Communication skills are important as it helps us to receive and give messages and informations. Communication skills are vital in communicating ideas and feelings.
Types of Communication skills
Verbal communication.
Non-verbal communication.
Written, and
Visual communication.
Verbal communication involves the usage of words. Whereas non-verbal communication uses facial expressions, eye contact, gestures and body language.
Written communication is the interactions using written words. For example, letters, email, telegrams, postcards etc… Conveying ideas through visual elements is Visual communication.
Why communication is important?
I believe that the most important life skill is to be able to convey ideas effectively. Communication is the root to transfer messages from one person or place to another.
SOURCE: GOOGLE.
With communication skills, we will be able to get better responses.
Create an impressive professional image.
Strong business.
Networking will be simple.
Better control.
Confident.
Tips to improve communication
Tv shows & Movies
Books
Listen to native speakers
Practice public speaking
Conversation fillers
Believe it or not, series and movies are an amazing way to improve communication skills. This way you get your dose of entertainment while learning. I used this technique to enhance my skills. I will come up with recommendations, do look out for it.
Books are valuable if used wisely one could learn a lot from them. There are plenty of genres to get us started with. When in doubt pick a genre of which movie you will be interested in. Here’s an example, I love thriller movies so when it comes to books I choose thriller and murder mystery.
We have apps, YouTube videos and classes to help us listen to native speakers. In that way, we will get to improve our listening skills too. Native speaker’s tone, way of speaking, body language and usage of words will mould our way of speaking.
Public speaking is an art. It can be mastered with little effort from our side. In today’s world, we have technology by our side if used effectively, one can master any language.
Try to avoid conversation gaps, instead use fillers such as “I mean”, ” you know”, “alright”, ” basically“, etc. The most common fillers are hmm and ah. When we use these fillers the flow of the conversation will be smooth.
Tips for effective communication
“The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn’t being said.”
– Peter F. Drucker
When it comes to communication, non-verbal communication is important too.
Deliver simple yet clear messages
Can you listen to someone who uses Shakespeare’s style of language while talking about a pitch meeting? No. It will be tiresome. While communicating one must remember to keep the language simple and efficient. The message should be clear and concise.
Take time to respond
Taking some time to respond doesn’t mean you are in doubt. We can’t be spontaneous in every situation. There might be a heavy and important responsibility if we answer without forethought, it might put things out of order.
Body language is like salt to our food
Too much salt and less of the same is not satisfactory. Body language should be overdone. People tend to notice body language it should show warmth and add a filter to the conversation. “Action speaks louder than words.”
Maintain eye contact
Trying to uphold the eye contact game. But remember, too much of anything is not good. Try not to stare at the person instead maintain healthy, non-creepy eye contact. It will create an impression and acts as a signal that you are indeed interested in the conversation.
Understand their needs and values
People like those who can understand and value them. We all have feelings, bad days and battling our battles. It is better to recognize their side of the story. Try to be more of a listener than speaker.
“The art of communication is the language of leadership.”
– James Humes
Next time you think of communicating with either your teammates or any professional individual. Try to follow these points. Hope you found it informative. Thank you!
Bachelor of Arts (B.A) English. It is an undergraduate degree for three years. The course would focus on the main aspects of the language and it will help us develop creative and independent thinking. The course helps us to enhance our communication skills.
Why English Literature?
English Literature introduces us to a world of creativity. You would get a chance to discover poems, novels and plays. You get to read incredible novels as per your prescribed syllabus. You get the knowledge of the history of literature. You will be able to think without confinement. There are no particular reasons but;
If you are drawn to literature.
If you are interested in the language.
If you love reading books.
If you want to make a career based on this course
If you would love to learn about the wide range of cultures.
It will help you broaden your boundary.
The actual answer lies in your perspective and interest.
B.A English Literature Subjects
Literature students will have major, allied and core subjects. The subjects may differ in correspondence to where you are studying. The subjects are as interesting as it sounds. We will get the flavour of distinct eras. The subjects will pull out the self-reliant sense.
History of English Literature.
American Literature.
Victorian Literature.
Feminism.
Women’s Writing.
Linguistics.
Indian writing.
Poetry and
Literary Criticism.
Best College to Study Literature
Loyola College.
Stella Maris College.
Madras Christian College.
Ethiraj College for Women.
Meenakshi College for Women.
Women’s Christian College.
Patrician College of Arts and Science.
When it comes to college, we have a few things to consider. The accommodation, fees structure, reputation of the institution, etc. In that case, I have listed out colleges in Tamil Nadu, Chennai. The chrome will help you sort out colleges in your location.
Job Opportunities After B.A. English Literature.
Content writer.
Educator.
Editor.
Writer.
Journalist.
Public relations.
Blogging.
Creative writing.
Language translator.
Media and advertising, etc…
The career opportunities are impressive and you can be a freelancer too. Although, many prefer to do Masters in Literature. There are alternatives.
Books for Literature Students
The books may vary according to the syllabus prescribed. Classics to add to your never-ending reading list are;
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Jane Austen’s works.
Shakespeare’s works.
A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe.
Animal Farm by George Orwell.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, etc.
As literature students, we might have the self-expectation of reading a particular genre. You need not read only classics to be acknowledged as a literature student. Try to savour the stories.
To know the history of English literature, you can refer to;
1. An Outline History of English Literature by William Henry Hudson.
I’m no expert, but I do have few ideas. Book lovers know the pain of having N number of books on their wishlist and not being able to get them all. Well, with side hustles we will be able to squeeze in extra books while buying.
Content Writing.
Freelancing.
Book logging & Bookstagram.
Bootubing (although the channel will take some time to get monetized.)
Copywriting.
Proofreading.
Affiliate Marketing.
Social Media Marketing.
However, the above-stated side hustles won’t make you rich but will be more like pocket money. There are plenty of internships that will pay you with a certificate.
For clear ideas, consult your counsellor, teachers and mentors. Is Literature tough? No, it is neither easy nor difficult. Unlike the olden days, we have technology and the internet facility. Literature is a wonderful way to know history.
“When in doubt, go to the library.”
Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets, J.K. Rowling.
Being able to communicate effectively is an essential skill. Whether it’s in our business life or our personal relationships, effective communication is the key to our success.
Life coaching for effective communication is a fantastic way to learn and attain this skill. Through a number of communication models, I’ll show you how to get ahead and stay ahead.
Here are my top ten essential skills for effective communication. Master these skills now, and they’ll serve you well for a long time to come!
1. Listening
One of the most important aspects of effective communication is being a good listener.
People do not like communicating with others who are only interested in telling you what they want to tell you, and don’t listen to what you have to say. Effective communication requires active listening, so practice active listening until it becomes second nature to you.
So what is active listening? Active listening involves hearing and understanding what a person is saying to you. Unless you understand clearly what a person is telling you, you can’t respond appropriately. Gain clarification by asking questions or rephrase what you’re being told, so that you’re sure you fully understand the message that’s being conveyed to you. For example, you could say “So, what you’re saying is…”
2. Non-Verbal Communication
The words we choose make up just 7% of the message being conveyed, which makes non-verbal communication all the more important. Body language is an important communication tool. Your body language should help convey your words. Other factors you should consider are things like the tone of your voice, your hand gestures, and ensuring eye contact.
A person is going to be encouraged to speak openly with you if you are relaxed and have a friendly tone. Adopt an open stance position, with relaxed legs and open arms. It is important that you make eye contact with the person you are communicating with, but be careful that you do not stare at them, as this is just uncomfortable. It is just as important that you recognise the non-verbal signals being displayed by the other person. These signals will give you an insight into how that person is feeling.
3. Be Clear and Be Concise
Convey your message using as few words as possible. Whether in person, via telephone, or email, convey your message clearly, concise and direct. If you are excessive with your words, the listener will either lose focus or just be unsure as to what it is that you want. Before speaking give some thought as to the message you want to convey. This will prevent you rambling and causing confusion.
4. Be Personable
When communicating face to face with someone, use a friendly tone with a simple smile, and ask a personal question. These things encourage the other person to engage in honest, open communication. When using written communication (e.g. email), you can achieve this by adding a simple personal message, for example, “How was your weekend?”.
5. Be Confident
Confidence underpins all effective communication. Other people will believe you will do as you say if you sound confident. Making eye contact, using a firm but friendly tone (never aggressive), are all ways you can exude confidence. Remember to always be listening to the other person and looking out for those nonverbal clues.
6. Empathy
Empathy is the skill of being able to understand and share the feelings of another person.
Even if don’t agree with the person you’re communicating with, it’s very important that you understand and respect their view. Simply saying to that person “I understand what you’re saying”, will let them know that you have been listening to them, and that you respect their point of view.
7. Always Have An Open Mind
Being an effective communicator requires that every conversation is approached with a flexible, open mind. This isn’t always easy to achieve, but is very important to communicating effectively. Always engage in active listening, and be sure to demonstrate empathy by acknowledging you understand what the other person’s point of view is. Adopting this approach will always ensure honest, productive communication.
8. Convey Respect
Other people will be more likely to engage in communication with you if you respect them and their ideas. Simply addressing another person using their name, will make them feel appreciated. If communicating via telephone, always keep focused on the conversation and avoid being distracted in any way. When communicating through email, take time to construct and edit your message, taking care to address the recipient by name.
9. Give and Receive Feedback
Giving and receiving appropriate feedback is an essential communication skill, particularly for those of us whose roles include managing other people. Providing constructive feedback, as well as giving someone praise, can greatly increase motivation and build morale.
It is just as important that you accept and encourage feedback from others. Always listen to feedback and act positively on it. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the feedback, simply ask a question to gain clarification from the other person.
10. Consider The Best Medium for The Job!
The final item on my list is knowing what the best form of communication is to use. Being mindful of using the best form of communication will result in your response being a positive one. Consider things such as, who it is you’re trying to communicate with, how important the topic is, and how busy that person might be. For example, asking your boss for a raise is never going to be taken seriously if you do it by text – so consider what’s appropriate!
S.H.I.E.L.D. might have missed assembling team members from India, but it is never too late to correct an oversight. Imagine our larger-than-life superhero, Rajinikanth, partnering with other Avengers in a combined mission to save the planet from dangerous predators with bad intentions. Some aliens, some familiar ones! Yes, India is far from America, and the distance seems to have increased during the pandemic, but Rajinikanth could give some worthy company to Iron Man and perhaps teach him a trick or two, too, through holographic interfaces and augmented reality. Who knows, he could also kill all the mutants of Coronaviruses in this quest!
I wish to present some facts now to give you a background of my strategic human resource and leadership plan for S.H.I.E.L.D. India has one of the largest numbers of gig workers in the world. As per a March 2021 report by consulting firm Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, the gig economy in India is expected to soar to 90 million in approximately a decade from now. Choose any vocation here and you will be spoilt for choices. Almost everyone is an expert on politics, economics, socio-cultural issues, fashion, sports, career, marriage, children, nature, animals, traffic, the dos, and don’ts … the list is endless. People can even advice others on how they should lead their lives. It’s affection, silly!
War for talent? Clearly, recruiters have not been able to explore the depth of this vast pool. To reiterate, India is a land bubbling with high potentials. Now let us go back to the topic of superpowers. There is plan B too. Rajinikanth could have a serious competition in a plain-looking community here. S.H.I.E.L.D. could consider appointing some members from this fraternity too.
You are rolling your eyes? Why? Hear me out. Presenting to you the case of beholders of the mighty pen (over a sword or a gun), and the upholders of fine speech. Their words hit no less than the missiles unleashed by Israel over the Gaza strip. Let me walk you through the innate gifts of a less publicized community with an immensely amoeba-like (plasma membrane) flexibility.
The teachers.
The extremely sturdy ones can stand the whole day, operate (teach) without a table and a chair, or, the basic infrastructure, and sometimes work even at low or no salaries for months. The strengths, struggles and coping mechanism of the privileged ones out of this lot are embedded in different realms. More on that, later! You will be astonished to learn how many hats teachers can don at the same time. They juggle between being a mentor, coach, counsellor, Devil’s advocate, friend, philosopher, or guide. Interestingly, even their DNA personifies versatility. Over the years, the mutations in their genetic material have helped them learn how to make milestones of the stones thrown at them by students unhappy with their marks, and parents unhappy with the teachers for giving those marks! Talk about heightened senses, their eyes can easily observe and sense the intention behind each greeting, smile and calls to the office. They are like Sharma ji ka beta/beti’, always expected to excel at everything and set an ideal example for the others to emulate.
Here, I would take a detour and ask you to recall the violinists who continued to play music for as long as they were alive, just to calm the passengers on the sinking Titanic ship. On similar lines, teachers continued to teach while the pandemic unleashed havoc around the world. The unlearning of years of classroom teaching was replaced by the immediate need to adopt new technological tools and re-learn the art of virtual teaching. The new and changed landscape was no less than the one post Thanos snapping his finger.
Aren’t convinced yet? Go to the polling booths and follow the polio immunization drives, you will know what I mean.
Now the final hook. Except for some teachers working with elite institutions, the rest won’t even charge much for their services. You can simply smile, appreciate their work, show some respect, and boy, see how they melt! Just watch how it lights up their faces. They are so motivated, especially on September 5 every year in India, that even Abraham Maslow bows to them from time to time from his grave. Had told you about their genetic sequencing earlier, remember? I do hope I have presented their (our) case well, S.H.I.E.L.D. Hopefully, you will have a relook at your current team now.
On a sidenote, can I be a contender too? Just saying. I can take it up as a gig assignment during the semester breaks. Imagine the newest Avenger on the block and that too a female from India! It will further boost the diversity and inclusion factors for you. If you can give equitable salary and perks, you could even find yourself on the pages of Harvard cases.
You might want to provide supplements of Vitamin T(eacher) to your team if Rajinikanth’s diary of appointments is full. Professor Hulk would not mind some more erudite company. In return, I vow to start quoting your example in my classes as a great employer brand with an excellent employee value proposition. Who knows, I might even write a research article. Told you, pen and words are the weapons here. Think about it. What say? Are you game?
P.S. I have recently bought a telescope to keep an eye on the stars and planets too. Taking my possible future role tad too seriously, eh?
It is humbling to think that I have so much to give, when the truth is I have so much more to learn.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that each and every one of us can change the world!
It’s not results that soothe our souls; it’s actions. In a difficult world, kindness has amazing power.
Every day people endure stressful jobs, demanding relationships, and backbreaking responsibility. Every day people battle life threatening disease, face uncertain futures, and struggle to survive.
Each moment of our lives, someone, somewhere, is in need of kindness.
What you do for others energizes the universe. What you do for the universe energizes you.
Go slowly. Breathe, smile, and be present. Seek opportunities to make a difference, embrace the moments, and be grateful for every choice you make.
One that I particularly enjoy is strolling through a bustling airport. Always surrounded by a whirlwind of activity I become entranced in a guessing game of intentions. Where have travelers been? Where are they going? Are they smiling or crying, bundled up or in flip flops? Conquering the world, or leaving the world behind?
One can choose to be engulfed by the mayhem, or detached, able to savor each moment.
Smile when you check in, even if the person behind the counter has obviously had a bad day. Help someone stow their carry-on luggage, even if it takes the space you had spotted for your own.
Accept a delay as a chance to slow down, even if it means missing a connection. I doubt that pilots and flight attendants enjoy delays any more than passengers, and life will continue on its merry way with or without us.
My favorite moment is when the aircraft door closes. The past disappears and the future becomes real. I sit back, relax, and as the jet engines spool up, close my eyes and welcome the vibrations of another new journey.
Smile at everyone you meet.
A smile is a miracle worker.
It makes us more attractive and can change our mood. No one can deny that smiling is contagious. Many have written that smiling relieves stress, boosts your immune system, and releases endorphins and serotonin. A smile can light up your face and make you look younger. A smile is a gift that we receive only by giving to others!
The greatest gift of a smile is that it keeps nothing for itself. Its purpose is to give, to console, to inspire, to cherish, to love, to multiply. Give yours freely to others. Spread happiness and feel it grow inside you. Be contagious.
Your smile brings light to the world. Would you deny the world moments of brightness?
Share your thoughts.
My thoughts are my own, and unsolicited.
Contribute to Tiny Buddha and other sites that inspire your spirit.
Submit your best effort at expressing your thoughts. Post a comment on the efforts of others. Why wait until there’s a free book giveaway to share a few words? The world wants to hear what you have to say.
As I’m sure you’ve read here many times, blog posts can arrive at just the right moment in a person’s life. Send your thoughts on their way. Someone may welcome them with open arms.
It takes courage to put your thoughts out there. Be courageous. It only takes a few moments.
Practice compassion.
Many years ago my niece died of cancer at the age of twenty-one. She was an adventurous spirit, confident and vocal. I spent many afternoons and evenings with her hand in mine as she rested uncomfortably. Her facial expressions unmasked the pain that spread within her dying body.
On better days she would tell me how she loved her visits with other patients, most of them much younger than her. These same young children I passed in the hallways, brave young children wheeling their life support beside them, and almost always smiling. I have no doubt that my niece helped create a few of those smiles.
As we all know, cancer spreads far beyond the children’s hospital that lovingly cared for my niece. We can make a difference in the lives of others by sharing our time and compassion.
Jacque’s favorite expression was “cool beans!” I don’t hear it often, but when I do, it’s like turning my gaze toward the sunshine.
Feed the hungry.
like to eat, and I would wager that you do too!
I was raised on meat and potatoes with sit-down family dinners, and never wanted for food on the table. I miss my mother’s cooking and the early evening conversations.
What I’ve never had to do is stand on a street corner and beg for food, dig through restaurant trash bins, or go to bed hungry.
Unfortunately, in today’s world, hunger touches every community.
Every community also has a food bank. It’s very easy to volunteer, and many who are hungry will benefit from your actions.
Live a giving life.
Life becomes complicated when its difficulties overpower our capacity to love others, to share our compassion, and to simply find time in our busy schedules to live a giving life.
Make a difference! Give to receive! Reap what you sow!
No matter what situation you find yourself in, come from a place of kindness and you will always treat others in the way they’re meant to be treated.
The defining characteristic of friendship is a preference for a particular person. However, different people may have distinct definitions of and requirements for friendship. For example, very young children may refer to someone as their “best friend” two minutes after meeting, while very shy people or individuals from reserved cultures may report having only a handful of friends during their entire lives.
There’s no absolute definition of what does or does not constitute a friendship. However, some common traits of friendship include:
Some degree of commitment, both to the friendship and to the other person’s well-being.
A desire for “regular” contact with the other person. “Regular” contact could occur once every two days or once every two years.
Shared knowledge about one another’s lives, emotions, fears, or interests.
Feelings of love, respect, admiration, or appreciation.
Anthropologist Robin Dunbar theorized there was a limit to how many friendships an individual can have. In general, most humans have up to 150 friends, 50 good friends, 15 close friends, and 5 intimate friends. These numbers have shown to be consistent across time, from hunter-gather societies to the age of social media.
FRIENDSHIP AND GENDER
Culture strongly affects people’s understanding of friendship. In the United States and many other industrialized wealthy nations, women tend to have more friendships than men and to invest more energy in those friendships. Romantic relationships are, for many men, a sole or primary source of friendship. So as children grow into adolescents and adolescents become adults, boys may have fewer and fewer friendships.
Cultural norms suggest that women are “better” at friendship, more communicative, or more in need of intimacy from friends. This can create a self-fulfilling prophecy in which women are more likely to have friends. Women also spend more time investing in their friendships. A man might only talk to his closest friend once every few months, while on average, women in the U.S. tend to talk longer and more frequently to their friends.
Among people in long-term relationships, women tend to do more work to sustain friendships and other close relationships. This might include sending Christmas cards, remembering birthdays, making phone calls, and updating friends on major life events.
Researchers are increasingly sounding alarm bells about an epidemic of loneliness. Loneliness can shorten a person’s life and erode their health. It may even pose greater public health risks than smoking. This suggests that gender norms about friendships may actually harm men’s health. As marriage rates decline, men without friendships may feel progressively more isolated.
Gender may also affect whom one chooses as a friend. A 2018 study found that gender discrimination can decrease the likelihood that a person will form friendships with members of a different gender. Cross-gender friendships can foster empathy, break down gender barriers, and undermine gender stereotypes. Gender norms that undermine these friendships may therefore perpetuate gender stereotypes and misogyny.
FRIENDSHIP ACROSS A LIFESPAN
Lifelong friendships can be immensely rewarding. People may draw inspiration from talking to those who knew them when they were young. Lifelong friends connect people to their history, offer insight on how a person has changed and evolved, and are often deeply connected to one another’s families. These friendships offer a sense of permanency and consistency that can be deeply reassuring at times of ambivalence, loss, or anxiety.
Sustaining a friendship across a lifespan, however, can be difficult. People’s interests and lifestyles change as they age. In childhood, a friendship might be based upon geographic closeness or a single shared interest. So a move or a change of interests can affect even long-term friendships.
Some barriers to sustaining lifelong friendships include:
Changes in lifestyle. For example, if one friend has a child and a marriage and the other does not, the two may struggle to relate to one another.
Geographic distance. Childhood friends often walk next door or hitch a ride from a parent to see one another. When time together requires a plane or long car ride, the friendship is harder to nurture.
Time constraints. People’s lives tend to become more demanding as they get married, have children, become caregivers for aging parents, embark on challenging careers, and accrue more financial obligations. Finding time for friends can be difficult in adulthood, especially when friends have very different lifestyles or do not live near one another.
Cultural values surrounding friendship. In the U.S. and in many other countries, romantic relationships are treated as the primary and most important relationship. This can cause some people to value their friendships less as they enter adult romantic relationships.
Shifting understandings of friendship. There’s no “right” way to have a friendship. One of the challenges of sustaining a friendship is finding a shared understanding of what the friendship should look like—how frequently to talk, what to talk about, how openly to discuss disagreements, etc. As childhood friends grow up, their desires for their friendships may change. This can leave one friend feeling like the friendship doesn’t offer enough, while the other friend feels the friendship demands too much.
Communication is the core of a Personality. Having a good communication skill can change your life instantly. What makes us actually attractive and impressive, is our Communication Skill. We say, “First impression is the last impression”. How can you even make a proper impact without proper communication skills? The trick to make a person listen to you and get your points clearly is by showing him that you have immense control on your communication skills. Without this you cannot be a complete achiever, in spite of having all the good qualities you cannot move forward because of not having the best rapport. Whether you are in front of your teacher or an interviewer, your communication skill is the reflection of your capability. You should be sure of what you wish to speak or how much to speak, you cannot let down your opinion just for the reason of not having effective communication Skills. Here are few tips to enhance your communication skill –
1) Choosing a Language – While conversing with someone, it is indeed the best option to use the language you feel comfortable in. Choosing any other language, which you have a little difficulty in speaking, just to make yourself look cool won’t help you much in the long run. The Interviewer is an experienced person and will get a clear idea that you do not know much about that language giving a wrong image, hence to avoid that, start speaking in the language you know better. Just because any one else is choosing a different language, do not go preach for that. If any specific language is mentioned that you have to opt for that particular language to communicate verbally, you certainly have no choice here. Else, if possible choosing the language you had great command on.
2) Speaking Techniques – You simply do not have enough time to think, translate and speak. Even if you do it in your mind, you won’t be fast enough to speak. While an Official is taking an interview or a teacher asking viva is questioning a lot of others, including you or even more qualified than you. So, you have to make your opinions crystal clear and crisp. Change the game by being direct enough, respectfully having supreme control on the way you are speaking and an abundance of knowledge over the points you have to explain or discuss with.
3) Short and Sweet – No One likes to hear a lot of rantings while conversing, listener is going to get bored or tired very soon. He needs simple answers, not much hard or tricks words. If you genuinely want to contradict a point or raise a question, do it politely. Let the other person speak, let him finish his sentences. It is a strictly No to interrupt in between or speaking in between lines, give small gaps, maintain the eye contact to give a picture that you are listening to the topic and glad to be the part of discussion. Just how to talk to someone known, carry the same attitude while interacting with someone else, always.
4) Vocabulary – Having a good stock of words is absolutely necessary. Do not use any word you do not know the meaning of and you are confused. Choice of word is very important – keep this in your mind. Choose the right word and apply it nicely. Do not repeat the words. Know the basics, or learn about them, like how to start the conversation, how to end it up. Just we write down in a letter or mail, few etiquettes are to be followed here as well. You should have a decency in speaking and should observe more. Also, body language plays a very important look in Communication Skills.
5) Learning more – There is no better way to enrich your stocks of words other than learning more about it. Watch movies, seek the inner meanings of the dialogues, take notes, write it down, write a diary, read newspapers, novels, check out interviews of renowned personalities, read any other book of interest, go through dictionary, find out words and write their antonyms and synonyms. You can also start practicing to speak in English as this language is much admired worldwide and known by a lot of people, also it comes lot handy in competitive exams as the 1st language for most of these Exams are mentioned as in English.
Each sword picks its lord”. For an author, the pen is a sword. Improving anything doesn’t mean creation/building/finding another thing. It just methods working on, discovering blunders, re-trying, or learning new procedures to improve quality. Predetermination is genuine and we as a whole will undoubtedly play an special Dramatis personae. Subsequently before upgrading our aptitude in any regard ensure it is worth to us and we are satisfied with it despite all the troubles. Composing abilities is the thing that an individual has and in this way improving it, implies developing ourselves.
With regards to composing nothing is more remarkable than having a “Dream”. An essayist without a dream proportionate to a body without a spirit can perform yet ,won’t feel the quintessence. Consequently we should have a dream but then we can improve our composing aptitude.We should feel the vibe of composing, composing expertise can be improved when we can see what society wants. Continuously interface ourselves with others so we can have the option to compose something worth perusing or would accomplish something worth composition. Continuously attempt to have a forthcoming composing aptitude don’t compose what past is yet gain from past and manifest a future what it would be similar. Composing ability is dynamic process, therefore it should change with time. Make the composing, expertise adaptable enough to oblige changes. We feel invigorated on the grounds that time is reality, write in present, and be prepared to get by later on. Finally, be upbeat and welcome recommendations. The psyche is the one which can turn hellfire out of paradise and paradise out of damnation. All aptitudes need due regard to sharpen it.
It enables life-enriching experiences like traveling, studying and working abroad, not only in the US but also many other countries where English is widely spoken.
In order to express yourself eloquently in English, you need a wide variety of vocabulary and the correct pronunciation.
1. Expand your vocabulary
Learn New Words Every Day
Gleaning new words day in, day out is a good way to widen your vocabulary. Commit to a suitable target: it can be three daily words or it can be ten daily words.
Even if you only have time to learn one new word per day, it is still worth trying. By learning one word every day, after one year you will have learned 365 new English words.
Write the number down to remind yourself frequently. If you have a learning partner, share it with her so that she can check on your progress.
Some good resources for words are the news, songs and TV shows, depending on your daily habits. If you love listening to music, pay attention to the lyrics and take note of the words you do not know. Songs often contain a lot of useful vocabulary, phrases and expressions, therefore, they are great for learning English. You can do the same thing with FluentU videos.
Learn Words in Phrases and Chunks
It is important that you learn words in groups. For example, you refer to beverages as a glass of wine, a pint of beer, a cup of tea, apot of coffee, etc. It is better to learn those phrases than merely wine, beer, tea and so on.
You can also benefit from learning words that are related. The moon has four phases during a lunar month: crescent, gibbon, waxing and waning. It is more efficient to learn all four words at the same time.
2. Improve your pronunciation
You might know a lot of words, but if you fail to say them correctly, you will not be understood. That seems like a waste of the time spent on remembering words, right?
When using online dictionaries such as Macmillan and Merriam-Webster, make use of the little speaker symbol to check the pronunciation of any word that you are not sure about. There are English pronunciation tutorials on YouTube or podcasts like English Pronunciation Pod or American English Pronunciation to teach you the many aspects of American English pronunciation.
When you are ready for something more challenging, try out tongue twisters. Some examples are available here. Personally, I love the Fork handles sketch from the show “The Two Ronnies.” It might not be a typical example of everyday conversation, but it shows you the richness of spoken English. Besides, you will have a good laugh.
3. Learn the natural flow of English
Being able to say individual words correctly is great, but the secret of speaking fluently lies in the flow of sentences. Whenever you read a piece of poetry, listen to a melodic song or watch a hilarious sitcom, pay attention to the following:
Linking. Notice how native speakers link words together: joining two sounds, making a sound to disappear or changing a sound for a better flow.
Contractions. Contractions are shortened forms of two words. For example:
I + am = I’m
he + will = he’ll
they + have = they’ve
do + not = don’t
Stress. There are stressed syllables in a word and stressed words in a sentence.
Rhythm. The rhythm is the overall result of stress, contractions and linking. It is the ups and downs, the musical feature of English.
Techniques to Improve English Speaking Skills
Now that you have a strong foundation, you can apply some techniques to hone (improve) your English speaking skills.
4. Speech shadowing
In a nutshell, this technique is about imitation. You listen to how a native speaker says something and try to copy it.
Pick your favorite video with subtitles. Make sure that it is something you enjoy watching because you will…
Listen to it many times. Listen to the video once and read the subtitles to get a good grasp of the general content and flow. While you are playing it again, complete the next step.
Imitate the narrator sentence by sentence. Play. Listen. Pause. Speak. Record (optional). Copy the speech pattern as best as you can. If you choose to record your practice, you can compare yours and the original. Or else, just listen to your own sound and be critical of the difference or similarity. Repeat this step until the end of the video.
5. Self-talk
Talk to yourself in English loudly. It can be anything from a suggestion like, “Shall we go get a glass of water?” or a reminder, “I need to do a load of laundry today.”
Alternatively, pick up a book and read a couple of pages out loud. This exercise might slow down your reading, but it will speed up your speaking skills.
You can also record yourself, listen to the recording and watch out for any wrong pronunciations. If it is possible, ask for feedback from a native speaker.
6. Think in English
If you already think in English, it takes less time to produce or respond in everyday conversations. No translation needed!
A good way to start rethinking is to keep a diary where you express your daily thoughts in English. It does not have to be perfect, it is more about getting out thoughts in English with less and less effort.
7. Retell a story in English
Take the challenge a step further by retelling a story. You retrace other people’s line of thoughts in your own words.
I would start with a familiar story from your culture. Your translation needs to convey not only the meaning of words but all rhetorical and cultural nuances.
Alternatively, you can choose different words to retell a simple story in English. Start from the basics, reading something like a fairy tale or a fable. Either way will be beneficial to your English communication skills.
Frequently Practice to Improve Your English Speaking Skills
Practice makes perfect, so do speak English in plenty. Some people think that they do not have the opportunity to practice speaking because they do not live in the US or another English-speaking country. They might also be discouraged because English is not used at their workplace, or they do not know any native speakers.
There is some validity in those excuses, but do not let them hinder your learning. Thanks to the growth of globalization and technology, you have more chances than ever to practice speaking English. You’ll find many ideas below.
8. Participate in public speaking events
Big universities, theaters and culture societies organize events like open debates, spoken word readings and improvised storytelling gatherings. These are places where you can come and mingle with like-minded people and practice speaking English.
Many cities are now hosting TED or TEDx talks where you can register to participate and share your innovative ideas. Check the events page of your local university to see if there are any available. It might be a nerve-racking experience, but it would be great for your English!
9. Go to language cafes
If public speaking terrifies you (and I know it does for many), you can opt for language cafes. Those cafes create a friendly and relaxing atmosphere for people who want to practice and exchange languages.
You can find language cafes through local universities or the Meetup groups available in your cities.
10. Using apps
Another option is to use an app to talk to native speakers online, in the comfort of your own home. Some popular apps are HelloTalk and Tandem. Basically, you register for an account, introduce yourself, your native language and your hobbies. The app will find you some matches—the people who speak English and want to practice the language you know well. All you need to do is to press a few buttons and start talking.
11. Chat with Siri
I find chatting with Siri is a great way to force myself to speak more clearly. As Siri is a machine, you cannot rely on environmental clues and facial gestures to get your ideas across. Your words are the only tool you have to make yourself understood. Thus, you need to speak as clearly and precisely as you could.
Another plus point of using Siri is that she is always available (as long as your phone is charged and connected to a WiFi network). Just press the home button and start asking questions.
If you own an Android smartphone, you can practice speaking with Google Now.
So, off you go! Choose your preferred method to expand your vocabulary, correct your pronunciation, and boost your English speaking with the methods that are right for you. Do not forget to practice as much as possible.
Many students master the fine points of English grammar but find themselves at a loss when it comes to actually having a conversation with native speakers. In reality, the only way to develop fluency in speaking is by huge amounts of listening, and then practicing. The following are a few tips for improving English speaking skills. Don’t forget that listening is the foundation for speaking! When you also want to practice speaking, here are some suggestions for how to improve English speaking skills.
Find An English-Speaking Conversation Partner
First of all, it’s important to find native speakers to practice with. Students who are living around many English speakers may be able to find informal opportunities to chat with neighbors and local business people. Joining a club or a volunteer organization can be a great way to get to know people informally. If that isn’t an option, consider hiring a private tutor. A lot of students find and meet with tutors online via tools like Skype or Google Hangouts.
Make Sure To Listen As Well As Speak
When practicing with a native speaker, try to balance your listening and speaking. It’s a good idea to prepare questions in advance so that the conversation will flow back and forth. If your conversation partner asks you a question and you answer at length, you can always turn the question back to your partner by asking, “What do you think?” or “What about you?”
Record Your Conversation Practice
Recording is a great way to get the maximum benefit from a conversation with a native speaker. When you listen again, you can evaluate your own pronunciation and notice areas where you need to improve. You can also review the content of the conversation, take notes on new vocabulary or misunderstandings, and prepare questions for the next meeting.
Surround Yourself With The English Language
Another way to improve your English speaking skills is to immerse yourself in English as much as possible. Watch movies or TV in English, with subtitles if you need them, and watch the same programs over and over. Most people find that they understand more each time. Listening helps you become familiar with the rhythms and intonations of English. Once the sounds are familiar, try imitating them.
Practice With Music and Movies
Listen to music in English and sing along. Music is one of the best tools for learning intonation pronunciation. Listening to and singing songs might also help you remember vocabulary and phrases (if the song is easy to understand), and it will help you learn to pronounce English rhythm in a more natural way. By unconsciously imitating the singer, you’ll learn to pronounce phrases the way native speakers do. One good song for ESL or EFL students is “Tom’s Diner” by Suzanne Vega because it uses simple language to describe everyday scenes and actions. Movies are a much better choice for learning English. You’ll learn vocabulary, idioms, slang, pronunciation, and listening by watching movies. Be sure to use my movie technique when you do this!
Read Aloud
Reading out loud is a great way to practice speaking when there are no conversation partners available. Reading aloud gives you a chance to focus on pronunciation and pacing without worrying about coming up with words. Make sure to practice with material that you can understand. Some students find videos online that have transcripts. Many TED talks, for example, include word-for word transcripts of the talk. By reading aloud from a transcript, you can check your pronunciation by listening to how the speaker says something.
Talk To Yourself
Saying your thoughts out loud or narrating your actions (“I am drinking coffee, and now I’m going to open my book”) can be a very effective way to practice spoken English. By talking to yourself, you can become more fluent in translating your thoughts into spoken words. Practicing alone is also a low-pressure way to practice, since no one will hear your mistakes.
Many students master the finer points of English grammar, but find themselves at a loss when it comes to actually having a conversation with native speakers. In reality, the only way to develop fluency in another language is through huge amounts of listening and speaking. The following are a few tips for improving your English speaking skills.
HOW TO IMPROVE ENGLISH SPEAKING SKILLS
1. Speak, speak, speak!
Be confident and speak as often as possible, to as many people as you possibly can! Don’t be shy to make mistakes! The more you practice, the better and more confident you will become in your pronunciation and vocabulary. Remember, speaking is a skill, like learning a musical instrument or new sport — the only way you can get good is to actually do it!
2. Read Aloud
Read the newspaper or a magazine out loud to yourself. You can even find a script from your favorite TV show and act it out! This is a great way to practice pronunciation, as you can concentrate on how your English sounds without worrying about sentence structure or grammar.
3. Record your practice conversations
After a conversation is over, take a moment to reflect: How did it go? How much do you think you understood? How comfortable did you feel with the subject matter? Did you encounter any unknown words? The mere act of thinking about it in this way will increase your confidence the next time you speak (and give you targeted things to work on, such as, vocabulary you didn’t understand).
4. Find an English-speaking conversation partner
It’s important to find a partner to practice with, ideally a native English speaker. If you live around English speakers try incorporating informal conversations into your daily life. If that isn’t an option, consider hiring a private tutor you can meet online via tools like Skype or Google Hangouts.
5. Don’t forget to use technology
A smartphone can be a powerful tool for learning languages. It can help you find reading material, converse with tutors, or even record yourself speaking!
There are some apps that can even help you to find a partner online: We suggest you try the App “Lingo Blabla.” You can easily find a conversation partner with just one click. Call and start talking in English anytime, anywhere. And, it’s totally free!
You must be logged in to post a comment.