English is my second language. Have studied for many years. I listen and write fairly well but not speaking.

Question

I have studied English for many years. I also use the languge in my line of work quite regularly. The problem is that though I perfectly understand the language and write fairly well I seem not to speak as good as I want to. When I speak my mind doesn't seem to remember the grammar I have learned and don't use even the very common and simple words that are used in day to day conversations. I hear my self making very silly mistakes and even the simple words doesn't come to me instantly. I read books and know fairly enough vocabularies. Now days I am suspecting if it is psycological rather than lack of the knowledge. I really need help. Speaking good English is really important for my career advancement.

Answer 1

You definitely write very well for a non-native speaker. Heck, you write better than many native speakers (just look around on this website!)
Since your main problem seems to be remembering the right words and the grammar rather than pronunciation, it may help if you try to think in English as much as possible in addition to speaking it regularly. If you get used to thinking in English, then it should be easier for the right words and grammar to come to mind when you have to speak.

Answer 2

Watch a lot of TV programs in English. Listen a lot to radio programs in English. You probably already read a lot in English but make sure what you read covers many topics, not just work-related. Keep a diary in English. Interact online in English. If possible, find someone to talk to in English. I do these all the time and though I do not/have never lived in English speaking country my English conversation seems OK. You can do the same.

Answer 3

Practise makes perfect. To be able to speak a second language may be harder for some but to speak well takes a lot of practise.

It also helps if you have some programs (either video and audio) that speaks english, the more you listen to how other people speak, the more you can pick up the language.

Answer 4

It sounds like because you are having difficulty your level of confidence has dropped. When that happens you begin to work against yourself. I think you should partner with someone who speaks English well and is willing to give you some practice. As you feel more comfortable and confident you will improve!

You can model your conversations after your partner's. when you practice correctly, practice does make perfect, (or close to it)!

Answer 5

The answer is not more knowledge, it is practice. You must practice constantly, speak only in English as much as possible. That is the only way you will improve.