How can I improve my ability of speaking English?

Question

I'm not a native speaker of English. I have tried my best to speak English naturally with correct pronunciation and accent, but the result is terrible! I intend to take part in IELTS or TOEFL so I really worry about my speaking test. Any advice for me, please ? Thanks advance!

Answer 1

Watch a lot of American TV, especially news programs, since they are some of the very few on TV who still speak correctly.

And stop posting this so many times!

Answer 2

Well by your question itself i guess you're a decent english speaker. So i think it is the vocabulary that you are trying to improve on. So i did this to improve my vocabulary. Read any English daily at least for half an hour loudly before a person who can correct your pronunciation then and there. You will come across many new words for which you have to find the meaning immediately with use of a dictionary. and collect these words(5 or more a day) and type them on internet to get various usage of the same word.The context will play the magic. and of course try speaking only in English as far as possible.Good luck

Answer 3

It sounds like you are concerned with learning too much. I think it is important to work on pronunciation, which can be very difficult, but I would not bother trying to correct your accent. There is nothing wrong with sounding like you are from somewhere else. In fact, if you ask me, it adds interest. If I am ever unsure of pronunciation, I go to mirriamwebster.com, look up the word, and click on the little red speaker. Also, it appears that you will have no trouble with the written portion of the test!

Answer 4

Listen to as much English as possible, such as radio, TV programmes, and films. If possible, rent DVDs with subtitles of your native language (Paramount releases usually have a wide selection of languages on their DVDs) listen to the English soundtrack and if you lose the thread, go back to the subtitles to refer to. Also, go out and meet English speaking people, or people who can speak your language, and are good English speakers, and converse with them in English as much as possible

Go ahead and do the TEFL programme, and don't worry about the speaking test; it's only an assesment to see how much help you will need. I must say your English grammar is pretty good, so I think you'll have very few problems. Good luck! :)

Answer 5

Imitate those people you want to sound like. Imitation is a good form of flattery. Talk with people who talk like you want to talk. You get better at something by practicing. So practice. Posting this written question won't get you practice talking.

Your written question is written very well. I have no doubt that you know the words to say. Your concern appears to be entirely about how you sound. You may get a lot of help and practice with someone willing to talk with you for long periods of time and be a mentor about how to improve the sounds that will improve how you speak English.

My own experience trying to understand speakers with foreign accents is that I understand them better when they speak slower and carefully.

The best of success with your speaking test.

Answer 6

I would recommend you to have e-dictionary (either online or offline) with voice (sound) to help you know the right pronunciation for the words you are not sure. You can also listen to Radio stations & ensure you pick the one using proper english. A good talk show & English news is helpful too.

Answer 7

Do you have access to American TV? If you do, listen to the news a lot, they have a generic accent, and talk back to the tv too.

Answer 8

Watch/listen to American/British television and radio. And practice daily.

Answer 9

I don't know how much time you have before your test, but the best way to improve your command of any language is to converse with someone whose mother tongue it is.

Answer 10

Go to England