Speaking is one of the four key pillars of language learning, alongside listening, reading, and writing. While mastering grammar and vocabulary is important, being able to communicate effectively in English relies heavily on your speaking skills.
For English learners, developing fluency and confidence in speaking is essential for engaging in real conversations, whether in social settings, at work or in university, or while travelling. Speaking practice helps solidify what you’ve learned, boosts your ability to express ideas and builds your overall language proficiency.
Read on to explore some practical methods to improve your English speaking skills.
Improving your English speaking skills
Speaking is an active skill in language learning, as opposed to a passive skill like listening. English speaking skills are often the hardest to develop out of all the language skills. This is often simply because learners do not always have much opportunity to speak English, unless they are already living in an English-speaking country.
Speaking a new language can be especially difficult if the sounds in the English language are not the same as in your native language.
Some languages never use certain sounds that are regularly found in English, such as the ‘r’ sound, the ‘v’ sound or the ‘th’ sound.
Difficult sounds in English – cheats to help pronunciation
It is possible to speak English without enunciating these more difficult sounds as you can use ‘cheats’ to avoid them. For example, some non-native speakers use the ‘s’ or ‘t’ sound instead of the ‘th’ sound, or the ‘w’ sound instead of the ‘r’ sound.
But in avoiding the difficult sounds and using other sounds instead, some native speakers might find it hard to understand you perfectly. This will be frustrating for you when you’re trying to communicate.
When starting out, using ‘cheats’ is fine while you get to grips with English. But as you become more advanced in your language skills, it’s always best to attempt to voice the letters as closely to a native speaker as possible.
It really makes sense to try to master all of the sounds of the English language in order to be fully understood by natives. Normally, this will simply mean lots of practice in order to train your mouth and tongue to make these new shapes more smoothly.
One way of practising the more difficult sounds of the English language is to try some English tongue twisters. These are short rhymes or phrases that are difficult to pronounce for native speakers. If you can get your tongue around these fun exercises, you will certainly be able to formulate regular sentences easily in the future!
Our Language Guide contains a pronunciation (phonology) section which explains methods of overcoming pronunciation difficulties with English, including advice on rhythm, syllables, stress and intonation.
Ideas for improving your English speaking skills
Although learning some ways to get around the pronunciation problems, it’s always a good idea to try to speak like the natives. Here are some more ways to improve your speaking skills when learning English:
1. Practice Speaking with Voice Assistants
Using voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant or Alexa can be a fun and interactive way to improve your speaking skills without the pressure of talking to a real person. You can ask them questions and engage in simple conversations. While voice assistants might not be perfect conversation partners, they offer an easy and accessible way to practise your speaking, pronunciation and fluency. Try asking for information on a certain topic, setting reminders or requesting help with tasks. It’s a great way to speak out loud and get comfortable using everyday English phrases.
2. Record Yourself Speaking
One of the best ways to track your progress is by recording yourself speaking. Use your phone or computer to record short stories, explanations of topics you enjoy or just your thoughts about your day. After recording, listen back to evaluate your pronunciation, tone and fluency. This will help you identify areas for improvement, such as pronunciation errors or hesitations.
3. Engage in a Language Exchange
Language exchanges are fantastic ways of practising your speaking skills with native speakers and other learners. You can find language exchange partners online through apps like Tandem, HelloTalk, or Speaky. These platforms allow you to connect with people who are learning your native language while they help you with English. Conversations with a variety of speakers will expose you to different accents, slang and colloquialisms, which will broaden your understanding of spoken English. It’s also a great way to socialise and you’ll often find real-life conversation groups at your local library or through event apps like Meetup.
4. Join Online Conversation Groups or Classes
Many websites and apps offer conversation groups where English learners can join group chats or one-on-one speaking sessions. Platforms like italki, Preply, or Verbling provide access to professional tutors who can guide you through conversational practice. Additionally, you can find free online conversation clubs or social media groups focused on language learning. Participating in these communities can help you get used to different speaking styles, improve your confidence and give you the chance to speak regularly with others. My English Language also offers conversation classes where you can talk to a native speaker about any topic of your choice to practise your vocabulary, grammar and fluency.
5. Shadowing Native Speakers
Shadowing is a highly effective technique where you listen to a native speaker (through videos, podcasts or movies) and try to imitate their speech as closely as possible. This means repeating their words in real-time, paying attention to their pronunciation, intonation and rhythm. It helps to improve both fluency and pronunciation. Try shadowing with podcasts like BBC Learning English, TED Talks, or YouTube videos. Start with short clips and gradually build up to longer conversations. This method will also train your ear to familiarise yourself with the natural flow and sounds of English.
6. Use Social Media for Speaking Practice
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok offer great opportunities for English learners to practise speaking. You can create short videos of yourself speaking on different topics, share your thoughts, or try speaking for a set time about a specific topic. The idea is to step outside your comfort zone and make it a habit to use your speaking skills in front of others. It can also be fun and motivational when you see others doing the same. You’re never alone in your language learning journey!
7. Think in English
This is one of the most powerful habits you can develop. Instead of thinking in your native language and translating it into English, try to think directly in English. This will help you speak more naturally and without hesitation. Start with simple thoughts, such as thinking about what you’re going to eat, what you need to do next or your plans for the day. The more you practise thinking in English, the easier it will be to speak it.
8. Storytelling and Role-Playing
Engage in storytelling or role-playing activities to make speaking practice more dynamic and fun. You can pretend to be someone in a specific situation, like ordering food at a restaurant, interviewing for a job or giving a presentation. You could write down scenarios or simply make them up on the spot. If possible, find a speaking partner to act out different roles together. Practising role-plays helps you improve your conversational skills, build your vocabulary and get used to speaking in various contexts.
9. Read Aloud and Memorise Short Phrases
Reading aloud helps improve both your pronunciation and confidence. Start by reading short stories, news articles or dialogues from textbooks aloud. Focus on articulating each word clearly and try to match the natural rhythm and intonation of a native speaker. Additionally, memorising short phrases or dialogues can help you internalise common expressions used in everyday conversations. This will allow you to recall them easily when speaking in real-life situations. Advanced students can practise with famous poems or try learning a monologue.
10. Engage with Podcasts and Audiobooks
Listening to podcasts and audiobooks in English is an excellent way to improve both listening and speaking. While listening, pay attention to how the speakers pronounce words, their sentence structure and the flow of conversation. Afterwards you could try to repeat the phrases aloud. You can also pause the recording and practise saying what you heard as you go along, helping to reinforce vocabulary and natural expressions. Podcasts like BBC 6 Minute English, The English We Speak and TED Talks Daily offer content in a variety of subjects and difficulty levels.
11. Set Realistic Speaking Goals
Finally, it’s important to set clear, achievable goals for your speaking practice. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the prospect of speaking English fluently, but breaking it down into smaller, more manageable goals will help. For example, aim to speak for five minutes a day, try to use new vocabulary in sentences or practice talking in a specific accent. As you meet these goals, you’ll feel more confident and motivated to continue.
By incorporating these innovative methods into your English-speaking practice routine, you’ll gradually build your confidence and fluency. The key is consistent practice and finding enjoyable ways to use English in real-life situations. So, don’t be afraid to speak out loud, make mistakes and learn along the way — every bit of practice counts!
Read more about using English speaking skills in our Language Guide.
Share your thoughts on speaking and listening skills
What do you find most difficult about speaking English?
Do you have any advice for speaking practice?
How do you practise your listening skills?
Which sounds in the English language do you find most difficult when speaking? Do you use any ‘cheats’ to help with difficult pronunciations?