[ti:Speaking Fluently]
[al:Ask a Teacher]
[ar:VOA]
[dt:2024-08-24]
[by:www.voase.cn]
[00:00.00]Hello! This week on Ask a Teacher, we answer a question from Aaron Ali in Sudan about how to become a fluent speaker.
[00:14.34]Dear Teacher,
[00:15.57]I have been learning English since 2010, but I can't speak English fluently, even now. Could you tell me how to get my English fluent?
[00:28.35]Thank you for writing to us, Aaron Ali. I'm happy to answer this question.
[00:35.62]To help you reach your goal, consider the following two questions:
[00:41.49]1. What is making it difficult for you to become fluent?
[00:47.50]2. Are you getting the input and practice with English that you need? Input means the language you listen to and read.
[01:00.30]Being fluent does not mean speaking a language without any mistakes. 
[01:07.71]Instead, fluency is the ability to speak without stopping too much.
[01:14.73]It is also the ability to speak about a large number of issues.
[01:21.72]Try to identify what is preventing you from being fluent.
[01:29.04]Maybe you worry about making grammar mistakes.
[01:33.41]Maybe pronunciation problems slow you down.
[01:37.56]Perhaps you simply might not know enough words. 
[01:43.54]Or, you might need more confidence, or belief in yourself.
[01:49.04]If that is the case, our VOA Learning English article linked here gives advice for gaining more confidence in your speaking.
[02:01.16]People generally need two things to become fluent. 
[02:07.18]The first thing they need is to know a lot of words and expressions. 
[02:13.56]You should listen to and read English that you can mostly understand but that also helps you learn a few new expressions at a time.
[02:26.91]Remember, you can be fluent even if you make many grammar mistakes.
[02:33.28]But you cannot speak fluently if you do not know enough words and expressions.
[02:40.66]The second thing learners need is a lot of practice speaking in different kinds of situations.
[02:50.77]Try to find an English-speaking partner and practice often. 
[02:56.15]Online sites can help you find a language partner. 
[03:00.99]You can have a conversation with this person over a mobile phone or computer. 
[03:07.99]And this VOA Learning English article gives advice for great language exchanges.
[03:17.14]Practice speaking about particular topics. 
[03:21.42]For example, if you are interested in health and exercise, learn the words and expressions connected to that topic.
[03:32.56]Next, try to write about it. 
[03:36.56]Writing can help you organize your ideas and remember vocabulary.
[03:43.56]Last, practice speaking about the topic, using the special vocabulary you have learned.
[03:52.65]Storytelling is another way to practice.
[03:56.96]It helps you learn expressions and grammatical forms.
[04:02.95]Tell a story many times. 
[04:06.17]That will help you feel what it is like to speak fluently.
[04:11.68]Reading out loud is another way to practice, and the video and article linked here gives advice about doing that.
[04:23.85]Finally, our How to Pronounce series shows you how to say common phrases quickly and easily.
[04:34.28]For our readers and listeners, do you have a question about American English?
[04:41.00]Send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com.
[04:48.45]And that's Ask a Teacher.
[04:52.38]I'm Andrew Smith.