Why Working Harder Won’t Make You a Better English Speaker: Focus on Speaking!

Do you need to be fluent in English for your job, but feel stuck? Your English might be okay, but do you struggle to express yourself like you do in your native language?

You may feel that you sound childish or that you need a bigger vocabulary to say what you really mean.

Many learners grab a dictionary or watch videos to expand their vocabulary.

While this can help, it often doesn’t lead to the improvement you want. You might even learn complex grammar rules, yet still find it hard to communicate effectively at work.

The Truth About Language Learning

Learning a language is not just about having lots of words or grammar rules.

If you focus only on these, you might be working hard but not making real progress in speaking fluently.

Imagine Training for a Marathon

Think about training for a marathon. You might read books about running and buy new shoes, but if you don’t actually run, you won’t improve.

Similarly, to improve your English speaking skills, you need to practice speaking regularly.

Here’s Why Speaking Regularly is Key:

  1. Regular Practice
    • Our brains forget things easily. To remember something, we need to practice it regularly. Just like studying for exams, repetition is essential for learning a language.
  2. Feedback and Support
    • Not all practice is good practice. If you practice the wrong things, you’ll reinforce mistakes. It’s important to speak with someone who can give you feedback and model correct language use.
  3. Small Amounts of Time
    • Language learning takes time and effort. Instead of long study sessions, aim for small amounts of practice—like 15 minutes a day. This makes it easier to keep up and helps your brain remember better.

My Approach to Learning English

I developed a speaking program based on these principles. Using voice messages allows learners from different time zones to participate easily.

This method has transformed many professionals in the mining industry, helping them gain confidence and develop their own style in English.

If you’re ready to improve your English skills and become a natural communicator at work, let’s talk!

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