every ambitious language learner has done something similar at some point! However, using resources designed for your level will allow you to get a lot more out of your study time.
Instead of watching the latest American blockbuster with subtitles in your native language, try watching an episode of an English-language cartoon with no subtitles. You will gain far more understanding and new vocabulary from the context.
6. Practice your pronunciation.
Working on your pronunciation is beneficial for several reasons. We all want to be understood, and practising our pronunciation helps us speak clearly. This is not to say that you should get rid of your accent. However, if other English speakers do not understand you, you will be frustrated.
Physical effort is required to become fluent and clearly pronounce words. If your native language sounds very different from English, you will need to pay special attention to how you move your mouth and tongue. Native Spanish speakers, for example, have been known to complain that speaking English for extended periods of time.
7. Study entire phrases rather than individual words.
Fluency is the ability to speak whole sentences without pause. It will be difficult not to hesitate when constructing sentences if you learn English one word at a time. That’s because you’ll have to mentally translate every English sentence from your native language into English.
Another approach is to learn new words as part of a common phrase, which can reduce mental strain when speaking.
To use a simple example, if you are learning the word “tonight,” it would be beneficial to learn the phrase “tonight, I am going to…” This way, when it comes time to discuss your plans for the evening, your brain already has half of the response prepared.
8. Accept that you will feel awkward speaking English.
Almost everyone finds it difficult to overcome their fear of learning a new language. This is perfectly normal! Your native language is a powerful tool for expressing ideas. You understand the subtle implications of your words, how to use irony and humor, and how word stress can slightly alter the meaning of what you’re saying.
Speaking a new language feels like wielding a blunt axe in comparison. You can’t express yourself clearly. You might offend someone or embarrass yourself. You will not appear as intelligent as you are. It’s terrifying! Few language students complain about how bad it is.
9. Consider making a significant lifestyle change.
It almost goes without saying that moving to an English-speaking country is the quickest way to become fluent in English. This will save you a lot of time if you are determined to speak fluent English and can relocate for a few months.
Most people, however, will not be able to do so. Don’t be concerned if this applies to you; there are other major lifestyle changes you can make to improve your English level, such as:
- Get a job or a serious hobby that requires you to speak English.
- Clean out your spare room and host English-speaking visitors through a service like couch-surfing.
- If others in your household are learning English, set aside times when you only speak English — perhaps at mealtimes, on Monday evenings, or in the car.
- Fall in love with an English native speaker. Of course, you cannot plan for this, but it is a guaranteed way to learn quickly! Read about people who have learned a language for love in our stories.
All of these are significant changes, but they are all about incorporating the language into your daily life. If you’re speaking your native language 99% of the time, it’ll take a long time for English to feel natural. If you include English-speaking situations in your daily routine, your progress will be significantly accelerated.
10. When possible, plan your conversations.
This may appear to be a silly tip for people wishing to improve their fluency. After all, fluency means being able to speak freely about anything! That is correct — but if you aren’t there yet, a little planning might boost your confidence.
If you’re going to an event where you know you’ll be able to practice your English, try planning your small talk ahead of time. Are you going to discuss your children? Your knitting circle? What is your position?
11. Don’t get too caught up in English grammar.
Native speakers constantly break the rules of their own language. If you’ve ever had to type out a recording of a spoken English conversation, you’ll understand what I mean. Many British high school students have no idea what a phrasal verb is, despite the fact that they use them all the time!
Grammar rules are useful to be aware of because they are required to be studied at some point. However, they should be lower on your priority list than practicing English. Even if your grammar isn’t perfect, you’ll be understood most of the time! Aim to be understandable, and grammatical rules will begin to sink in naturally after a little work.
Conclusion
Fluency is not a destination to be reached, but rather a continuous process of learning. Even if you have achieved fluency, it will take some practice to keep your English language skills fresh in your mind.
To be sure, everyone who speaks any language is still learning. According to studies, most people continue to learn an additional word in their native language every day until they reach middle age!
Try to find this fact motivating rather than discouraging, and remember to celebrate every small victory along the way as you learn English. If you’re reading this, you’ve already mastered an impressive amount of English!